In short
Deakin University is a public institution in Victoria, Australia, known for innovation and graduate success, with campuses in Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool, plus international locations. It offers industry-aligned degrees, flexible learning, and strong student support, ranking highly for graduate employment.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1974
- Students
- 34,616
- International students
- 9,000
- Acceptance rate
- 60%
- Tuition (intl)
- €16–30k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
Deakin University, a public institution in Victoria, Australia, is known for its innovation-driven approach to education and its commitment to creating a positive social impact. Founded in 1974 and named after Australia's second Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, the university has grown into one of Australia's larger comprehensive research universities, consistently ranked in the QS top-300 globally. Deakin emphasizes student success through work-integrated learning, industry partnerships, and flexible delivery including extensive online programmes. The university holds the #1 Victorian ranking for graduate employment, course satisfaction, and student support. Its research initiatives span public health, food security, cybersecurity, and environmental science. With campuses in Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool, plus international campuses in India and Indonesia, Deakin serves over 34,000 students. Its values of diversity, responsibility, innovation, and integrity underpin a culture focused on preparing graduates for meaningful careers and positive change.
Why study here
- Industry-aligned degrees with built-in work experience, placements, and career support from day one.
- Innovative education with flexible learning options, including world-class online study suitable for working professionals.
- World-class research opportunities that address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
- #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, course satisfaction, and student support.
- Focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills highly valued by employers.
- QS top-300 globally — a well-recognised international credential.
Student life
Deakin University fosters an inclusive and supportive student environment. Students can choose to live in Deakin Res, which offers a safe and comfortable on-campus living experience with easy access to study facilities and social activities. Flexible study options, including extensive online programmes, ensure that education is accessible. The university is known for its strong student support services and commitment to student health and wellbeing. Campuses are designed to be sustainable and offer a vibrant community for learning, creating, and connecting.
Fees
InternationalInternational student annual tuition fees at Deakin typically range from AUD 26,000–49,000 (approx. EUR 16,000–30,000) depending on the programme. Science, IT, and business degrees are at the lower end; health and clinical sciences degrees at the higher end.
HomeDomestic undergraduate students pay a Commonwealth-supported contribution of approx. AUD 4,000–11,300 per year (income-contingent HECS-HELP available). Domestic postgraduate fees vary by programme.
LivingDeakin's main campuses are in Melbourne and Geelong. Melbourne living costs average AUD 22,000–28,000 per year (approx. EUR 13,500–17,200); Geelong is notably cheaper at AUD 17,000–22,000 per year.
Tuition fees vary significantly depending on the course and student type. Detailed tuition fee information for international students is available on individual course pages on the Deakin University international student website. The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is also part of university fees. Australian government HELP loans are available for eligible domestic students to cover tuition or SSAF.
Admissions
Undergraduate EntryATAR or equivalent; typical ATAR range 60–85 depending on programme. International students require equivalent senior secondary qualification.
Postgraduate EntryBachelor's degree with minimum average of 60–65%; some programmes require relevant work experience.
Recognition of Prior LearningDeakin may grant credit for prior learning or qualifications, potentially fast-tracking your degree.
IELTS6.0–7.0 overall (programme-dependent)
TOEFL iBT60–94 (programme-dependent)
PTE Academic50–65 (programme-dependent)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025266
Times Higher Education 2024401
Good Universities Guide 2024 — Graduate Employment#1 Victorian university
QS World Rankings by Subject — Nursing14
University scholarships
Deakin 50th Anniversary Excellence ScholarshipAUD 7,500/year
Vice-Chancellor's Academic Excellence ScholarshipAUD 5,000/year + 100% tuition fees
Deakin Student Support ScholarshipUp to AUD 10,000 annually
George Alexander Foundation ScholarshipUp to AUD 24,000 over course duration
Accreditation
As a public Australian university, Deakin University operates under national regulatory frameworks including the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF) and is registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
For international students
AustraliaStudent visa & funds
International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.
Working while you study
Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.
After you graduate
Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; Group of Eight typically 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT79–100; UG 79–90, PG 90–100
- PTE Academic50–65; UG 58+, PG 65+
Main intakes
FebruaryJuly
Typical living cost
€1,600/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesDepartment of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) · Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500) work rights · Study Australia — Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) · IDP IELTS — Minimum IELTS scores for Australian universities · AECC — Cost of living in Australia for international students
Programs
a selectionDeakin University · Australia
Bachelor of Arts
Explore meaningful ideas that align with your interests and values while developing critical thinking and communication skills to address global challenges. This degree offers the flexibility to personalize your learning journey by choosing from a wide range of majors and minors, allowing you to combine subjects that matter to you. You will graduate with highly sought-after skills, including exceptional communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership, preparing you for a diverse range of careers.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Deakin University · Australia
Bachelor of Arts / Master of International Relations
This dual degree program allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of global political dynamics while earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of International Relations. You'll develop expertise in international relations (IR) through your arts major and complement it with a chosen major or electives from over 30 available disciplines. The master's component delves into key areas like global governance, United Nations operations, IR theory, and contemporary international politics, security, and strategy. The program emphasizes practical application through specialisations in conflict and security, diplomacy and activism, or human rights and international law, culminating in a research project. You will also have opportunities for international experience, including internships with leading organisations, to gain real-world skills and diverse cultural perspectives.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
54 mo
Duration
Deakin University · Australia
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
This double degree allows you to combine studies in the arts and sciences, providing a broad skill set for diverse career paths. You can explore different subjects and discover your interests without needing a fixed career plan from the outset. The program emphasizes developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, complementing scientific knowledge with creative and strategic approaches. You'll have opportunities for practical experience, including industry placements, community science projects, and international experiences. The science stream focuses on preparing you to address global challenges through scientific discovery. After building foundational knowledge, you can specialize in one of eight majors: Animal Biology, Cell Biology and Genomics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Food Science, Human Biology, Mathematical Modelling, or Plant Biology. Learning takes place in modern laboratories and through real-world projects and placements. The arts stream aims to develop specialist knowledge in your chosen disciplines and enhance transferable skills like research, communication, and critical thinking. You'll learn from leading academics and gain hands-on experience in purpose-built facilities. The degree structure allows flexibility to choose additional majors, minors, or electives, and includes employability sequences to enhance your readiness for the workforce.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Deakin University · Australia
Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary)
This combined degree allows you to earn both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Teaching (Secondary) in just four years. It's designed for individuals passionate about the arts who also aspire to teach secondary school students. You will gain expertise in your chosen arts discipline(s) and develop the pedagogical skills necessary for a successful teaching career. The program emphasizes practical learning through Deakin's Professional Experience Program, where you'll undertake extensive placements in schools across Australia. Deakin is unique in embedding the Berry Street Education Model into all its teaching degrees, equipping you with trauma-informed strategies for effective classroom management and student support. You can also enhance your degree with international experiences, study tours, or exchange programs.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Deakin University · Australia
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science provides a comprehensive understanding of human biology, focusing on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of disease at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. You will develop expertise in biological sciences and disease mechanisms, with the flexibility to tailor your degree through a choice of majors and elective units. This program emphasizes practical application, with hands-on laboratory experiences and 80 to 160 hours of work placement to build industry connections and real-world skills. Career education is integrated to develop essential soft skills for employability.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Deakin University · Australia
Bachelor of Commerce
Deakin's Bachelor of Commerce is a globally recognised degree designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in the diverse and evolving business world. The program provides a strong academic foundation and industry relevance, preparing you for professional roles in areas such as accounting, finance, economics, marketing, and human resource management. From your first year, you will engage with practical business challenges and industry tools. Through work-integrated learning and hands-on assessments, you will develop the experience, confidence, and professional networks essential for your chosen career path. The curriculum is structured to provide you with financial acumen, market knowledge, and management capabilities, along with deep theoretical knowledge and practical skills. You have the flexibility to tailor your degree by choosing a major and up to two minors from a wide range of specialisations. This allows you to build a unique skill set that aligns with your interests and enhances your adaptability in a changing job market. Beyond the classroom, you will have opportunities to connect with industry professionals, collaborate on real projects, and build a professional network to support your future career goals.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Australia
full fundingAustralian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia Awards)
ASEAN-Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.
full
Funding
€120k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingForrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)
Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships
Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne
Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne
Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingAustralian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Sydney
University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)
For international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne (School of Computing and Information Systems)
University of Melbourne CIS PhD Scholarship
Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
-18d left
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the approximate tuition fees for international students at Deakin University?
+
International student annual tuition fees at Deakin typically range from AUD 26,000–49,000, depending on the specific program of study. Science, IT, and business degrees are generally at the lower end of this range, while health and clinical sciences degrees are at the higher end.
What is the cost of living for students in Melbourne and Geelong?
+
Living costs in Melbourne average AUD 22,000–28,000 per year. Geelong offers a more affordable option, with living costs averaging AUD 17,000–22,000 per year.
What are Deakin University's strengths and rankings?
+
Deakin University is consistently ranked in the QS top-300 globally and holds the #1 Victorian ranking for graduate employment, course satisfaction, and student support. Its Nursing program is ranked #14 in the world by QS.
What English language proficiency scores are required for international students?
+
For IELTS, scores of 6.0–7.0 overall are generally required, depending on the program. For TOEFL iBT, scores range from 60–94, and for PTE Academic, scores range from 50–65, with specific requirements varying by course.
What are the key benefits of studying at Deakin University?
+
Deakin offers industry-aligned degrees with integrated work experience, flexible learning options including online study, and world-class research opportunities. The university focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills highly valued by employers.
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