University support for students with disabilities
In particular, you’ll need to know: who to talk to, what to consider, how you will qualify, why you are studying and when to seek support.
Key points:
- Universities often have a disability advisor or an engagement coordinator who can help arrange an action plan or discuss changes to help with accessibility
- Pressures of university are natural, but it’s important to recognise the difference between stress and a mental health crisis — put yourself first and consider your study-load
- The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) offers a wide range of online worksheets, tips and support materials to prepare, plan and manage your education
This edition of Disability Support Guide will look at the available options for students or aspiring students in university courses. Topics to consider include planning, financial support, mental health support and what you’ll need.
Planning your degree
Have you figured out what you’ll spend the next few years of your life studying and the job opportunities available to you when you graduate? Great! The next step is seeing the entry requirements to get in to your degree — these can range from your secondary school grades, typically calculated as an Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) which is a figure ranging from zero to 99.95 — through to pre-requisites such as secondary school courses studied in grade 11 or 12, preliminary pathway/entrance courses at TAFE or courses at the university itself.
If you’re a mature-aged student (a student who has worked for many years before attending university), you may be able to get credit or gain entrance through employment and experience in the field. Working out whether you can get in is not as simple as what’s available online and many universities offer a flexible curriculum to enrol in your chosen interest.
Once you’ve determined your future career options, degree and eligibility to enrol, deciding whether you wish to be a full-time student or a part-time student can allow you to get it over and done within three to four years (for a bachelor’s degree or ‘undergraduate degree’) or spaced out over four to five years. A reduced study schedule can allow you to have a life outside of university, work longer and relax a bit more, but it will take more time to attain.
Universities have orientation programs or open days, which you should mark on your calendar to attend and see the campus for yourself. Orientation guides will be able to answer any concerns you may have about accessibility, academic expectations and student life or refer you to someone who can.
Financial support
“You have to spend money to make money,” is a common saying which is not necessarily true. The costs associated with studying can be hefty during undergraduate degrees, getting pricier in postgraduate studies (master’s degree, honours or doctorate). Don’t just consider the time you’ll be investing, but the cost that comes with it. It’s common for the associated debt which builds up while you study to be collected as part of the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS-HELP loans). HECS-HELP is paid off over time when you put that degree to use and reach a certain income threshold later in life.
Other things to consider when thinking of financial support in university include:
- Disability Support Pension (DSP)
- Centrelink Support: Youth Allowance, Austudy and the Mobility Allowance
- The many different scholarships and grants for people with disabilities
For information about the role that the National Disability Insurance Agency/Scheme (NDIA, NDIS) plays in university education, please check out the guide to the NDIS and students.
Mental health support
University isn’t for everyone, nor is full-time or postgraduate study — however, if you’re committed to getting that degree and need to make adjustments or seek mental health support, reach out to the help desk by phone, through live-chatting on the website or by emailing a professor if you require individual support. Campus staff are there to help you achieve the best possible outcome and with so many students, it can be tough to identify the signs that someone may be struggling.
For general mental health support, reach out to Beyond Blue, check out ADCET online for academic guidance or call triple zero (000) for urgent mental health emergencies.
Related content:
How can the NDIS support you while you study?
Options for transitioning out of school and into work
Why flexible workplaces are important for people with disabilities