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What is a statement of support?

A statement of support is required for some questions in the Equity schemes (SEAS) & scholarships applications and must be provided by a 'responsible person'.

The statement of support form is available from your VTAC account once you have submitted a course application and while the Equity schemes (SEAS) & scholarships applications are open. You can send your 'responsible person' a one time login to submit the statement of support electronically.

A fact sheet is available for you to send to your 'responsible person' to assist them complete the statement of support.

 

What not to supply as a statement of support

Past applicants have had their applications for Equity schemes (SEAS) & scholarships rejected because they supplied other documentation in place of a statement of support. These documents have included learning disability assessments, referrals between doctors, lab or pathology reports, specialised test reports. Please be aware documents such as these are not accepted as equivalent to a statement of support.

Who is a responsible person?

Ensure a responsible person is completing the statement of support

A responsible person:

  • is 21 years of age or older
  • has known you for at least 12 months or for the entire duration of the circumstance(s), whichever is shorter
  • is not related to you by birth, marriage, de facto relationship or other personal relationship, and
  • does not live with you.

For the Disability and medical condition category,  and any questions related to medical conditions on the scholarship application, a responsible person is defined as a health practitioner who also meets the criteria outlined above.

Health practitioners

You need an official diagnosis from a specialist. This includes, but is not limited to, physiotherapists, psychologists and counsellors. A diagnosis from a general practitioner is acceptable, where a specialist is unavailable. You can include a statement of support from a school nurse to verify  the impact on your education.

How to choose the right responsible person

Ensure the responsible person is aware of your circumstances. Choose a responsible person who:

  • can comment knowledgeably about your situation 
  • has read or is familiar with what you have included on your impact statement, and
  • meets the criteria of a responsible person.

What goes in a statement of support

A statement of support should briefly describe what the disadvantage is and how it has affected the applicant's education.

A good statement of support:

  • is personalised and specific to the applicant's situation
  • briefly names and describes the condition or circumstance
  • provides a timeline of the disadvantage
  • provides current information on how the condition or circumstance have disadvantaged the applicant, and
  • details the impact the disadvantage has had on their education (the Disability and medical condition and Difficult circumstances categories 3) or daily life (Financial hardship category).

If you have been asked to supply a statement of support, this fact sheet has been designed to assist you.

How to submit a statement of support

Online secure login

If your 'responsible person' has been given an online secure login, they can type their statement of support directly into the application, before the Equity schemes (SEAS) & scholarships closing date. See dates and fees.

Uploaded scan 

You can upload a high-quality colour scan of the statement of support through your VTAC account.  Do not include a coversheet.

  • Make sure your copies are clear and easy to read. 
  • If you use your phone, make sure it is with a scanner app - askew or poorly focussed photographs may be rejected.
  • Supply documentation in PDF or JPEG file formats.