An eligible child who resides overseas and wishes to claim benefits under the VCES has to convince the Commission that their circumstances are 'exceptional'; that their educational progress is being adversely affected as a result; and that the receipt of VCES benefits would assist their educational progress. Exceptional circumstances may include things such as:
- extreme financial hardship,
- family trauma,
- mental or physical disability,
- unavoidable detrimental circumstances, or
- access to an educational or training opportunity not available in Australia.