Categories

The access and equity categories that will be considered are:

Recognition as an Indigenous Australian

This category is for applicants who identify as being of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent OR identify as a person of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage AND be accepted as such by an Indigenous community.

To apply for this category you must:

• be identified on ISIS as being of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent or heritage;
• complete the relevant sections of the application form; and
• provide a statement of support from the JABAL Centre. This can be an official document or a copy of an email.
   

Difficult family circumstances (not financial)

This category applies to applicants who have been prevented from reaching their full educational potential during their university study because of family circumstances.

Applicants in this category will need to indicate whether the circumstances are long term (in existence prior to the current year) or short term (existing only in the current year).

Examples of difficult family circumstances may include but are not limited to:

• Severe family disruption including dealing with alcoholism or drug addiction.
• Long-term illness of a family member; illnesses which would be considered as serious and long-term such as cancer or psychiatric illness.
• Abusive living environment: physical, psychological and emotional abuse over an extended period by a person or persons close to the applicant.
• Disruption of education due to constant relocation; relocating to a number of different schools throughout secondary schooling.
• Divorce/separation of parents; difficult separation or divorce of parents including financial hardship and changed living conditions; requirement to change schools and social group.
• Excessive family responsibility; family is dependent on you for financial, emotional or physical support during your secondary education.
• Death of an immediate family member or friend.

This is in no way an exhaustive or prescriptive list. It is provided only as a guide to the kinds of circumstances that may be considered under this category.

To apply for this category applicants must provide:

• complete the relevant sections of the application form; and
• a statement of support (a letter or email), verifying your claim from:
  • Doctor or health care professional
  • Lawyer
  • Certified accountant
  • Social worker
  • Registered counsellor
  • Religious or community leader
  • School principal or teacher or senior member of school staff.

Applicants from rural or isolated areas

This category is for applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage as a result of either undertaking their schooling in a rural or isolated area and/or having to move from such an area to undertake their tertiary course.

Applicants to this category will need to indicate whether the circumstances are long term (in existence prior to the current year) or short term (existing only in the current year).

To apply for this category you must:

• complete the relevant sections of the application form; and
   
• provide evidence of your former residence and schooling in a rural or isolated area.

Personal disability or medical condition

This category is for applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage during university study as a result of a disability or medical condition.

Applicants to this category will need to indicate whether the circumstances are long term (in existence prior to the current year) or short term (existing only in the current year).

To apply for this category you must provide:

• complete the relevant sections of the application form; and
• a statement of support (a letter or email), verifying your claim from:
  • Doctor or health care professional
  • Social worker
  • Registered counsellor
  • Disability Support Unit