Year after year, advancements in technology, groundbreaking research outcomes and course delivery methods have put Deakin at the forefront of higher education. We’ve gone from strength to strength – from being the first Australian university to specialise in distance education to cementing our position in the top 200 of universities globally.^
Use our interactive timeline to explore almost 50 years of events, people and places that have made Deakin University. You'll find highlights such as:
From modest beginnings in a Geelong paddock to six state-of-the-art campuses – we’ve always set out to make a difference. Join us on campus throughout 2025 for an exciting lineup of celebratory events to help commemorate our 50 year anniversary.
Deakin has many stories to tell. Learn more about the University's first years of foundation and the many accomplishments along the way – from creating new campuses to developing a renowned distance education approach and a research program that makes a difference to our communities.
Deakin was established as Victoria's fourth university. It was the result of many years of debate and lobbying, and a desire to increase students' access to education.
The antecedent institutions that laid the foundation for Deakin date back as far as 1887, but it was not until the 1970s that these institutions took new shapes that began the shift toward the Deakin we see today.
For the past 40 years, we’ve been perfecting distance and online learning. Championed by Deakin’s first Vice-Chancellor, Deakin quickly developed an international reputation as a creative and innovative distance education provider.
From our beginnings at Waurn Ponds to magnificent award-winning buildings, our campuses are known for their world-class facilities and friendly, welcoming atmospheres.
Our world-class research and teaching positions us in the top 1% of universities globally in 2025 QS World University Rankings.
Our people – from Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors to teaching staff and students – have helped shape the University from its foundations to present day.
Deakin has a wealth of rich archival material, including records of people, groups, institutions and societies connected to Deakin University and its antecedents.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
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