Discover your pathway to university
Finding a route to university doesn't have to be difficult. Deakin has a range of options to suit all types of circumstances, so whether you're a Year 12 student, moving from TAFE, or re-entering education, you can find a pathway to your dream course.
If you already know which course you'd like to study, take advantage of Deakin's pathways finder tool. All you need to do is select your chosen course and your student type, enter your ATAR (if you're a current or recent Year 12 student), and you'll gain all the information you need about your routes to study.
Didn't get the ATAR you wanted?
If you didn't quite get the ATAR you hoped for in your final year of high school, you haven't missed your opportunity to study at Deakin. There is a range of pathways into your dream degree, and the traditional path from Year 12 to uni is only one of them.
| Transfer between campuses | Start your course at a campus with a lower ATAR requirement, then apply to transfer to your desired campus after completing the specified number of units. Browse locations |
| Transfer between courses | Apply to study a course with similar subjects or major sequences, but a lower ATAR, and use this as a pathway into your ideal course. Find a course |
| Associate degrees |
A Deakin associate degree in arts or education lets you study in a supported campus environment and provides a pathway into arts or education. Learn more about associate degrees |
| Deakin College |
A Deakin College diploma can provide a fast-track pathway into Deakin undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Learn more about Deakin College |
| Start at TAFE and transfer to Deakin |
Use TAFE study as a stepping stone into university. Related diplomas or advanced diplomas you've completed can count as credit towards your entry into Deakin. Learn more about TAFE pathways |
Moving from TAFE to university?
Using TAFE study as a stepping stone is a great way to transition into university. By studying a diploma or advanced diploma at TAFE and then applying to university, you'll graduate with two qualifications: one from TAFE and one from Deakin – turning you into a highly employable graduate on a path to success.
| Entry from TAFE to Deakin |
By studying certain courses at one of Deakin's TAFE partners, you could gain entry into the Deakin course of your dreams, giving you the confidence and reassurance you need to concentrate on your goals. Learn more about TAFE pathways |
| Recognition of prior learning (RPL) |
If you're completing a TAFE course that doesn't offer a pathway into Deakin, you could still use recognition of prior learning to gain credit for the work you've already done and reduce the amount of units you do at Deakin. Learn more about RPL |
Combining work and study?
Let us show you how to advance your professional life while balancing study around your important personal, family and work commitments. Coming to university to get your first degree, starting fresh after not finishing a previous degree, or even taking on postgraduate study are great ways to enhance your career prospects.
| Recognition of prior learning (RPL) |
If you're completing a TAFE course that doesn't offer a pathway into Deakin, you could still use recognition of prior learning to gain credit for the work you've already done and reduce the amount of units you do at Deakin. Learn more about RPL |
| Associate degrees |
A Deakin associate degree in arts or education lets you study in a supported campus environment and provides a pathway into arts or education. Learn more about associate degrees |
| Entry from TAFE to Deakin |
By studying certain courses at one of Deakin's TAFE partners, you could gain entry into the Deakin course of your dreams, giving you the confidence and reassurance you need to concentrate on your goals. Learn more about TAFE pathways |
Guaranteed pathways
Have you found your dream course but don't quite meet the entry requirements? Deakin's associate degrees offer a guaranteed study pathway to help make your career goals a reality.
Pathways that look beyond your ATAR
By applying for courses through the Deakin Regional Access Scheme and Indigenous Access Scheme, we can assess a range of factors outside of your academic results, like the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for study at university.
Special consideration for challenging circumstances
Have your Year 12 studies been impacted by challenging circumstances? If so, you can apply for special consideration, which acknowledges unavoidables factors that disrupt your studies while improving your chances of securing a place in your ultimate course. Special consideration increases your aggregate score based on what you would have achieved if your circumstances were different.
Pathways to your dream course
Did you know there is more than one path into your dream bachelor degree? Whether you've just finished school or are looking to get back into study, discover your pathway to university no matter your ATAR or education history.
Pathways to studying at Deakin
If your ATAR isn't what you planned for, learn about changing your preferences and the pathways on offer through Deakin, Deakin College or our TAFE partners that can get you to your dream course.
Get help with your application
Our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre can provide you with step-by-step guidance on the application process. Get in touch on 1800 693 888 to chat with one of our friendly advisers and have all your questions answered.