How to apply steps
Find your course using your ATAR
Use our course finder to discover the courses you could be eligible to apply for based on your ATAR.
Check entry requirements
Before starting your application, read through the entry requirements on the course page entry requirement tab. If you tick off each entry requirement, move onto step 4. Don’t meet requirements? See step 3.
Check other pathways if you don’t meet the ATAR or course entry requirements
If you didn’t get the ATAR you wanted or you don’t meet the course entry requirements, the good news is there are more pathways into Deakin. Use our pathways finder to map out a pathway to your dream course. Check if you can use the Deakin Regional Access Scheme as a pathway to undergraduate study at our regional campuses in Geelong and Warrnambool.
Check application key dates
If you have the right ATAR for your course and you meet the entry requirements, the next step is to check Deakin’s key intake dates. Trimester 1 applications are made to VTAC. Trimester 2 and 3 applications are made directly to Deakin.
Check what supporting documentation you’ll need
Extra documents vary from course to course. Check the course entry requirements and read our preparing your application page for more information.
Apply for Trimester 1 via VTAC
Ready to apply? Head to VTAC, create an account and log in. Have your ID and supporting documents ready. Select 'course application' in your VTAC account, then enter your education history, review your application details and submit. Remember, you can apply for up to eight courses in order of preference. Need help with choosing preferences?
Apply for Trimester 2 and 3 directly to Deakin
Apply directly to Deakin for Trimester 2 and 3 intakes. Head to the Deakin Application Portal, create an account and log in. Start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents, review and submit. Need help? Contact our Student Central team on +61 3 9244 6333 or submit an online enquiry.
What happens after you apply?
If you apply to VTAC, you’ll receive an outcome in your VTAC Online Account and receive an email from Deakin, outlining next steps to accept your offer. If you apply to Deakin, we’ll email you a receipt number after you complete your application. We’ll usually notify you of the application outcome via email within 10 working days, however, some courses may take longer.
Can I apply for a scholarship?
When you’re applying for a course, it’s a good idea to browse our available scholarships – you may be eligible for more than one. We offer undergraduate scholarships in a number of study areas to support you on your journey at Deakin.
Have your Year 12 studies been impacted by challenging circumstances?
When preparing your course application, research your eligibility for special consideration. Special consideration, sometimes referred to as the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS), recognises what you would have achieved if your studies had not been disrupted by difficult circumstances.
Got a question but can't find the answer?
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions our future student advisers get about applying to Deakin:
Year 12s
Skip to next topicWhat is Change of Preference (COP)?
Change of Preference (COP) is a stage in the VTAC application process relating to the input of course preferences. You can include up to eight course options on your preference list. During COP periods, you can change the order of your preferences, as well as add or remove courses.
For more information on future student services and courses:
When is COP?
COP opens on 11 December and closes 13 December 2023 at 4pm, two days after ATAR release. COP reopens on 21 December 2023 at 2pm after first round January offers are made. COP closes again on 22 December 2023 at 4pm and reopens on 12 January 2024, after second round January offers are made. Final close is 14 February 2024.
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What does preferencing a course mean?
Preferencing a course is when a Year 12 student ranks up to eight courses they'd most like to study in order of preference in VTAC's application system. Once preferences are in, they may receive an offer for their highest eligible course based on the entry requirements.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can I add new courses to my preferences list?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to check the prerequisites and extra requirements for any new courses you're interested in before you add them to your preferences.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What's the difference between a raw score and a scaled study score?
The VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority) sends each student's raw score per subject to VTAC where they're converted into scaled study scores. The scaled study scores are then used to calculate the student's ATAR. Raw scores are used in conjunction with prerequisites.
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Do I accept my offer straight away, or wait until all rounds are done?
We recommend you accept each offer as you receive them. You’ll still be eligible to receive additional offers in other rounds for any higher-preferred courses in your preference list, regardless if you’ve previously accepted, declined or deferred an offer.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How do Year 12 students apply?
Current Year 12 students must apply through VTAC. Applications open on 31 July. When you apply, you can list up to eight courses, in order of preference, within the VTAC application system. Once ATARs are released, applications will be assessed and offers will be sent out in the December, January and February 2024 rounds.
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Who can help me with my VTAC application?
Need help with your VTAC application? Refer to VTAC for additional support. For technical assistance, visit VTAC Technical Help.
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Do I have to meet all course prerequisites?
Yes, regardless of your ATAR, if you don't meet the course requirements as listed on VTAC then you aren't eligible to receive an offer for that course. Why not think outside the box and use our pathway finder to explore what other options may be available to you.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can I change my preferences after I receive an offer?
Yes, you can change your preferences after receiving an offer. You're also still eligible to receive an offer for any courses listed above your current offer, i.e. if you receive an offer for your third preference, you may still receive an offer for your first and second preferred courses.
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How many times can I change my preferences?
You can change your preferences as many times as you like within the COP timeframes. Find out more about VTAC key dates
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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.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What's the difference between each offer round from November to February?
The November offer round is for non-Year 12 students who have applied through VTAC within the timely offer period and meet the relevant eligibility criteria. The January and February offer rounds are for current Year 12 and IB students in all states.
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How many offers can I receive?
You can receive one offer per round. Any offers you receive will be for the highest eligible course on your preference list, assuming you've met all criteria for each course listed.
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If I receive an offer in January, can I still get other offers in later rounds?
Yes, you can still receive additional offers in later rounds even if you've previously accepted, declined or deferred an offer in January. However, if you receive an offer for your first preference and don't adjust your course preference list before the next round, you will not receive any further offers.
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Who do I contact for help about my Deakin offer?
Get in touch with our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre. Call the team on 1800 693 888 between 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday, or discuss your options via live chat 8am–7pm, Monday–Thursday and 9am–5pm on Fridays.
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How will I know if Deakin's making offers in later rounds?
Deakin courses that won't be making any further offers in later rounds will be indicated against your preferences in VTAC.
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Do entry requirements change between offer rounds?
No – entry requirements, including folio submissions and interviews, remain the same when applying through VTAC, regardless of the offer round.
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If I get an offer in January, can I defer and wait for a better offer in later rounds?
Deferral means to put off accepting an offer for up to two years. If you intend to start studying in the next intake you should accept, as you can still receive additional offers in later rounds even if you've previously accepted, declined or deferred an offer.
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What does 'Lowest selection rank to which an offer was made' mean?
The lowest selection rank is the adjusted value – ATAR plus additional points (if eligible) – you would have needed to get into a course the previous year. If you achieve this rank you're likely to get in, unless it's since increased or entry requirements also include other criteria, e.g. a folio.
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Will the ATAR shown on the course page stay the same for the 2024 intake?
The selection rank published on the course page will vary each year depending on a number of factors, including demand. It should be used as a guide only.
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Does Deakin offer guaranteed pathways?
Yes, we offer many different pathways into Deakin and a number of these are guaranteed. Use our handy pathway finder to explore the different options that may be available to you.
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How do I apply for special consideration?
Applying for special consideration is simple, and in some cases, you won't need to provide any details outside of your course application. The process is different for each VTAC category, or Deakin's programs, so please visit the relevant special consideration page for step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
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What is SEAS?
VTAC's Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) is for those who may not have been able to reach their full potential for study due to a range of challenging factors. SEAS enables institutions to consider the circumstances you've experienced and their impact on your studies when making selection decisions.
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What are SEAS aggregate points?
The Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) adds points to your aggregate to reflect the level you may have achieved if your circumstances had been different. This can increase your chance of receiving an offer but does not guarantee it. Deakin will give a maximum of 15 aggregate points per applicant.
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Are SEAS or subject adjustment points added directly onto my ATAR?
No, adjustments or bonus points are added to your aggregate score, not your ATAR. Your total aggregate score is then converted into your ATAR.
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Contact us
If you need help completing your application, get in touch with one of our friendly future student advisers. Send us an enquiry or give us a call now on 1800 693 888.