Equity applications surge

THERE has been a spike in applications for Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS) through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). The SRS scheme is one way institutions make early offers of undergraduate admission, using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR.

SRS applications closed on Friday 29 September with more than 11,000 applications received – 33 per cent more than last year. More than 20,000 SRS conditional and firm offers were released today (students can receive more than one conditional offer) giving many Year 12 students an early Christmas present.

Other equity schemes managed through UAC have also seen a surge in applications this year. Applications for Equity Scholarships (ES) have increased by more than 50 per cent. Equity Scholarships help financially disadvantaged students with the general costs associated with tertiary study. This jump may be due to changes in government policy.

Educational Access Schemes (EAS) are also up with more than 5,000 applications being received by UAC to date. This is an increase of 5 per cent on last year. EAS works by allocating bonus points or setting aside a number of places for applicants who have experienced long-term educational disadvantage and UAC has worked with the NSW Department of Education this year to raise awareness of EAS in public schools.

Applications for help in attending university in 2018 are still open. Further information and the application form for EAS is available on UAC's website. EAS applications must be received at UAC by Thursday 30 November for Year 12 applicants to find out if they're successful in time for their main offer round on 21 December and make an informed decision when finalising their preferences. Applicants can apply online for ES at uac.edu.au/equity until Wednesday 7 February 2018.

For more information on UAC’s equity schemes, visit UAC's website or call 1300 275 822 – from mobiles on (02) 9752 0200.

- END -

For further information (media only) email media@uac.edu.au or contact:
Raquel Tracy, Communications Officer, UAC on 9752 0775
Kim Paino, General Manager, Marketing and Engagement, UAC on (02) 9752 0760 or 0409 155 112.