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.
What is special consideration?
Special consideration acknowledges unavoidable factors that disrupt your studies and recognises what you could have achieved if your circumstances were different. You’ve got nothing to lose by applying, and your potential ranking adjustment could be the difference between receiving an offer and missing out.
Am I eligible for special consideration?
To be eligible for consideration, you must:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen,
- hold a permanent Australian residency visa, or
- have an eligible Temporary, Bridging or Safe Haven Enterprise visa.
You will also need to meet the individual requirements of one of the four categories of special consideration.
Categories of special consideration
We understand there are many types of challenges you might face as you prepare for uni. That’s why we recognise four different categories of special consideration to give you the best chance of turning your resilience into a brighter future.
Under-represented, regional or Indigenous students
This category of special consideration supports a range of under-represented students, including mature age applicants, applicants who identify as Indigenous Australians, regional or remote applicants, students from under-represented schools or applicants from a non-English speaking background.
Financial hardship
If you’ve experienced financial hardship, you might be eligible for special consideration. This category is designed to support applicants who are from a disadvantaged financial background, including recipients of Centrelink or those who have experienced individual or family poverty.
Disability or medical condition
This category of special consideration acknowledges students who are living with a disability or medical condition. This includes any learning, physical, sensory, psychiatric, mental health medical condition, illness or disability.
Difficult life or family challenges
If your studies have been impacted by difficult life challenges, you might be eligible for special consideration. This category covers a range of circumstances, including natural disasters, COVID-19, refugee status and other severe life disruptions.
Flexible options that look beyond your ATAR
Outside of our special consideration categories, there are flexible options to fast-track your entry into your dream course. The Deakin Regional Access Scheme, Indigenous Access Scheme and Regional and Remote Entry Scheme look beyond your ATAR to consider the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for study at university.
Under-represented disciplines
If you’re applying for an undergraduate course that’s under-represented by your gender, you may be eligible for additional consideration that improves your chances of selection.
How to apply for special consideration
Applying for special consideration under the Special Entry Access Schemes is simple and can add vital points to your ATAR. The process is different for each category, so please visit the relevant special consideration page for step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Learn more about applying for special consideration for:
Special consideration calculator
Get an estimation of the ATAR adjustment you might be eligible for by using our handy special consideration calculator.
Subject adjustments
Your aggregate score can also be increased through subject adjustments. Depending on the course you’re applying for, completing related subjects in high school could boost your aggregate score – like if you’re applying for a Bachelor of Civil Engineering having achieved a study score of 30 in mathematical methods.
Find out more about subject adjustments in the entry requirements section (in the selection adjustments tab) on course pages.
Explore our full range of pathways
If you don’t quite meet the entry requirements for your preferred course, the good news is there are many more pathways to university. Learn more about entry pathways and use our pathways finder to plan a study path to your dream course.
Got a question but can't find the answer?
Unsure where to start? Find out:
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions our future student advisers get about applying to Deakin:
Applications
Skip to next topicHow do I apply?
If you're currently in Year 12, or applying for multiple courses or campuses, you must apply through VTAC. If you're applying direct to Deakin, first register and create an account on our application portal. For full details on how to complete your application, head to the how to apply page.
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When do applications open?
Applications are now open. Not all courses are open at each application intake so be sure to check the relevant course page for full details. Learn more about how to apply.
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I'm having trouble creating an account on the application portal. How do I register?
If you've previously registered your details through the application portal, you won't be able to register again with the same email. If you don't remember your login details, don't worry – just contact Student Central on 03 9244 6333 or submit an enquiry online. You can also visit the application portal assistance hub for further support.
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What should I include in my personal statement?
Think of a personal statement like a job application cover letter. It should outline your motivation towards studying, your previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression.
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Can I get help to write my personal statement?
Yes! Please have a read of How to write a personal statement. You’re also welcome to chat to one of our friendly advisers on 1800 693 888 for advice on what to include in your personal statement.
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Do I have to provide a personal statement?
It will depend on the course you're applying for and its specific entry requirements. Either way, it will strengthen your chances of being offered a place at Deakin in your desired course. Check the entry requirements on the relevant course page for more information.
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How does a mature-age student apply?
If you're applying for more than one course in Trimester 1 you'll need to apply through VTAC. If you're applying for one course only, or multiple courses in Trimesters 2 and 3, you can apply direct to Deakin. Use our course finder to check entry requirements for your chosen course.
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I have submitted an application through VTAC, can I also submit an application directly to Deakin?
It depends on the course/s you're applying for, but generally, no. Get in touch with our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 or via live chat to discuss your options.
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Can you tell me if I'm definitely eligible before I apply?
Unfortunately not. Multiple factors are taken into consideration when an application is being assessed. This includes individual course requirements, which are subject to change, and the quality and size of the cohort of the year or trimester you're applying in.
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When will I hear back about my application?
The general turnaround time for direct applications to Deakin is two to four weeks from submission. You can check the progress of your application by logging into the application portal. If you applied through VTAC your offers will be released in rounds.
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How do I find out my application status?
Once you've submitted your application successfully, you can log back into the application portal to check the progress of your application.
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When can I expect my offer?
Direct offers from Deakin are generally sent out two to four weeks post application. You can check the status of your application at anytime by logging into the application portal.
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Will my first preference still be considered if I receive an offer for a lower preference?
Yes, whether you're applying through VTAC or directly to Deakin, you may still be considered for your first or higher-preferred courses regardless of whether you've accepted, declined or deferred an offer for a lower preferred course.
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What support is available to help me complete my application?
Get the best tips, advice and knowledge from our how to apply webinar series. Otherwise, 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 make sure you have all your questions answered.
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Can I speak to someone in person about my study options?
Yes! We regularly host events, including 1:1 consultations and information sessions, to assist you with study options and career planning. You can also connect with our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 from 9am-5pm weekdays, or chat with a team member live online from 8am-7pm Monday to Thursday and 9am-5pm Friday.
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Can I include references in my application?
Yes, you can! References are required for our MBA but are also welcome for other course applications. If you don't have an academic record, a written reference is considered to be a strong supporting document. Keep in mind, references may enhance your application but don't guarantee entry.
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Will references help my application?
A reference is considered to be a supporting document. If it provides more context about your work or life experience, it may enhance your application but will not guarantee you entry.
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Do I have to apply via VTAC if I'm not in Year 12?
If you're applying for more than one course in Trimester 1, you'll need to apply through VTAC. If you're applying for one course only, or multiple courses in Trimesters 2 and 3, you can apply direct to Deakin. Use our course finder to check entry requirements for your chosen course.
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I didn't complete Year 12. Can I still apply?
Yes, if you've completed either Year 12 equivalent studies, such as a TAFE, VET or a private provider program, or have relevant work experience you can still apply to study at Deakin. Get in touch with our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 to discuss your options.
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How do I apply for a scholarship?
Each Deakin scholarship has a unique set of entry requirements – be sure to check the individual scholarship page for full details on how to apply, as well as our top tips for scholarship applications.
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At what stage of the application process should I apply for a scholarship?
This depends on which scholarship you are applying for. To give yourself the best chance of success, browse the available scholarships and check the eligibility requirements. Make sure you pay close attention to the closing date for each scholarship as we cannot accept late applications, unfortunately.
Find out more about how to apply for a scholarship.
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Will I find out if I'm successful for a scholarship prior to getting an offer?
The application timeline for each Deakin scholarship is different – be sure to check the individual scholarship page for full details on dates and how to apply. You can also check out our top tips for scholarship applications.
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Do I need to provide certified transcripts with my application?
If you're applying as a domestic student, you won't need to provide certified documentation. However, if you've had a name change or change of status (i.e. residency) certified documents for these will be required.
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How long can I take to complete my degree?
At Deakin, you can switch between part-time and full-time study and set your own pace throughout your education. How long it takes will vary depending on the course you're interested in. Check the course page for details.
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Contact us
Apply with confidence. We're committed to giving you the guidance you need throughout the application process.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Email Future Students Team
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9034 6205
Email Deakin International
Enquire online