Educational Access Scheme

Who can apply for the Educational Access Scheme?

EAS applications closed 6 Feb 2026.

Applications for study in semester 2, 2026 and semester 1, 2027 open 8 April 2026.

To apply for EAS you must be able to demonstrate that, as a result of circumstances beyond your control or choosing, your studies were negatively affected during:

  • Year 11 and/or Year 12

or

  • the period in which you gained the qualifications you are using to seek admission to an undergraduate course.

If you are a current Year 12 student, circumstances that arise after September are not eligible for EAS assessment, as they will not have had an impact on your Year 12 studies.

You must also be:

  • a UAC undergraduate applicant
  • an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of Australia (including a holder of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa).

International students cannot apply for EAS.

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If you are a current Year 12 student, circumstances that arise after September are not eligible for EAS assessment, as they will not have had an impact on your Year 12 studies.

Also, illness or misadventure that impacts your HSC (or equivalent) exams is not considered under EAS. NESA has an illness and misadventure process for HSC students who experience these circumstances.

International students cannot apply for EAS.

The following institutions do not give EAS consideration to EAS applicants who are currently undertaking or who have previously undertaken tertiary study:
 

  • Charles Sturt University
  • University of New England
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Wollongong
  • UNSW Sydney
  • Western Sydney University.

For EAS purposes, 'tertiary study' includes the following studies undertaken in Australia or overseas:

  • certificate III
  • tertiary preparation course
  • diploma
  • advanced diploma
  • associate diploma
  • bachelor degree or higher level studies.

If you have a record of tertiary study, your EAS eligibility for these institutions will always be ‘No’.

The impact of your sporting or performance commitments (eg being absent from school to train or compete or completing some or all studies by distance education due to training, practise or performance commitments) cannot be considered under EAS.

Some institutions consider the circumstances of elite athletes and performers when making offers of admission. Refer to institution information or contact the relevant institution for more information.

Downloads

EAS application guide ( pdf ), opens in a new tab.

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Application dates

08 Apr 2026

EAS: Applications open for 2026 to 2027 admissions

EAS application and supporting documents must be received at least two weeks before the undergraduate offer round in which you wish to be considered.

19 Nov 2026

EAS: Closing date for EAS applications for December Round 2

Apply and provide documents for EAS by 11.59pm to have your application considered in December Round 2.

17 Dec 2026

EAS: Eligibility letters released for December Round 2

EAS eligibility letters begin to be progressively released to Year 12 applicants with finalised assessment for December Round 2.

25 Dec 2026

EAS: Closing date for EAS applications for January Round 1

Apply and provide documents for EAS by 11.59pm to have your application considered in January Round 1.

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