The Complete Guide To Deakin University

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Welcome to Deakin University, the 4th university established in Victoria. Founded in 1974, it has 4 Aussie campuses and 14 schools. It started with 6 pioneering schools, which were Business Studies, Education, Engineering and Architecture, Humanities, Pure and Applied Sciences and Social Sciences.

In recent years, Deakin University has

• Won the Australian Graduate Recruitment Awards (2017-2020)

• Opened campuses in Bandung, West Java (Indonesia) and India

• Developed Australian and British degrees at the Deakin University & Lancaster University Indonesia (DLI) Campus.

What goes after that? Follow the Deakin experience as the QS #197 and start taking on tomorrow with confidence.

Total student population	59,512 in 2023
% of international students	24% from over 134 different countries (2023)
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	Approximately 1:10

1.2 Deakin University Rankings 2025

According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Deakin University ranks #197 globally. 

Among all its courses that ranked Top 150 on the  QS Subject Rankings:

QS Subject Category	Ranking For 2025
Sports-Related Subjects	#14
Education and Training	#50
Development Studies	#51 – 100
Nursing	#51 – 100
Accounting and Finance	#101 – 150
Architecture and Built Environment	#101 – 150
Psychology	#101 – 150
Sociology	#101 – 150
Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies	#101 – 150

2. Student Life & Living Cost

2.1 Deakin University’s Campuses

The Deakin University campuses are unique in every way, much like having 4 siblings in the family. The Melbourne Burwood campus is bustling with city life and a diverse student body. Over at Warrnambool, you will find scenic natural attractions and a tight-knit student body.

Then, what about its Geelong campuses? One combines creative art, tech and historical architecture. The other boasts unending sporting action and innovation.

Melbourne Burwood Campus

Key Highlights

• The largest of the 4 main campuses with over 20,000 students studying there.
• Key subject areas: Art, Business, Education, Health, Media & Production, Law, Sports, Computing & IT, Sciences, Communication, Media & Production, Engineering, Psychology 
• Open spaces and parks hug the campus.

How To Get Around?
🗺️ 30-minute drive from the city centre

• Travel by public transport, car or by bike.
• Trams are the most direct method of transportation. They stop right out the front!
• The Deakin shuttle buses frequently travel between the Box Hill bus port and the train station.

Warrnambool Campus

Key Highlights

• This campus houses over 400 students.
• Key subject areas: Law, Education, Nursing & Midwifery, Marine Science
• It has a smaller class size and research that supports the environment it is in!
• The campus sits on the gorgeous banks of the Hopkins River and 5 minutes from local beaches.
• Bonus: 10 minutes from campus, you can catch a glimpse of a whale or two at the Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform.

How To Get Around?
🗺️ 9 minutes drive from Warrnambool

• Travel by foot, bike, or public transport!
• There are local buses and 2 train stations in the city.
• The campus has its stop 150m away! – the Sherwood Park train station.
• Daily coaches can take you to other regional and interstate centres.

Geelong Waterfront Campus

Key Highlights

• Founded in 1994. It has custom-built facilities and close to 4,500 students.
• Key subject areas: Art, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business Studies, Law, Architecture
• It combines a history-rich foundation with modern learning spaces and lovely social spaces.
• The best part? It is also 2 minutes to nearby amenities and natural attractions, including the beaches.

How To Get Around?
🗺️ Heart of the city, right on the seafront

• Travel by train, bus, bike or on foot.
• The Geelong Train Station is 400m away.
• Take a 700m stroll to the interchange at Mourabool Street for bus rides.
• There are free inter-campus shuttle that runs between both Geelong campuses!

Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus

Key Highlights

• Has close to 8,000 students under its care.
• Key subject areas: Health, Sports, Engineering, Science, Education, Communication, Media & Production, Psychology, Art & Design
• This campus has newly refurbished sporting facilities and immersive high-tech spaces.
• There are also spacious outdoor spaces and greeneries too!

How To Get Around?
🗺️15km from Sydney CBD

• Travel by bus, train, car, and bicycle!
• The nearest station is a 21-minute walk or an 8-minute cycle away!
• The buses will take you to the nearby Logenlea train station

Student Diversity: Deakin University welcomed 14,463 international students from 134 countries in 2023. The top 5 countries of origin are India, China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Pakistan.

2.2 Learning Resources

To take on tomorrow with confidence, you must be ready for it. Deakin University’s specialised learning tools further sharpen your abilities and knowledge of your chosen field.
This is also the chance to try out the cool stuff and test your ideas 😈😈

2.3 Recreational Facilities

Do you spend more than 8 hours sitting down? 

Tsk, tsk. Time to stand up and get moving! 

Deakin has plenty of recreational facilities to boost your overall wellbeing. A tip from us is to do something that sparks joy. Otherwise, you might dislike it or even avoid it altogether.

2.4 Student Activities

Life at Deakin is about Learning, Exploration and Discovery! The best place to begin is at the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA, not Medusa). Look!

Fun, right? There is more from where that came from, such as

• Clubs and Societies
• Sports
• Deakin Active
• Deakin Delama Walk
• Career Success Workshops

2.5 Student Services

Deakin University puts your well-being, future career and studies first. They strive to support you in the best way possible with

• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Writing and Maths Mentors
• Language and Learning Advisers
• Health Coaching
• Physiotherapy 
• Counselling
• Disability Support Services
• DeakinTALENT (career team)
• Career Coaching
• Spiritual Support

2.6 Deakin University Accommodation

In Deakin University’s words: “Welcome to your home away from home”! This lively Australian University has options both on and off campus. They are

• Safe and secure
• Welcomed by enriching activities
• Easily accessible 
• Well-connected to the university
• Nearby amenities and public transport!

Need to refill your snack cupboard or a place to relax? We listed several nearby suburbs for you to explore during your spare time.

For Melbourne Burwood Campus Students

On-campus	Off-campus
Burwood Studio Apartment Cost: From AUD 345/week Burwood Student Village Cost: From AUD 279/week *The cost covers for a 1-person stay.	Nearby suburbs – Burwood, Box Hill South, Mount Waverley, Surrey Hills, Camberwell, Blackburn South, Burwood East

For Melbourne Burwood Campus Students

On-campus	Off-campus
Studio Apartments Cost: From AUD 244/week Warrnambool Student Village Cost: From AUD 220/week *The cost covers for a 1-person stay.	Nearby suburbs – Burwood, Box Hill South, Mount Waverley, Surrey Hills, Camberwell, Blackburn South, Burwood East

For Geelong Waterfront Campus Students

On-campus	Off-campus
Shared Apartments Cost: From AUD 275/week *The cost covers for a 1-person stay.	Nearby suburbs – Geelong, Newtown

For Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Students

On-campus	Off-campus
Alfred Deakin College Cost: From AUD 242/week Barton College Cost: From AUD 242/week Parkes College Cost: From AUD 265 – AUD 279/week *The cost covers for a 1-person stay.	Nearby suburbs – Geelong, Newtown

Cost of Living In Victoria

For future Deakin University students, you need around *AUD 430- AUD 1,035 for your weekly expenses. The estimated amount covers your rent, food/ groceries, utilities (gas and electricity), transportation, and telecommunication services (wifi and phone).

The actual cost may vary based on your lifestyle. So, have at least AUD 24,505 ready and submit a financial record during your visa application.

3. Courses, Fees & Scholarships

3.1  Courses You Can Study At Deakin University

Deakin University has many Foundation, Diploma, and Degree options. Experience your tomorrow with these subjects.

Fields Of Studies	Courses
Accounting & Finance	Business & Commerce, Financial Planning, Finance, Professional Accounting
Architecture, Construction & Property	Property & Real Estate, Construction Management, Architecture
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences	Politics, Philosophy & Economics, Arts, Criminology, International Studies
Business & Economics	Business, Commerce, Marketing, HR Management
Data Science & Analytics	Business Analytics, Computer Science, Data Science
Design & Creative Arts	Creative Arts, Design
Engineering	Engineering, Software Engineering
Food, Nutrition & Dietetics	Nutrition Science
Health & Community Services	Health Sciences, Medical Imaging, Occupational Theraphy, Public Health & Health Promotion, Social Work, Nursing, Health & Medical Sciences, Vision Science
IT & Cyber Security	AI, Computer Science, Cyber Security, IT
Law	Law, Criminology, Forensic Science
Media & Communication	Film, TV & Production, Communication
Psychology & Mental Health	Psychological Science, Psychology,
Sciences	Biomedical Science, Zoology & Animal Science, Wildlife & Conservation Biology, Marine Science, Environmental Management & Sustainability, Science, Environmental Science
Sports	Exercise & Sport Science, Health & Physical Education, Sport Management, Sport Development

3.2 Course Fees At Deakin University

We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of Deakin University’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!

Coming Soon!

3.3 Deakin University Scholarships

These are some of the scholarships offered by Deakin University to international students. Check out the full list here. (Coming Soon)

Deakin International Scholarship	Value: 25% off your tuition fee. For students with at least a 65% average in previous studies. *Personal statement needed. *You may be called for an interview.
Deakin STEM Scholarship	Value: 25% off your tuition fee.  Faculties:  Science, Engineering & Built Environment (SEBE) For new commencing students (up until Trimester 3 2026). Applicants must have an overall 65% WAM in their Undergraduate degrees. *Must be citizens from listed countries. *Must meet entry and English requirements.
Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship	Value: 100% or 50% off your tuition fee. For students with at least 85% average in previous studies. *Personal statement needed. *You may be called for an interview.

3.4 Popular Courses At Deakin University

Sports Courses

Is there a way to pursue your interest, help people, AND work with your sports idols? Deakin University’s sports subjects can fulfil that dream.

Deakin offers a buffet of courses, such as

• Sports Management
• Coaching and Development
• Health and Physical Education (PE)
• Exercise Science and Sports Science
• Exercise Science and Nutrition Science
• Clinical Exercise Physiology

With the variety, you can see sports through different lenses! If you feel like diving deeper, there are refurbished learning resources on campus 👀. The Geelong Waurn Ponds campus has labs that take you through human anatomy, biomechanics and nutrition. Among those facilities are the

• 3D GAIT lab
• anatomy and physiology lab
• Food and Nutrition Lab
• (We have more to show at our Learning Resources corner 😏)

AND, the University received accreditation from the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). This recognition prepares you to venture into different sports settings upon graduation! Meaning, you might work with

• Sporting Clubs, like the Geelong Cats and Netball Victoria
• Local and State Government Agencies
• Hospital and Rehabilitation Clinics
• And, even professional athletes!

Nursing

If you have been reading this guide, you might “hear” us talk about the Nursing facilities around Deakin. The University is QS #11 for the subject and Australia’s largest nursing school. Specialised facilities are available at the Melbourne Burwood, Warrnambool and Geelong Waterfront campuses. (Basically, almost all campuses have them.) Hear it from one of the University’s students about the simulated environment.

As mentioned in the video, you get real-world experience in your education. Your nursing degree combines theory AND hands-on studies. If you are in your first year, the curriculum includes 800 hours of clinical practicals. 

Plus, Deakin’s courses are Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) accredited and MBA (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) approved. Their curriculums prepare you to meet the registration standards for your career! The University also shows your options for pursuing this discipline, like this.

Business Courses

As one of the first schools formed in 1975, the Deakin Business School has over 50 years of experience teaching the subject. Over the years, the School increased its expertise in the discipline. If you are looking for a degree, Deakin has a catalogue of study areas.

There are courses in

• Commerce
• Communication
• Business Analytics
• Marketing
• Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Accounting and Finance
• Property and Real Estate

Deakin Business School’s experience enhanced its curriculum and learning resources too. If you are studying at the Melbourne Burwood Campus, the Trading Room is a great place to learn about the foreign exchange market. It has pods for 15 banks and a Bloomberg feed! Your teacher may assign you to a team and get you to write a pre-trading report. 

As such, Deakin gained many thumbs-up for its quality, including

• Receiving accreditations from EQUIS and the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business (AACSB)
• Becoming Victoria’s Top 3 Business Schools in 2023 (AFR BOSS Best Business Schools)
• Placing #201 – 250 on the 2024 QS Global MBA Ranking

Science Courses

Why are Deakin’s Sciences popular? What makes them stand out? They enhance curiosity, help discover solutions to world issues and boost employability. Here is how.

1. They offer a wide subject variety. You can pursue
   • Biomedical Science
   • Forensic Science
   • Animal Science
   • Marine Science
   • Environmental Science
   • Health and Medical Science
   • Wildlife and Conservation Biology
   • Psychological Science
     
     
2. They have many great facilities for further digging into your interests, including
   • A purpose-built crime scene training facility
   • An aquaculture facility
   • DNA sequencing facilities
   • (Again, head to our Learning Resources corner for more examples. 😏)
     
     
3. They provide industry placements in different settings. Take the stories of Paul and Olga, Criminology students at Deakin, as examples.  Paul got to help criminals return to society at a Community Correctional Service. Olga’s placement at Victoria Police allowed her to observe police work and assist in several witness reports. Wowzers!
   
   
4. They are quality-assured. Deakin University is the 1st and only Australian University to have a Forensic Science degree accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science (UK)! Its Chemistry major received recognition from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

Arts Courses

At Deakin University, Arts also enhance curiosity and create change. Beginning with your experience! There are over 30 subject areas to keep your passionate fire burning, such as

• Animation
• Anthropology
• Design
• Education
• Film, TV and Media
• Languages
• Performing Arts
• Sociology

Next, the University has facilities to help you fully immerse yourself in your studies. Visit the *Nyaal Precinct at the Geelong Waurn Ponds campus.
(*Writer’s Note: Nyaal is a Wadawurrung word for ‘open your eyes’.)

It is an eye-opening 360-degree immersive educational space with 75 sqm ceiling-mounted projectors. Upon entering, you get a panoramic view of a particular situation or place. Then, you can discuss and revisit your findings with your peers at the multi-functional Think Tank. There are writable surfaces and adjustable furniture arrangements for interactive collaborations.

3.5 Partners

Did you know that Deakin University and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) launched a career programme on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) platform? The Global Job Readiness Program (GJRP) is an initiative to enhance the Indian talent pool’s capabilities. On GJRP, learners can upgrade their employment skills through its online courses and training!

Aside from NSDC, the University’s other partnerships have created many upskill opportunities, including

4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates

4.1 Deakin University’s Entry Requirements 2025

Minimum entry requirements for a Foundation:

• SPM – Pass 4 academic subjects 
• UEC – Pass 4 academic subjects

Minimum entry requirements for a Diploma:

• STPM – Min. C Grade in 2 subjects
• UEC – Pass 4 academic subjects 

Minimum entry requirements for a Degree:

• UEC – Not more than 21 in your best 5 subjects (5 C5s)
• STPM – CPA 3
• A-levels – 8 (CCD Grade in 3 A-level subjects)
• IB Diploma – 25 points 
• SACE/WACE –  ATAR 70
• Canadian Programme – 6 Grade 12 credits

Minimum English requirement (IELTS)

• Foundation: 5.5
• Diploma: 5.5
• Degree: 6

Some courses may require you to earn higher entry requirements and additional qualifications.

4.2 Deakin University Intake Periods For 2025

If you plan to apply, these are important periods to note.

• Foundation: March, June, October
• Diploma: March, June, October
• Degree: March, July, November
• Postgraduate: February, July

Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the courses. For specific intake periods and dates, click here (Coming Soon!).

4.3 Admission Process To Australia

Studying in Australia can be tedious especially when applying to various universities before their application deadlines and ensuring proper documents are submitted to procure your student visa.

Here are some more helpful articles to help you navigate:

• Your Essential Study In Australia Guide For Malaysian Students
• Education Consultants And The 8 Steps To Study Abroad
• Top 10 Benefits Of Engaging A Higher Education Consultant

5. Student Testimonials & Alumni

6. Conclusion

Be it to “Learn, Create, Connect” or “Learn, Invent, Excel,” Deakin University is ready.

The University has 5 campuses and specialised facilities up its sleeves. Moreover, its award-winning career team offers coaching, workshops and support for better employability. But, the best part about it is its colourful pallet of courses that cater to many interests.

So, are you ready to grab the future you want and experience your tomorrow?

SEE OTHER UNI GUIDES

We took the liberty to compile all our University Guides and Course Fees Guides so you don’t have to go anywhere else!

And if you’re still not sure what to study, we have many Course Guide articles that will shed more light on the subject matter. Share with your friends!

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