Deakin University

Studying at Deakin University provides students with an outstanding range of quality facilities allowing you to fully engage in university life and to be your best as you study.

Deakin has four welcoming campuses located in the State of Victoria, in the south-east of Australia.  Each campus offers a unique study experience. Whichever campus you choose, you will find Deakin’s local communities are friendly, safe and lively making for a perfect study environment. 

There are flexible options for on campus accommodation. Living on campus is so much more than just a comfortable bed in a safe building. Whether you choose your own studio apartment, to live dormitory style or in a shared unit, you will be connected to a supportive student community and enjoy a whole range of exclusive activities across the year. You can also choose to live off campus and receive advice from Deakin on options nearby your chosen campus.

Your wellbeing is important to Deakin and there are health facilities available on every campus. Deakin Medical Centre offers free and confidential nurse consultations and campus doctors will bill directly to your Overseas Student Health Cover.  

Melbourne Burwood Campus is Deakin’s largest. Located a short trip from Melbourne’s city centre, it offers the perfect balance between city lifestyle and suburban comfort. The campus boasts impressive buildings and world-class facilities.  

Some of our innovative facilities include:  

• The Telstra Trading Room, which operates like a real-life foreign exchange trading floor.  
• Dedicated spaces for dance and drama through to digital imaging, television and sound. An industry-standard newsroom and creative media lab where students can learn in an authentic media environment. The innovative Phoenix Gallery – perfect for exhibitions of student’s work.
• Our Motion.Lab is one of the most technologically advanced motion capture facilities in Australia. 
• Nursing Clinical Simulation Centres are available at every Deakin Campus, and provide flexible learning spaces that reproduce hospital and care environments including beds, technologically advanced and responsive human patient simulation mannequins, suction outlets and cardio monitoring systems, lifting machines and resuscitation trolleys.
• The new $33 million specialised Exercise and Sport Science Teaching Facility features four levels of state-of-the-art sport science learning facilities. 

In addition to the study experience, students love the relaxed atmosphere and huge choice of social spaces. The campus sits along parkland, which is great for cycling, walking and jogging. The Melbourne Burwood campus also has a gym and a wide range of sporting facilities.  

Deakin has two campuses in Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city, a short train trip from Melbourne. A coastal city, Geelong is near some of Australia’s best surf beaches and is a vibrant sporting city, home to the Geelong Cats Australian Football League Team.

Geelong Waurn Ponds is known for its expansive grounds and impressive new buildings. It is home to cutting-edge engineering and medical facilities, as well as some of the world’s most advanced material science research spaces. These include:

• Deakin’s engineering precinct houses some of the most advanced and future-focused simulation and visualisation systems, purpose-built interactive laboratories and learning environments in Australia.
• Our Virtual Reality (VR) Lab is a unique facility which allows you to walk through virtual reality representations of products that are yet to be realised using virtual reality technologies. The VR Lab is the first of its kind in the world.
• Deakin's 3D GAIT Lab boasts the most advanced motion analysis available. As the only lab in Australia to partner with the developers of 3D GAIT it uses 3D motion capture and an instrumented treadmill to capture images on two sides of the body simultaneously.
• Our purpose-built and flexible crime scene training facility directly equips you with the skills you will need to succeed in the real-world of forensic science. With a kitchen, lounge room and bedroom set, it enables a wide range of scenarios to be staged.
• Deakin’s Elite Sport Precinct, which includes an Australian Rules football oval, FIFA-grade soccer pitch, athletics track, basketball courts and more.  

Geelong Waterfront Campus is located right on Corio Bay in the heart of Geelong, making for spectacular views from its many study spaces. The campus is a unique mix of old and new, full of engaging and creative spaces, and its central location means students can visit Geelong’s Central Business district between classes.  

Some of the cutting edge facilities you will find at this campus include:

• Our A+B studio and workshop, which houses the very best technology and helps architecture and built environment students work collectively. The entire space is open and flexible to accommodate your creative projects. The studio is also used as a teaching and research laboratory for measuring sustainable use of energy. 
• A large occupational therapy (OT) simulation teaching space dedicated to the comprehensive training of OT students. Complete with simulated kitchen, bathroom and bedroom spaces, this space is fully installed with SMART technology. 

Warrnambool Campus is located in the regional city of Warrnambool. Set alongside one of the country’s most scenic coastlines, this campus is close to surf beaches and popular tourist attractions.  Studying here is to be a part of a friendly community where students and lecturers have the opportunity to really get to know each other and work closely together. That sense of community extends to the whole of Warrnambool, providing support to new students in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.  

• Warrnambool is home to a state-of-the-art nursing Clinical Simulation Centre. This centre provides flexible learning spaces that reproduce hospital and care environments including beds, technologically advanced and responsive human patient simulation mannequins.
• The Deakin aquaculture futures facility is equipped with a range of experimental systems, supporting research into a range of aquatic species and aquatic environments.

Wherever you study, you will have the opportunity to thrive at Deakin.  With world-class facilities and a vibrant and dynamic student culture you will have the chance to learn and achieve in a supportive environment.

University life is about learning and researching and so much more! Deakin University provides an environment that helps you study and be your best by putting you at the centre of quality buildings with a great student and staff culture.  

As the leader in graduate satisfaction in Victoria for the tenth consecutive year (in the Australian Graduate Survey (2010–15) and the Graduate Outcomes Survey, QILT (2016–19) we are confident that you will have a great experience at Deakin. Students have also rated Deakin as Australia's number one public university for the 'overall student experience'.

Campus life

On arriving on campus, you will find world-class facilities and a welcoming environment designed to help you succeed. Whether you want to study, socialise or relax you will find places and spaces designed with you in mind.

Victoria is a proudly multicultural State and Deakin’s campuses reflect this diversity of cultures.  You will find plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow students and to study, learn and become friends with them. Whether it is through practical learning opportunities in your field of study or on the sporting field, stage or in a club or society you will find plenty of opportunities to share your university experience with others.

Deakin Library is the heart of the University and a great place to learn individually or with others. Our huge range of resources, and guidance from our expert library staff, will set you on the path to success. With extended hours, bookable computers and a broad selection of study spaces, each Deakin Library offers the ideal place to focus on your studies. 

Australians, and especially Victorians, are sports loving people. You will find opportunities to keep fit and healthy across Deakin’s campuses. No matter which campus you attend there is a unique blend of vibrancy and friendliness. As a Deakin student you can explore more than 120 clubs and societies across our campuses. They range from sports, health and personal development clubs to academic, course and discipline-specific groups, plus religious societies and many more. Whether you wish to learn or perfect a sport or new skill, celebrate your culture, meet more students from your discipline or just have fun, there is sure to be a club or society to suit your interests.

All that study, socialising and sport can make you hungry! At Deakin you are well catered for no matter where you are studying. You can find vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten and dairy-free meals at each of our campuses. In 2017, we also introduced the Deakin Food Charter. This set of principles, supported by the University’s Faculty of Health, guides a balanced approach to our food and drink. The Charter’s principles focus on everything from fresh, seasonal ingredients to reduced packaging.  At Deakin our food's so good we regularly welcome people from the local community too!

Student support services

Making you feel safe, supported and connected is a key part of the benefit of studying at Deakin. International student advisors are team members who have lived and studied in other countries and have experienced first-hand the cultural and other adjustments required when moving to another country. They are familiar with many of the challenges you face in making Australia your home and are available to be your first point of contact at Deakin to help you make the most of your experience with us. Security officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at all campuses to ensure the safety of students and staff. They can also escort you to your car or on- campus accommodation.

You will also be supported on and off campus through our suite of technological assistance. Deakin Genie is available to all students to help you succeed. Genie is a voice-controlled smartphone app that is with you 24/7, designed to ensure you feel supported, organised and in control throughout your studies.  From providing detail on assignment due dates to helping you access teachers and resources you will benefit from superior IT support at your fingertips. Additionally, Deakin’s eSolutions team are on hand to help staff and students with basic IT problems and contribute to our leadership on IT.

Alongside the facilities and resources run by the University is the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA). DUSA is a student association, run by students for students. DUSA is a community with services for all students, including clubs and societies, advocacy services, welfare, events, sporting programs, trips and short courses so you can get the most out of university life. DUSA members receive free merchandise, legal advice and discounts on campus and the chance to fully participate in all aspects of student life.  

Applying to study at Deakin University is easy.  

As an international student, you can apply directly through Deakin or with the help of one of our Deakin authorised agents. 

We have a network of Deakin representatives around the world. They can help you learn about Deakin, understand your visa requirements and even lodge your application.  We have a range of resources available on our website to help you understand the course entry requirements. We can also individually review your study and work history to determine your eligibility. 

At Deakin we have three trimesters instead of two semesters.  This allows students more flexibility in beginning and completing their course.

Many courses accept applications throughout the year with intakes in all three trimesters, so you can use our step-by-step guide to apply right away. 

As an Australian student your application pathway depends on which trimester you are applying for and whether you are currently studying in Year 12 or not.  

For Trimester 1 you have two pathways.  If you are currently studying Year 12 you can apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).  

If you’re not currently studying Year 12 you can apply directly to Deakin. For all Trimester 2 and 3 course applications you must apply directly to Deakin.

We encourage all prospective students to visit our website to learn more, and find out how to contact us, so we can help you through the application process.

Deakin University is recognised as a leading university for employability – in fact we have been named the No. 1 university in the Australian state of Victoria for undergraduate employment outcomes (QILT). Deakin graduates leave university prepared for a great career thanks to the quality of our course offerings and the commitment we have to continually enhancing the career prospects of our students. Students can also be supported by Deakin to find work that suits their visa conditions while studying.

Gain practical experience with hands-on learning

Preparation for workplace success begins on students’ very first day at Deakin. Our approach to learning puts the emphasis on practical experience and our curriculum is informed by the best in industry. Whatever degree you choose, industry placements will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and explore your career options. Key employability skills are embedded in every Deakin degree: communication, digital literacy, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, self-management, teamwork and global citizenship. When students demonstrate outstanding achievements in one of these skills, they can be awarded a Deakin Hallmark, formally celebrating their success, and allowing them to share it in their CV and digital platforms like LinkedIn. 

Deakin has a long history of working with local and international industry and business to turn ideas into commercial reality, solve real-world problems and provides current and future employees with the skills they need for 21st century careers. Whether it is advanced manufacturing or food and fibre, Deakin graduates and academics are working at the cutting edge. The opportunity to do great work at university also increases the employability and career prospects of our students.

Career and employment support services

In keeping with that sharp focus on careers, Deakin also offers industry-leading career support through our unique DeakinTALENT services. DeakinTALENT is a leader among university careers services, bringing you multiple levels of support during your study – and beyond. As a Deakin graduate, you will have access to our career support services for life. They include career coaching, career education within the curriculum, career success workshops, cohort-based talent development programs, career resources, employer events and a global Jobs & Internships board. Students can access our digital services on-demand or register to attend a guided program through this website.

We have a wealth of expertise within the DeakinTALENT team. Our people come from a range of backgrounds bringing knowledge and experience from both the graduate recruitment and higher education industries; some have recruited graduates for major employers, some have worked in recruitment agencies and others have extensive experience working with students and graduates

The FreelancingHUB offers internships within a cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural team, developing a solution for a not-for-profit or community organisations. Each project team is assigned an experienced industry mentor/project manager.  The FreelancingHUB gives interns an opportunity to explore working-for-self as a professional freelancer within a co-working space whilst developing key employability skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. 

Deakin International Students’ Careers (DISC) Program has been specifically designed for international students and graduates.  It offers a suite of workshops to assist students in understanding the workplace, learn what employers are looking for, and help them connect with and present confidently to employers.  The program includes networking events and also helps returning international graduates connect with their home employment market.

One option for students to maximise their employability post study, while combining work and study, is to undertake a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program. A WIL is an arrangement between you, your faculty and an employer that enables experiential learning such as an internship, practicum or placement. WIL programs may require previous study in the relevant discipline and have specific goals attached to your course as well as skill development objectives. These programs are generally unpaid and may require you to complete a specified number of work hours. The negotiated program usually involves specific tasks or a project monitored by a supervisor in the workplace.

Deakin was the first Australian university to appoint a Pro Vice Chancellor for graduate employment, Professor Dineli Mather. The position, established in response to a changing and challenging employment landscape for graduates, is another way Deakin is focused on ensuring it helps its graduates succeed in the world of work following their course.

An enhanced PhD experience

For students pursuing higher degrees, Deakin’s PhD Xtra program offers individualised learning plans tailored to what their studying. They’ll build a portfolio of evidence to track and prove the skills they’re developing as they conduct their research – communicating their findings, presenting to the media, developing grant ideas. PhD students interested in pursuing a career in Business and Industry are also offered a specially tailored program career development program.

Crucially, PhD Xtra includes the opportunity to undertake career pathway placements, allowing PhD candidates to form networks within the industries they’ll be graduating into and getting a foot in the door.

Studying at Deakin is a great way to succeed and to be prepared for the world of work. Our students consistently give us top ratings for overall student experience, teaching quality and employability. Add to that our place in the top 1% of universities worldwide, and you can see why our world-class education attracts students from all over the globe.