Educational Access Scheme
Educational Access Scheme
Educational Access Scheme
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is designed to support students who have faced challenges that negatively impacted their most recent studies. If you’re eligible, EAS can provide adjustments to your selection rank, improving your chances of getting into your desired course. Additionally, many institutions offer financial assistance, including scholarships and bursaries, along with access to various support services to help you succeed in your studies.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
What is EAS?
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) helps QTAC applicants whose recent study was impacted by financial or personal challenges.
EAS supports you by levelling the playing field to give you a better chance to compete for tertiary study. It can assist if you have faced challenging circumstances that have affected your most recent schooling or study experience. All applicant information is treated with strict confidentiality and care.
EAS can assist you if:
- You have qualifications that provide a QTAC selection rank. This includes completing senior secondary schooling (years 11 and 12) or other equivalent studies.
- You are applying for an institution or course that accepts EAS.
- You meet entry requirements even if you changed school subjects, as long as the new subjects align with the course requirements.
- You have missed school due to circumstances beyond your control, not including personal choice activities like sports, music, or cultural events.
If your EAS application is successful, you may receive adjustments to your QTAC selection rank. This can help you compete for tertiary study on a more equal basis.
If you are eligible for the Financial Hardship category, you may also get financial assistance from institutions, such as scholarships or bursaries.
EAS FAQs
FAQ 1
Who can apply?
Anyone applying for tertiary study through QTAC can apply for EAS.
The Financial Hardship category relates to your current and recent financial circumstances.
FAQ 2
When do I submit EAS documentation?
Refer to Key Dates and Fees for documentation due dates for scheduled offer rounds. We suggest you submit your documentation as soon as possible.
FAQ 3
Can I still apply for EAS if I didn’t nominate categories in my QTAC application?
Yes. To apply for EAS after lodging your QTAC application, download the cover sheets for your chosen categories and submit to us with the required documentation via our form.
You will need your QTAC application number to apply for EAS.
EAS Coversheets
Applicants seeking EAS can apply to the 5 categories below that are relevant to them. You can apply to all categories that are relevant, but if you’re an adult applicant, keep in mind English Language and School Environment categories aren’t available.
EAS is an evidence-based scheme. To be considered for an adjustment you must:
- provide all supporting documents required in all categories
- ensure all documents are legible and easy to read
- upload all documents as PDFs
For more detail on supporting documents required, see the guidelines in each EAS category below.
Financial Hardship
Download the Financial Hardship coversheet.
Home Environment & Responsibilties
Download the Home Environment & Responsibilities coversheet.
School Environment
Download the School Environment coversheet.
English Language Difficulty
Download the English Language Difficulty coversheet.
Personal Illness or Disability
Download the Personal Illness or Disability coversheet.
Please note: If you cannot provide the documentation, please submit a statement explaining why. You should also include any alternative documents that may support your case.
EAS Categories
Financial Hardship
Navigating financial challenges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Financial Hardship category is here to support individuals residing in Australia who come from low-income backgrounds.
Financial Hardship is designed to provide much-needed assistance based on your current and recent financial circumstances.
Read more - about financial hardship eligibility
Eligibility
Apply in this category if you reside in Australia and are from a low-income background.
You qualify if:
- You, your parent/guardian, or your partner receive the maximum rate of a means and asset tested Centrelink Income Support Payment.
- You participate in The Smith Family Learning for Life Program.
- Your gross household income is below an institution-determined threshold.
You do not qualify if:
- Your household holds assets or investments inconsistent with financial hardship
- You fail to provide sufficient evidence of gross household income
INFORMATION ON
Institution Scholarships and Bursaries
If you are assessed as eligible for Financial Hardship you may automatically be entitled to financial assistance, such as scholarships or bursaries, from some institutions. Refer to institution websites for scholarship closing dates.
Family Tax Benefit
If you receive the Family Tax Benefit at the maximum rate, you will not necessarily be made eligible for EAS Financial Hardship. The Family Tax Benefit is not asset tested.
You may still be eligible for an adjustment, but you will need to supply evidence of your gross household income. See the Financial Hardship Cover Sheet, our Quick Guide on supplying Centrelink documents, and our Quick Guide on supplying Tax documents.
INFORMATION ON
Eligible Centrelink Benefits
If you, your parent/guardian, or your partner are receiving the maximum rate of one of the Income and Asset tested Centrelink benefits listed below at the time of your QTAC application, then you are eligible for an educational adjustment in the Financial Hardship category:
Income and Asset tested Centrelink benefits
- Abstudy
- Age Pension
- Austudy
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support
- Farm Household Allowance
- JobSeeker
- Parenting Payment
- Special Benefit
- Youth Allowance
INFORMATION ON
Electronic Verification with Centrelink
When applying through QTAC, your Centrelink benefits can be electronically verified if you personally receive the maximum rate of a Centrelink income and asset-tested benefit
QTAC can electronically verify your Centrelink benefits if:
- you personally receive the maximum rate of a Centrelink income and asset tested benefit
- you give us permission by accepting the Centrelink declaration in your QTAC application or on the coversheet.
QTAC cannot electronically verify your Centrelink benefits if:
- you do not give us permission
- a family member receives the maximum rate of an eligible Centrelink benefit, but you do not
- nobody in your household receives the maximum rate of an eligible Centrelink benefit
- you receive a part benefit
- if Family Tax Benefit is the only Centrelink benefit you receive. The Family Tax Benefit is not considered an eligible benefit as it is not asset tested.
All you need to do for us to electronically verify your benefit is enter your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) in the QTAC application and sign the declaration giving us permission to check electronically.
If we are unable to verify your benefit electronically, you will need to supply supporting documents.
Learn how to give QTAC your Detailed Income and Assets State from Centrelink here.
Documentation required
Financial Hardship Supporting Documents
Financial hardship is assessed based on your gross household income. The supporting documents you need to provide depend on your personal financial circumstances.
Supporting Documents
All financial hardship applicants – except for those whose Centrelink benefits we can verify electronically – must supply a completed financial hardship coversheet. This is needed to establish household composition and financial circumstances.
Financial hardship is assessed based on your gross household income. The supporting documents you need to provide depend on whether you are:
- Dependent (21 or younger)
- Independent (21 or younger)
- Independent (22+ and on the maximum rate of a benefit)
- Independent (22+ not on maximum benefit)
- Partnered
- A Business Owner or Dependent of a Business Owner
- Below Tax-Free Threshold
See “What supporting documents do I need to supply for Financial Hardship?” in the EAS FAQ.
Income Tax Return and Notice of Assessment
Download our quick guide on How to give QTAC your Income Tax Return and Notice of Assessment.
Home Environment & Responsibilities
Your home environment can significantly impact your ability to succeed in your studies. Our Home Environment & Responsibilities category is designed to support individuals who have faced challenging home conditions that negatively affected their recent studies
Read more - about home environment & responsibilities eligibility
Eligibility
If your home environment negatively impacted your most recent studies, you are eligible to apply for the Home Environment & Responsibilities.
You may have experienced the following if you're applying:
- Family conflict (significant dysfunction)
- Legal separation or divorce (self or parents)
- Substance abuse within your household
- Lack of stable housing
- Forced to be independent under the age of 18
- Abuse where you reside
- Assault where you reside
- Lack of support for education due to cultural demands
- Required to provide care for siblings in excess of normal domestic responsibilities
- Caring for a disabled or seriously ill family member or member of household
- Death or serious illness of a family member or member of household
- Home affected by a natural disaster or serious accident
- Home affected by drought In foster care or recently left foster care
Documentation required
Home Environment and Responsbilities Supporting Documents
When applying, you will need to upload the following documentation:
- a completed coversheet including a brief personal statement describing your circumstances
- at least one supporting document independently confirming your claim.
Depending on your case, supporting documents could include:
- A statement completed by your education provider
- A letter from your General Practitioner
- Medical/Insurance reports
- A Death Certificate
- A letter from your psychologist or counsellor
- Legal documents or a solicitor’s letter
- Centrelink Documents
- A letter from a community organisation with knowledge of your situation
- A letter from the Department of Children, Youth Justice, and Multicultural Affairs
English Language Difficulty
If English is not your first language, EAS could help give you a little boost in tertiary education.
Read more - about english language difficulty eligibility
Eligibility
Apply in this category if you reside in Australia and are from a low-income background.
To apply in this category you must:
- currently live in Australia
- be a current year 12 or
- be completing an approved bridging/preparatory studies course
- have already completed year 12 or bridging/preparatory studies and not have undertaken any study since.
You can apply in this category if:
- you have studied in English for less than 6 years
- you have experienced profound difficulty studying in English
- you are a recent migrant to Australia or
- you are a refugee or asylum seeker.
Please note: International students who have chosen to study in English in Australia are not eligible in this category.
Documentation required
English Language Difficulity Supporting Documents
All applicants must supply:
- a completed coversheet including a personal statement
- a school statement completed by a school representative
Personal Illness or Disability
If you’ve faced a personal illness or disability, EAS could help give you a little boost to tertiary education.
Read more - about personal illness or disability eligibility
Eligibility
You can apply in this category if you have experienced:
- a disability
- a long-term or recurrent medical or psychological condition
- a serious, short-term medical or psychological condition
- learning difficulties
- a significant illness causing prolonged disruption to your studies.
Documentation required
Personal Illness or Disability Supporting Documents
All applicants in the personal illness or disability category are required to supply:
- a completed coversheet including a personal statement
- a patient statement completed by a registered healthcare professional
School Environment
Your educational journey may have been disrupted by various challenging circumstances. The EAS School Environment is intended for individuals who have faced significant obstacles in their schooling, ensuring you get the help you need to succeed in your studies.
Read more - about school environment eligibility
Eligibility
To apply in this category you must:
- be a current year 12 or
- be completing an approved bridging/preparatory studies course
- have already completed year 12 or bridging/preparatory studies and not have undertaken any study since
You can apply if you have experienced:
- Regional or remote schooling.
- Travel time greater than 2 hours to school each day, as a round trip, from your home in a regional or remote area.
- Significant peer conflict at school during your senior studies.
- A natural disaster or serious accident that affected your school.
- Death of a school peer.
- Limited access to schooling before coming to Australia as a refugee.
- One or more changes of school or school system in Years 11 and 12 with adverse impact.
- Excessive change of teachers in one or more subjects during senior schooling (generally more than 3 teachers or 4 changes).
- Distance Education for one or more subjects during years 11 and 12 due to circumstances beyond your control.
- Composite or concurrent classes for one or more subjects during your senior schooling with adverse impact.
Documentation required
School Environment Supporting Documents
All applicants must supply:
- a completed coversheet including a personal statement
- a school statement completed by a school representative.
How to Apply with EAS
The below list details how you can apply through QTAC with EAS.
If you are unsure if EAS could help you, call us on 1300 467 822 so we can assist.
Frequently asked questions
General EAS FAQs
We’ve collected some of our most frequently asked questions for the Educational Access Scheme
Can I apply for EAS based on the impact of COVID-19?
Applicants whose most recent study was negatively impacted by COVID-19 can apply for the Educational Access Scheme.
Each applicant must make a case based on their individual circumstances and supply all the supporting documents normally required for the category in which they are applying.
Some examples of COVID-19-related circumstances we have considered in past admissions years are supplied below.
EAS Category Circumstances:
- School Environment
- Positive COVID-19 case/s in school community leading to prolonged school closure.
- Poor internet connectivity for rural and regional students negatively impacting online learning during protracted COVID-19 lockdowns.
- Missed schooling
- Boarding students forced to return home to remote areas and unable to recommence in-person studies at the same time as city peers due to travel restrictions and lockdowns.
- Returned overseas travellers who missed a significant period of study due to quarantine requirements.
- Home Environment COVID-19 case/s in applicant’s immediate family or household disrupting study for a significant period.
- Family members of front-line health care workers who experienced serious disruption to their home environment.
- Personal Illness Applicant tested positive to COVID-19 with severe and prolonged impact on study.
My family or school was impacted by recent floods? Can I apply for EAS?
QTAC encourages flood-affected applicants to apply for the Educational Access Scheme when their most recent study was negatively impacted.
- Apply in the Financial Hardship category if your household has experienced financial difficulties as a result of the floods.
- Apply in the Home Environment and Responsibilities category if your home was damaged.
- Apply in the School Environment category if your schooling was disrupted.
If I'm eligible for EAS, does this mean my ATAR will change?
No, institutions adjust your selection rank for a particular preference or course; your ATAR does not change.
What documentation do I provide for EAS?
Documentation required for EAS depends on the EAS category you apply under. For most categories, you must complete the relevant Educational Access Scheme cover sheet and attach supporting documentation. View the EAS Categories for specific documentation requirements.
Can I upload my EAS suporting documents as multiple files?
Where possible, please upload one high-quality PDF file per EAS category, containing all supporting documents. You won’t be able to upload more than one file.
However, you can always provide additional documents by submitting them to our form.
Are there any equity scholarships linked to EAS?
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: QUT’s Q-Step Scheme, UQ’s UQ-Link Program, and the USC Equity Bursary. For these scholarships, apply for the Financial Hardship category of our Educational Access Scheme in your QTAC application.
Is applying for the EAS mandatory?
No, EAS is an optional part of your application. If you decide you no longer wish to apply for the scheme, you should notify QTAC as soon as possible. You can do this by uploading a note to your application stating you no longer wish to apply or by calling our contact centre on 1300 467 822.
How much educational adjustment can I get?
QTAC’s participating tertiary institutions each have their own rules about the maximum EAS adjustments they allow, as well as how EAS is weighted and combined with other adjustments.
For more information, check directly with your preferred institutions or call QTAC’s contact centre on 1300 467 822.
Do all QTAC institutions accept EAS?
The following institutions do not accept EAS for any of their courses:
- Bond University
- SAE University College
- Torrens University
- Griffith College
If you are applying to one of these institutions but also selected preferences at others, you may still wish to apply for EAS. Any educational adjustment will only be applied to your preferences at participating institutions.
If your only nominated institutions do not accept EAS, you may wish to cancel your EAS application or change your preferences.
Are there any courses that do not accept EAS?
EAS is not accepted for the courses listed below. If you are applying to one of these courses but also preferenced others, you may still wish to apply for EAS. Any educational adjustment will only be applied to courses that accept the scheme.
If your only nominated courses do not accept EAS, you may wish to cancel your EAS application or change your preferences.
Institution | Course |
Bond University | Bachelor of Medical Studies programs |
CQUniversity | Bachelor of Education programs |
Griffith University | Medical Science, Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry), Dental Health Science, Master of Teaching programs, all Nursing Advanced Standing programs, Bachelor of Animation, Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production, Bachelor of Games Design |
James Cook University | MBBS Bachelor of Medicine-Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Veterinary Science |
Queensland University of Technology | Dean’s Scholar’s Programs; Academic Scholarship courses; all courses with audition, portfolio, or interview requirements |
UniSC | Bachelor of Medical Science |
What happens after I apply for EAS?
Once you have finalised your application and given QTAC all the required supporting documents, our EAS assessors will consider your case against specialised criteria in the five categories.
If our assessors require more supporting evidence, they will contact you and ask for it. Please take care when supplying additional documents. Our assessors only have time to write to you once.
Your EAS application can only be finalised once you have supplied all requested documents.
If your application is successful an educational adjustment will be applied to your selection rank.
Have my EAS documents been assesed yet? When will my EAS application be assessed?
QTAC receives a large number of EAS applications every year.
During the peak period in November and December, we are often processing applications submitted two to three weeks ago. Please wait a fortnight before inquiring.
Ensure you read documentation guidelines closely and supply correct documents. If we need to send you correspondence requesting additional documents, this can delay processing.
Did you receive my EAS documents?
If unsure, check the applicant’s online services. At busy times, it may take an assessor two to three weeks to look at your application.
What documents have I provided?
For your own reference, please keep copies of all the EAS documents you submit. You can upload additional documents at any time if you realise you have forgotten something.
Are the documents I supplied sufficient?
If the documents you supplied do not meet our requirements, an EAS assessor will send you correspondence. The correspondence will advise why the current documents are insufficient and what further documents are required. Please regularly monitor QTAC online services for EAS correspondence.
If you have not received correspondence specifically requesting additional EAS documents, then you can assume our assessors have not yet looked at your case.
I received correspondencce requestion further EAS documents. What do I need to provide?
Read the correspondence carefully. Our assessors will list everything they need you to send. You should also check what you have supplied against the general documentation guidelines on our website. You can only be considered for an adjustment if you supply all required documents.
My school said they will supply my supporting documents directly to QTAC. Have your received them yet?
Check with your school initially. If we have not received documents from them by the time an EAS assessor looks at your case, we will send you correspondence advising that the School Statement remains outstanding.
What was the outcome of my EAS application?
If you have applied for the EAS Financial Hardship category, you will be advised via the applicant online services when the assessment of your EAS Financial Hardship application has been finalised. If you applied for any of the EAS other categories, please call or email the QTAC contact centre on 1300 467 822 or qtacinfo@qtac.edu.au to confirm if an adjustment has been approved. Please be aware that an EAS application can take up to 6 weeks to assess.
What should I do if I disagree with the outcome of my EAS application?
First, re-read the eligibility and documentation guidelines in your chosen EAS categories. If you still believe your case has not been fairly assessed, please set out the reasons in writing and submit to QTAC requesting a formal review. You may also wish to provide any additional documents you feel will support your case.
Can I supply my EAS documents from a previous application?
We assess all EAS documents that are supplied to us on a case-by-case basis. Up-to-date supporting documents usually provide the best evidence of the disadvantage you experienced during your most recent study.
In some instances, if the affected study took place in the past and you have not undertaken any study since, older documents may provide all the information we need.
I cannot supply supporting documents. Can I still be considered for EAS?
EAS is an evidence-based scheme. We cannot apply an educational adjustment unless sufficient supporting documents are supplied.
I no longer wish to apply for EAS. What should I do?
Please upload a note against each EAS category in your application stating that you no longer wish to apply.
Which courses count as bridging or preparatory studies courses?
Not sure if you are taking a bridging and preparatory studies courses? Refer to the list below:
- Australian Maritime College Preparation Programs
- Australian National University Preparation Programs
- Bond University Foundation Programs
- Charles Darwin University Preparation Programs
- Canberra Institute of Technology Preparation Programs
- Central Queensland University Preparation Programs
- Charles Sturt University Preparation Programs Curtin University of Technology Preparation Programs
- Deakin University Preparation Programs
- Edith Cowan University Preparation Programs
- Flinders University Preparation Programs
- Griffith University Preparation Programs
- James Cook University Preparation Programs
- La Trobe University Preparation Programs
- Monash University Preparation Programs
- University of Newcastle Preparation Programs
- University of New England Preparation Programs
- NSW TAFE Cert III/IV in Tertiary Preparation Other bridging or preparatory studies course
- Queensland Conservatorium of Music Preparatory Program
- TAFE QLD Certificate in Engineering Preparatory Studies (CN649, CNJ30) QLD Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation Queensland University of Technology Preparation and Bridging Programs
- RMIT Preparation Programs
- University of South Australia Preparation Programs
- University of the Sunshine Coast Preparation Programs
- Swinburne Institute of Technology Preparatory Programs
- University of Southern Queensland Preparation Programs
- Southern Cross University Preparation Programs
- University of Tasmania Preparation Programs
- University of Adelaide Preparation Programs
- University of Ballarat Preparation Programs
- University of Canberra Preparation Programs
- University of Melbourne Preparation Programs
- University of New South Wales Preparation Programs
- University of Queensland Preparation Programs
- University of Sydney Preparation Programs
- University of Technology, Sydney Preparation Program
- University of Wollongong Preparation Programs Victoria
- University Preparation Programs
- University of Western Australia Preparation Programs
- University of Western Sydney Preparation Programs (all campuses) UNILEARN Bridging subjects
Financial Hardship EAS FAQs
We’ve collected some of our most frequently asked questions for the EAS Financial Hardship category.
What supporting documents do I need to supply for Financial Hardship?
All financial hardship applicants – except for those whose Centrelink benefits we can verify electronically – must supply a completed financial hardship coversheet. This is needed to establish household composition and financial circumstances.
Financial hardship is assessed based on your gross household income. The supporting documents you need to provide depend on whether you are:
- Dependent (21 or younger)
- Independent (21 or younger)
- Independent (22+ and on the maximum rate of a benefit)
- Independent (22+ not on maximum benefit)
- Partnered
- A Business Owner or Dependent of a Business Owner
- Below Tax-Free Threshold
Dependent (21 or younger)
If you are 21 or younger, you are considered dependent unless you meet one of the conditions that make you independent (21 or younger).
We require evidence of your parents/guardians’ income, even if you are earning income yourself.
If your parents or guardians only income is a Centrelink income and asset tested benefit, you must supply:
- Your parents’ or guardians’ most recent Income Statement from Centrelink
If your parents or guardians receive income other than a Centrelink benefit, you must supply:
- Your parents’ or guardians’ Income Tax Return for the most recent financial year
- Your parents’ or guardians’ Notice of Assessment for the most recent financial year
Independent (21 or younger)
If you’re 21 or younger, you can be considered independent if any of the following apply. You:
- can show you support yourself through work
- are, or have been, married or are in a registered relationship
- live in a de facto relationship as a member of a couple for at least 12 months
- have, or have had, a dependent child
- are a job seeker assessed as unable to work over 30 hours a week
- are in a situation where it’s unreasonable to live at home
- have parents who can’t look after you
- are a refugee and your parents don’t live in Australia
- are an orphan and haven’t been legally adopted
- are in state care, including foster care.
See documentation guidelines for Independent (22+ and on the maximum rate of a benefit) or Independent (22+ not on maximum benefit) whichever applies to you.
Independent (22+ and on the maximum rate of a benefit)
If you are 22 or older Centrelink considers you independent.
If you personally receive the maximum rate of a Centrelink income and asset tested benefit, simply enter your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) in the QTAC application.
QTAC will confirm your information with Centrelink electronically.
Independent (22+ and not on the maximum rate of a benefit)
If you are 22 or older Centrelink considers you independent.
If you don’t receive the maximum rate of an eligible Centrelink benefit, you must supply:
- your Income Tax Return for the most recent financial year
- your Notice of Assessment for the most recent financial year
- your most recent Income Statement from Centrelink (if you receive benefits)
Partnered
If you have a partner, you must document gross income for both you and your partner.
To document your gross income please supply:
- your Income Tax Return for the most recent financial year
- your Notice of Assessment for the most recent financial year
- your most recent Income Statement from Centrelink (if you receive benefits)
To document your partner’s gross income please supply:
- your partner’s Income Tax Return for the most recent financial year
- your partner’s most recent Income Statement from Centrelink (if they receive a benefit)
- your partner’s Notice of Assessment for the most recent financial year
A Business Owner or Dependent of a Business Owner
Business owners and their dependents must fully document their gross business income and expenses as well as individual income.
Sole traders and their dependents must supply:
- the business operator’s individual Income Tax Return
Business operators who run a partnership, company, or trust should supply their individual tax return AND relevant evidence of business income, which may include:
- Business Accounts including a complete, itemised list of expenses
- Partnership Tax Returns
- Company Tax Accounts
- Trust Tax Return
Below the tax-free threshold
If any member of your household aged 22 or older was not required to lodge an Income Tax Return because their income was below the tax-free threshold, you must provide an official non-lodgment advice from the Australian Taxation Office for that person.
QTAC also requires documentary evidence of all income the individual earned below the threshold.
See the table below for guidance on how to document income below the tax-free threshold.
Type of Income | Evidence |
Centrelink Benefit | Annual Centrelink pay summary showing total benefits for the financial year |
Wages | ATO income statements showing gross payments from all employers |
Bank interest | bank statements showing annual interest earned
|
Investment returns | dividend statements |
rent | Income Tax Return required |
What counts as gross household income?
Gross household income includes:
- gross salary and wages from employment
- Centrelink taxed benefits/payments
- Employer reportable super and employer reportable fringe benefits
- gross income from a business/primary production
- income from partnerships/trusts gross interest earned (refer to Centrelink for the deeming rules)
- gross dividends received (refer to Centrelink for the deeming rules)
- gross rental income from investment properties
- capital gains income
- tax-free payments from Centrelink and
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs payments
What are the institution-determined thresholds for financial harships?
We calculate eligibility under Financial Hardship based on gross household income from all sources. The figures below are indicative only and subject to change.
If your household income is slightly higher (within 10%), it is still worth applying, as other factors can be taken into consideration.
Status | Weekly Gross Income | Annual Gross Income |
Single, no children | $1,179.00 | $61,308 |
Couple combined, no children | $2,014.50 | $104,754 |
Single, one dependent child | $2,014.50 | $104,754 |
Couple, one dependent child | $2,065.50 | $107,406 |
For each additional child | $51 | $2,652 |
What if my financial situation recently changed due to extreme circumstances?
If you or your family have experienced extreme financial situations such as early payout of super for medical reasons, please submit supporting documentation in addition to the Income Tax Return, Notice of Assessment and Centrelink documents requested. We assess such situations case by case.
I have supplied all the required documentation for financial hardship. Why have I been asked for additional evidence?
Re-read all correspondence from QTAC carefully and double check the documentation guidelines to be absolutely sure you have supplied full and complete documentation. Sometimes when applicants claim to be living on very low annual income (less than the maximum of JobSeeker payment) we request further evidence. All claims to be living on income below this level must be substantiated.
I have been asked to supply a copy of my most recent income statement from Centrelink. Where can I find it?
Refer to our quick guide.
Which document is the Centrelink Income Statement?
The document we require is clearly labelled “Income Statement.” We need it to check the name and date of birth of the person receiving the benefit, the name of the benefit, and whether the individual is receiving the maximum rate (yes or no). No other document provides all this information. Be sure not to confuse your Income Statement with a similar looking document titled, “About your Family Tax Benefit/Youth Allowance/Disability Support Pension.”
This document does not provide us with all the information we need and is not assessable.
Why does QTAC require the Income Tax Return and Notice of Assessment for EAS? Why can’t you accept pay summaries or ATO tax summaries?
We calculate eligibility under Financial Hardship based on gross household income. The Income Tax Return is the only document that provides us with all the information needed for our assessment.
We need the Notice of Assessment in addition to the full Income Tax Return as evidence the document was formally lodged with the Australian Taxation Office. Pay summaries are not assessable as they usually only show income from one employer.
ATO tax summaries are not assessable as they do not show full details of income from all sources.
The Notice of Assessment is not assessable alone without its accompanying Income Tax Return because it shows taxable income only.
What is the difference between an Income Tax Return and a Notice of Assessment?
The Income Tax Return is the longer, multi-page document a taxpayer or their accountant lodges with the Australian Taxation Office.
The Notice of Assessment is the shorter, one-to-two-page document that the Australian Tax Office sends back to the taxpayer once assessment has been finalised.
Both are required for us to assess your eligibility for EAS Financial Hardship.
What documents cannot be used as evidence in the Financial Hardship category?
PayG Payment summaries and ATO Income Statements cannot be used as evidence of financial hardship. They show gross payments from one or more employers, but do not include other kinds of income such as Centrelink benefits, interest, investments, and rent.
Screenshots from the ATO website cannot be used as evidence of financial hardship. These provide an incomplete, unofficial, point-in-time summary of tax information. We require a full Income Tax Return that has been officially lodged with the Australian Taxation Office and its accompanying Notice of Assessment.
Bank statements cannot be used as evidence of financial hardship. They show income and expenses for one or more bank accounts over a period of time, but do not provide an overall picture of an individual’s finances for the past financial year.
My household uses a tax agent and will not lodge a tax return until after the deadline for QTAC applications. Can I apply for Financial Hardship?
If you wish to be considered for EAS Financial Hardship, you will need to lodge you Income Tax Return and have it assessed in time for your QTAC application. You cannot be made eligible without supplying this document.
How do I know if I’ve been offered an institution scholarship?
If you have been made eligible for scholarship the offering institution will contact you directly.
Home Environment & Responsibilities EAS FAQs
We’ve collected some of our most frequently asked questions for the EAS Home Environment & Responsibilities category.
My past studies were impacted by a difficult home environment many years ago. What evidence can I provide?
An EAS adjustment can only be applied if the circumstances impacted your most recent rankable study.
EAS cannot help if:
- you dropped out of the study without receiving a rank
- If you have undertaken subsequent rankable study
- If your most recent study took place many years ago, you may be eligible, but it can be challenging to document your claim.
- If you have discussed your past home environment with a psychologist/psychiatrist or other medical professional, they may be able to provide a support letter.
- If you have a current diagnosis of a disability or mental health condition related to your past home environment, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, you can supply medical documents as evidence.
Personal Illness & Disability EAS FAQs
We’ve collected some of our most frequently asked questions for the EAS Personal Illness & Disability category.
Can I provide a medical report, letter or certificate from a medical professional instead of having them fill out the patient statement?
The patient statement is the best option as it is up-to-date and supplies our assessors with all the information they require. But we assess all the documents we are given.
If your medical professional would prefer to supply a support letter, please ensure they answer all the questions covered by the patient statement. Otherwise, we may need to write to you requesting clarification.
Only send other medical documents such as referral letters, specialist medical reports, and discharge summaries as a last resort. These do not usually address the impact on study and rarely provide all the information we require.
School Environment EAS FAQs
We’ve collected some of our most frequently asked questions for the EAS School Environment category.
Can I apply for an EAS adjustment based on excessive travel time to and from school?
Yes, but your residential address must be in a regional or remote area. That means it must be in an RA3, RA4, or RA5 area according to the Australian Statistical Geography Standard. You can enter your address and check your eligibility here.
For you to be considered, your daily travel time by car or public transport must be in excess of two hours as a round trip.
If your home address is in an RA1 or RA2 area, you are not eligible for an adjustment based on travel time.
A school peer or teacher died during my senior studies. Can I apply for EAS?
Yes, if the loss of the individual negatively impacted your studies, you can apply in the School Environment category. The personal and school statements should address:
- The nature of your relationship with the person
- When they died
- How long you knew them
- Your involvement in the funeral or other commemorations
- How your studies were impacted
I’m applying on the basis of excessive teacher changes. What information do you need?
We need to know:
- which subjects were impacted
- the number of teachers for each subject
- number of changes for each subject
- why you believe the changes had a negative impact on your studies
For Guidance Officers EAS FAQs
We’ve collected some of our most frequently asked questions to help Guidance Officers assist their students with EAS.
Can I send a blanket statement for a group of students who were all impacted by the same circumstances?
Individual support statements usually make a stronger case for the applicant than generic letters. However, we understand that many school staff support a substantial number of EAS applications each year and that considerable time and effort is involved.
All School Statements are read and assessed against the same criteria – including blanket statements. Adding a sentence or a short paragraph describing the educational impact on the individual applicant often greatly improves their chances of receiving an adjustment.
I’m supporting a student who experienced excessive teacher changes. What information do you need?
We need to know:
- which subjects were impacted
- the number of teachers for each subject
- number of changes for each subject
- why you believe the changes had a negative impact on your studies
An EAS applicant has requested my support but would prefer not to disclose the details of their case for privacy reasons. Can I still complete a school statement?
Yes. You can explain in the statement that the applicant has chosen not to inform you of the circumstances for privacy or other reasons. If appropriate, you can supply other relevant information that may be available to you, such as the number of days of schooling the applicant missed in years eleven and twelve and details of any educational adjustments made at school level.
Ensure the applicant understands that if they wish to be considered for an adjustment, they must:
- disclose the circumstances to QTAC’s EAS assessors in their personal statement
- provide adequate supporting documentation to corroborate the circumstances
If the school statement is the only evidence they supply but it does not specifically confirm the key details of their claim, they will not be eligible for an adjustment.
I have a sensitive case that I want to discuss with a QTAC EAS assessor. How can I get in touch?
The EAS team are happy to help. You can email us your query via eas@qtac.edu.au or request a call back by providing your name, position, school, and best contact details.
Can QTAC report the outcomes of an EAS assessment to the school?
The outcomes of an individual EAS assessment cannot be disclosed to anyone other than the applicant or their authorised person. Summary data of EAS outcomes for your whole school is available upon request. Email eas@qtac.edu.au to request.
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.