ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ
Current Students

Register with ELS & get support

There are a few steps you need to take to register with Equitable Learning Services.

Personalise
A group of students chatting while sitting at a table at Homeground cafe on ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Kensington Campus

We'll design a tailored Equitable Learning Plan (ELP) to support you throughout your studies.

We understand the challenges that come with health conditions, disabilities, neurodivergence, trauma and carers' responsibilities. Register with Equitable Learning Services (ELS) for support and educational adjustments.Ìý

You should register for ELS as early as possible to ensure your adjustments can be in place by the time your assessments are due.Ìý

Eligibility

You are eligible for Equitable Learning Support if your studies are impacted by one or more of the following:

  • Neurodivergence
  • Living with a physical or mental health condition or disability
  • The effects of trauma or distress (including from intimate partner violence, family violence or abuse)
  • Being a primary carer for someone with support needs or disability.

You may require long or short-term assistance with any of the above. If we are not the best support for you, one of our staff will let you know who else you can contact.Ìý

If you're unsure whether you're eligible for ELS, email us atÌýels@unsw.edu.au.

Ready to apply? Follow the process below:

  • Register for Equitable Learning Services using the form below. Once you've registered, you'll receive an email from our friendly team. We'll either invite you to make an appointment with an Equitable Learning Facilitator (ELF) orÌýask you to provide more information.

    • You can register with ELS for educational adjustments at any time during term if you require support. However, we strongly recommend registering as early as possible and before your teaching period starts due to our wait times.
      Important: Wait times

      If you require exam adjustments, please register for ELS and book an appointment as soon as possible. Appointment slots fill quickly and wait times can be up to three weeks, especially in the lead-up to exams.Ìý

      Please note that examÌýadjustments may not be implemented if your Equitable Learning Plan is not finalised before the deadline. This deadline is set by the Exams Team (not ELS) and falls at least two weeks before the start of the exam period.Ìý

      Many of the services and educational adjustments we provide require a significant amount of time and coordination of people and facilities across ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. Setting up exam provisions, employing note-takers, organising sign interpreters and re-formatting textbooks are just a few examples of services that may take weeks to set up.Ìý

      When you register early, your Equitable Learning Facilitator can:

      • Start preparation on your requirements early
      • Identify any obstacles you may face in completing your studies
      • Work with you to help you overcome these obstacles.Ìý

      Leaving things to the last minute will only add to your stress. The sooner you register, the sooner you will have the support you need.Ìý

    • Your documentation must state:

      1. The nature and duration of your condition
      2. Any treatment you are receiving
      3. The impact of your circumstances on your studies.Ìý

      Any documentation must be:

      • Less than two years old
      • In English - if your documentation is provided by an overseas practitioner and is not available in English, you will need to provide a translated copy
      • Written on letterhead, signed and dated by an appropriate medical practitioner, specialist, educational psychologist or other professional.Ìý

      If your documentation is not sufficient, we will contact you to request additional evidence.Ìý

      Important note: Documents sent to the University Admissions Centre (UAC) with your university application are not forwarded to ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. Your Equitable Learning Facilitator does not have access to documents you have supplied to UAC or the Board of Studies, or to any supporting documents you supplied when you accepted your ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç offer.Ìý

    • Depending on your circumstances, you may require these forms as part of your registration process:

  • All appointments are free and confidential. Appointment slots fill quickly - remember to book early!

    When you meet with your Equitable Learning Facilitator (ELF), they'll work with you to understand how your condition(s) impact your studies. They'll help build an Equitable Learning Plan with tailored educational adjustments.ÌýÌý

    • Equitable Learning Plans (ELPs) are designed to meet the unique needs of students facing long-term conditions impacting their studies, such as disabilities. Your ELP will consider your individual strengths, challenges and learning styles, and will aim to provide the support you need to succeed academically.Ìý

      An ELP is for longer term (or sometimes temporary) conditions and may include:

      • Ensuring that all educational materials, activities and opportunities are accessible
      • Providing adjustments that allow you to participate in the classroom and complete assessments
      • Offering support to help you develop the skills you need to overcome barriers to learning.Ìý

      Once your educational adjustments are identified, an Equitable Learning Plan (ELP) will be designed to suit your needs.Ìý

    • Educational adjustments are selected based on the documentation you provide and a discussion about how your condition(s) impact your studies. They aim to reduce or eliminate barriers that can be reasonably altered. Examples include:

      • Modifying class participation requirements
      • Taking exams with smaller groups of students to minimise distractions
      • Having access to assistive technology. This can be a range of devices, software and tools to help you overcome barriers to learning.

      If you're required to complete a placement for Work Integrated Learning (WIL), ELS can also recommend adjustments, such as modifying the placement location, providing accessible technology, accessibility or flexible scheduling. You must register with ELS at least one term before your placement commences to ensure your needs can be accommodated.Ìý

      We can't always predict how a condition may impact your course performance. We may need to modify your adjustments during the term. Instructors are not legally required to unreasonably alter their courses and some adjustments may not be acceptable in the context of course requirements. In these situations, students and faculty should contact ELS to facilitate the identification of mutually acceptable adjustments.Ìý

  • You must email a copy of your ELP to your course coordinators and any relevant teaching staff to ensure faculty are aware of your adjustments. Find the contact details for your course coordinators on or the .Ìý

  • You need to renew your ELP every new teaching period. It will be monitored, reviewed and adjusted if necessary.Ìý

    In most cases, your ELP will be auto-renewed and you will be notified of this via email. In some cases, ELS may ask you to upload additional supporting documentation to continue accessing your ELP.Ìý

See also

Have a question?

Contact the Equitable Learning Services team for assistance or visit the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç emergency support page for immediate help.Ìý
Email ELS
Emergency support