Assistance Schemes
Find out about assistance schemes and the range of support, adjustment options to your rank and other options you might have to support your journey to tertiary education.
Assistance Schemes
Assistance Schemes
At QTAC, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Assistance schemes support you to overcome challenges providing the tools and resources needed for you to succeed in your tertiary education journey. Many students have already transformed their futures with the help of these schemes, now it’s your turn to thrive.
Explore the various schemes available and see how they can empower your educational journey.
Assistance Schemes
Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme
The Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme considers the impact of an applicant’s sporting demands on their educational outcomes in the past 2 years. Elite athletes, coaches, and referees applying through QTAC to eligible courses offered by Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology and University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) may be eligible to receive adjustments to their selection rank or ATAR via this scheme.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) can help you if you have experienced circumstances that negatively affected your most recent studies.
If you are eligible for EAS, you may get adjustments to your selection rank to help you to get into a course, and/or financial assistance from institutions.
Financial Assistance
There are several government, institution and private schemes that can provide financial assistance to students.
Rural Access Scheme
The Rural Access Scheme exists to recognise the challenges that are often faced by students from Rural and Remote backgrounds.
Some institutions offer courses with a number of places reserved for applicants from rural and remote backgrounds. This is part of the Rural Access Scheme, designed to support students like you.
Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme
The Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme takes into account how your sporting commitments may have affected your academic performance over the past two years.
Eligible applicants can receive a rank adjustment through this scheme, though it does not include scholarships or additional support for elite athletes.
Elite athletes, coaches, and referees applying through QTAC to eligible courses offered by Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology and University of the Sunshine Coast may be eligible to receive adjustments to their selection rank or ATAR via this scheme.
Individual institution rules and considerations apply. Applications for scholarships and other elite athlete support must be made separately and directly to the institution.
Am I eligible?
There are multiple criteria that applicants must meet to be eligible for the Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme.
Individual institution rules and considerations apply. Applicants may not be eligible for adjustments from all participating universities. Visit the institution’s website for more information about their policies.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must have undertaken study in the past 2 years. This study must be listed and assessed as part of your QTAC application.
- Participation in your sport must have taken place in the past 2 years.
- Participation in your sport must be at national or international level or at professional level/ in the professional player development pathway.
- Your sport must be listed as recognised and funded by Sport Australia (sports that are not recognised and/or unfunded by Sport Australia may be considered and applications are encouraged).
- You must be identified and recognised as an elite athlete or professional athlete within your sport OR you must be a minimum of Talent 3 (T3) categorisation within Sport Australia’s FTEM development framework.
- Coaches and referees/umpires must be involved at elite level to be considered.
- You must be able to verify your claim.
You can read more about applying, supporting evidence and FAQ’s.
Read more - about Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme
Applying
How do I apply?
You must nominate Elite Athlete at the time of applying. If you have applied to an eligible course, you will be sent an invitation to apply for the scheme after you submit your application.
You will need to download and complete the Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme application form and upload it to your QTAC application.
What supporting evidence do I need to provide?
If you are a member of the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) you must complete Section 1 of the application form only. QTAC will confirm your participation directly with the QAS.
If you are not a member of the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) you must complete Section 1 and have your coach, team manager, or an authorised representative complete Section 2 of the form verifying your participation in your sport.
Please note that you must provide the completed form to be considered. Other documents such as character references, selection letters, sports resumes, personal statements, news articles, photographs, results statements, certificates, or awards are not acceptable evidence.
Download the Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme application form.
Other Elite Athlete Programs
Applications for scholarships and elite athlete programs are to be submitted directly to the institution. For more information and to apply, please visit the institution’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve shared the most frequently asked questions below to help you out!
I forgot to select Elite Athlete when I submitted my application, what should I do?
You can call or e-mail us and we can add this to your application. If you have applied to an eligible course, we will send you an invitation to download and complete the application form.
I selected Elite Athlete when I applied, but no longer wish to be considered. How can I remove this from my application?
Please upload a note to your application advising that you no longer wish to be considered, and QTAC will remove this from your application.
I selected Elite Athlete when I applied, why haven't I received an invitation to complete the application form?
If you applied to Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology or University of the Sunshine Coast, your selected courses may be excluded from the scheme. Please visit the website of the institution/s you have applied to for more information about excluded courses.
If you have not applied to any of the participating universities, then the Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme does not apply. You may be eligible for other elite athlete support – please visit the relevant institution’s website for more information about what is on offer and to apply.
Will I be notified if I am eligible for adjustments?
Yes. You will be notified once your application has been assessed and adjustments have been applied.
Please note that individual institution rules and considerations apply. Applicants may not be eligible for adjustments from all participating universities. QTAC does not notify applicants if they are not eligible.
I am elite athlete but I am not applying to Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, or University of the Sunshine Coast. Is there any elite athlete support available to me from other institutions?
Other institutions may offer elite athlete programs and support. Please visit the website of the institution you are applying to for more information and to apply.
My sport is not recognised and/or funded by Sport Australia, am I eligible?
Applications for scholarships and other elite athlete programs or support are separate to this scheme and must be made separately and directly to the institution. Please visit the institution’s website for more information about what is on offer and to apply.
I play school sport. Am I eligible?
No. Applications from athletes, coaches or referees participating only in school sport competitions (at any level) are not accepted. To be eligible you must be participating in age or open competitions at national or international level and be identified and recognised as elite.
I play for a regional team or a local sports club in a regional or state level competition, am I eligible?
No. To be considered, participation in your sport must be at national or international level, or at professional level/ in the professional player development pathway.
I have received and accepted an offer, what do I do now?
Elite athletes, coaches, and referees who receive an offer can apply to their institution for further elite athlete support. Please visit their website for more information and to apply.
I received an offer, but my Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme application has not been processed. What should I do?
The Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme is an application for an adjustment to your selection rank to help you get into your preferred course. Once you have received and responded to an offer in your preferred course, the scheme is no longer relevant to your application.
You can still apply directly to your institution for further elite athlete support. Please visit their website for more information and to apply.
Do I need to apply for the Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme to be considered for other elite athlete programs and support offered by institutions?
No. The Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme is separate to all other elite athlete programs and support offered by institutions. Applications for scholarships and other elite athlete programs and support must be made separately and directly to the institution. Please visit the institution’s website for more information and to apply.
Financial Assistance
Explore ways to support your tertiary journey
There are various financial assistance options to support your tertiary education journey. Visit StudyAssist for detailed information on government loans, scholarships, some course fees and other support available to help you succeed. Explore the resources to find out if you can benefit from these programs.
New higher education students (domestic and onshore international) will need to apply for or hold a USI before census date. New students applying for Commonwealth financial assistance will be required to provide their USI on their Commonwealth Assistance Form (CAF or eCAF), to be able to receive financial assistance (like a HELP loan).
To apply for a USI, click here.
GOVERNMENT HELP
Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) loans
There are a number of Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) options available for Australians and permanent humanitarian visa holders. Visit the Study Assist website for more details.
HECS-HELP
Pay a student contribution
FEE-HELP
Pay a private provider
OS-HELP
Pay for overseas study
SA-HELP
Pay for all or part of student services and amenities fee.
SET FREE-HELP
Pay VET tuition fees.
Payments
Navigating financial support for education involves understanding various payments and allowances designed to aid students in different circumstances.
Below are the various Government allowances and payment support that are available to eligible students.
Youth Allowance
Youth Allowance – for eligible full-time students or apprentices aged 24 or younger.
ABSTUDY
ABSTUDY – for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Austudy
Austudy – for full-time students aged 25 and over.
Pensioner Education Supplement
Pensioner Education Supplement – for some Services Australia and Department of Veterans’ Affairs payment recipients.
Relocation Scholarship
Relocation Scholarship – an annual payment to help you move from a regional or remote area for higher education study.
Student Start-up Loan
Student Start-up Loan – a voluntary loan you can get up to twice a year if you’re an eligible higher education student.
Fares Allowances
Fares Allowance – helps with travel costs between your permanent home and your place of tertiary study
Tertiary Access Payment
Tertiary Access Payment – a payment to help students with the cost of moving from outer regional or remote areas for tertiary study.
Other concessions and allowances
Other concessions and allowances – includes Health Care Card or Rent Assistance.
Read more - about Institution and Industry help
Institution and Indsutry help
Institution Scholarships
Most institutions offer scholarships, including equity scholarships that assist regional students, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, and students from low-income backgrounds access study.
You must apply to the institution directly for most scholarships, except:
For these two, apply for the Financial Hardship category of our Educational Access Scheme in your QTAC application.
Institution Loans
Some institutions offer student loans. Contact the relevant institution for more details.
Industry Scholarships
Some companies offer scholarships through institutions. Contact the relevant institution for more details.
Public Universities Support
Public Universities
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places (CSP) help you pay part of the course fee, with the Commonwealth Government paying the rest. What you pay varies between providers and courses.
Our Course search will tell you if CSP places are offered in a particular course, and its estimated cost. Once you have enrolled, your institution will tell you the exact student contribution details.
Public universities and Christian Heritage College offer courses with CSPs.
Currently, Australian and New Zealand citizens, New Zealand Special Category Visa holders and Australian permanent residents are eligible for a CSP.
There are also requirements about where you reside during your studies, depending on your citizenship status.
Visit the Commonwealth Government’s StudyAssist website for more information.
Other Financial Assistance
VET courses with TAFE Queensland
TAFE Queensland has a range of payment options available to students. Find out about TAFE’s costs and payment options.
VET courses with CQUniversity Australia
If you plan to study a VET course with CQUniversity Australia, you are required to pay some training and assessment costs.
Depending on the course, this may be the full fee or a government-subsidised fee.
Our Course search will tell you a VET course’s estimated cost. Once you’ve enrolled, CQUniversity will tell you the exact fee details.
For more information, contact CQUniversity Australia.
Direct Entry Institutions
Usually, you pay the full fee for studying a course through a direct entry institution.
You should confirm fees with individual institutions.
International student costs
International students should confirm with individual institutions.
Special Admission Schemes
There are multiple admission schemes that are here to help you along your tertiary education journey. Depending on your life experiences or circumstances, you could relate to multiple admission schemes.
Read more - about special admission schemes
Year 12 subject scheme
You may get a rank/ATAR adjustment for successfully completing specific Year 12 subjects. The adjustments are added to your ATAR or selection rank, and can make you more competitive for the courses you are applying for.
- To get a Year 12 adjustment, you must be a current Year 12 student.
- Institutions decide which subjects they give adjustment for, and how many.
- Year 12 subject adjustment aren’t added to selection ranks for other qualifications such as certificates III or IV or music qualifications, etc.
Refer to the institutions website for details on their Year 12 subject adjustment schemes.
Access and equity schemes
Access and equity schemes can help you access and manage the costs of tertiary education. Through access and equity schemes, institutions may offer you:
- scholarships, bursaries and other financial assistance
- ranks/ATAR adjustment
- support services.
You may be eligible for access and equity schemes if you have experienced financial hardship or educational disadvantage.
Refer to the institutions website for information about their access and equity schemes.
Regional preference schemes
Some institutions give you ATAR/rank adjustment for being a local resident, or for living in a regional or remote area. Institutions adjust your ATAR/selection rank for entry, which can make you more competitive.
Refer to the institutions website for information about their regional preference schemes.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander schemes
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, you have access to special entry schemes and support services.
For most schemes, you must identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander on your QTAC application. For others, you must apply through the institution.
Refer to the institutions website for details on their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander schemes.
Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme
Institutions may offer elite athlete and performer admissions schemes. For information about performer schemes contact the institution directly. The following institutions have specific programs for elite athletes and/or other study assistance schemes. Select an institution for more information:
Other special admissions schemes
Refer to our institution’s websites for information on any other special admissions schemes.
Rural Access Scheme
The Rural Access Scheme exists to recognise the challenges that are often faced by students from Rural and Remote backgrounds.
Some institutions offer courses with a number of places reserved for applicants from rural and remote backgrounds. This is part of the Rural Access Scheme, designed to support students like you.
- You can study as part of the Rural Access Scheme if you have lived in Rural and Remote areas of Australia for five years consecutively (60 full months) or ten years cumulatively (120 full months).
- Rural and Remoteness is determined if you have lived in an Australian Statistical Geographic Remoteness Area category 2 to 7.
You can check your Remoteness Area category by visiting the Health Workforce Locator website. Choose the “Modified Monash model” section and select “2019” as the year when searching for your current or previous permanent home address.
Supporting documents
Please see the Rural Access Scheme Supporting Documentation Guide for detailed information about accepted documentation.
Download the RAS coversheet.
Read more - about Rural Access Scheme
CQUniversity (CQU), Griffith University (GU), James Cook University (JCU), The University of Queensland (UQ), University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), and University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) offer a number of places allocated to applicants who are from Rural and Remote backgrounds to study as part of the Rural Access Scheme.
For QUT you will be provided with an adjustment to most courses if you are currently living in Rural and Remote areas of Australia. If you are year 12 boarder, please make sure your residential address is your home address.
Visit the institution profiles below to learn more about the university’s scheme:
How to apply?
If you have applied to a Rural Access Scheme eligible course, you will automatically be sent an invitation to apply for the scheme after you submit your application.
You will need to download and complete the cover sheet and upload it to your QTAC application with supporting documentation by the due date outlined on the form.
Please note the cover sheet is not required if you are solely applying to QUT.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve included some of our most frequently asked questions below to help you along this journey!
I have never lived in a rural area, why have I been sent an invitation to apply for the rural access scheme?
All applicants applying to Rural Access Scheme eligible courses are sent a Rural Access Scheme request. If the scheme does not apply to you, then you do not need to do anything further – please disregard the request.
I go to school in Brisbane and I am currently boarding/living here while I study, but my permanent home address (family home), is in a rural area. Do I qualify for the rural access scheme?
Yes, if you live at your family home when you are not at school, then you can be considered for the Rural Access Scheme.
I have been living in a rural area for 3 years to date and intend on residing here for a total of 5 years. Am I eligible for the Rural Access Scheme?
No. To be eligible for the Rural Access Scheme, you must meet the criteria of having lived rurally for five consecutive years or ten years cumulatively at the time of applying. Future dates will not be accepted.
I am planning to move rurally at the end of the year. Can I apply for the Rural Access Scheme?
No. The rural residence claimed must be your current or previous primary residence and cannot include future places of residence. To be eligible, you must be able to provide evidence that you have lived in a rural area for five years consecutively or ten years cumulatively.
I live in Brisbane, but my family has a property in a rural area which we visit a few times a year. Can I apply for the Rural Access Scheme?
No. Holiday homes, investment properties and secondary residences do not qualify. The Rural Access Scheme is assessed based on your primary residence only.
Do I get additional consideration if I have lived in a rural area for longer compared to other applicants?
No. All applicants meeting the minimum eligibility requirements of five years consecutively or ten years cumulatively are considered equally regardless of the amount of time spent in a rural area.
I can't find my address on the Health Workforce Locator; how can I check if I am eligible?
If you are unable to find your address, try searching more broadly for your suburb only.
Can I provide a Statutory Declaration to support my claim?
Statutory declarations are strictly not accepted by QTAC as supporting evidence for the Rural Access Scheme, however may be requested by some institutions on a case by case basis. You should not provide a statutory declaration, unless requested to do so.
I have applied to the CQUniversity Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) and I live in or have previously lived in Central Queensland and Wide Bay - am I eligible for additional adjustments?
If you have lived in and can demonstrate residence of 5 years consecutively or 10 years cumulatively in Central Queensland and/or Wide Bay you may be considered for additional adjustments for CQUniversity. To apply, you must download the Rural Access Scheme Coversheet and complete all sections including the CQUniversity nomination. Failure to complete this will result in you not being considered.
I have applied to the UniSQ Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway), and I live in or have previously lived in Darlin Downs, South West Queensland, and identified regions. Am I eligible for additional adjustments?
If you have lived in and can demonstrate residence of 5 years consecutively or 10 years cumulatively in the Darling Downs, South West Queensland or identified regions you may be considered for additional adjustments for UniSQ. To apply, you must download the Rural Access Scheme Coversheet and complete all sections including the UniSQ nomination. Failure to complete this will result in you not being considered.
What does 5 years consecutively mean?
5 years consecutively means that you have lived rurally for 5 years in a row. For example, from January 2015 to January 2020 would be 5 consecutive years (5 years in a row). You must provide supporting documentation for each year that you lived rurally.
What does 10 years consecutively mean?
10 years cumulatively means that you have lived in a rural area/s for a total of 10 years at any time across your lifetime. You may have moved back and forth between metropolitan and rural areas, but you can account for a total of 10 years where you lived rurally. You must provide supporting documentation for each period that you lived rurally.
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Essential information
Keep checking these pages, as they are date-specific, updated regularly, and contain important information that you’ll need as you plan to submit your application for each offer round.