From Year 12 to university

Tools and advice for what’s next

WHY CHOOSE DEAKIN

Study practical, industry-shaped courses, gain experience employers value and feel supported from day one. At Deakin, you'll build the skills, connections and confidence to succeed at university and in your career.

9 in 10 graduates

Get a job within four months of graduating.

32,000+ students

Completed work-integrated learning in 2025.

Career support for life

Access coaching, mentoring and industry events.

Sources

Find out what’s possible for you

Your ATAR is only one part of the picture. Get a clearer sense of your options and the different ways to reach your preferred Deakin course.

Estimate your ATAR
Use the VCE ATAR Calculator for an early estimate of your ATAR.

Deakin Guaranteed ATAR
Check if you’re eligible for guaranteed entry to selected Deakin courses at a lower ATAR.

Entry pathways
Discover access programs and pathways into Deakin, including options that don’t rely on an ATAR.

Explore your course options

Enter an estimated ATAR to explore Deakin courses, then filter by study area, location and single or double degree. Save your favourites to start building your VTAC preference list.

Find a course by ATAR

Build career confidence before you graduate

From placements and industry projects to research and graduate roles, watch Deakin students and graduates put their learning into practice and make their next move.

Find careers that match your interests

Not sure which direction to take? Use the Australian Government’s Career Explorer tool to discover occupations based on your interests and preferences. Compare what different roles involve, estimated pay and future demand, then see which Deakin courses can help you get there.

Explore careers

Plan ahead for change of preference

Your course preferences don’t have to be final when you apply through VTAC. You can add, review and reorder them as your plans change, including after your ATAR is released.

Explore Deakin’s change of preference guide to understand how preferences work and what to consider when updating your list. Closer to results, you’ll also find events, course and pathway advice, and personalised support by phone, chat or appointment.

Key VTAC dates

  • 3 August 2026, 9am – VTAC course applications and the equity schemes and scholarship applications open.
  • 28 September 2026, 5pm – Timely course applications close. Apply by this date to avoid the higher late application fee.
  • 9 October 2026, 5pm – Equity schemes and scholarship applications, including supporting documents, close.
  • 10–12 December 2026 – VCE results and ATARs are released at 7am on 10 December. Review and update your preferences by 12 noon on 12 December to be considered for the December offer round.

Frequently asked questions

Find clear answers about ATARs, preferences, pathways, scholarships and the support available as you plan your next step.

Deakin advisers can help you understand courses, pathways, scholarships, applications and preferences. Call 1800 693 888, use live chat or enquire online.

Closer to results, you can also access change of preference events and personalised adviser support.

ATAR requirements vary by course and location. Browse our courses by ATAR to explore your options, then check the individual course page for prerequisites and other entry requirements. Published lowest selection ranks are based on previous offer data and include relevant adjustment factors.

There’s more than one way into Deakin. Depending on your circumstances and preferred course, options may include transferring between courses or campuses, Deakin College, TAFE, an associate degree or Deakin Uni Ready. Use the pathway finder to explore what may be available to you.

If financial hardship, disability or a medical condition, or difficult life circumstances affected your studies, you may be eligible for consideration through VTAC equity schemes and scholarships (SEAS).

Deakin also offers access programs for students from a range of backgrounds and circumstances. Check your eligibility for equity schemes and scholarships and explore the support available.

Yes. During change of preference periods, you can add, remove or reorder your preferences. List courses in the order you genuinely want to study them, then review your choices if your plans or results change. Learn how change of preference works.

For many Deakin scholarships, domestic students only need to complete one application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Scholarships may recognise academic achievement, leadership, community service, sporting or creative talent, or support students facing financial or personal hardship. Find a scholarship and check the eligibility and application requirements.

Parents and caregivers can help students compare courses, consider career outcomes and study costs, understand applications and pathways, and talk through their VTAC preferences. Visit our parents and caregivers hub for practical guidance and resources to support confident university decisions.

Our career practitioners hub includes course and ATAR tools, pathway and access information, change of preference guidance, publications and career resources. Career practitioners can also request a school visit, campus tour or online presentation from Deakin’s Future Students team.

Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.

We're here to help

Choosing what comes next is a big decision, but you don’t have to work it out alone. Our friendly student advisers can help students and families explore courses, understand entry options and make confident VTAC choices.

Domestic students

1800 693 888
Enquire online

International students

+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online