How to submit an application
Course applications for Trimester 1, 2023 open in early August. Deakin is here to give you all the tools and tips you need to make Year 12 the best year it can be. Explore our Year 12 students support hub.
What is the Deakin Regional Access Scheme?
Students from around Australia are using the Deakin Regional Access Scheme as a pathway to undergraduate study at our regional campuses in Geelong and Warrnambool. It allows you to secure a spot at university long before ATARs are released by looking at your skills, experience and achievements.
Who’s it for?
The scheme is open to current and recent domestic Year 12 students (2022, 2021 and 2020) looking to study at our Waterfront, Waurn Ponds or Warrnambool campuses – but you don’t have to live in a regional area to be eligible. It's perfect for students who want to achieve their best free from the expectations of exams.
What’s the benefit?
We look beyond your ATAR to recognise all the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for study. If your application is successful, you’ll receive an early offer to Deakin (as soon as late August). It’s also beneficial for recent Year 12 students who believe their ATAR isn’t a true reflection of their potential.
How does it work?
A range of courses at our regional campuses are available through the Deakin Regional Access Scheme. Applications re-open in early August - simply fill out the online application form and tell us how your skills and experience set you up for success at uni.
Explore available courses
Ready to secure your future at Victoria’s #1 university for educational experience? Get started by choosing from a range of our practical, industry-shaped courses. You can narrow your search by using the interest area and campus filters.
^Applicants may submit a portfolio of work to showcase their talents and strengthen their application. Portfolios should satisfy the requirements specified by the submission deadline.
How do I apply?
Applications re-open in early August. Complete our online application form to apply. Use the form to sell yourself – we want to know about all the skills, experience and achievements that demonstrate your readiness for study. Strengthen your application by including supporting documents that provide evidence of your capabilities.
Use our course finder to choose the right course for you, then visit the course page to make sure you meet the entry requirements.
Complete our online application form, including the Deakin statement, remembering to include any documents that support your application.
Preference your chosen course in your VTAC application, using the Deakin Regional Access Scheme VTAC code.
Examples of supporting documents
- A letter of reference for voluntary work experience
- Evidence of extracurricular activities
- Evidence of school or community leadership positions
- Evidence of participation in the Deakin Engagement and Access Program (DEAP)
Key dates
Stay informed and in control of your future by familiarising yourself with our upcoming key dates, events and information sessions.
VTAC course applications
Early August
Applications are made through VTAC, which opens for 2023 in early August. Remember, it’s important to include courses you think you’ll get into, but your top preferences should be your dream courses.
Find out more
Change of preference
Mid-to-late December
After ATARs are released, you’ll have a few days to add, remove and reorder courses on your preference list – if you need to. As change of preference approaches, stay tuned for upcoming events and webinars.
Got a question but can’t find the answer?
We’ve curated some of the most commonly asked questions about the Deakin Regional Access Scheme.
Common questions
Skip to next topicWho can apply through the Deakin Regional Access Scheme?
The Deakin Regional Access Scheme is open to current and recent Year 12 students looking to study at our Waterfront, Waurn Ponds or Warrnambool campuses. While the scheme is available through these campuses, you don’t have to live in a regional area to be eligible.
Does this answer your question?
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What courses can I study?
A wide range of courses at our Waterfront, Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool campuses are available through the scheme. Use our course finder to choose the right course for you, then visit the course page to make sure you meet the entry requirements.
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How does the scheme help me get into a Deakin course?
Current and recent Year 12 students applying for an undergraduate degree are traditionally assessed by their ATAR. Applications made through the scheme are different. They allow us to assess other factors that demonstrate your readiness for university, including your skills, experience and achievements. Please note that you’ll still need to successfully complete Year 12 to meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree.
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Will factors other than academic results be considered?
We look beyond your ATAR to recognise all the skills, experience and achievements that prepare you for study. We want to know about all the skills you’ve developed, such as emotional intelligence, collaboration, empathy, communication and resilience. If you believe your academic results help paint a picture of your potential, you can also mention them in your application.
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How do I apply through the Deakin Regional Access Scheme?
You can apply for the Deakin Regional Access Scheme when you submit your round 1 VTAC application. When submitting your VTAC application, preference your chosen course using the Regional Access Scheme VTAC code. Applications open early August. Please check back later for more information.
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Will I have to upload any documents?
You can include supporting documents in your application that provide evidence of your capabilities. Supporting documents can be any form of evidence that demonstrates your capabilities and continued development, such as a letter of reference for voluntary work experience, or evidence of school or community leadership positions.
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Is there a charge to apply?
No payment is required to apply for the scheme, however, you will need to apply for your chosen course through VTAC, which does include a fee. Go to the VTAC website to find out more about their application fees.
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Do I need to preference my chosen course through VTAC If I get an early offer through the scheme?
Yes, it’s important that you still apply for the scheme through VTAC, which allows us to finalise your offer to study at Deakin.
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If I don't get the published ATAR for the course can I still get an offer?
Yes, the scheme looks at factors beyond your ATAR to assess your suitability for university.
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Will I be competing with students who are applying for the course with their ATAR?
The scheme provides an alternate entry pathway for applicants who would otherwise be disadvantaged by competing for a place with their ATAR alone. Each course has places allocated to students applying through the scheme. Please note that all offers, regardless of the entry pathway, are subject to course quotas.
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Should I still put the ATAR version of the course on my VTAC preference list?
If you are aiming to achieve the ATAR for the course you want, then yes. The Deakin Regional Access Scheme should be your alternate entry option.
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Can I apply for a scholarship?
Absolutely. When applying for a course, you should always check the scholarships you might be eligible for. Browse our full range of scholarships – you may be eligible for more than one.
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Do I need to do anything after receiving an early conditional offer?
You’ll still need to apply for your chosen course via VTAC and successfully complete Year 12 to meet the entry requirements for undergraduate study. Finally, you’ll need to accept your offer by enrolling to study in Trimester 1, 2023. You can expect further instructions on how to enrol after receiving your offer.
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Will I be told if I'm not successful?
Yes, we will send you an email with the outcome of your application.
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What are my options if my application is unsuccessful?
Firstly, you can apply for the second round of offers for the scheme. You can also explore Deakin’s full range of alternate pathways and get in touch with a student adviser to explore your options.
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Scholarships
Deakin scholarships provide more than just a financial boost. They’re recognition of the commitment you’ve made to your studies and set you on the path to success at university.
Deakin Student Support Scholarship
For applicants who have experienced hardship.
- Up to $10,000 per year for the normal duration of your course
- Includes a range of support services
Deakin Achieving Potential Scholarship
For applicants who have experienced hardship.
- Up to $10,000 per year for the normal duration of your course
- Join a network of donors and students changing the future for the better
Deakin Scholarship for Excellence
For applicants who show promise in or beyond academic achievements.
- $5000 per year for the normal duration of your course
- Recognises academic performance or excellence in extracurricular activities
Browse our full range of scholarships – you might be eligible for more than one.
Tertiary Access Payment
The Tertiary Access Payment is a one-off payment of up to $5000, designed to help you with the cost of moving to study. If you've just completed Year 12 and you're from a regional or remote home location, why not apply for this payment. For information and full eligibility, you can visit Services Australia's Tertiary Access Payment.
What you can look forward to at Deakin
When you study at Deakin, you’ll be joining the most satisfied university students in Victoria*. Here are just a few of the reasons why students thrive at Deakin on their way to becoming tomorrow’s leaders.
- Our focus on practical learning, industry exposure and training in world-class facilities prepares you to make a confident transition into your future career.
- You can achieve your best in and outside the classroom by accessing a world of support, including study mentors, success coaches and a range of physical and mental health services.
- Find a career you love at every stage of your life with lifetime support from Australia's #1 careers service, DeakinTALENT^.
Footnotes
* Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2021 (GOS)
^ Australian Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 winner
+ Deakin is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students, staff and University community, ensuring our campuses are COVIDSafe and adhere to any government restrictions.
Get in touch
Our future student advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your course and career options, scholarships and pathways into Deakin.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
myfuture@deakin.edu.au
Enquire online