STUDENTS from rural and remote NSW will now have a better chance of securing a place at university this year, according the NSW government.
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An agreement between the government and the Universities Admiss- ions Centre (UAC) will see bonus points for entry into the State's universities distributed more equitably.
The bonus points, delivered through UAC's Educational Access Scheme (EAS), will be granted to disadvantaged students whose final year marks have suffered through disrupted schooling, home life, or financial hardship.
In the past individual students, often with the help of schools, had to apply for the bonus points but the outcome wasn't always certain.
Now, 270 schools across the state will be automatically eligible to benefit from the EAS.
Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries welcomed the changes.
"Students from country NSW, socio-economically disadvantaged areas, Aboriginal students and those from remote rural and regional schools have been under-represented in tertiary education for some time," he said.
About 1300 more students from public schools in regional and remote areas of NSW would have access to the program this year, Mr Humphries said.
"That's 1300 students who have the opportunity to study... and bring their skills and knowledge back to the community."
NSW Secondary Principals Council president Lila Mularczyk said the new changes had been a long time coming.
"This scheme is going to be life-changing for so many young people," Ms Mularczyk said.
"This scheme is much more equitable and considered - it's an entitlement that's been a long time coming."