Students with difficult circumstances: Educational Access Scheme

If you've experienced difficult circumstances that have impacted on your studies, you can recieve an OP (or rank) boost or a scholarship.

You should apply if your studies have been impacted by:

  • experiencing financial hardship
  • disruptive home environments or increased responsibilities
  • English language difficulties
  • a disability, injury or health condition
  • an education disruption.

As you apply through QTAC, you'll be able to select these five categories as part of the Educational Access Scheme.

Benefits

You can receive up to a 3 OP bonus (or 6 Ranks) for each category. The maximum you can receive if applying for multiple categories is 5 OP bonus (or 10 Ranks).

If you're successful in the financial hardship category, we'll also give you a guaranteed scholarship. This is called the Q-Step Scheme.

Low income students: Q-Step Scheme

How do I know if I'm eligible?

There's different criteria and documentation that you'll need to supply depending on the categories.

Visit QTAC to find out more about each of the categories.

How do I apply?

When you complete your QTAC application, you'll be asked to select as many of the five EAS categories as are applicable to your situation.

You should apply for all categories that are relevant for you. You'll need to supply supporting documentation for each category.

What happens next?

Once you’re a student at QUT there are free support services to help you stay on track. We want to make sure you’re getting the help you need.

Financial hardship

If you are experiencing financial hardship we encourage you to:

Disability, injury or health conditions

If you have a disability, injury or health condition, make early contact with Disability Services to ensure that you are receiving the best support possible while studying at QUT. Our team of Disability Advisors are ready to assist you as you commence classes and as your study requirements change.

Disability Services

English language difficulties

If you speak English as an additional language, we offer workshops as well as one-on-one advice to students through our ESL Connect and Academic and study skills programs.

ESL Connect and Academic and study skills

Other support

Can’t find the support you’re looking for?

Student support