Special Entry Access Schemes(SEAS)

The Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) covers a range of access and equity programs.

In addition to the application, some categories require you to include an impact statement and statement of support from a responsible person who can verify your claim.

Maximum adjustment

If you are eligible for multiple adjustments, the maximum aggregate adjustments you can receive is 20. Some courses have special adjustment factors that apply. See below for details.

How do I apply for SEAS?

SEAS provides special consideration for those who have experienced some form of educational disadvantage under the following categories:

Recognition as an Indigenous Australian

This category applies to both current Year 12 and non-Year 12 applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous Australians), applicants who self-identify, are descended from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and are accepted as such by the Indigenous community where they live or have lived.

If you’re applying through VTAC, use SEAS Category 1: Personal Information & Location. Adjustment factor aggregate points: 15 points.

Living or school location - low socioeconomic status (SES)

Your residential home address for the three years prior to application is listed under low SES postcodes (please consult VTAC to check if your address is on the list).

If you’re applying through VTAC, use SEAS Category 1: Personal Information & Location.

Adjustment factor aggregate points: 5

Non-English speaking background

Non-English speaking background means a domestic student who arrived in Australia from a non-English speaking country no more than 10 years ago, and who comes from a home where a language other than English is spoken.

If you’re applying through VTAC, use SEAS Category 1: Personal Information & Location. Adjustment factor aggregate points: 5

First in family to attend university

This category applies if you are the first in your immediate family (i.e. your parents) to attend university.

If you’re applying through VTAC, use SEAS Category 1: Personal Information and location. Adjustment factor aggregate points: 5.

A sliding scale of aggregate bonuses will be given according to whether the disadvantage is severe, moderate or slight. If you’re applying through VTAC, use SEAS Category 2: Disadvantaged Financial Background.

Adjustment factor aggregate points: sliding scale up to 10 points for severe disadvantage.

Disability or medical condition applies to applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage due to any learning, physical, sensory or psychiatric medical condition, illness or disability. A sliding scale of aggregate increases will be given according to whether the condition is severe, moderate or slight (see Schedule 1).

If you’re applying through VTAC, use SEAS Category 3: Disability or Medical Condition.

Adjustment factor aggregate points: sliding scale up to 10 points for severe disadvantage.

Category 4 applies to applicants who have been prevented from reaching their educational potential because of family or other life circumstances. A sliding scale of aggregate bonuses will be given according to whether the disadvantage is severe, moderate or slight. If you’re applying through VTAC use SEAS Category 4: Difficult Circumstances.

Adjustment factor aggregate points: sliding scale up to 15 points for severe disadvantage.

Care leavers

Care leavers are people who have spent time in out-of-home care, including foster care, residential care, kinship care and/or having been a ward of the state.
If you’re applying through VTAC, use the dedicated question in SEAS Category 4: Difficult Circumstances to advise you spent time in out-of-home care. You’ll also need to complete an impact statement and provide statement/s of support.

Adjustment factor aggregate points: sliding scale up to 10 points for severe disadvantage.

People from a refugee background

A refugee is someone who has had to leave or abandon his/her native country due to persecution because of race, religion, personal associations or political opinion, and has been granted a humanitarian visa.
If you’re applying through VTAC, use the dedicated question in SEAS Category 4: Difficult Circumstances to advise your circumstances involve having been a refugee. You’ll also need to complete an impact statement and provide statement/s of support.

Adjustment factor aggregate points: sliding scale up to 10 points for severe disadvantage.

Courses that have special adjustment factors

  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) (Melbourne campus): if you’re eligible for multiple adjustments, the maximum aggregate adjustments you can receive is 10 points.
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical): in stage two of the selection process, a SEAS adjustment may be applicable – a limit of 10 aggregate points. For UAC applicants, this equates to a four ATAR point maximum. See the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) course page for more details.
  • Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) (VTAC code 2100211491): The maximum SEAS aggregate adjustment you can receive is 10 points.
  • Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) (Regional Entry): If you are applying for our Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) (Regional Entry) and you have a permanent address in RA zones 2 and 3, you receive 10 points added to your ATAR. If you live in RA zone 4 you receive 12.5 points, and if you live in RA zone 5 you receive 15 points.

Any questions about the application process?