To engage and succeed as a student at Deakin, there are three standards which you are required to meet:

1. Access to a device such as a desktop computer or laptop.

2. Connectivity to the internet.

3. Capability to use our online learning environments.

Before you commence your studies, check you have access to the equipment and systems you will need to effectively complete your studies using the information below.

Computing requirements

In general, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past two years should be capable of meeting most of your learning needs at Deakin. Mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones may also enable access to many common communication and learning experiences, but there are likely to be aspects of most courses where the computing capability of mobile devices alone is insufficient, and a desktop or laptop is required.

A minimum standard computer suitable for most courses can:

• use a system such as Windows 10 (20H2) or later, macOS Big Sur 11.x or above (refer to Deakin's Standard Operating Environment)
• run a modern browser – Microsoft Edge (new Chromium edition) or Google Chrome are preferred, but in most cases you can also use Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari
• run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations (Microsoft Office 365 with 1TB of OneDrive storage is provided to all staff and students through the Deakin Software Library)
• connect to Deakin's wireless network when used on campus, at on-campus student residences or at a learning centre – see 'Connectivity requirements' below
• enable the use of a web camera (external or built-in) and headset (USB or Bluetooth).

All students are also required to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). To run this, you'll need the DUO app on your phone or tablet and Apple iOS 14 or higher or Android 10 or higher (or, a mobile device that can receive SMS/texts).

Your courses may require additional specific software, which may have higher or additional system requirements. Check with your unit chair for any unique technical requirements.

Connectivity requirements

Deakin courses require reliable broadband internet connectivity, with upload and download capacity. At our campuses and learning centres, this is available through connection to our wireless network eduroam (for portable devices) and through shared computing facilities in libraries and computer labs. Your can also access eduroam at many institutions worldwide.

For Cloud learning, you will need an internet service provider (ISP). If you have a National Broadband Network (NBN), cable or ADSL broadband plan with your ISP, your internet connection should provide sufficient speed to download required study materials and to engage in online learning activities associated with your course.

If you rely on your 3G or 4G mobile phone technology to access the internet (and Deakin learning resources), then the speed at which you can do so may vary widely depending on your location and, in the worst cases, may constrain your learning engagement.

Some specific activities, such as uploading and/or downloading large files, may be more efficiently conducted on-campus or at a learning centre. This is particularly the case for media-rich files, such as videos to/from YouTube, Vimeo or DeakinAir.

In addition, some specialist resources, such as Library resources under copyright licencing, require students to access these from either a Deakin IP address (available when connecting to the Deakin network at any Deakin campus) or via a secure Virtual Private Network.

Capability requirements

DeakinSync is your personal portal to relevant Deakin resources, providing access to everything in one place including your learning resources and environment, as well as tools to manage your time, communicate and collaborate with others and view/update your enrolment information. It is likely you will need to access DeakinSync on a daily basis during your studies.

In addition to DeakinSync, most students will be expected to be able to:

• use technologies to find, use and disseminate information, and access text, image and audio files on the web (Digital Literacy Graduate Learning Outcome)
• communicate using email and attachments
• create basic documents, spreadsheets and presentations
• manage and back-up files using common file formats
• use a common operating system to install and uninstall software, as well as manage software and settings.

You will learn how to do these things during Orientation as well as in your first period of study.

Need help?

For support with computing, connectivity and capability requirements, contact the IT Service Desk.

This information provides general guidance on what is required of all Deakin students. Check your individual course and unit requirements carefully prior to enrolment and prior to purchasing or connecting devices as there may be additional requirements for some courses.