FAQ Sheet 12:
What is the Educational Access Scheme?
How can the Educational Access Scheme help get me into university?
Educational Access Schemes (EAS) are one of the alternative entry pathways to university where a student is considered based on criteria additional to their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score. Individual universities design these schemes and programs to allow students who have experienced educational disadvantage a fair opportunity to enter university. Here are some basic details about the EAS. This information is based on the 'Education Access Schemes Admissions' booklet and 'UAC Guide' by the Universities Admissions Centre (NSW & ACT) (UAC).
What is the Educational Access Scheme?
EAS recognises that some students experience difficulties beyond their control while studying for their Higher School Certificate and that this impacts on their ATAR score. Therefore the university allows the student to enter their preferred course with a ATAR score below the usual ATAR cut-off (minimum ATAR score otherwise required to enter the course).
How are the EAS used to gain admission to university?
- There are two methods used by universities to award successful EAS applicants a course place:
- The 'allocation method' whereby a university sets aside a number of course places for EAS applicants. The university allocates course places to eligible EAS applicants who have a ATAR score generally within 5-10 points of the ATAR cut-off. Those eligible applicants with the ATAR score closest to the ATAR cut-off will be allocated first.
- The 'bonus points method' involves the university awarding an eligible applicant bonus points to their ATAR score, usually 5-10 points. The applicant must then meet the usual ATAR cut-off (including their ATAR score and awarded bonus points) and compete with all other course applicants for a place.
- Some courses are excluded from the EAS schemes and programs.
- The university determines whether the applicant meets the educational disadvantage criteria for their schemes or programs.
- Disability and/or a medical condition which has affected a student's study is generally considered an educational disadvantage. Most universities include disability as criteria for their EAS but not all. It is essential to find out from the universities about the eligibility criteria for their specific EAS schemes and programs.
- Other types of educational disadvantage that may be considered include financial hardship, family responsibilities, living in a remote area, a disrupted schooling, non-English speaking background and experiencing physical or verbal abuse at home or otherwise.
- If your type of disadvantage is not included in the eligibility criteria for a university's EAS, check whether the university allows students to apply for 'special consideration' and the process involved to do so.
How is an EAS application made?
- You may make an EAS application either through UAC or directly to the university.
- An EAS application will involve describing in detail your educational disadvantage and supplying verifying documentation to support your claims.
- EAS applications through UAC close end of September. University closing dates vary but can be as early as August. This is earlier than the usual application for university closing dates. See UAC and university websites for late closing dates.
Further information
- For further information about UAC's EAS application process see UAC's website and 'Education Access Schemes Booklet' (can be downloaded or a hard copy ordered from the website). We recommend that you read the booklet before you make contact with individual universities; this will help you to know what additional information you need from the university and to target your questions.
- 'The 'UAC Guide' also includes brief details outlining the EAS process and broad information from individual universities about their EAS schemes and programs.
- For information about each university's own EAS programs see the university website or contact university staff. The EAS Booklet includes phone, email and website details for relevant university contacts.
- You can also speak to your school's careers adviser to get advice about EAS and how they may apply to you. School careers advisers can also provide you with a copy of UAC's EAS Booklet.