Entry pathways
#1 Victorian university for course satisfaction
Didn't get the ATAR or secondary education qualification you needed? Perhaps you're aspiring to return to study or looking to switch careers? The good news is, there's more than one way into university.
Find your pathway to Deakin
The path to university is not always linear. If you don't currently meet the entry requirements for your chosen course, are transitioning from TAFE or returning to study, we offer a range of pathways and programs to help you earn your place at Deakin.
If you didn't get the ATAR or secondary education qualification you need for your ideal course, or don't currently meet the English language requirements, you haven't missed your opportunity to study at Deakin.
| Transfer between campuses | Start your course at a campus with a lower ATAR or secondary school qualification requirement, then apply to transfer to your desired campus after completing the specified number of units. |
| Transfer between courses | Apply to study a course with similar subjects or major sequences, but a lower ATAR or secondary school qualification, and use this as a pathway into your ideal course. |
| Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) | DUELI prepares you with the English language skills needed to start your Deakin degree. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you are automatically offered a place at DUELI. Learn more about DUELI |
| Associate degrees | A Deakin associate degree in arts or education lets you study in a supported campus environment and provides a pathway into arts or education. |
| Deakin College | A Deakin College diploma can provide a fast-track pathway into Deakin undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. |
| Start at TAFE and transfer to Deakin | Use TAFE study as a stepping stone into university. Related diplomas or advanced diplomas you've completed can count as credit towards your Deakin degree. |
TAFE is a great way to transition into university. Plus, by studying a diploma or advanced diploma first, you'll graduate with two qualifications – one from TAFE and one from Deakin – making you a highly employable graduate.
| Direct entry from TAFE to Deakin | By studying certain courses at one of our TAFE partners, you could gain direct entry into second year of your chosen Deakin degree. |
| Recognition of prior learning (RPL) | If you're studying a TAFE course that doesn't offer a direct pathway into Deakin, you could still use recognition of prior learning to gain credit for the work you've already done and reduce the amount of units you need to complete at Deakin. |
Aspiring to earn your first degree, starting fresh after not finishing a previous degree, or taking on postgraduate study alongside full or part-time work are smart ways to enhance your career prospects.
| Recognition of prior learning (RPL) | Turn your study and life experience into credit that can reduce your course duration and cost. We consider all education qualifications from around the world, as well as informal learning that relates to your course. |
| Associate degrees | A Deakin associate degree in arts or education lets you study in a supported campus environment and provides a pathway into arts or education. |
| Direct entry from TAFE to Deakin | By studying certain courses at one of our TAFE partners, you could gain direct entry into second year of your chosen Deakin degree. |
Deakin has formal pathway agreements with leading institutions around the world, giving you the flexibility to start your studies locally before transferring to Deakin in Australia to complete your degree.
| International partner institutions | Depending on your partner institution and course, you may follow a Deakin-licensed curriculum designed to support your transition to study in Australia, or receive recognition of prior learning, also known as credit transfer. |
How pathways work
No matter your education history, a pathway to university study is possible – there are more options than you may think.
Explore your pathway options
Try our pathway finder tool and explore the courses that may be available to you.
Are you an international student? Explore Deakin's global study partnerships, with options to study in your home country or transition to Australia.
Deakin Guaranteed ATAR
Do you attend an under-represented school, live or study in a rural or regional area or come from an Indigenous background? Deakin offers lower guaranteed ATARs for eligible domestic students, helping you feel more confident about securing a place in your desired course.
Deakin Uni Ready
No ATAR? No problem. Free and online, Deakin Uni Ready is a pathway program that gives you the skills and support to meet Deakin's entry requirements and step into a degree in arts, health, science or business. Open to domestic students only.
Overseas and need support?
Our authorised agents can guide you through your pathway options and find the best match for your education background and career goals.
Our students share their journey
Hear from students Carly, Alex, Anshu and Juliette about their transitions from TAFE and Deakin College into degrees at Deakin University.
Pathways that look beyond your ATAR
Your high school results aren't your only way into Deakin. Explore our access programs and alternative entry pathways, which recognise your circumstances, experiences and achievements to help you find a pathway into university and the course you want to study.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
Contact us
It's only natural to have lots of questions as you prepare for university study. Whether you want to learn more about our entry pathways or need advice, we're available to help.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online
