What type of degree do you want to study?
We offer a range of different degrees – from diplomas, bachelor degrees to research doctorates and everything in between. Find out what type of course you can apply for.
What type of applicant are you?
Whether you've just finished year 12, or haven't studied for years, there will be a Deakin course or pathway for you.
Undergraduate applicant
Want to apply for a bachelor, diploma or associate degree?
Postgraduate applicant
Interested in studying a masters, graduate diploma or graduate certificate?
Research applicant
Want to study a research PhD or Master by Research?
Year 12 or non-school leaver?
Generally, VTAC applicants are considered as either being a Year 12 or a Non-Year 12 applicant depending on your highest educational claim.
Year 12 applicants
You are Year 12 or recent secondary applicant if you are:
- a current Year 12 student
- completed Year 12 in the previous two years
- interstate Year 12 student
- a New Zealand school leaver*
- gap year student
- an International Baccalaureate student^
Non-Year 12 applicants
You are a non-school leaver if you:
- are a TAFE/VET/higher education graduate
- are a private provider student
- have current or previous work experience
- are a current university student
- are a mature-age applicant.
Alternatively, you may not have studied before, but you can still apply for undergraduate study through a range of pathway options.
Are you ready to apply to study at Deakin?
Looking forward to joining Victoria’s #1 university for student satisfaction?* Head to our How to apply page to get the support you need to successfully apply for your course at Deakin.
Are you a local or international student?
Local student
You are considered to be a local student if you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa.
International student
You are considered an international student if you are living in Australia with temporary resident status, provided there is no limitation on study; or you are living abroad and are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Australia (this includes students studying at Offshore Teaching Partners).
Do you want to apply to study on-campus or online?
Campus student
As a campus student, you’ll attend classes and tutorials in person at a Deakin campus, centre, affiliated industry or other physical site. Classes vary in size from 20 to 600 students; tutorials are generally smaller and more informal. Assessment may take a variety of forms, including written work and tests undertaken in class, participation in class or laboratory sessions and final examinations each trimester. Fieldwork or practical experience can also form a large part of the content and assessment of some units.
Online student
Online students take courses that are offered by distance education, which are the same as campus courses; the only difference is that rather than attend classes in person, you’ll study away from campus using online technologies, study guides and reading lists. Sometimes you’ll be required to attend an event such as an exam or an assessment at a designated physical site.
Deakin's non-degree students
There are many other types of students who study at Deakin, for example some are studying for professional interest or to build qualifications toward studying a degree.
DUELI student
Students undertake an English language course at Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) to:
- enhance their English language skills for personal and professional development
- develop their English skills to meet the English language requirements for enrolment into a Deakin undergraduate or postgraduate course
- prepare for the IELTS test.
Study abroad student
Students enrolled at an overseas university become 'study abroad' students to study for a trimester or a full academic year at Deakin.
Study abroad students can experience the full diversity and beauty of Australia's landscape and culture, while gaining credit for their degrees back home.
They are normally required to pay tuition and student activity fees to Deakin directly.
Exchange student
Deakin University has formal exchange agreements with a number of universities around the world.
Students enrolled at one of Deakin's designated exchange partners are eligible to come to Deakin as an exchange student. They can study for one trimester or a full academic year and receive credit towards their home degree.
Exchange programs are run on a reciprocal basis, so students will continue to pay their tuition and student activity fees at their home university, rather than paying tuition fees to Deakin.
Non-award students
Non-award students are enrolled in a single unit, which does not lead to a degree. They pay full fees for their unit.
You might enrol in a single unit to pursue a personal or professional interest or see what university study is like.
Non-award students have the privileges and responsibilities of a Deakin student.
Cross-institutional student
Cross-institutional students are either enrolled in their course at another university and taking one unit at Deakin or enrolled in a course at Deakin and taking one unit at another university. Faculties of both institutions must agree.
Qualifying programs/pathways student
Students who do not meet the academic admission requirements for Deakin can choose to complete a course at one of Deakin's pathway providers which, on completion and meeting requirements, may allow them direct admission into the second year of selected Deakin undergraduate courses.
Deakin's pathway providers are:
- Bendigo TAFE
- Box Hill Institute
- Chisholm Institute
- Deakin College
- Kangan Institute
- South West TAFE
- TAFE NSW
- The Gordon.
Short course student
Students study short courses to fill a knowledge gap in their current role, develop a specific set of skills to boost immediate job prospects, or to gradually strengthen expertise to secure long-term employability.
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:
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 please 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'll 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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What is special consideration?
Special consideration acknowledges the hard work you've put in to get to uni, while recognising what you could have achieved if your circumstances were different. A successful application can adjust your rank. This means you can be offered a place in a course at Deakin, with a lower rank than would usually be required.
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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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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 applicant 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
Footnotes
*Please note key application dates for some interstate and New Zealand applicants are different from Victorian applicants.
^For more information on the International Baccalaureate, visit the International Baccalaureate website, or VTAC for IB score to ATAR conversion.
#Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2021 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)