First Years' Accommodation Credit Eligibility

Overview

The University of New England (UNE) offers a guaranteed $3,000 First Years' Accommodation Credit to eligible students enrolling in 2025. This initiative supports students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds, helping them access higher education and succeed in UNE’s inclusive residential community. Availability is limited, so early applications are encouraged.

Am I Eligible?

The credit is available to students from the following groups:

1. Students from Low Socio-Economic Status (Low SES) Backgrounds

  • What is Low SES?
    Eligibility is determined by your residential address, which must be in the lowest quartile of the Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA).
  • How is it assessed?
    SEIFA uses the Index of Education and Occupation to identify areas with limited access to education and job opportunities.

2. Students from Regional, Remote, and Very Remote Areas

  • Who qualifies?
    Students with a permanent residential address in a regional, remote, or very remote area when they first enrol.
  • How is this defined?
    Based on the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) and the ABS Remoteness Structure.

3. Students Who Are the First in Their Family to Attend University

  • This applies to those who are the first in their immediate family to access higher education.

4. First Nations Australians

  • Who qualifies?
    Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders.
  • Criteria:
    You must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and be recognised by the community in which you live. Learn more about eligibility on the Indigenous Australians page.

5. Students with a Recognised Disability

  • If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for this support. Visit the NDIS website for information on recognised disabilities and documentation.

Next Steps

To confirm your eligibility:

  1. Check your details: Ensure your address meets the SEIFA or ABS criteria.
  2. Gather documents: Prepare supporting evidence (e.g., proof of address, identification, or medical documentation).
  3. Apply early: Limited places are available, so don’t delay.

For more information, visit UNE’s First Years' Accommodation Credit Page, or chat or contact UNE's Future Student's Team on 1800 818 865.