How to help your child choose a university
Feel confident supporting their decision
Get trusted advice and practical guidance on courses, career outcomes, applications, fees and pathways – from exploring options to preparing for university.
Is university worth the investment?
Choosing Deakin is an investment in your child’s future, giving them much more than a degree. They’ll graduate with practical experience, career-ready skills, professional connections and the confidence to take their next step.
How Deakin prepares your child for a career
At Deakin, employability is built into every degree with opportunities to gain practical experience through placements, industry projects, simulations and field-based learning. That experience helps your child explore where their degree could take them and prepare for the transition from university to work. And the results speak for themselves: 9 in 10 Deakin graduates find employment within four months of graduating.
But the value of a degree extends beyond landing that first job. University can help your child develop the critical thinking, communication, problem solving and adaptability they’ll draw on as their career evolves, while building professional connections that can open doors along the way.
How Deakin supports your child to succeed
Choosing a university isn’t only about what your child will study. It’s also about knowing they’ll have the support, resources and opportunities they need to make the most of their time at university.
Deakin is recognised globally and ranks highly in Victoria:
- Top 250 universities worldwide
- #1 Victorian university for student support
- #1 Victorian university for facilities and resources
For parents, that means greater confidence that your child will be supported while they study and well prepared for whatever comes next.
Help your child explore their course options
If your child isn’t sure what or where to study, start with their interests, strengths and career goals. Use our tools and guides to explore courses, compare options and understand pathways into Deakin.
Get course advice from Deakin
Need help making sense of the choices? A Deakin adviser can help you and your child compare courses, understand entry requirements and pathways, and narrow down their choices. Deakin advisers are available on 1800 693 888 or through live chat.
Your child's journey to university
Understand what to expect at each stage and how you can support your child as they prepare for university.
Talk with your child about their interests, strengths and goals, and explore study areas that could suit them.
Help your child choose subjects that keep course options open and meet prerequisites for courses they may consider.
Compare courses, entry requirements, study locations and ATARs to help your child narrow down their options.
Help your child apply through VTAC, order their course preferences and keep track of key dates.
During change of preference, help your child review, add, remove or reorder courses as plans or results change.
Explore Deakin’s learning spaces, libraries, wellbeing services and campus facilities so your child knows what’s available before they start.
No ATAR? Explore Deakin Uni Ready
If your child doesn’t have an ATAR or doesn’t yet meet standard entry requirements, Deakin Uni Ready could provide a pathway. For eligible domestic students, the program is fee-free and online, helping build the academic skills and confidence needed to apply for selected Deakin degrees.
Understand applications and fees
Get clear guidance on applications, key dates, fees and funding, so you can help your child understand what to expect. Find guidance on:
Support your child at university
Starting university is a big transition. Knowing what support is available can help you guide your child to the right services when they need them.
Frequently asked questions
A lower-than-expected ATAR doesn’t necessarily rule out their preferred course. Eligible domestic Year 12 students may qualify for the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, while other pathways can include starting in a related course or at another campus, Deakin College, TAFE, an associate degree or Deakin Uni Ready.
For eligible domestic students, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government subsidises part of the tuition fees and your child pays the remaining student contribution. If eligible, they can defer all or part of this amount through HECS-HELP and start repaying once their income is above the repayment threshold.
International students aren’t eligible for CSPs or HECS-HELP and pay tuition fees based on their course and study load. Find out more about international student fees.
Depending on the course and your child’s circumstances, costs can include textbooks, equipment or software, mandatory checks, travel and accommodation. Domestic students also pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). International students on a student visa also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Talk with your child about their interests, strengths and goals rather than focusing only on ATAR. Explore courses together, attend Open Day and use study and career stories to understand where different interests and degrees can lead, while giving them space to decide what feels right for them.
Encourage your child to explore scholarships early and check eligibility, closing dates and supporting documents. Current Year 12 students don’t need to wait for their ATAR before applying. Most international scholarships don’t require a separate application, with eligibility assessed when students apply to study at Deakin.
International students can apply directly to Deakin or through a Deakin authorised agent, depending on their circumstances. Students completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply for undergraduate courses through both VTAC and StudyLink Connect.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
We're here to help
Have questions about courses, pathways, applications, fees or support? Deakin advisers can help you and your child understand their options and next steps.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online
