How much does university cost in Australia?

University fees and costs in Australia vary depending on your degree, study load and institution. At Deakin University, international students are required to pay annual tuition fees for their program of study. These fees are typically calculated based on your degree, the year you begin and how many units you take each study period. 

University degree fees

Each degree will have different fees attached to them whether you are an international or domestic student. Start by using the ‘Choose your degree’ link below to locate the degree you are interested in. Your degree’s fees will be located under the 'Fees and scholarships’ tab on the degree information page. 

Choose your degree

What do my international student fees pay for?

Deakin University is the #1 university in Melbourne for facilities and resources. We are always investing in new spaces and the latest equipment. No matter what you study, you can be sure you are getting an up-to-date, advanced experience.

As an international student, you pay a single fee that covers:

  • degree fees, including access to teaching from leading academics and industry experts
  • student wellbeing and support services
  • student sport and recreation facilities
  • DeakinTALENT career service
  • The Deakin Library.

It is important to note that fees can vary from year to year and they do not include additional expenses such as accommodation, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), textbooks, equipment or other study-related costs.

Estimate your tuition fees

Whatever degree you are studying, our fee estimator tool gives you a good indication of your tuition fees. Make an informed decision about investing in your future.

Estimate your tuition fees

How do I pay tuition fees?

Your Letter of Offer will include details of fees that are due when you accept your offer. This payment is based on full-time enrolment for your degree. The fees may change slightly when you select your units each year. 

Payment methods

If you are a new student who applied through a authorised international agent, discuss your payment options with your agent. If you applied direct to Deakin, follow the online payment instructions (such as FlyWire or PayPal) in Studylink when you accept your offer.

When we receive your payment, we will issue you an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You can then apply for your student visa.

What other costs will I need to pay?

Living costs

You will need to consider the cost of accommodation, utilities, transport and groceries in Australia. Learn more about living costs at Study Australia and use their Cost of Living Calculator to get an estimate of potential costs. 

Overseas Student Health Cover

All international students on a student visa, and their dependents, must have health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia. Learn more about Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and choosing an OSHC provider.

Miscellaneous fees

Deakin University charges additional fees for services such as parking, graduation, additional study opportunities and some administrative processes or penalties. Refer to our comprehensive list of fees charged for each service.

Study costs

Many Deakin programs may incur additional costs or fees for study materials, textbooks and specialist equipment. These costs will vary depending on your chosen degree and your level of study. Details of these costs are found in your degree and unit requirements.

How can I reduce my tuition costs?

Apply for a scholarship

Be recognised for your past achievements and your future potential. Deakin is proud to offer scholarships that financially support commencing students to help make their study goals come true.

Find a scholarship

Southeast Asia Priority Bursary

Pursue your goals at Deakin University with a one-off bursary of up to AUD$2,000. Students from Indonesia, Vietnam, The Philippines, Cambodia and across Southeast Asia are automatically considered.

Learn more

Study a double degree

Save time and money and increase your employability with a double degree. Get two complementary degrees in as little as one extra year of study. This also gets you into the workforce and earning earlier.

Learn more

Get recognition for prior learning

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) turns your past study into study credit that can reduce your study duration and cost. Use our RPL calculator to determine whether your previous studies are eligible for credit at Deakin.

Use our RPL calculator

Financial assistance

Do you need financial assistance to continue your degree, or just need help with managing your money? We have a range of financial services to support you during your studies. 

Get financial support

Evelyn from Vietnam

Studying abroad can be financially challenging. Gaining a scholarship has reduced that burden to my family, allowing me to focus on my studies and maintain strong academic performance.

Evelyn, Vietnam

Bachelor of Communications

Need to change your plans to study in Australia?

We understand that sometimes life gets in the way of study. That is why we may be able to offer you a partial or full refund of your degree fees if you need to withdraw from a unit.

We strongly recommend speaking to a Deakin student adviser before withdrawing from your units as this can impact your visa and degree duration.

Refunds for international students about to start at Deakin

If you know that you need to withdraw from your chosen degree (or even just an individual unit), you should do so as soon as possible. The first date of the teaching period and the census date is different every trimester, and may vary across degrees, so it is a good idea to check these dates.

Learn more about withdrawal dates and penalties for commencing international students

Learn more about withdrawal dates and penalties for current international students

Refunds for international students who are continuing at Deakin

If you are a continuing international student (you have already completed one or more trimesters of study), and you need to withdraw from a unit or units of study, we are able to arrange:

  • a 100% refund if you withdraw from the unit or units before the start of the third week of trimester
  • a 50% refund if you withdraw from the unit or units between the start of the third week of trimester and the census date.

We are not able to arrange a refund if you withdraw after the census date.

Find international student refund information

Frequently asked questions about international student fees and costs

Your Letter of Offer will include details of fees that are due when you accept your offer.

There will likely be additional expenses associated with your degree. Some are optional, some you will not be able to avoid. Depending on what you are studying, they include things like:

  • textbooks
  • equipment
  • resources and materials for projects
  • study tours and excursions. 

Yes. We are here to help. Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. Our Student Emergency Assistance Fund provides lifeline emergency grants – whether that is helping you keep a roof over your head or stay connected online. The Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) also operates a food pantry on every campus. And if financial pressures are stressing you out, we offer free counselling and budgeting support to help you get back on track.

When planning to study in Australia, it is important to budget for everyday living expenses in addition to your tuition and study fees. These costs typically include accommodation, groceries, transport, utilities, mobile and internet bills, textbooks, and personal expenses. The Study Australia cost of living calculator can help you estimate how much it could cost to have the lifestyle you choose in Australia.

Melbourne city skyline in the evening. Geelong Waterfront Deakin campus from aerial view. Australian coins and notes sitting on newspaper.

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

Contact us

Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services for international students and how we can help you study at Deakin in Australia.

Phone: +61 3 9918 9188

Enquire online

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