Studying Year 12 in 2024?
We’ll help you explore your study options and prepare your course preference shortlist so you’re ready to start university.
Shortlist your courses
With VTAC applications now open for Trimester 1, 2025, it's time to confirm your ultimate preference shortlist and apply. You've still got time – explore our courses by ATAR or double degrees, and use our handy ATAR and study score calculators to make a confident decision.
Check your course entry requirements closely
Some courses have special entry requirements, like the CASPer test for some education courses or specific subject prerequisites, such as specialist maths. Don’t worry if you don't quite meet the course entry requirements, there are flexible pathways and bridging courses that can help you make your dream degree a reality.
Chat with our experts
Whenever you need us, we’re here to give you Year 12 support. If you're finding it tough to choose between courses or need some help through preferencing, chat with us online or call us on 1800 693 888.
Keep on top of key dates
VTAC course applications are now open for Trimester 1, 2025.
VTAC SEAS and scholarship applications are closed.
Review your course preferences
Remember, order is important, so list courses in the order you want to study them, not the order in which you think you’ll get in. We’ve got all the advice and information you need about change of preference.
Preference the #1 Victorian uni for graduate employment
If you want a degree that provides vital industry experience, invaluable academic support and helps secure your dream job, choose Deakin. We’re the #1 uni in Victoria for graduate employment and course satisfaction.
We’re the #1 Victorian university for course satisfaction
Over 60,000 students from Australia and around the world choose Deakin for progressive, real-world learning that leads to career success.
Build practical skills
Get hands-on learning in our world-class facilities, from a $55 million-dollar engineering facility to an elite sports precinct. Your experience will prepare you for the jobs of the future.
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For most courses you have the flexibility to set your own pace and switch between part-time and full-time study. Plus, you can study entirely on-campus or try a combination.
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We'll help you become the most employable version of yourself. Using established techniques, we'll give you the knowledge you need to build a rewarding career.
See what our campuses have to offer
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Our Melbourne Burwood Campus offers some of the most innovative and cutting-edge facilities in Australia, complemented by an inclusive learning and living environment.
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Home-base for much of Deakin’s world-leading research, our Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus is renowned for its breadth and depth of first-class facilities.
Geelong Waterfront Campus
A stately silhouette that defines the shoreline of the town, the unassuming exterior of our Geelong Waterfront Campus conceals the impressive facilities that await inside.
Warrnambool Campus
Holding a prime position along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, our Warrnambool Campus may be rural but it’s certainly radical when it comes to cutting-edge facilities and research.
Secure a spot in your dream course
We're providing lower upfront guaranteed ATARs for eligible students from under-represented cohorts. This provides you with more certainty, reduces stress and gives you the best chance to get into the course you want before starting uni.
Latest articles
Which university has the highest graduate employment?
Deakin is the top university in Victoria for graduate employment due to its industry connections, innovative learning programs and support services.
Stressed about Year 12?
Year 12 exams are the final hurdle before the rest of your life, and most of you will be feeling stressed. Here are some tips to get you through.
Got a question?
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions our awesome future student advisers get about applying to Deakin.
Year 12s
Skip to next topicWho can I speak to for course preference support?
Whether you need last-minute course advice before accepting your offer or step-by-step guidance through enrolment, we're here to help on the 23 and 24 December from 10am to 4pm. Call 1800 693 888 or hit the online chat.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is Change of Preference (COP)?
Change of Preference (COP) is a stage in the VTAC application process relating to the input of course preferences. You can include up to eight course options on your preference list. During COP periods, you can change the order of your preferences, as well as add or remove courses.
For more information on future student services and courses:
When is COP?
COP opens on 12 December and closes 14 December 2024 at 12pm, two days after ATAR release. COP reopens on 22 December 2024 at 2pm after first round January offers are made. COP closes again on 24 December 2024 at 4pm and reopens on in January 2025, after second round January offers are made. Final close is in February 2025.
For more information on future student services and courses:
When is Open Day?
Explore your future campus at Deakin Open Day on 4 August at our Warrnambool Campus, 18 August at Geelong Waterfront and Geelong Waurn Ponds campuses and 25 August at Melbourne Burwood Campus. Attend course and general information sessions, meet your future teachers, chat with current students and tour our state-of-the-art facilities.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR?
If you attend an under-represented school, live or study in a rural or regional location or come from an Indigenous background we're providing lower upfront guaranteed ATARs for eligible students so you can secure a place in the course you want.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What does preferencing a course mean?
Preferencing a course is when a Year 12 student ranks up to eight courses they'd most like to study in order of preference in VTAC's application system. Once preferences are in, they may receive an offer for their highest eligible course based on the entry requirements.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can I add new courses to my preferences list?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to check the prerequisites and extra requirements for any new courses you're interested in before you add them to your preferences.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What's the difference between a raw score and a scaled study score?
The VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority) sends each student's raw score per subject to VTAC where they're converted into scaled study scores. The scaled study scores are then used to calculate the student's ATAR. Raw scores are used in conjunction with prerequisites.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Do I accept my offer straight away, or wait until all rounds are done?
We recommend you accept each offer as you receive them. You’ll still be eligible to receive additional offers in other rounds for any higher-preferred courses in your preference list, regardless if you’ve previously accepted, declined or deferred an offer.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How do Year 12 students apply?
Current Year 12 students must apply through VTAC. Applications open on 29 July. When you apply, you can list up to eight courses, in order of preference, within the VTAC application system. Once ATARs are released, applications will be assessed and offers will be sent out in the December, January and February 2025 rounds.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Who can help me with my VTAC application?
Need help with your VTAC application? Refer to VTAC for additional support. For technical assistance, visit VTAC Technical Help.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Do I have to meet all course prerequisites?
Yes, regardless of your ATAR, if you don't meet the course requirements as listed on VTAC then you aren't eligible to receive an offer for that course. Why not think outside the box and use our pathway finder to explore what other options may be available to you.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can I change my preferences after I receive an offer?
Yes, you can change your preferences after receiving an offer. You're also still eligible to receive an offer for any courses listed above your current offer, i.e. if you receive an offer for your third preference, you may still receive an offer for your first and second preferred courses.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How many times can I change my preferences?
You can change your preferences as many times as you like within the COP timeframes. Find out more about VTAC key dates
For more information on future student services and courses:
Will my first preference still be considered if I receive an offer for a lower preference?
Yes, whether you're applying through VTAC or directly to Deakin, you may still be considered for your first or higher-preferred courses regardless of whether you've accepted, declined or deferred an offer for a lower preferred course.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What's the difference between each offer round from November to February?
The November offer round is for non-Year 12 students who have applied through VTAC within the timely offer period and meet the relevant eligibility criteria. The January and February offer rounds are for current Year 12 and IB students in all states.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How many offers can I receive?
You can receive one offer per round. Any offers you receive will be for the highest eligible course on your preference list, assuming you've met all criteria for each course listed.
For more information on future student services and courses:
If I receive an offer in January, can I still get other offers in later rounds?
Yes, you can still receive additional offers in later rounds even if you've previously accepted, declined or deferred an offer in January. However, if you receive an offer for your first preference and don't adjust your course preference list before the next round, you will not receive any further offers.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Who do I contact for help about my Deakin offer?
Get in touch with our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre. Call the team on 1800 693 888 between 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday, or discuss your options via live chat, Monday–Friday.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How will I know if Deakin's making offers in later rounds?
Deakin courses that won't be making any further offers in later rounds will be indicated against your preferences in VTAC.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Do entry requirements change between offer rounds?
No – entry requirements, including folio submissions and interviews, remain the same when applying through VTAC, regardless of the offer round.
For more information on future student services and courses:
If I get an offer in January, can I defer and wait for a better offer in later rounds?
Deferral means to put off accepting an offer for up to two years. If you intend to start studying in the next intake you should accept, as you can still receive additional offers in later rounds even if you've previously accepted, declined or deferred an offer.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What does 'Lowest selection rank to which an offer was made' mean?
The lowest selection rank is the adjusted value – ATAR plus additional points (if eligible) – you would have needed to get into a course the previous year. If you achieve this rank you're likely to get in, unless it's since increased or entry requirements also include other criteria, e.g. a folio.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Will the ATAR shown on the course page stay the same for the 2025 intake?
The selection rank published on the course page will vary each year depending on a number of factors, including demand. It should be used as a guide only.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Does Deakin offer guaranteed pathways?
Yes, we offer many different pathways into Deakin and a number of these are guaranteed, such as the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR. Use our handy pathway finder to explore the different options that may be available to you.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How do I apply for special consideration?
Applying for special consideration is simple, and in some cases, you won't need to provide any details outside of your course application. The process is different for each VTAC category, or Deakin's programs, so please visit the relevant special consideration page for step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is SEAS?
VTAC's Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) is for those who may not have been able to reach their full potential for study due to a range of challenging factors. SEAS enables institutions to consider the circumstances you've experienced and their impact on your studies when making selection decisions.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What are SEAS aggregate points?
The Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) adds points to your aggregate to reflect the level you may have achieved if your circumstances had been different. This can increase your chance of receiving an offer but does not guarantee it. Deakin will give a maximum of 15 aggregate points per applicant.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Are SEAS or subject adjustment points added directly onto my ATAR?
No, adjustments or bonus points are added to your aggregate score, not your ATAR. Your total aggregate score is then converted into your ATAR.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Rankings and footnotes
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
Contact us
Our friendly student advisors are available to provide you Year 12 support. Chat to them one-on-one about your study options, application process, pathways to your dream degree and more.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online