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Deakin Accelerate Program
Start uni early and get ahead with your study
Want to save time and money on your future uni degree? Get a head start with Deakin Accelerate by completing two first-year university units during Year 12. Boost your ATAR and your future career prospects at the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.
Start uni now with Deakin Accelerate
Deakin Accelerate is more than an extension studies program. It's one of the smartest moves you can make in Year 12. Complete real uni units, save time and money on your future degree and give your resume a distinct edge before most students have even started.
Employers notice high-achieving students who go further, and as Victoria's #1 university for graduate employment, Deakin knows exactly what it takes to stand out. Our Accelerate program isn't just about getting into uni. It's about arriving ready to thrive.
Download the Deakin Accelerate information brochure (PDF, 1.9MB)
Boost your ATAR
Gain an additional three to five increment points towards your ATAR aggregate. This gives you more course options and a better chance of getting into your ultimate degree.
Earn uni credit for free
Fast-track your degree by earning credit for your Accelerate program units, which you can put towards a Deakin course. We’ll cover your tuition fees, making Deakin Accelerate free.
Start uni, ready
Your uni era starts here. Familiarise yourself with university life and learning styles for a seamless transition after Year 12. You'll also have access to our student support services.
Stand out from the crowd
Give your resume a distinctive edge and stand out to future employers as a high-achieving student. Completing Deakin Accelerate shows your eagerness to learn and take on new opportunities.
Deakin Accelerate opened so many different doors and gave me the chance to fully experience university study and student life before fully committing myself.
Past Deakin Accelerate student | Current Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) student
Discover what you can study
Explore 17 study areas and discover where your passion could take you. Browse available units and get all the information you need to make your decision with confidence.
How Deakin Accelerate works
Study two first-year university units across the year, one in Trimester 1 (March–June) and one in Trimester 2 (July–October). With 17 study areas to explore, there's something for every interest and ambition.
Study your way
Choose the study mode that fits your life. Join first-year students on campus at one of Deakin's four campuses in Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waterfront, Geelong Waurn Ponds or Warrnambool, with class times designed to work around your VCE timetable. Prefer to learn online? Our flexible online learning platform gives you 24/7 access to classes, resources and real-time support on any device, anywhere.
How do I apply?
Do your research
Before you apply, explore our study areas to find the right fit. Check what each unit covers, any prerequisite or co-requisite VCE subjects needed, and whether you'll study on campus, online or both.Apply
Applications for the 2027 Deakin Accelerate program open on Monday, 3 August 2026.
Have a question you want answered before then? Enquire online.Receive your offer
You'll be notified in early January 2027 about the outcome of your application. You'll then have 10 days to accept and confirm your place in the extension studies program.Start uni early and get ahead
Kick things off at Orientation in February 2027. From there, dive into uni life alongside first-year students, attending classes and getting familiar with the Deakin experience. We'll be there supporting you every step of the way.
Is Deakin Accelerate for you?
Everything you need to know about eligibility and getting started.
Who should apply?
You're a great fit if you're:
- a high achiever with above-average Year 11 results
- looking for an extra challenge alongside VCE
- a self-starter who works well independently
- ready to get a head start on your uni degree.
Entry requirements
To be eligible you must:
- be completing Year 12 in 2027
- meet the prerequisite or co-requisite VCE subject requirement
- have achieved an average of at least 65% across your Year 11 subjects.
Why choose Deakin Accelerate?
Curious about university life before you commit to your degree? Find out what former Deakin Accelerate student, Savannah, has to say about the program.
#1 Victorian university for graduate employment
Our graduates get jobs – because Deakin offers the most comprehensive, career-focused education experience in Victoria. You'll gain career-ready skills with courses designed for workplace demand.
Frequently asked questions about Deakin Accelerate
Curious if the Accelerate program is the right fit for you? You're in the right place. Dive into some frequently asked questions and get the information you need to make a confident choice.
Absolutely. With Deakin Accelerate, you’ll earn real uni credit, boost your ATAR and save on tuition fees. All while still in Year 12. You'll build uni-ready skills, get a head start on your dream degree and stand out to future employers. At Victoria's #1 university for graduate employment, it's a smart investment in your future.
Completing two Accelerate program units adds between three and five increment points to your ATAR aggregate, which is the equivalent of studying a fifth or sixth VCE subject. The better your results, the greater the boost. Scores of 90–100% earn the maximum 5.0 points, giving you more course options and a stronger chance of getting into your ultimate degree.
An extension study increment is the contribution your Accelerate results make to your ATAR aggregate. Rather than being scaled like VCE subjects, your average mark across both Accelerate units is converted to increment points (3.0 to 5.0), which are added to your ATAR calculation as your fifth or sixth permissible studies.
You'll have access to Deakin's full range of student support services, including a study support team, library access on campus and online and a peer mentor program to help you navigate uni resources. A dedicated Accelerate program team also guides you throughout, with tools and forums to help you perform at your best across both VCE and Deakin Accelerate.
Start by exploring the 17 study areas and checking prerequisites and co-requisites. Applications open Monday 3 August 2026 and must be submitted online through the application portal. To apply:
- Download the application pack after Monday 3 August 2026.
- Gain approval and supporting documentation from your parent or guardian, school and principal.
- Get a copy of your VASS Full Details Report.
- Complete your responses to the student supporting statement questions.
- Submit your application and all supporting documents online by the closing date.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
