How the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR works

Understand how the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR helps you secure a place with confidence.

How does the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR help me get into a course?

It provides a tangible reduction in the published ATAR for eligible students, making it easier to secure an offer. Knowing your guaranteed ATAR upfront can also reduce exam stress and provide more certainty about your future.

Is the guaranteed ATAR the same at every Deakin campus?

No. Check the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR for each campus on the course page.

Is the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR based on my raw ATAR or my adjusted ATAR?

It’s based on your original, unadjusted ATAR before any equity adjustments. You’ll get this ATAR when your results are first released. If you faced challenges during your studies, we encourage you to submit an application for equity schemes (formerly SEAS) and scholarships. Your potential ranking adjustment could be the difference between receiving an offer or missing out.

What’s the difference between the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR and other equity schemes?

The Deakin Guaranteed ATAR offers eligible students guaranteed admission to a Deakin course at a lower ATAR that's published upfront. For example, if the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR for your ideal course is 65 and you receive an ATAR of at least 65 (without adjustments) and meet the eligibility requirements, you're guaranteed to receive an offer.

Equity schemes (formerly SEAS) and scholarships compensate for educational disadvantage by increasing your selection rank for the courses you’re applying for. For example, if you receive an ATAR of 63 and you need an adjusted ATAR of 67 for your ideal course, then your ATAR boost through equity schemes and scholarships could be enough to secure you an offer.

Does Deakin offer both the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR and equity schemes?

Yes. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for one or both. As long as you remain opted-in for the ‘personal information and location’ category in your VTAC application, you’ll be automatically considered for the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR. We also encourage you to apply for equity schemes (formerly SEAS) and scholarships, as these may apply to courses that don’t offer a Deakin Guaranteed ATAR.

To do this, simply submit a VTAC application for your preferred Deakin courses, along with an equity schemes and scholarships application, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Did you know...

The Deakin Guaranteed ATAR is available across most of our undergraduate courses. Make a confident choice about your future – browse available courses and ensure you meet any course prerequisites.

Find your ultimate course

Eligibility

Check whether you’re eligible for Deakin’s guaranteed ATAR offer.

Who can apply for a course with a Deakin Guaranteed ATAR?

The Deakin Guaranteed ATAR is open to students completing Year 12 who meet course entry requirements and are from an under-represented cohort. Eligibility conditions are clearly outlined, so you know what you’re working towards.

How do I know if I meet course eligibility requirements?

Check the entrance requirements on the relevant Deakin course page.

How do I know if I live or study in a regional or remote area?

Enter your postcode in the equity schemes calculator to confirm regional or remote eligibility. Regional applicants just need to apply for their chosen courses through VTAC and remain opted-in for the ‘personal information and location’ category.

How do I know if I’m from a Deakin under-represented school?

If you completed Year 12 at one of the schools identified as under-represented in higher education, you’re eligible.

What if I don’t meet the eligibility criteria for the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR?

You may still be eligible for other equity schemes. We encourage you to apply as these adjustments could make the difference between receiving an offer or missing out.

A student sitting at a table with an open laptop at the Geelong Waterfront Campus.

Is the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR available to international students?

No. It’s only available to domestic students who are Australian or New Zealand citizens, or holders of certain Australian permanent or humanitarian visas.

Learn more about international applications

Did you know...

Even if you’re not eligible, Deakin offers other entry pathways, including the Indigenous Access Scheme, equity schemes (formerly SEAS), scholarships, and the Regional and Remote Entry Scheme.

Explore access programs

Application process

Learn how to apply and what steps to follow to secure your place. 

How do I apply?

Apply through your VTAC account like any undergraduate course. Make sure you remain opted-in for the ‘personal information and location’ category in equity schemes (formerly SEAS) and scholarships so you’re automatically considered for the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR. Deakin experts are available to answer questions.

Do I have to preference Deakin first?

You receive one offer per round for the highest preference you’re eligible for, so list courses in the order you want to study them.

Do I need to submit an equity schemes and scholarships application to VTAC?

No. You’re automatically considered for the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR as long as you remain opted-in for the ‘personal information and location’ category.

When do I find out if I’ve been accepted?

Round 1 offers for the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR are released in December and January. Subsequent rounds may apply if there are still places available. Bookmark our key dates page.

Contact us

Our friendly Deakin experts are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, the application process, pathways to your dream degree and more. Download the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR course guide (PDF, 225KB).

1800 693 888
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