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ACCESS scheme


What is the ACCESS Scheme?


The University of New South Wales is committed to the goals of equal opportunity and affirmative action in education. The ACCESS Scheme is part of this commitment and is provided for new to higher education students who have experienced long-term educational disadvantage.


Who is eligible for the ACCESS Scheme?


To be eligible for consideration you must:

  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia including a holder of a permanent humanitarian visa and
  • have experienced long-term educational disadvantage so that your Year 11 and Year 12 studies (or equivalent) have been affected by circumstances beyond your control

Who is not eligible for the ACCESS Scheme?


You are not eligible for the ACCESS Scheme if:

  • you are an international fee-paying student
  • you are currently enrolled in or have previously undertaken university, TAFE college or other tertiary level studies either here or overseas, (tertiary being defined as Diploma level or above)
  • you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are applying for entry through Nura Gili Indigenous Programs entry scheme

Types Of Disadvantage Considered Under ACCESS


The range of circumstances that may have contributed to educational disadvantage could include:

  • disability
  • prolonged illness or medical condition
  • financial hardship
  • English language difficulties
  • attendance at a rural or disadvantaged high school
  • serious family illness
  • refugee status

How Does The ACCESS Scheme Work?


Applicants for UNSW’s ACCESS Scheme lodge an Educational Access Schemes (EAS) application (refer to How do I Apply?) and their circumstances are assessed at UAC according to guidelines agreed to by all participating institutions. UNSW uses the EAS assessment data to award successful ACCESS applicants bonus points to their admission rank. This means that an applicant’s selection rank 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 UNSW or to the applicant’s preferred course; applicants must meet UNSW’s published cut-off for the course they are applying to.

NSW Priority Schools Program (PSP) or Country Areas Program (CAP) Schools

Students who attend a school that is under the NSW Priority Schools Program (PSP) or Country Areas Program (CAP), will automatically be awarded bonus points when applying for the University through UAC and do not need to send in an EAS application. However, if the student attends a PSP or CAP school and experienced any of the other educational disadvantages considered under the ACCESS scheme (listed above), he or she may be eligible for extra bonus points. To be assessed for extra bonus points, students must complete an EAS application.

Students who are unsure if their school is under the NSW Priority Schools Program or Country Areas Program, should ask their school's Careers Adviser.


On-Going Help


UNSW provides many forms of assistance for students. ACCESS students can receive additional help throughout their studies. Some of the support services which will be available to you are:

  • Assistance with studies if you have a disability
  • On-going assistance with Academic Study Skills
  • Counselling
  • Careers and employment services
  • Consideration for accommodation and equity scholarships
Successful ACCESS applicants who accept a place at UNSW are expected to participate in the support service program offered by the ACCESS Scheme Office. This includes attendance at an orientation seminar and attendance at group or individual meetings with the ACCESS Scheme Co-ordinator as required.

For further information contact:

Student Equity Officer (ACCESS and Programs)
Student Equity and Disabilities Unit
Tel: +61 2 9385 4734
Email: SEADU@unsw.edu.au


How Do I Apply?


If you wish to apply for consideration under the ACCESS Scheme you must lodge two applications with the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

UAC Admission to University Application

Applicants will apply for university entry through the UAC's apply-by-web. See UAC website for details.

UAC Educational Access Schemes (EAS) Application

Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage can lodge an application for Educational Access Schemes (at one or more universities) through UAC. Applicants complete a common form for Educational Access Schemes (EAS) at all participating universities. Booklets containing an EAS application form are available from Careers Advisers at your school or from UAC. There is no charge for lodging an EAS application.

The closing date for on-time EAS applications is 30 September 2009. UAC will accept late EAS applications until 30 November but applicants should be aware that to be guaranteed for consideration under UNSW's ACCESS Scheme for Main Round offers EAS applications must be submitted by 30 September 2009.

UNSW does not accept late direct applications for the ACCESS Scheme.

Remember any student who attended a PSP or CAP school and experienced any of the educational disadvantages considered under the ACCESS scheme, must complete an EAS application to be assessed for extra bonus points.


Further Information


To download UNSW's brochure on Making Uni Accessible please click here.

For further information on the ACCESS Scheme contact:

Head, UAC Admissions & Equity Programs
UNSW Admissions Office
Tel: 02 9385 3228
Email: ugadmis@unsw.edu.au

Address for written enquiries

UNSW Admissions Office (ACCESS Scheme)
The University of New South Wales
UNSW Sydney NSW 2052


Entry requirements