Study at VU

Special admission programs

We understand that sometimes there may be barriers - difficult life circumstances - that may prevent or deter you from studying.

We can help you get into your course with our special admission programs, so that you can reach your true potential.

In 'Special admission programs':

Apply for special admission

If you have applied for a course through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) and believe you fit one of the categories listed on this page, you should apply for consideration of your circumstances. This is called the VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS).

Find out more about SEAS applications, including eligibility requirements, key dates and how to support your application.

If you are applying for a course directly to Victoria University (VU), you can have your circumstances considered by completing the Direct admission special consideration application. Submit this application along with your application for course admission and any supporting documentation.

Special admission categories

Mature age consideration

For applicants who are non-school leavers, have never completed secondary school, have already been in the workforce or are returning to study after a long break.

For your admission to be considered you must submit along with your application:

  • the number of years you have been in the workforce
  • the relevance of your work experience to your chosen course and
  • the 500 word statement.

Recognition as an Indigenous Australian

Indigenous Australian applicants are invited to contact the University’s Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit on +61 3 9919 2836 or email moondani.balluk@vu.edu.au.

Admission into a course will be based on an assessment of your capacity to successfully complete the course.

Applicants from rural or isolated areas

For applicants whose school or home location has adversely affected their preparation for post-secondary study. Rural or isolated areas are determined based on the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) Remoteness Areas classification.

Men & women in under-represented disciplines

For applicants who are applying for a course in fields of study recognised as underrepresented by their gender. View our list of eligible courses.

Non-English speaking background

For applicants where their non-English speaking background has adversely affected their preparation for post-secondary study.

Difficult living circumstances

There are certain difficult living circumstances that may have prevented you from reaching your academic potential. These include, but are not limited to:

  • long term illness of a relative
  • constant relocation
  • excessive family responsibility
  • abusive living environment
  • homelessness
  • natural disaster.

Disadvantaged financial background

Your education may have been affected by difficult financial circumstances, where you were dependant on Centrelink or a Family Tax Benefit for support.

Disability or medical condition

Your education may have been affected by your disability or medical condition.

Disability Support Services at VU aims to ensure that all students with a disability or medical condition are able to actively participate in all aspects of university life.

To discuss the range of support and inclusive practices available, Disability Liaison Officers can be contacted on +61 3 9919 5400 or email disability@vu.edu.au.

Current Year 12 students

Our Portfolio Partnership Program (PPP) and Priority Secondary School Bonus admission schemes are specifically for current Year 12 students, and may assist in you gaining entry to your preferred course.

Portfolio Partnership Program (PPP)

The VU Portfolio Partnership Program (PPP) is open to current Year 12 students who have applied for admission through VTAC and are attending a partner secondary school. This program only applies to courses that have a minimum ATAR eligibility requirement.

Priority Secondary School Bonus

Our Priority Secondary School Bonus is only applicable to current Year 12 applicants attending secondary school in the west and northern metropolitan regions, and the Shires of:

  • Campaspe
  • Greater Bendigo
  • Greater Shepparton
  • Macedon Ranges
  • Mitchell
  • Moira and
  • Strathbogie.

The scheme benefits applicants seeking admission to courses that have a minimum ATAR eligibility requirement. Under the scheme an applicant’s ATAR score may be adjusted upwards by 10 points.

To qualify for consideration under this scheme, you’ll need to successfully complete Year 12 at one of the eligible secondary schools and meet all other eligibility requirements for your chosen course.

Contact us

If you’re unsure what any of this means, please feel free to contact us – phone +61 3 9919 6100 or ask us a question. You can also chat online with one of our staff, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.