• Section 1 - Background and Purpose
• Section 2 - Scope
• Section 3 - Policy Statement
• Section 4 - Procedure
• Special Entry Programs
• Bonus Points
• Indigenous Australian Applicants
• Tertiary Enabling Program
• Appeals
• Section 5 - Definitions

Section 1 - Background and Purpose

(1) This Procedure provides mechanisms to encourage the participation in La Trobe courses from individuals who have experienced disadvantage and groups underrepresented in higher education. 

Section 2 - Scope

(2) The scope of this Procedure is limited to domestic students applying for admission to Undergraduate courses. The provisions in this Procedure may also apply to selected postgraduate courses as determined by the Admissions Committee.

Section 3 - Policy Statement

(3) Refer to the Admissions Policy.

Section 4 - Procedure

Special Entry Programs

(4) The Admissions Committee may approve special entry programs for students that enhance access to higher education for cohort/s that are disadvantaged or have historically lower participation in University study. 

(5) Where such programs are established, these must be designed to ensure students admitted to the University have a reasonable prospect of successfully completing their course.

(6) Details of all programs, including the appropriate application method, will be made available on the University website. 

Bonus Points

(7) Bonus points are available to applicants under the following categories: 

1. Personal Information and Location. Consideration under this category is given to applicants from groups underrepresented in higher education based on bio-demographic data provided as part of the application;
2. Difficult circumstances. Consideration under this category is given to applicants who have been prevented from reaching their educational potential because of family or other life circumstances;
3. Disadvantaged financial background. Consideration under this category is given to applicants who have experienced individual or family economic hardship which is likely to have resulted in educational disadvantage; and 
4. Disability or medical condition. Consideration under this category is given to applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage due to disability or a medical condition. 

(8) Inclusions and maximum bonus points awarded under all categories above are determined by the Admissions Committee and are outlined in the Admissions-SEAS Bonuses. The maximum bonus where multiple categories apply is 25 aggregate points.

(9) Consideration will be provided under all the categories above for all eligible applicants regardless of method of application. There may be minor differences in the manner in which points are awarded depending on the application method used. 

Indigenous Australian Applicants

(10) Prospective Indigenous applicants are encouraged to register their interest in University study with the Indigenous Strategy and Education. The Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy and Education is responsible for ensuring registered prospective applicants are provided with assistance and support during the application process. 

(11) Selection decisions for Indigenous Australian applicants will be made with the active consideration of the Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy and Education.

Tertiary Enabling Program

(12) Students who successfully complete the La Trobe University accredited Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) will be eligible to apply for entry to selected courses on the basis of their TEP results. Applicants for these courses will not be required to undertake the Special Tertiary Admissions Test. 

(13) A list of selected courses and the application process is published on the La Trobe University website. 

Appeals

(14) A person seeking to appeal a decision made through the application of this procedure may do so by written application to the Executive Director, Educational Partnerships and Quality. Determinations on all appeals made by the Executive Director, Educational Partnerships and Quality are final.

Section 5 - Definitions

(15) For the purpose of this Procedure:

1. Applicant: A person who has made a formal application to undertake a course of study at La Trobe University but who has not yet enrolled in that course of study.
2. ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank): An overall percentile ranking calculated by Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) for the use of tertiary institutions to compare the overall achievement of students who have completed different combinations of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) studies, or equivalent Year 12 qualifications in Australia, in the same year.
3. Note that the ATAR used to select an applicant can be legitimately ranked up to an equivalent level on the basis of published bonuses.
4. Student: A person enrolled in a course of study at La Trobe University.