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Who can apply?

Before applying for a course, it will help to know what sort of applicant you are, what courses we offer, and what you are eligible to 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?

Learn how to apply for a research degree

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.

Applications are now open

The Deakin Application Portal has made applying for your ultimate course easier than ever. Plus, you can chat with our application experts on 1800 693 888 if you need support at any step.

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.

Apply now as a local student

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).

Apply now as an international student

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.

Learn more about our short courses

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

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How 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. If you're currently overseas you can also apply via an authorised agent. For more details, head to the How to apply page.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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 simply contact Student Central on +61 3 9244 6333 or submit an enquiry online. You can also visit the application portal assistance hub for further support.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

Do I have to provide a personal statement?

It depends 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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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, offers are released in rounds.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

What support is available to help me complete my application?

Get top tips and advice from our how to apply video guide. Our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre can also provide step-by-step guidance on the application process. Call 1800 693 888 to chat with one of our friendly advisers or contact an authorised agent in your country or region.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

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.

For more information on future student services and courses:

I didn't complete high school. Can I still apply?

Yes. If you don’t currently meet the academic entry requirements, or need to bridge the gap between previous study and university, we offer several pathway options. We encourage you to apply so our admissions team can process your application and recommend the best pathway for you.

For more information on future student services and courses:

Do I need to provide certified transcripts with my application?

If you’re a domestic student there’s no need to provide certified documentation unless you’ve changed your name or status (i.e. residency). If you’re an international student you’ll need to provide certified documentation before you commence on campus. It’s important to attach all requested supporting documentation in English when you apply to avoid any delays.

For more information on future student services and courses:

How long can I take to complete my degree?

You can switch between part-time and full-time study and set your own pace throughout your education at Deakin. How long it takes will vary depending on the course you're interested in. Check the course page for details.

For more information on future student services and courses:

Contact us

Apply with confidence. We're committed to giving you the guidance you need throughout the application process.

Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online

International students
+61 3 9918 9188
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)