A diverse group of students with disability and different cultural backgrounds interacting.

Student Equity and Disability Services (SEDS)

Register for ongoing academic support.

Welcome to SEDS

    We provide ongoing academic support for students with disabilities, health conditions and eligible commitments.

    Types of study we can support:

  • Undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • Graduate research
  • Single subjects (Community Access Program and Extension Program)
  • Exchange and study abroad.
A student and a SEDS Equity Adviser discuss academic support options at a table, while the student’s assistance dog rests beside their chair in a safe and inclusive environment.

Alternative Exam Arrangements (AEA) deadlines

We need time to set up AEAs for exams. To access AEAs, you'll need to have completed all registration steps by the following dates:

  • Semester 1 Exam Period: Friday 10 April 2026
  • Semester 1 Supplementary Exam Period: Monday 29 June 2026.

Who we support

We support a specific group of students, including:

Support we offer

SEDS support reduces barriers that can hinder full participation in university life. We'll work with you to create a plan based on your needs, circumstances and faculty guidelines. Support you can register for includes:

  • An academic support worker can assist you with:

    • Helping you find your way to classes and around campus
    • Practical tasks in class
    • Taking notes in lectures
    • Scribing and reading in exams.

    Support workers can't provide:

    • Academic tutoring
    • Editing or writing support for assessments
    • Personal care
    • Help with daily tasks.

  • Reading materials

    We reformat materials such as textbooks and subject readings.

    We convert materials into an accessible file type (usually a Word document). This allows you to customise the formatting or use compatible screen readers.

    Reformatting also includes adding alternative text descriptions to diagrams and images.

    Video materials

    We can review videos to ensure captions include essential information (eg lecture recordings).

    Early access to materials

    If materials are ready, we can sometimes provide them to you earlier. This allows you extra time to read ahead of class.

  • Software

    We can provide a free trial or subscription and intro training.

    Types of software include:

    • Text to speech
    • Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
    • Dictation or speech to text
    • Video captioning.

  • We can arrange equipment to support your studies based on your needs.

    This may include:

    • Ergonomic furniture
    • Mobility scooters (day hire for use on campus grounds).

    University Security and faculties contribute to maintaining accessible spaces on campus. We can provide support where there is an extra accessibility need.

  • Class timetabling

    We can provide priority access to class times that suit your circumstances.

    Placement arrangements

    We can recommend changes your faculty can make to remove any barriers. Changes may not always be possible, but may include:

    • Closer to home placements
    • Part-time instead of full-time.

    Flexible attendance

    This may include:

    • Attending online instead of in person
    • Options for making up for missing a class
    • Flexibility to attend different class streams.

    Extensions

    We can recommend your faculty allow extra time for you to submit your assessments. Extensions may be up to and including 10 business days.

    Special arrangements for assessment

    We can recommend changes your faculty can make to remove any barriers to completing tasks. This may include adjusting the format or delivery mode for some assessments.

  • Alternative exam arrangements (AEAs):

    • Extra reading and/or writing time
    • Rest breaks
    • Completing exams on a computer or by hand
    • Change to venue (eg a smaller space)
    • Provision of a scribe or reader
    • Timetable preferences (eg, morning or afternoon exams, or one exam per day).
    AEAs can apply to:
    • End-of-semester and end-of-year exams
    • Supplementary and special exams
    • In-class and mid-semester tests
    • Practical exams.

    For more information about AEAs, visit the Alternative Exam Arrangements page.

    Ergonomic furniture and equipment

    We can provide furniture and equipment at exam venues if needed.

Steps to register

You need to complete these steps to register for support.

1. Prepare to register

Plan your application:

  • When to apply
  • Understand eligibility
  • Gather documents and information you'll need.

Go to Step 1:  Prepare to register

2. Register

Once you've prepared, you're ready to register:

  • Find out how to apply
  • Start your registration
  • What's next after applying.

Go to Step 2: Register for ongoing support

3. Create your plan

After we assess your application, we'll contact you to:

  • Schedule an appointment and discuss your needs
  • Create your Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP)
  • Confirm your registration.

Go to Step 3: Create your plan

4. Action your plan

Now you're registered, we'll support you to implement your AAP. This step includes:

  • Accessing your plan
  • Sharing your plan with teaching and faculty staff
  • Staying in touch to keep your plan up-to-date.

Go to Step 4: Action your plan

Your privacy is important

We take care to ensure your privacy throughout your registration.

SEDS privacy information

Take the first step

We're excited to get you registered! Follow the steps to register.

Prepare to register

A student prepares to register for support, crossing off documents on a to-do list while working at a desk with a laptop, sunflower-patterned lanyard, and assistive device

Common questions

  • An AAP is a document you'll receive once you're registered. It outlines your recommended adjustments. You can use it to inform your subject coordinator(s) or teaching staff of your support requirements.

  • We can update your plan if your situation changes and you need different supports. This includes enrolling in a new course or program. Submit an enquiry to request changes.

    Make sure you download a copy of your updated AAP.

    • Log into the application
    • You can find your AAP under  ‘your active registration for ongoing support’
    • Click 'your Academic Adjustment Plan’
    • You can then click on ‘Print AAP’ to save a copy to PDF.

    You don't need to reapply unless your plan has expired. If you take longer to complete your studies, we can update your AAP to match your completion date.

  • SEDS registration is not listed on any academic transcripts or statements. To learn more read our privacy information.

  • We'll invite you to book an appointment when it's time to create your plan. We'll email you the booking link and information.

    You can use the link to book another appointment to:

    • Finalise your registration
    • Get support with actioning your plan
    • Update your AAP.

    You can cancel or reschedule an appointment using the link in your booking confirmation.

Need more help?

If you have further questions, you can ask the Stop 1 AI Assistant.

Resources, tips and guidance

A broad range of support is open to you before you need to register. Here are some examples or you can view more on our accessibility hub.

More support

There's other support available to you outside of SEDS.