Equity schemes let universities raise your selection rank if your study was affected by disadvantage, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or difficult family circumstances. In Victoria the scheme is called SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) and runs through VTAC. In NSW, the ACT, Queensland and Western Australia it is called EAS (Educational Access Schemes) and runs through UAC, QTAC and TISC. They change your selection rank, never your ATAR.
Equity scheme key facts
- Victoria: SEAS through VTAC. NSW and ACT: EAS through UAC. Queensland: EAS through QTAC. WA: access schemes through TISC.
- They can raise your selection rank; they never change your ATAR.
- VTAC says a SEAS application can raise your selection rank or have no effect, so it cannot disadvantage you.
- Each university decides how much to adjust. Federation University says SEAS can add up to 15 points.
How equity schemes work
- Apply through your admissions centre as part of, or alongside, your course application.
- Explain the impact. Applicants usually write a statement about how their circumstances affected their study, often with supporting documents or a statement from someone who knows the situation, such as a teacher, counsellor or doctor.
- Universities decide. Each institution applies its own policy. It may raise your selection rank for some or all courses, or consider you for reserved places.
VTAC says a SEAS application can increase your selection rank or have no impact, so it cannot disadvantage you.
SEAS categories (Victoria)
- Personal information and location
- Financial hardship
- Living with a disability or medical condition
- Difficult family and life circumstances
How much a university adds varies. Federation University, for example, says SEAS can boost your selection rank by up to 15 points. Caps and calculators for Monash, Deakin, La Trobe, RMIT and Swinburne are compared in university ATAR calculators.
EAS (NSW, ACT, Queensland, WA)
Through UAC, QTAC and TISC, eligible applicants whose ATAR is below a course's selection rank can have their selection rank increased, depending on each institution's policy. Being eligible does not guarantee an offer: you still compete with other applicants and need to meet prerequisites.
Who can apply
Usually Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents applying for undergraduate study. Each admissions centre publishes its own criteria and dates. South Australian and NT students should check SATAC's access schemes.
Equity schemes vs bonus points
Equity schemes are one kind of adjustment factor. Subject and location adjustments are covered in ATAR bonus points, and how they combine with your ATAR in ATAR vs selection rank. If your rank still falls short, see pathways with a lower ATAR.
SEAS and EAS side by side
| SEAS (Victoria) | EAS (NSW, ACT, Queensland) | |
|---|---|---|
| Apply through | VTAC | UAC or QTAC |
| What it considers | Personal information and location, financial hardship, disability or medical condition, difficult circumstances | Educational disadvantage such as financial hardship, illness, disability or disrupted schooling |
| Effect | Selection rank adjustments or other consideration, decided by each university | Selection rank adjustments, decided by each university |
| Changes your ATAR? | No | No |
What to prepare
- A clear statement of what happened and how it affected your study.
- Supporting documents, such as a letter from a doctor, counsellor, teacher or social worker, as your admissions centre asks.
- The dates. Each centre has deadlines for equity applications; check them early.
Equity scheme myths
- "Only low-income students can apply." Categories also include illness, disability, location and difficult family circumstances.
- "Applying looks bad." VTAC says SEAS cannot disadvantage you.
- "It guarantees an offer." No. You still compete with other applicants and must meet prerequisites.
FAQ
What is the difference between SEAS and EAS?
Mostly the name and the admissions centre. SEAS is VTAC's scheme in Victoria; EAS is used by UAC, QTAC and TISC. Both can raise your selection rank.
Can applying for SEAS hurt my chances?
No. VTAC says it can either increase your selection rank or have no impact.
Does an equity scheme change my ATAR?
No. It changes your selection rank for the courses where it applies.
How many points can SEAS add?
It depends on the university and course. Federation University, for example, says SEAS can boost your selection rank by up to 15 points. Others publish their own limits.