Future Students

The University of Melbourne has had a demonstrated commitment to equity agendas over many decades. To progress its equity commitment, the University is seeking to substantially increase the number of students from educationally, financially or socially disadvantaged backgrounds enrolling in undergraduate programs by 2007. Students with disabilities will need to familiarise themselves with application and entry procedures to the University.

• Applying for Uni – Undergraduates
• Applying for Uni – Postgraduates
• Applying for Uni – International students

Students with disabilities often have additional requirements that they need to consider when facilitating a successful transition into study and life at the University. Important topics to consider include:

• Accommodation
• Scholarships & bursaries
• Preparation tips for successful study
• Additional information for international/ study abroad / exchange students

Applying for Uni - Undergraduates

The Future students website contains information related to course selection, fees and scholarships, the Community Access Program (CAP) enrolment information etc. This information is relevant to all students. Additionally students with disabilities should familiarise themselves with the University’s Access Melbourne program which is a combined special entry and access scholarship scheme that seeks to increase the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds undertaking studies at the University. This scheme provides the opportunity to explain factors that have affected your prospects of gaining a place at the University. All applicants will also be considered for a Melbourne Access Scholarship.

Applying for Uni - Postgraduates

The postgraduate studies website contains information pertinent to future postgraduate students.

Applying for Uni – International Students

The Future students website contains information pertinent to prospective international students. Make sure you also read additional information below for international, study abroad and exchange students

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Accommodation

Future students who have specific access requirements are encouraged to explore accommodation options as soon as practicable. Future students may need to discuss their needs with a number of services even prior to applying for study at the University, to ensure that they will have living options whilst they undertake studies.

The University’s housing service provides information on accommodation choices and staff are experienced in assisting students with disabilities explore housing options that best meet individual needs. The housing service coordinates the Student Housing Access Program (SHAP) which is a program designed to provide transitional support for designated ‘groups’ of students who may experience difficulty obtaining suitable housing. Students with disabilities are one of SHAP’s target groups.

There are 13 residential colleges affiliated with or owned by the University. Visiting the colleges webpage will assist in identify those that may be able to best meet your accommodation needs, if student halls of residences are your preferred living option. Future students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to discuss their individual needs with the head of colleges they are interested in.

Both the housing service and the residential colleges have financial support schemes available that future students with disabilities may be eligible for.

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Scholarships and Bursaries

The Melbourne Scholarships Office and the Student Financial Aid service have information related to scholarships and bursaries available to students of the University.

Some disability agencies also offer bursaries or schemes with financial support to future higher education students. VicDeaf have the Geoff Fethers bursary available to future tertiary students and Vision Australia also has bursaries available. If you are linked to a particular agency or case worker, you may like to explore any financial support schemes they have available.

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Preparation Tips for Successful Transition to Study

• Familiarise yourself with the University campus you will be based at. Become familiar with faculty buildings and access routes prior to the commencement of formal classes. If Orientation and Mobility training is required (via your disability agency), this should organised and commenced weeks before University starts. Access Maps of the campus are available at the DLU or University Information Centre.
• Access to computers is essential in University life. If you require training in adaptive technology, this should be arranged prior to classes commencing to ensure you can stay abreast of information. Agencies such as Vision Australia offer an excellent “Kickstart your studies” program, and future students should contact caseworkers to discuss any needs. If future students are unfamiliar with computers, the web etc options such as beginners classes at TAFES or neighborhood houses may need to be explored. Training in some computer applications are offered by the library and student union. Student IT offer classes to enrolled students of the University
• If support from a service such as the DLU is required, make an appointment with the service as soon as you know you have been offered a place. Providing the DLU with information at an earlier time maximises the possibility that support will be available from your first day on campus. Future postgraduate students may prefer to discuss specific needs prior to applying for further study to explore specific supports.
• Familiarise yourself with your faculty office and faculty webpage – wide ranging supports and information are available.
• The University Transition Program specialises in providing advice to students new to the University. The Transition Program can also assist students who are progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study. Topics as broad as time management, making friends, how to get an email account and where to find cheap texts are covered.

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Additional information for International, Study Abroad and Exchange Students

Apart from being an exciting time, it can also be quite daunting for students with disabilities to consider studying overseas. The University welcomes students with disabilities from overseas and encourages its own students to participate in study schemes.

Consideration of the following issues can assist you in being more prepared for life at The University of Melbourne:

• Consider making contact with the DLU before applying for any subjects/course to discuss the types of support you have received previously or at your home institution and your possible needs while studying in Melbourne. It is important to have realistic expectations of services to assist you adjust to life as a student.
• Ensure you bring medical documentation ( PDF : 49KB) that will be accepted by the DLU so that you can be eligible for services. Medical documentation must be provided by an appropriate health professional or educational psychologist, be on letterhead, have legible dates and is preferably typed. It should include specific information on your condition, how your disability affects you and indicate whether or not the disability is permanent, temporary, or fluctuating. Medical documentation should be recent except in cases where a condition is permanent and non-changing.
  
  Medical certificates not written in English must be accompanied by a translation into English by an independent and accredited translator.
• A referral letter from your treating professional is useful so that students can continue relevant treatment whilst in Melbourne. It can also be beneficial to bring approved medication and prescriptions.

For University of Melbourne students wishing to study overseas, it is advised that you make contact with your host institution to explore the types of supports available. Disability legislation varies considerably between countries and you should ensure your needs can be met in a manner that supports a successful exchange. University of Melbourne students registered with the Disability Liaison unit are also advised to obtain a letter from the DLO which outlines the services you receive at Melbourne.

For further information contact the DLU.

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