Deakin College

Deakin College: Pathway Programs to Deakin University in Victoria

Deakin College is Deakin University's preferred pathway provider, offering Foundation and Diploma programs that help Australian and international students transition into university study. The College has been partnered with Deakin University since 1996 and currently supports around 2,000 students across its campuses in Melbourne and Geelong. More than 22,000 students have progressed from Deakin College into Deakin University degrees.

Deakin College provides an alternative route for students who may not meet the direct entry requirements for their intended Deakin University course. Its programs include Foundation Studies, Diplomas in several disciplines and a Masters Qualifying Program for selected postgraduate pathways.

What is Deakin College Known For?

Deakin College is particularly known for:

• Foundation Studies
• Diploma pathways
• Business and Commerce
• Communication
• Design
• Engineering
• Film, Television & Animation
• Health Sciences
• Information Technology
• Science
• Masters Qualifying Program
• Small class sizes
• Personalised academic support
• Direct pathways to Deakin University

The College's Diploma programs are generally equivalent to first-year university study and can provide pathways into the second year of selected Deakin University bachelor's degrees.

Foundation Studies

The Deakin College Foundation Program is designed primarily for international students who have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 11 and need additional preparation before university-level study.

The program is available in:

• Standard format — 8 months
• Extended format — 12 months

Students complete core and elective units covering academic knowledge and university preparation. Each unit includes approximately four hours of classes per week, with continuous assessment through tests, assignments and case-study analysis.

After successfully completing Foundation Studies, eligible international students can progress to selected first-year Deakin University bachelor's degrees or continue into a Deakin College Diploma.

Business & Commerce

Deakin College offers both Diploma of Business and Diploma of Commerce pathways.

The Diploma of Commerce can prepare students for further study in areas such as:

• Accounting
• Marketing
• Economics
• Finance
• Commerce

The Diploma of Business provides another pathway into Deakin University business-related degrees.

These programs allow students to begin higher-education study in a supported environment before progressing to their university degree.

Communication

The Diploma of Communication provides a pathway into selected Deakin University degrees involving areas such as:

• Advertising
• Journalism
• Digital media
• Public relations
• Communication

Students develop communication, analytical and creative skills while completing university-level pathway study.

Design

The Diploma of Design is designed for students interested in creative and digital fields.

It can provide preparation for areas such as:

• Visual communication
• Animation
• Digital technologies
• Design

The program provides a pathway into relevant Deakin University degrees after successful completion and satisfaction of progression requirements.

Engineering

The Diploma of Engineering provides a pathway for students interested in engineering disciplines.

Students can progress toward selected Deakin University engineering degrees, including areas such as:

• Civil engineering
• Electrical and electronics engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Mechatronics engineering

The pathway gives students an opportunity to build their academic foundation before continuing their university studies.

Film, Television & Animation

Deakin College offers a Diploma of Film, Television and Animation for students interested in creative production.

The program can support future study and careers related to:

• Film
• Television
• Animation
• Digital media
• Production

It provides a university pathway while allowing students to develop creative and technical skills.

Health Sciences

The Diploma of Health Sciences provides a pathway for students interested in health-related university study.

Students can build foundations in scientific and health-related academic subjects before progressing into relevant Deakin University degrees.

Information Technology

The Diploma of Information Technology is designed for students interested in technology and computing.

Students can develop knowledge relevant to:

• Information technology
• Digital systems
• Computing
• Programming
• Technology problem-solving

The diploma provides a pathway into selected Deakin University technology degrees.

Science

The Diploma of Science provides a pathway into selected Deakin University science degrees.

Successful students can progress into the second year of a relevant Deakin University science degree, subject to the applicable conditions.

Academic Environment

Deakin College focuses on providing a supportive learning environment rather than replicating the large lecture-based structure of a traditional university.

The College states that classes have a maximum of 30 students, complemented by small-group tutorials and workshops. This provides students with more direct academic contact and support.

Students can experience:

• Classes
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Assignments
• Tests
• Case studies
• Examinations
• Independent study
• Online learning resources

The College also provides study assistance, writing support, examination preparation and other resources to help students transition smoothly into Deakin University.

Quick Facts

• Provider: Deakin College
• Parent university: Deakin University
• Established partnership: 1996
• Locations: Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds and Geelong Waterfront
• Type: Higher-education/pathway provider
• International students: Yes
• CRICOS Provider Code: 01590J
• TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12137
• Main programs: Foundation, Diplomas and Masters Qualifying Program
• Main study areas: Business, Commerce, Communication, Design, Engineering, Film & Animation, Health Sciences, IT and Science
• Pathway: Deakin University
• Current student community: Nearly 2,000 Australian and international students

Q. Is Deakin College a university?

A. No. Deakin College is a higher-education and pathway provider associated with Deakin University.

Q. Where is Deakin College located?

A. Deakin College operates across three Deakin University campuses: Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds and Geelong Waterfront.

Student Life at Deakin College

One of Deakin College's advantages is that students study on Deakin University campuses. This gives pathway students access to university facilities, accommodation and support services while they complete their College program.

Campus & Facilities

Students can benefit from:

• University libraries
• Study spaces
• Computer facilities
• Health services
• Student support
• Accommodation
• Online learning resources
• Campus facilities
• Deakin University services

The College specifically highlights access to accommodation, support services and university facilities across its campus locations.

Student Activities

Students can become familiar with the wider Deakin University community while completing their pathway.

Campus life can help students develop:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Confidence
• Cultural awareness
• Social connections

The College also provides orientation and student-experience activities to help students prepare for their university journey.

International Student Experience

Deakin College has a substantial international student community and provides dedicated support to help students transition into Australian higher education.

Support includes:

• Study assistance
• Writing support
• Examination preparation
• Health services
• Counselling
• Academic support
• Online resources
• Student mentors

The College also provides a dedicated Student Mentor initiative through which current students can answer questions from prospective and new students.

Q. What is student life like at Deakin College?

A. Students receive a supportive pathway experience while studying on Deakin University campuses and accessing university facilities and student services.

Deakin College Courses – Foundation, Diplomas and Postgraduate Pathways

Deakin College offers pathways for different academic stages.

Popular Study Pathways

Foundation Program

The Foundation Program is equivalent to Australian Year 12 and prepares international students for first-year university study. It can also lead into selected Deakin College Diploma programs.

Diploma Programs

Current Diploma options include:

• Business
• Commerce
• Communication
• Design
• Engineering
• Film, Television and Animation
• Health Sciences
• Information Technology
• Science

Diplomas are equivalent to first-year university study and can provide pathways into the second year of selected Deakin University bachelor's degrees.

Masters Qualifying Program

The Masters Qualifying Program (MQP) is designed for international students who need to develop the English-language proficiency and academic skills required for postgraduate study.

The program is delivered by Deakin College in partnership with Deakin University's English Language Institute and provides a direct pathway to selected Deakin University master's degrees.

What Are the Best Programs at Deakin College?

Deakin College can be particularly suitable for students interested in:

Business & Commerce: Pathways into accounting, finance, economics, marketing and business.

Information Technology: Preparation for further study in technology and computing.

Engineering: A pathway into selected civil, electrical, electronics, mechanical and mechatronics engineering degrees.

Health Sciences: Preparation for selected health-related university study.

Science: A pathway into selected Deakin science degrees.

Communication & Design: Options for students interested in media, advertising, journalism, digital media and design.

Film, Television & Animation: A specialised creative pathway for students interested in screen and digital production.

Practical Learning

Deakin College combines academic study with assignments, tests, case-study analysis, tutorials and workshops.

Diploma students complete university-level subjects designed around their intended Deakin University pathway. The College's small classes and tutorials provide additional academic contact.

Students can develop:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Presentation
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Academic writing
• Independent learning

Careers & Employability

Deakin College is primarily a pathway provider, so students generally use their College studies as a route into a Deakin University degree.

The College nevertheless helps students develop transferable skills that can support future university and professional success.

These include:

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Research
• Teamwork
• Digital literacy
• Problem-solving
• Time management

After progressing to Deakin University, students can access the university's broader career and employment resources.

Career Areas

Students' eventual careers depend on their final Deakin University qualification.

Potential areas include:

Business & Finance

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Economics
• Management

Technology

• Software development
• Information technology
• Digital technology
• Data
• Cybersecurity

Engineering

• Civil engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Mechatronics
• Electronics

Health & Science

• Health services
• Laboratory work
• Scientific research
• Environmental science

Creative Industries

• Advertising
• Journalism
• Digital media
• Animation
• Film and television

The pathway qualification should therefore be viewed as a stage toward the student's final university qualification.

Placement & Internship Opportunities

Deakin College itself focuses mainly on academic preparation and university progression.

Once students transfer into Deakin University, the opportunities for placements, internships and work-integrated learning depend on the chosen degree.

Students should check their intended Deakin University course for the exact professional experience available.

Deakin College Fees – Tuition Costs for International Students

Deakin College publishes program-specific international tuition fees.

For 2026, current international fees include:

Program	2026 International Tuition
Foundation Program – Standard	AUD 32,200
Foundation Program – Extended	AUD 37,260
Diploma of Business	AUD 40,000
Diploma of Commerce	AUD 40,000
Diploma of Communication	AUD 35,200
Diploma of Design	AUD 35,200
Diploma of Engineering	AUD 38,400
Diploma of Film, Television & Animation	AUD 35,920
Diploma of Health Sciences	AUD 35,200
Diploma of Information Technology	AUD 37,600
Diploma of Science	AUD 37,600

There is also an initial course enrolment fee of AUD 225 for international students.

Fees are reviewed annually, so students may be liable for increases applicable to their study period.

Students should also budget for:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Transport
• Overseas Student Health Cover
• Books and materials
• Visa expenses
• Personal costs
• Travel

Total Pathway Cost

The total cost depends on the pathway.

For example, an international student completing the 2026 Standard Foundation Program would pay AUD 32,200 in tuition, while a Diploma can range from AUD 35,200 to AUD 40,000 depending on the discipline.

Students then need to account for the tuition fees of their Deakin University degree after progression.

Scholarships & Financial Support

Deakin College offers scholarship opportunities for eligible students.

The College currently highlights a Foundation Pathways Scholarship for eligible international students who complete the Foundation Program and enrol directly into a Deakin University degree.

Students should check the current scholarship conditions, eligibility requirements, value and application deadlines before relying on any award.

The College also provides academic and personal support, including health services, study assistance and counselling.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements depend on the selected program.

Foundation Program

The Foundation Program is designed for international students who have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 11.

Diploma Programs

Diploma requirements vary according to the discipline and student's academic background.

Students who successfully complete a Deakin College Diploma can progress to relevant Deakin University degrees, with progression conditions applying. The College's current pathway guide states that diploma entry into Deakin University is generally based on successful completion with a WAM of 50, while the Bachelor of Laws requires a WAM of 70.

English-language requirements also vary by course and applicant background.

How to Apply

The process generally involves:

• Choose your intended Deakin University degree.
• Identify the appropriate Deakin College pathway.
• Check academic and English requirements.
• Prepare your supporting documents.
• Submit your application.
• Receive and review your offer.
• Accept the offer and complete enrolment.
• Begin your Deakin College program.
• Successfully complete the required pathway conditions.
• Progress to Deakin University.

International students should check the specific progression conditions for their intended degree before beginning their pathway.

The Honest Verdict – Is Deakin College Worth Considering?

Deakin College can be a strong option for students who want to study at Deakin University but need an alternative entry route or additional academic preparation.

Deakin College Is a Strong Choice If You...

• Want to progress to Deakin University
• Need an alternative pathway into a degree
• Need additional academic preparation
• Prefer smaller classes
• Want more personalised academic support
• Are interested in Business, IT, Engineering, Health or Science
• Want to study on a Deakin University campus
• Want a structured transition into Australian university study

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Already meet Deakin University's direct entry requirements
• Want to study at another university
• Are looking for a standalone university rather than a pathway provider
• Want a pathway unrelated to Deakin
• Prefer to start your full degree immediately

Frequently Asked Questions About Deakin College

Q. Is Deakin College a university?

A. No. Deakin College is a higher-education and pathway provider associated with Deakin University.

Q. Can Deakin College students progress to Deakin University?

A. Yes. Foundation and Diploma programs provide pathways into selected Deakin University degrees. More than 22,000 students have progressed from Deakin College into Deakin University degree studies.

Q. Where is Deakin College located?

A. Deakin College operates across Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds and Geelong Waterfront campuses.

Q. What can I study at Deakin College?

A. Students can study Business, Commerce, Communication, Design, Engineering, Film, Television & Animation, Health Sciences, Information Technology and Science, as well as Foundation and Masters Qualifying programs.

Q. How much does Deakin College cost?

A. For 2026, international tuition ranges from AUD 32,200 for the Standard Foundation Program to AUD 40,000 for the Diploma of Business or Commerce, with other Diploma fees falling between those amounts.

Q. Does Deakin College offer Foundation Studies?

A. Yes. The Foundation Program is available in Standard and Extended formats and is designed for international students who have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 11.

Q. Can I enter the second year of Deakin University after Deakin College?

A. Selected Diploma programs provide pathways into the second year of relevant Deakin University bachelor's degrees, subject to successful completion and the applicable progression conditions.

Q. Does Deakin College have small classes?

A. Yes. The College states that classes have a maximum of 30 students, supported by small-group tutorials and workshops.

A Final Word – Why Deakin College Deserves Your Consideration

Deakin College provides a structured and supportive pathway into Deakin University for students who may not yet meet the requirements for direct university entry.

Its combination of Foundation Studies, nine Diploma pathways, a Masters Qualifying Program, small classes and access to Deakin University campuses gives students multiple ways to prepare for further study.

The College's established relationship with Deakin University and its record of more than 22,000 students progressing into Deakin degrees make it a significant pathway option for students considering Deakin.

Students should nevertheless compare the specific pathway, progression requirements, tuition fees, scholarship conditions and final Deakin University degree costs before applying.

Overall Verdict: Deakin College is a strong pathway option for students seeking a supported route into Deakin University, particularly those interested in Business, IT, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Communication or Design.