Year 12 guide
You don’t need to have it all figured out
Explore courses and careers, see what’s possible with your ATAR and get guidance on pathways and applying through VTAC.
Plan your path from Year 12 to university
Make a confident course choice by understanding your options and what matters to you. Get guidance from choosing a course to applying through VTAC, with one-to-one support when you need it.
Use this guide to:
Find a course that feels right for you
Choosing what to study is a big decision, but you don’t need everything figured out at once. Start with what interests you, use your ATAR to find suitable courses and consider pathways if you need another way in.
Use your ATAR to explore your options
Your ATAR is a useful starting point, but it’s not the whole picture. Use your ATAR to explore Deakin courses and filter by study area, campus and degree type. If you don't have your results yet, use our ATAR and study score calculators to estimate your results. You’ll also see the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR where available.
Check what each course requires
Check the course page for prerequisites, minimum study scores and other entry requirements. Some courses may require specific subjects or additional requirements, such as the Casper test. Check these before adding a course to your VTAC preferences.
Explore pathways to your preferred course
If you don’t meet the ATAR or another entry requirement, there may be another way in. Options can include starting in a related course, studying at another campus, Deakin College, TAFE, an associate degree, Deakin Uni Ready or bridging study.
Year 12 advice from people who’ve been there
Everyone approaches Year 12 differently. Hear from students and athletes on keeping things in perspective, preparing for exams and balancing study with the things that matter to you.
Your ATAR doesn’t define you.
Keep doing what you love.
Find a routine that works for you.
Prepare well and back yourself.
Unbeatable employability
Nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months. Every student has the opportunity for work-integrated learning so you’ll gain practical experience and career confidence.
Explore where your interests could take you
Whether you have a career in mind or are still figuring it out, exploring different careers can help you narrow down your options – and discover pathways you hadn’t considered.
Find inspiration in real stories
See how Deakin students and graduates turned their interests into different study and career paths. Their experiences could inspire your own next step.
Build career confidence while you study
Gain practical experience through placements, industry projects, simulations and field-based learning. You’ll test your interests, build skills and make industry connections while you study.
Experience Deakin at Open Day
Each August, Open Day is your chance to explore campus, step inside learning spaces and get a feel for uni life. Meet current students, academics and advisers, ask questions about courses and find out what studying at Deakin could be like.
How to apply through VTAC
Once you’ve found the courses you’re interested in, VTAC is where you submit your application, manage your preferences and receive offers.
Submit your VTAC application
When applications open, create your VTAC account and add up to eight course preferences. Remember, order matters. List your choices in the order you most want to study them – not where you think you’re most likely to get in.
Keep on top of key dates
Check the VTAC key dates for application deadlines, supporting documents, change of preference periods and offer rounds. Look ahead so you have time to prepare and make any updates before each deadline.
Review and change your course preferences
Your course list doesn’t have to stay the same after you apply. During change of preference, you can add, remove or reorder courses if your plans or results change. Find out when and how to update your list, and what to consider before making changes.
Find a scholarship
Explore Deakin scholarships while your application is underway – you might qualify for more than one. You can also check whether you’re eligible to apply for equity schemes and scholarships through VTAC.
Receive and accept your offer
When offers are released, VTAC will let you know if you’ve received one. Follow Deakin’s enrolment instructions by the deadline to accept your place and get ready to start university. If it isn’t your first preference, you may still be considered for courses listed above it in later offer rounds.
Need help with your application?
Questions can come up as you build your preference list or work through your application. Chat with a Deakin adviser online or call 1800 693 888 for help with courses, preferences or applying through VTAC.
Deakin not only allows students to pursue a degree of their choice but also ensures we feel supported in the direction our degree will take us.
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Frequently asked questions
Starting university comes with new ways of learning, but you won’t have to work everything out alone. You can access one-to-one study support, writing and maths mentors and Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), as well as support for your health, wellbeing and accessibility needs.
Depending on your course, you may be able to study part-time and take fewer units each trimester. This can give you more flexibility to balance uni with work, family or other commitments. Check your course page to see what study options are available.
Depending on your course, you may be able to study online, on campus or through a combination of both. Check the course page for the locations and study modes available before you apply.
Deakin has four campuses in Victoria: Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waterfront, Geelong Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool. Each offers a different location and campus experience, so it’s worth comparing where your course is offered, the facilities available and what each campus could be like for you.
Your parents or caregivers can help you explore courses, keep track of application dates and talk through your options. Our parents and caregivers hub has practical advice to help them support you through Year 12 and the move to university.
Your career practitioner can help you explore courses, understand entry requirements and work through your university options. They can also access Deakin tools, course information, events and resources through our career practitioners hub.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
Contact us
Talk one-to-one with a Deakin student adviser about courses, ATARs, entry requirements, pathways, preferences and your next steps.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online
