Not sure which access program is right for you? Our friendly student advisers can help you explore your options, find the right pathway and take the next step towards a Deakin degree.
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Access programs
Your path to university may look different – and that's okay.
Whether you don't have an ATAR, you're living regionally, returning to study or just figuring out where to start, our access programs are designed to help you get into Deakin and succeed once you're here.
There’s more than one way to get here
At Deakin, we believe everyone deserves access to university, regardless of their background, location or circumstances. Our access programs support students who may not follow a traditional path – providing opportunities to study, succeed and build a career you’re proud of.
Find the program that's right for you
Choose the option that best describes you:
- No ATAR: Deakin Uni Ready
- Returning to study: Deakin Uni Ready
- Living regionally or remotely: Regional and Remote Entry Scheme or Deakin Guaranteed ATAR
- Rural student interested in medicine: Rural Training Stream
- Indigenous student: Indigenous Access Scheme, Indigenous Entry Stream or Deakin Guaranteed ATAR
- Attend an under-represented school: Deakin Guaranteed ATAR or Equity schemes and scholarships
- Experienced financial hardship, disability or difficult circumstances: Equity schemes and scholarships
- Balancing elite sport and study: Elite Athlete Program
- Still at school exploring your options: Deakin Engagement and Access Program
Deakin Uni Ready
If you don't have an ATAR, or it's been some time since you last studied, Deakin Uni Ready is a free online program that helps you build the academic skills and confidence needed for university study. The program prepares you for entry into a range of undergraduate degrees in arts, health, science or business.
Deakin Guaranteed ATAR
If you attend an under-represented school, live in a regional or remote area, or come from an Indigenous background, the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR offers eligible students a lower guaranteed entry score for selected courses – helping you plan your next step into university with more certainty.
#1 Victorian university for student support
Choosing a pathway into university is just the beginning. At Deakin, you’ll be supported from day one with tailored academic support, peer mentoring, wellbeing services and career advice – designed to help you settle in, build confidence and succeed in your studies.
Equity schemes (SEAS) and scholarships
If your studies have been affected by financial hardship, health conditions, disability or difficult life circumstances, equity schemes and scholarships can support your application and help strengthen your chance of receiving an offer for your preferred course.
Regional and rural access programs
Living outside a major city shouldn't mean fewer opportunities. Deakin offers dedicated access programs for students from regional and rural communities to support entry into university and future career pathways.
Regional and Remote Entry Scheme
If you’re a current Year 12 student at a regional or remote school, you may be eligible for an alternative entry pathway into selected health and sport courses at Deakin.
Rural Training Stream
Each year, dedicated places in Deakin’s Doctor of Medicine are reserved for eligible students from rural backgrounds. Training is delivered in rural settings to support students who want to contribute to regional and remote health outcomes.
I started looking for a medical school that held the value of community contribution as highly as I did. Deakin’s Rural Training Stream was perfect for me. It meant I could move to Geelong and then undertake my clinical years in a rural hospital.
Doctor of Medicine – Rural Training Stream
Looking for other ways to study at Deakin?
If access programs aren't the right fit, you may still be eligible for alternative entry pathways based on previous study, qualifications, TAFE experience or life experience.
Indigenous access and entry programs
Deakin’s Indigenous access and entry programs recognise your strengths, experience and community contribution alongside academic achievement. These programs provide supportive entry into a wide range of degrees and study areas, and open pathways into meaningful careers.
Indigenous Access Scheme
Recognising that achievement comes in many forms, this program supports entry into a broad range of undergraduate courses by considering your skills, experience and community contributions alongside your academic background.
Indigenous Entry Stream
This program provides dedicated places in selected health degrees – including medicine, psychology, medical imaging and optometry – supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into careers in healthcare and community wellbeing.
Deakin Elite Athlete Program
Are you balancing elite sport and study? Our Elite Athlete Program gives student athletes the flexibility and support to manage university study alongside training, travel and competition – without having to choose between the two.
Deakin Engagement and Access Program
If you’re an under-represented student considering your future study options while still at school, the Deakin Engagement and Access Program helps you explore higher education, build confidence and understand what university study could look like for you.
Discover what’s possible
Not every student arrives at university in the same way. Whether your results didn’t go to plan or you’re still working out your next step, there are pathways that can help you start studying at Deakin and move toward your goals.
How Deakin's Indigenous Entry Stream opens up a world of opportunity
Deakin's Indigenous Entry Stream offers places to study the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry, Bachelor of Medical Imaging or Doctor of Medicine.
How to get into uni with a low ATAR score
Discover pathways to university for school leavers with low ATAR scores, including alternative entry options and support available at Deakin University.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
