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Contact QTAC nowSpecial Consideration of Educational Disadvantage
QTAC's special consideration service was established to take into account an applicant's educational disadvantage when assessing an application for tertiary study. The aim is to give the most equitable assessment possible.
Generally, educational disadvantage is described as circumstances beyond your control that have affected your previously satisfactory academic results. Applicants who believe that they have suffered disadvantage in their academic performance for reasons beyond their control, and that this disadvantage has not been adequately compensated by the school or educational institution concerned may request special consideration in their application.
What is Being Assessed When You Apply for SCD?
- It is your circumstances and how they have affected your studies that are taken into account rather than merely a description of the circumstances. It is the educational disadvantage brought about as a result of your circumstances that is assessed.
- Information you submit relating to your Special Consideration application must show the extent to which the circumstances exceeded 'normal risk' and were therefore beyond your control. The educational disadvantage incurred as a result of your circumstances could include: absence from school; inability to concentrate; inability to submit written work, or undertake oral or other examinations.
- You are required to provide information about previous consideration already given to your circumstances by schools and tertiary institutions.
Examples of 'normal risks' not considered educational disadvantage include the inability to cope with studies or university life, or excessive demands of employment, sporting, representative or social commitments.
How to Apply for SCD
- Applicants must write their own statement outlining their reasons for requesting Special Consideration of Educational Disadvantage.
- Indicate that you wish to have your educational disadvantage taken into account when completing your Tertiary Study Application.
- Complete the Application for Special Consideration of Educational Disadvantage (SCD) proforma that is provided.
- Attach full supporting documentation including contact details of referees with appropriate professional knowledge of the special consideration case, prepared to give statements on the extent of the disadvantage and the extent to which such disadvantage was or was not compensated by the school/educational authority. Applications that do not have supporting documentation will not be assessed.
Further, more detailed, information regarding SCD is available on this website.
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