Student Equity
CSU Access Schemes
Charles Sturt University participates in three access schemes, namely the Special Consideration for Admission Scheme (SCA) operated by the University itself, the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) operated by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), and the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) operated by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).Please note this scheme is for undergraduate applicants only and not for postgraduate studies.
Which scheme do I use? When does the scheme close?
| Are you a ... | Then apply through the ... | Which closes on the ... |
|---|---|---|
| Part time student applying to CSU directly? | Special Consideration for Admission (SCA) scheme | 2nd January 2009 |
| Distance education student applying to CSU directly? | Special Consideration for Admission (SCA) scheme | No closing date |
| Student applying under the Elite Athlete category? | Special Consideration for Admission (SCA) scheme | 2nd January 2009 |
| Full time student applying through VTAC (not an Elite Athlete)? | Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) | Applications open on 4 August 2008 and close on 10 October 2008. |
| Full time student applying through UAC (not an Elite Athlete)? | Special Consideration for Admission (SCA) scheme | On time applications to UAC close 30 September 2008 and late applications close 28 November 2008. Late direct to CSU applications close 2nd January 2009. For more information please contact a Student Equity Officer |
What is an access scheme?
The university recognises that there are people in the community who for reasons beyond their control such as those related to their finances, adverse study conditions, family trauma, moving school, and so on, have not been able to compete equally during their education. An educational disadvantage is considered to be a factor, or number of factors, that may have impacted negatively upon your preparation for university study. Access schemes take into consideration these educational disadvantages.
How do the schemes work?
CSU does not set aside access scheme places but instead uses the assessment information to give applicants bonus points. This means that an applicant's selection rank (eg their UAI) is increased and they compete with all other applicants for a place in the course on the basis of academic merit. The allocation of bonus points does not guarantee entry to CSU or to the applicant's preferred course; applicants must meet the published cut-off for the course they are applying to.
Example
Sally has a UAI of 70.00. The published cut-off for her preferred course is 71.55. On the basis of Sally's EAS assessment, institution B gives Sally a bonus of 2. Sally's adjusted selection rank for that institution is 72.00 so she receives an offer to the course.
How will I know if I'm successful?
Students are not specifically notified that they were successful via an access scheme rather they will be informed of the outcome of their application to a particular course.
Will my application be acknowledged?
Students who applied through VTAC or UAC will be notified when their application is received. Students who apply through the Special Consideration for Admission Scheme will be given the option to request e-mail notification that their application was received.
Do I still need to apply for my course?
YES - Access schemes are not a substitute or alternative pathways to enter University, rather they are complementary programs looking at addressing educational disadvantage, taking into account circumstances that may have impacted on a persons ability to perform well educationally. Students must also apply for their course in the usual manner.