Key facts
Duration
1 year part- time (or equivalent)
Locations
This program is only offered Online
Program overview
Ready for university but don’t meet the entry requirements yet – including without an ATAR? Deakin Uni Ready is designed for you.
Delivered online and in block mode across two trimesters of study, the Deakin Uni Ready program is fee-free, enabling program designed to fit around your life. You'll build the core academic skills needed for university success, including writing, critical thinking, communication and numeracy.
You’ll also explore different areas of study, helping you better understand your options and what university study could look like for you.
On successful completion, you’ll be able to demonstrate equivalence to Deakin’s minimum entry requirements, including meeting the 50 ATAR and English proficiency. You'll need to apply through the standard admissions process to be considered for selected undergraduate degrees across arts, health, science and business.
Deakin Uni Ready offers a free, supportive and practical pathway to build your skills, confidence and readiness for university study.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
- Year
2026 program information
- Deakin code
- A026
#1 Victorian university for student support
At Deakin, you’re supported every step of the way. From your first day, you have access to peer mentoring, academic skills support, and language and learning assistance to help you build skills and confidence.
Program structure
To complete the Deakin Uni Ready program, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 3 credit points of compulsory core units (subjects),
- a 1 credit point program elective
- Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: This program is part-time only
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first period of study:
Core
Program Electives
Plus 1 credit point selected from:
Intakes by location
The Deakin Uni Ready program is studied part-time over two trimesters, with units delivered in short 6-week blocks.
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
Entry requirements
To be considered for admission to Deakin Uni Ready, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent Australian resident, and be at least 17 years old. You’ll also need to meet the specified academic and English language requirements.
This program is not available to international students.
To be considered for admission to Deakin Uni Ready you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Successful completion of Year 10 secondary school studies or equivalent, and a minimum of two years’ work experience; OR completion of unscored VCE
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Must not have an existing university offer and not be eligible for a university offer
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this program, you will need to demonstrate the following:
-
secondary schooling in English
-
If English is your second language, have an English entry level IELTS score of a minimum of 5.5 across all bands, or equivalent
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
This program is offered under the FEE-FREE Uni Ready Courses Commonwealth Grant Scheme.
Deakin Uni Ready students are not eligible for any Deakin University financial scholarships, loans or bursaries, or government financial assistance, including Centrelink, grants or HECS- HELP.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Program outcomes
After completing Deakin Uni Ready, you can apply for selected undergraduate degrees at Deakin, including:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Communication
- Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Bachelor of Criminology
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Sport Development
Completion of the program will enable you to demonstrate equivalence with Deakin's minimum admission criteria. There is no guaranteed entry into your chosen degree. As a non-award program, completing Deakin Uni Ready does not automatically give you a place in a Deakin bachelor degree. You'll need to apply through the standard admissions process.
Deakin Uni Ready is designed to build the foundational academic skills and knowledge you need to succeed at university. The following learning outcomes outline the key capabilities you’ll develop to support your transition into undergraduate study.
| Common Learning Outcomes for Enabling Courses in Australia | Common Learning Outcome for Enabling Course (CLO-EC) |
|---|---|
Knowledge: students completing an Enabling course will have a knowledge of:
| CLO-EC1: Apply core concepts of academic culture and academic conventions that enable successful university study including academic integrity, ethical practice, academic literacies and relevant discipline-specific knowledge. |
Skills: On completion of an Enabling course, a student will demonstrate:
| CLO-EC2: Locate, analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate information through self-directed learning for effective use in academic contexts, including online learning environments CLO-EC3: Work independently and collaboratively to apply academic literacy and communication skills to clearly express and exchange ideas, theories, and analysis that support effective engagement with tertiary study. |
Application of knowledge and skills: A student completing an Enabling course will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills by:
| CLO-EC4: Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to generate ideas and solutions in a range of disciplinary contexts while adopting student practices that align with institutional academic expectations. |
Frequently asked questions
What is Deakin Uni Ready?
Deakin Uni Ready (UniReady) is a fee-free, non-award enabling program that provides a supported pathway into university for domestic students who do not yet meet standard entry requirements. It is part of the Australian Government’s Fee-Free Uni Ready initiative and is delivered fully online.
How do I apply for Deakin Uni Ready?
You can apply through Deakin’s online application portal. Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the program.
Who is eligible for Deakin Uni Ready?
You may be eligible if you have completed Year 10 (or equivalent), are 17 years or older, and do not have, or are not eligible for, a university offer.
Deakin Uni Ready is available to domestic students who are Australian or New Zealand citizens, or permanent Australian residents.
Is Deakin Uni Ready fee-free?
Yes. Deakin Uni Ready is fee-free for eligible domestic students, offered under the Australian Government’s Fee-Free Uni Ready initiative. There are no tuition costs for eligible students. Because the program has no fees, students are not eligible for Deakin University financial scholarships, loans or bursaries, or government financial assistance, including Centrelink, grants or HECS-HELP.
What courses can I apply for after completing the program?
After completing Deakin Uni Ready, you may be eligible to apply through the standard admissions process for selected undergraduate degrees at Deakin, including:
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
