I am applying for the extra or 'bonus' as they call it UAI points under the Educational Access Scheme. Application forms are available from your careers adviser. Applications are due in by September 30 if you want to be considered for the main round uni offers. Applications lodged after this date are subject to a late payment fee.
There is no interview process, just a form to fill out which requires yourself, your school and a medical specialist to complete (if the problem is medical related).
I am applying because I have a severe form of arthritis which affects most joints in my body and a lung disease.
You can apply for various reasons including a medical disability (physical or psyciatric), you moved interstate after the beginning of year 11, you have missed long periods of schooling because of a non-medical related condition, you have experienced exceptional financial hardship, death of an immediate or close friend or family member, work requirements to support your family.
Many reasons are listed.
Each uni has a different scheme. For example Sydney Uni will allow the allocation of an offer if your UAI is within 5 points of the published main round cut off. The university of technology on the other hand allows you to recieve an offer if your UAI is within 10 points of the published main round cut offs. Some unis have the scheme available to all courses, while others don't E.g. Newcastle uni doesn't allow the extra points for its medicine or law degrees.
This scheme shouldn't be abused and should only be used if you really do have a disadvantage.