VTAC equity schemes, commonly known as SEAS, help eligible applicants explain circumstances that affected their education. Equity consideration may increase your selection rank for a particular course, but it does not change your ATAR or guarantee an offer. Check the current VTAC application guide for eligibility, evidence requirements and deadlines.
What is SEAS?
ATAR vs Selection Rank:
Your ATAR is a percentile rank, not a raw exam score. It indicates your position relative to the relevant age group.
Your selection rank is used for a particular course and may include eligible adjustments. You must also meet prerequisites and other selection requirements.
The Four Categories of SEAS
Category 1: Personal Information and Location
Location consideration depends on your circumstances and the institution’s criteria. Home or school location, access to resources and travel may be relevant; there is no universal commute threshold or fixed points benefit.
VTAC considers Category 1 automatically using information in your profile. Check the current VTAC categories for details.
Category 2: Disadvantaged Financial Background
Category 3: Disability, Mental Condition, or Medical Condition
Category 4: Difficult Circumstances
Use an eligible supporting person who knows your circumstances and meets VTAC’s criteria. They must not be related to you or live with you. Medical-category support requires an appropriate health practitioner.
Submit the required evidence through VTAC’s prescribed process by the application and documentation deadlines. A personal diary is preparation material, not a substitute for required supporting evidence.
Why You Should Start Documenting Now
Prepare early and check dates for your entry year. As of 14 October 2026, VTAC equity scheme applications for 2027 entry have closed. For future rounds, use the official application guide rather than waiting until the end of Year 12.
Ask your school careers adviser about the evidence you need, and give an eligible supporting person time to complete the required statement of support.
How much can a selection rank change?
There is no single SEAS adjustment that applies to every applicant. Each institution decides how it uses equity consideration for its courses, so one person’s outcome cannot predict yours.
Subject adjustments and selection rank
Some courses offer selection-rank adjustments for specified subjects or results. These are separate from equity consideration and do not change your ATAR.
Check your preferred course:
Read the institution’s current rules for eligible subjects, minimum results and adjustment limits.
Things to Remember About SEAS
Meet every course requirement
Selection rank is one part of admission. Applicants must meet prerequisites and any additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or test. Equity consideration does not guarantee an offer.
Use official admission information
Refer to official course information for published admission figures and adjustment policies. Past selection ranks are a guide, not a guaranteed future cut-off.
Your application should explain your own circumstances accurately and supply the evidence VTAC requires.
What’s Next?
Research: Find out how SEAS applies to your situation and your target university.
Document Everything: Start tracking any circumstances that might affect your studies.
Ask for help early: speak with your school careers adviser before the deadline.
Conclusion
Check your eligibility, start preparing early and use official VTAC guidance for your application year. If you are unsure about categories or evidence, speak with your school careers adviser or VTAC. SEAS can support fair consideration of educational disadvantage; it does not change your ATAR or guarantee admission.
