What courses are eligible for the Rural Access Scheme (RAS)?
CQUniversity (CQU), Griffith University (GU), James Cook University (JCU), The University of Queensland (UQ), University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), and University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) offer a number of places in their highly competitive courses allocated to applicants who are from Rural and Remote backgrounds to study as part of the Rural Access Scheme. […]
How do I know if I’m eligible for the rural access scheme (RAS)?
You are eligible for the RAS if you have lived in Rural and Remote areas of Australia for five years consecutively (60 full months) or ten years cumulatively (120 full months). Rural and remoteness are determined if you have lived in an Australian Statistical Geographic Remoteness Area category 2 to 7. You can check your […]
What documents do I need to supply for the Rural Access Scheme (RAS)?
You will need to download and complete the cover sheet and upload it to your QTAC application with supporting documentation by the due date outlined on the form. You will also need to provide evidence of rurality. We accept: Supporting letters Utility bills Bank statements Pay G payment summaries Notice of Assessment (NOA) Centrelink statements […]
What documents are not accepted for the Rural Access Scheme (RAS)?
We do not accept the following as evidence: Statutory declarations Letters on plain paper Letters from friends or neighbours Rates notices on their own Documents the list only a PO Box Income Tax Returns Please see the Rural Access Scheme Supporting Documentation Guide for detailed information about accepted documentation.
I have been living in a rural area for 3 years to date and intend on residing here for a total of 5 years. Am I eligible for the Rural Access Scheme?
No. To be eligible for the Rural Access Scheme, you must meet the criteria of having lived rurally for five consecutive years or ten years cumulatively at the time of applying. Future dates will not be accepted.
I live in Brisbane, but my family has a property in a rural area which we visit a few times a year. Can I apply for the Rural Access Scheme?
No. Holiday homes, investment properties and secondary residences do not qualify. The Rural Access Scheme is assessed based on your primary residence only.
Do I get additional consideration if I have lived in a rural area for longer compared to other applicants?
No. All applicants meeting the minimum eligibility requirements of five years consecutively or ten years cumulatively are considered equally regardless of the amount of time spent in a rural area.
What does 5 years consecutively mean?
5 years consecutively means that you have lived rurally for 5 years in a row. For example, from January 2015 to January 2020 would be 5 consecutive years (5 years in a row). You must provide supporting documentation for each year that you lived rurally.
What does 10 years cumulatively mean?
10 years cumulatively means that you have lived in a rural area/s for a total of 10 years at any time across your lifetime. You may have moved back and forth between metropolitan and rural areas, but you can account for a total of 10 years where you lived rurally. You must provide supporting documentation […]
What is the Rural Access Scheme (RAS)?
The Rural Access Scheme exists to recognise the challenges that are often faced by students from Rural and Remote backgrounds. Some institutions offer courses with a number of places reserved for applicants from rural and remote backgrounds. This is part of the Rural Access Scheme, designed to support students like you.