ACCESS Scheme

Future students

If you are planning to go to university for the first time and have experienced long-term educational disadvantage, you may be eligible to apply for the ACCESS Scheme.

The ACCESS Scheme is designed to increase your chances of entering UNSW by taking into account your educational disadvantage and awarding bonus points on top of your Universities Admissions Index (UAI). If the bonus points increase your ranking to the required cut-off score for the course you have selected, you may be offered a place.

The ACCESS Scheme is an equity admissions programme included in the Educational Access Schemes (EAS) run by the Universities Admission Centre (UAC).

Detailed information about applying to the UNSW ACCESS Scheme is available at www.unsw.edu.au/access

Scholarships for ACCESS students

If you apply for the ACCESS Scheme because of financial hardship, you will be automatically considered for the ACCESS Assist scholarships. Visit the UNSW scholarships website for more details.

If you are applying for the ACCESS Scheme and will have to relocate to Sydney to study at UNSW, you may be eligible for the ACCESS Scheme accommodation scholarship.

You will need to demonstrate financial hardship and meet one of the following criteria:

• currently living in a rural or regional location
• have a disability
• home environment detrimental to study

For more detailed information and to apply please complete the application form.

Smart Start

If you accept an offer to UNSW as part of the ACCESS scheme, you will be contacted by the Student Equity and Disabilities Unit and invited to attend our Smart Start programme.

Smart Start is a one day orientation of UNSW that gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with the Kensington campus before university starts and the crowds arrive.

There are tours, workshops and activities organized for small groups so you can make some new friends and learn some tips on how to manage your first year at university.

You can find out about:

• Time management
• Study skills
• Organisational skills
• Career opportunities
• Boosting motivation

Staff and advisers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about university life.

It is a great day and we encourage you to attend as it can help make your first day less overwhelming.

Current students

If you have been accepted to UNSW through the ACCESS scheme, the Student Equity and Disabilities Unit (SEADU) can offer you ongoing support.

If you are having difficulty with your studies, an Equity Officer can provide individual advice about university at any time during your studies.

We can put you in touch with other support services on campus such as counselling, accommodation and careers and employment services.

If you have a disability, we can provide support through our Disability Services.

You can make an appointment with one of our Equity Officers at any time for advice or information. All appointments are free and confidential.