Special consideration

CSU recognises that traditionally some groups can be at a disadvantage when it comes to entry and access to university.

What is an access scheme?

CSU access schemes recognise the people in our community who for reasons beyond their control, 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 and entry into university study. Some reasons may be related to finances, adverse study conditions, illness, family trauma, legal issues, moving school, being from a different cultural background and so on. Access schemes take into consideration these factors that may be educational disadvantages.

What access schemes does CSU have?

CSU participates in three access schemes known as Special Consideration for Admission Scheme (SCA) which is operated directly by the University using the EAS guidelines. The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is for those students applying through the University Admissions Centre (UAC) for all but mid-year admissions. Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) is for those students applying through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)for all but mid-year admissions. 

Which scheme suits me?

* Please note SCA Applications will close 3 January 2014 except where a preferred course has an early closing date for applications. Where there is an early closing date for your course or supplementary application, SCA applications must also be submitted by this date.

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 (ATAR) 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.

Example - Sally has an ATAR 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.

Finding out 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.

Application acknowledgment

Students who applied through VTAC or UAC will be notified when their application is received. Students who apply through the CSU Special Consideration for Admission Scheme may request e-mail notification that their application was received.

Do I still need to apply for my course?

YES - Access schemes are not an alternative pathway to enter the University rather they are complementary programs looking at addressing educational disadvantages. Students must also apply for their course in the usual manner, completing all required information and before the required date.  Where there is an earlier closing date for some course applications, SCA applications must also be received by the Equity Office prior to this earlier date.

Underrepresented Schools

The UAC website has comprehensive listing of all underrepresented schools CSU considers for these access programs. For more information please go to:
UAC website underrepresented schools list

Access Scheme Contacts

• Contact UAC for Educational Access Scheme (EAS) applications.
• Contact VTAC for Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) applications.
• For Special Consideration for Admission Scheme (SCA) applications please contact the CSU Student Equity & Diversity Officer (equity.officer@csu.edu.au).
• The UAC/VTAC Guides include comprehensiveinformation outlining access schemes and information from individual universities about their access schemes and programs.
• School Career Advisers are able to provide you with the UAC EAS booklet or VTAC SEAS booklet and give you advice on applications. Alternatively you can download them from UAC or VTAC.