International
Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion
#1 Victorian university for health course satisfaction
Entry requirements for
- Burwood
- Waurn Ponds
Check the entry requirements below to confirm your eligibility for this course, including academic qualifications and English language requirements.
Check the entry requirements below to confirm your eligibility for this course, including academic qualifications and English language requirements.
- Burwood
- Waurn Ponds
200 hours of practical experience
#36 in the world for public health
Internationally recognised accreditation
Why choose Deakin
Make a difference to people's lives with Deakin's Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion. Build the expertise to address the causes of poor health and improve wellbeing by combining community engagement, practice, policy development, epidemiology, research, education and communication.
Practical learning is a core component of this course, strengthening your skills and career readiness. You will complete at least 200 hours of practical experience, including a 120-hour placement in a health-related agency in your final year. This allows you to apply your knowledge in professional settings, build industry connections and graduate confident and ready for your career.
Graduates can register with the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), with Deakin the only Victorian university to hold this accreditation.
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Practical experience
At least 200 hours of practical experience, including placements arranged and supported by Deakin and engagement with industry professionals.
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Highly ranked for public health
Deakin is ranked #36 in the world for public health among the world’s leading universities, giving your degree global credibility.
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Industry-focused learning
Courses are shaped by leading health organisations, ensuring your skills match real workforce needs.
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International accreditation
Deakin is the only Victorian university with International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) accreditation, supporting professional recognition in health promotion.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Proven employability
Deakin graduates are highly valued by employers. Gain a degree you will value as much as your future career. #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Prepare for a career improving health and wellbeing across communities, with opportunities in government, health organisations, NGOs, community services and businesses.
Health promotion officer
Develop, coordinate and evaluate health promotion programs that address community health priorities, improve wellbeing and support positive health outcomes.
- $93k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 4.8/5
Job satisfaction
Organisations you may work for
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National and international health organisations
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Community organisations
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Human services agencies
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Local, state and federal government
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Non-government organisations
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Businesses and corporations
FAQs
Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.
Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.
There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.
Rankings and footnotes
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion?
Build a strong understanding of how health is shaped at individual, community and global levels, while developing the practical skills to design, deliver and evaluate public health and health promotion initiatives.
Build your public health and health promotion foundations
Explore health and society
Learn how social, environmental and behavioural factors shape health outcomes. Understand the broad concepts of wellbeing at both local and global levels.
Examine data and evidence
Build your confidence working with health information, developing the analytical skills to interpret trends and inform decisions.
Shape your interests
Explore areas of interest by taking on an elective and deepen your understanding of the role of health in society.
Develop applied knowledge and skills
Apply research and analysis skills
Strengthen your ability to interpret data and evidence, supporting more informed approaches to disease prevention and health improvement.
Build communication and practice skills
Learn to design and deliver engaging health messages and interventions for diverse communities and stakeholders.
Increase your expertise
Engage with industry professionals to build career portfolio, and continue with your chosen focus area or explore electives to complement your core discipline.
Translate knowledge into professional practice
Tackle complex health challenges
Examine contemporary issues to develop a nuanced understanding of how health systems respond to emerging needs.
Plan and evaluate programs
Gain experience designing, managing and evaluating health initiatives, building skills that directly translate to professional roles.
Gain industry experience
Participate in a professional experience where you apply your knowledge in an industry setting while building networks and career readiness.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion, you must pass 24 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit
Level 1 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit
Level 2 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit
Level 3 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit (Level 2 or 3)
Level 3 - Trimester 2
plus two elective units (one at Level 3)
Health Promotion recommended elective units
Other recommended elective units
Professional recognition
Gain the professional recognition you need to make a real difference to the health of society and the planet. Deakin’s Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion is fully accredited by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE). This accreditation enables our health promotion graduates to register with the IUHPE as a registered Health Promotion Practitioner, securing you global recognition as well as Australian recognition. Deakin is the first and only Victorian university to hold this accreditation, setting graduates apart in the health sector.
Graduates may also be eligible to become members of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and obtain professional accreditation as a Health Promotion Practitioner with the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA).
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Working with Children Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the relevant state prior to undertaking placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement unit. Learn more about the Working with Children Check.
Police record check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement unit.
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
The course includes two core Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units designed to provide students with practical, real-world experience in public health and health promotion. These units incorporate a total of 200 WIL hours, including 120 hours of placement and practical workplace experience in a health-related agency.
Through these experiences, students develop a working understanding of public health and health promotion principles, while building the professional and personal capabilities required to succeed in the field.
Work Integrated Learning is a core feature of this course and is embedded within all units. It includes assignments that replicate work in the field. Students will undertake two core WIL units, which will provide 200 WIL hours, of which 120 hours are placement and practical workplace experience. These experiences provide you with an opportunity to transfer your knowledge and skills to a practical setting, where you can further your learning through realistic field experience. These enable you to consolidate your skills under the supervision of qualified practitioners, which assists you to be work-ready after graduation.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| Apply evidence-based research and a determinants-based knowledge of public health and health promotion to advocate for social change, promote good health and wellbeing, prevent poor health and reduce inequalities for individuals and populations alike. |
| Communicate effectively in oral and written forms with a range of stakeholders and promote positive, desired change. |
| Use information technology to effectively communicate, locate information and analyse data. |
| Apply critical thinking and reflection to issues of contemporary health, related to policy and planning in public health and health promotion practice within an evidence-based framework. |
| Apply an evidence-based learning framework to create solutions to diverse and complex health problems. |
| Monitor and reflect on one’s own professional practice. |
| Develop knowledge and implement strategies in collaboration with others to build and enhance relevant partnerships and actions as a public health and health promotion practitioner. |
| Support public health and health promotion practice within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts and communities. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400314323 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514323 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- H313
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 012753D Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.
Entry requirements
Select your academic background
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustment
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in Biology, any English, Health And Human Development or any Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, English other than EAL, Health And Human Development or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$40,800
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Pathways
You may wish to continue onto Deakin’s Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (Honours) our one-year honours degree. This may provide you with a competitive edge in the job market or a pathway to a higher degree.
You could also go on to develop your knowledge and career by studying Deakin's Master of Public Health, Master of Health Promotion, Master of Health Economics or Master of Health Management, or a graduate diploma or graduate certificate in these fields.