Deakin's flexible trimesters explained
Divided into three trimesters, Deakin’s academic year gives you greater choice over when and how you study. Compared with a traditional two-semester calendar, our trimester system offers flexible university start dates, allowing you to begin your course when you’re ready. Studying during summer in Trimester 3 (T3) also gives you even more options to plan your schedule.
How do Deakin trimesters work?
Deakin’s flexible university start dates and year-round study options let you plan university around your life – not the other way around. The academic year is organised into three equal trimesters, each consisting of:
- orientation week
- 11 teaching weeks
- mid-trimester break (one week during Trimester 1 and Trimester 2, two weeks in Trimester 3)
- one end-of-trimester study week
- a two-week assessment period.
More flexibility with shorter, smarter breaks
This structure gives you more entry points throughout the year and the option to study more units within a single calendar year. While studying in all three trimesters means shorter breaks between study periods, you still receive the same total time off each year as you would in a traditional semester system. Shorter breaks can also help you maintain momentum and transition more smoothly from one unit to the next.
Break length between trimesters
Breaks are typically two to three weeks, depending on the trimester. Your break may be longer depending on your end-of-trimester assessment schedule.
Keep track of key dates
With three trimesters, Deakin’s academic calendar may not always align with school or work schedules. It’s important to keep track of key dates so you know when to apply, enrol in units and attend classes – and when you can plan a break between trimesters!
Start in any trimester
At Deakin, you can start your degree in any trimester, giving you flexibility to begin when it suits you best. No matter which trimester you start in, you’ll receive the same expert teaching and student support that Deakin is known for.
Trimester 1
Trimester 1 (T1), starting in March, is Deakin’s largest intake of new students. This is when most Australian school leavers begin their studies and almost every course is available to start in T1.
Trimester 2
Trimester 2 (T2), starting in July, offers a similarly wide range of courses. T2 is ideal for undergraduates who took a break after high school, postgraduate students and international students whose school year doesn’t align with the Australian academic calendar.
Trimester 3
Trimester 3 (T3), beginning in early November, has the smallest intake of new students as there are fewer courses starting. Studying in T3 over summer can help you complete your degree faster.
I enjoy the flexibility offered at Deakin. Being able to compete subjects in trimesters means that I can decrease the length of my degree and complete it at my own pace.
Bachelor of Commerce
Study abroad opportunities
Are you hoping to visit Australia for a study abroad experience? Take advantage of Deakin’s Trimester 3 and spend the Australian summer studying and exploring the region.
Study all year (but only if you want to)
Standard full-time enrolment for most courses only requires study in T1 and T2. Some courses do require T3 enrolment – you can check your course page for details. For most courses, trimesters offer flexibility, letting you spread your full-time load over 12 months instead of eight. This gives you more time for work, family or relaxation.
Do all courses offer units in every trimester?
Not all courses offer core units in T3. Depending on your course structure and chosen major or specialisation, you may be able to take elective units in T3.
Do all Deakin courses operate on trimesters?
Most Deakin courses in Australia follow the trimester model, but a few exceptions – mainly in medicine and health – use a semester system. Shorter programs, such as business intensives and stackable short courses, also follow different schedules because they don’t run for a full trimester.
Our GIFT City Campus in India operates on semesters, with a single intake each year in July.
At the Deakin University Lancaster University Indonesia Campus, we use the trimester model, but the dates differ from standard Deakin trimesters – Trimester 1 there begins in September.
Does it cost more to study in all three trimesters?
Your fees are based on the number of units you enrol in, not the number of months you study. For example, if your standard enrolment is four units in T1 and four in T2, you pay for eight units. If you take three units in T1, three in T2 and two in T3, you still pay the same for the year.
Even if you use T3 to fast-track your degree by taking 10 units in one year instead of eight, your overall degree cost doesn’t change. In fact, it could even be seen as more cost-effective, since you may graduate sooner and start earning earlier.
Frequently asked questions
International applicants can apply to start further in the future to allow for processing time, visa applications and travel arrangements. Domestic applicants can only apply to the upcoming trimester.
You’ll need to apply to defer your offer. With Deakin’s flexible start dates and multiple entry points, you may only need to defer for four or eight months, depending on the next intake. This means you don’t have to put your plans on hold for a full year.
Yes. Our online courses follow the same flexible study patterns as on-campus courses.
Yes. The Deakin trimester schedule applies to postgraduate degrees and lets you balance study across the whole year. It is ideal for postgraduate students balancing study with work, family or other commitments.
Yes. That's an excellent option in a double degree as it can decrease the length of time it takes to complete both degrees.
Of course. We're here for you. Contact our friendly student adviser team with any questions. They can tell you what trimester you can start in and if there's an option for T3 units in your course. They can even point you to the course map for your degree so you know what units you'll be studying in each trimester for the whole course.
