Deakin College is a Navitas-operated pathway college located across three campuses in Victoria, Australia, offering guaranteed progression into Deakin University, which is ranked #227 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The college teaches Foundation, Diploma and Masters Qualifying Programs on the Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds and Geelong Waterfront campuses.
The college delivers 9 diplomas across Business, Commerce, IT, Engineering, Design, Communication, Science and Health Sciences, plus 2 Foundation tracks and 2 Masters Qualifying Programs, all taught in English on Deakin University campuses. Deakin College is a legal pathway that lets Indian students who fall short of direct Deakin University entry finish a diploma in 12 months and enter the second year of a Deakin bachelor’s degree. Indian applicants use it to lift 12th-grade or English scores that would otherwise block direct university entry. Read the country context in our MS universities in Australia guide.
- Parent University Rank: #227 in QS World University Rankings 2027
- Acceptance Rate: 80% to 90% (estimated) — open-access pathway model
- Intakes: March, June, October (three trimesters per year)
- Diploma Fee (2026): AUD 35,200 to AUD 40,000 (INR 22.90 lakh to INR 26.03 lakh)
- International Student Share: 60% of a 3,000-student body
- Progression Rate: High progression into Deakin University second year
Also Check: MS Universities in Australia
Deakin College charges no application fee; an Initial Course Enrolment Fee of AUD 225 (INR 14,641) is paid only after accepting an offer. Living costs and financial capacity form part of the Australian student visa (Subclass 500) requirement covered in our study in Australia guide.
Exchange rate used: 1 AUD = INR 65.07 as of June 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (October 2026 T3 intake). Trimester 3 begins 19 October 2026, and international application windows typically close 4 to 6 weeks before start. The next cycle, for March 2027 (T1) entry, is expected to open by October 2026 and stays open on a rolling basis until a few weeks before the 22 February 2027 start.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Deakin College 2026
- Deakin College Admission 2026
- Deakin College Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2026
- Deakin College Acceptance Rate 2026
- Deakin College Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2026
- Deakin College Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Deakin College Scholarships 2026
- Deakin College Rankings 2027
- Deakin College Placements and Career Outcomes 2026
- Deakin College vs Peer Pathway Colleges
- Deakin College FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Deakin College 2026
Deakin College charges fees per trimester across a 3-trimester diploma year and a 4-month Masters Qualifying Program. Total-course fees below cover the full pathway; on completion, students transfer to Deakin University to complete the remaining bachelor’s or master’s years at university tuition rates. Diplomas run 12 months (fast-track 8-month option available); Foundation is 12 months standard or 16 months extended; MQP is 4 months.
Deakin College Top Diploma Programs (2026)
| Program | Total Fee (AUD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement (Indian scale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Business | 40,000 | 26.03 lakh | Class 12 with 60% |
| Diploma of Commerce | 40,000 | 26.03 lakh | Class 12 with 60% |
| Diploma of Information Technology | 37,600 | 24.47 lakh | Class 12 with 60% including Mathematics |
| Diploma of Engineering | 38,400 | 24.99 lakh | Class 12 with 60% including Mathematics |
| Diploma of Science | 37,600 | 24.47 lakh | Class 12 with 60% |
| Diploma of Health Sciences | 35,200 | 22.90 lakh | Class 12 with 60% |
| Diploma of Communication | 35,200 | 22.90 lakh | Class 12 with 60% |
| Diploma of Design | 35,200 | 22.90 lakh | Class 12 with 60% |
| Diploma of Film, TV and Animation | 35,920 | 23.37 lakh | Class 12 with 60% |
[Source: Deakin College 2026 International Course Guide]
Deakin College Foundation and Masters Qualifying Programs (2026)
| Program | Total Fee (AUD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement (Indian scale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Program (Standard) | 32,200 | 20.95 lakh | Class 11 with 70% |
| Foundation Program (Extended) | 37,260 | 24.24 lakh | Class 11 with 65% (recommended) |
| MQP Business | Confirm on official fee schedule | Confirm on official fee schedule | 3-year Bachelor’s with 60% in relevant discipline |
| MQP Law | Confirm on official fee schedule | Confirm on official fee schedule | 3-year Bachelor’s with 60% in relevant discipline |
Insider note: Indian students most often pick the Diploma of Commerce, Diploma of Business, Diploma of IT and Diploma of Engineering because they map cleanly to Deakin University’s largest bachelor’s programs and give the strongest post-study work returns.
Read More: Deakin College Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Deakin College Admission 2026
Deakin College runs a 3-intake year — March, June and October — with rolling online applications through the Navitas StudyLink portal. Indian applicants target either the October 2026 (T3) or March 2027 (T1) intake.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| October 2026 (T3) application deadline | Expected September 2026 (rolling) | Apply 4 to 6 weeks before trimester start; verify at official page |
| October 2026 (T3) programme start | 19 October 2026 | Orientation held in the week before start |
| March 2027 (T1) application deadline | Expected February 2027 (rolling) | Preferred intake for Indian students planning early Deakin University progression |
| March 2027 (T1) programme start | 22 February 2027 | Confirm date on official calendar |
| Australian visa (Subclass 500) processing | Start 8 to 10 weeks before start | Requires CoE and financial proof |
[Source: Deakin College Key Dates 2026]
Planning note: Indian applicants should submit at least 10 to 12 weeks before trimester start so the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is issued in time for the Subclass 500 visa process, which peaks in September and January.
Read More: Deakin College Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Deakin College Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2026
Deakin College entry uses simple Indian-board academic thresholds and country-specific English cut-offs designed to be accessible for Indian students.
Diploma and Foundation Requirements
- Diploma academic: Class 12 with 60% (CBSE, ICSE or State Boards); Diploma of Engineering, Diploma of IT and Diploma of Science require Class 12 Mathematics
- Foundation academic: Class 11 with 70% (Standard) or Class 11 with 65% Extended (recommended)
- English (India-specific): IELTS 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 for diplomas; Foundation IELTS 5.5, no band below 5.0
- Other tests: TOEFL iBT 60 (writing 21), PTE Academic 50 (no communicative skill below 42), Cambridge B2 First 169
Masters Qualifying Program (MQP) Requirements
- Academic: 3-year Bachelor’s degree with 60% in a relevant discipline
- English: IELTS 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5; equivalent PTE and TOEFL accepted
- Progression: MQP graduates enter Deakin University postgraduate coursework at Year 1
Key insight: There is no blanket IELTS waiver for Indian applicants. A country-of-prior-study exemption applies only if the last 5 years of study were English-medium in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland. Every incoming student sits the free LDM100 Language Development Module unless exempted.
Deakin College Acceptance Rate 2026
Deakin College operates an open-access pathway-college model, so acceptance sits at an estimated 80% to 90% (estimated) for applicants who meet the published academic and English cut-offs. The college does not publish a formal acceptance rate; the estimate reflects the standard pathway-provider approach where meeting thresholds equals an offer.
What matters more than the rate is meeting the exact Indian-country English score of IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5) and holding Class 12 at 60% or higher. Failing English but meeting academics converts most rejections into a packaged Foundation or LDM100 offer instead of an outright refusal.
Reality check: Indian students should treat Deakin College as a route where documentation quality drives the outcome. A clean transcript, matching passport name, and verified funding letter clear the file within 2 to 4 weeks.
Read More: Deakin College Acceptance Rate
Deakin College Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2026
The total first-year cost for an Indian student sits between AUD 62,000 and AUD 68,000 (INR 40.34 lakh to INR 44.25 lakh), covering diploma tuition plus 12 months of living in Melbourne or Geelong.
Deakin College Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026
| Program Type | Annual Fee (AUD) | Annual Fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Program (Standard, 12 months) | 32,200 | 20.95 lakh |
| Diploma (12 months) | 35,200 to 40,000 | 22.90 to 26.03 lakh |
| Initial Course Enrolment Fee (one-time) | 225 | 0.15 lakh |
[Source: Deakin College 2026 fee schedule]
Monthly Cost of Living in Melbourne for Indian Students
| Expense | Monthly (AUD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | 1,200 to 1,800 | 78,084 to 1,17,126 |
| Food and groceries | 500 to 700 | 32,535 to 45,549 |
| Transportation | 150 to 200 | 9,761 to 13,014 |
| Books and supplies | 50 to 100 | 3,254 to 6,507 |
| Personal and utilities | 300 to 400 | 19,521 to 26,028 |
| Total (monthly) | 2,200 to 3,200 | 1.43 to 2.08 lakh |
| Total (annual) | 26,400 to 38,400 (estimated) | 17.18 to 24.99 lakh |
[Source: Australian Government Home Affairs financial capacity benchmark 2026]
Insider note: Shared apartments in Burwood, Nunawading and Box Hill near the Melbourne Burwood Campus cost 25% to 30% less than inner-city Melbourne. Geelong shared rents run AUD 700 to AUD 900 per month, the cheapest of the three Deakin College campuses.
Read More: Study in Australia Cost of Living Guide
Deakin College Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Deakin College classes run inside Deakin University’s own campuses in Victoria — Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds and Geelong Waterfront — so students access university libraries, labs, sports centres and student services from day one.
- Location and transport: Melbourne Burwood sits 14 km east of the CBD on tram route 75; Geelong campuses reach central Geelong by V/Line rail
- Housing: Deakin Residential Services offers priority allocation for pathway students; monthly on-campus rent AUD 900 to AUD 1,400
- Facilities: Full access to Deakin University libraries, sports centres, health services and IT labs
- Indian community: Deakin Indian Students Association hosts Diwali, Holi and cricket events across all three campuses
What Indian students say: Indian students report that the small-class Deakin College teaching feels closer to school than university, and the smooth transfer into Deakin University’s second year without repeating first-year units is the biggest practical value.
Deakin College Scholarships 2026
Deakin College runs a small set of merit and progression scholarships for international students; Indian applicants qualify for both the India Merit route and the general Academic Merit awards.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deakin College India Merit Scholarship | Merit | Up to AUD 4,000 (INR 2.60 lakh) | Indian citizens with strong Class 12 record | Rolling with intake application |
| Deakin College Academic Merit Scholarship | Merit | AUD 3,000 to AUD 5,000 (INR 1.95 to 3.25 lakh) | Applicants meeting academic distinction thresholds | Rolling with intake application |
| Progression Scholarship | Merit-progression | Fee discount on Deakin University degree | Awarded on completion of diploma with WAM 65+ | Applied automatically on progression |
[Source: Deakin College scholarships page]
Planning note: The India Merit Scholarship is automatically assessed at the point of application, so Indian students do not need a separate scholarship form. Submitting complete transcripts at first application maximises the awarded value.
Read More: Deakin College Scholarships Guide
Deakin College Rankings 2027
Deakin College is a pathway college and is not ranked as a stand-alone institution by QS, THE, US News or ARWU. Progression students earn a Deakin University degree, so parent-university rankings are the relevant reference for the qualification value.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World (Deakin University) | 2027: #227 | 2026: #197 | 2025: #233 |
| THE World (Deakin University) | 2026: #201 to 250 band | 2025: #244 | 2024: #251 to 300 band |
| US News Global (Deakin University) | 2025-2026: #279 | 2024-2025: #263 | 2023-2024: #276 |
[Source: QS, THE, US News]
As per QS, Deakin University sits in the top 1% of universities globally. Deakin also ranks Victoria’s #1 for graduate employment as per the Australian Government Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) 2025.
Key insight: For Indian students, the Deakin University degree earned after Deakin College carries the same testamur and same QS-ranked recognition as a direct-entry Deakin University degree, and it qualifies for the 2 to 3 year Australian Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) work visa.
Read More: Deakin University Rankings Analysis
Deakin College Placements and Career Outcomes 2026
Deakin College does not publish independent placement data because its students transfer into Deakin University; career outcomes are measured at university graduation.
- Progression rate: High progression to Deakin University second year for students clearing the diploma WAM cut-off
- Parent-university graduate employment: Deakin ranked #1 in Victoria for graduate employment as per QILT 2025
- Median Deakin University graduate starting salary: AUD 68,000 (INR 44.25 lakh) as per QILT 2024 (market median)
- Top graduate destinations: Accenture, Deloitte, EY, PwC, ANZ, NAB, Telstra and CSIRO (representative graduate employers of Deakin University)
- Post-study work visa: Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa for 2 to 3 years after a Deakin University bachelor’s or master’s degree
Insider note: Indian graduates from Deakin’s Business, IT and Engineering degrees regularly secure Melbourne-based roles at Big Four consultancies and Australian banks, and the Deakin College entry route does not appear on the final degree certificate.
Deakin College vs Peer Pathway Colleges
Deakin College competes with other Navitas pathway partners feeding Group of Eight and non-Go8 Australian universities. Comparison uses parent-university QS rank and diploma fee.
| Pathway College | Parent QS Rank 2027 | Avg Diploma Fee (AUD/INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deakin College | #227 (Deakin University) | 37,600 / 24.47 lakh | 3 intakes, guaranteed second-year Deakin University entry |
| La Trobe College Australia | #217 (La Trobe University) | 36,000 / 23.42 lakh | Melbourne CBD teaching plus regional Bendigo option |
| Curtin College | #173 (Curtin University) | 35,000 / 22.77 lakh | Perth base with strong Mining and Engineering pathways |
| Western Sydney University International College | #382 (Western Sydney University) | 34,500 / 22.45 lakh | Sydney metro location and lower total cost |
| Griffith College | #251 (Griffith University) | 34,000 / 22.12 lakh | Gold Coast lifestyle and creative-industries strength |
[Source: QS 2027, respective pathway college fee schedules 2026]
Deakin College stands out because its parent university sits inside the QS Top 250 and holds Victoria’s #1 graduate-employment rank. The 3-intake calendar shortens waiting time to under 4 months for any Indian applicant.
Deakin College fits Indian students who missed direct Deakin University entry by 5% to 15% on Class 12 marks or 0.5 bands on IELTS and want a Melbourne or Geelong campus experience. Total investment of roughly INR 65 lakh across diploma plus 2 remaining Deakin University years is anchored against a median graduate salary of INR 44.25 lakh, offering a payback period inside the Subclass 485 post-study work visa window.
It is not the right pick for Indian students who already meet direct Deakin University entry with 75%+ in Class 12 and IELTS 6.5, since paying diploma-year fees adds cost with no academic gain. Applicants at that level should apply straight to Deakin University or consider La Trobe University for similar ranking at slightly lower total cost.
Deakin College FAQs
Ques. What programs does Deakin College offer for Indian students?
Ans. Deakin College offers 9 diplomas in Business, Commerce, IT, Engineering, Design, Communication, Science, Health Sciences and Film/TV/Animation, plus 2 Foundation tracks and 2 Masters Qualifying Programs. Every program is a Navitas-run pathway into Deakin University, letting Indian students enter the second year of a Deakin bachelor’s degree after a 12-month diploma or the first year of a master’s after a 4-month MQP.
Ques. How does the Deakin College diploma progress into Deakin University?
Ans. A Deakin College diploma completed with the required WAM guarantees entry into the second year of the equivalent Deakin University bachelor’s degree, so the diploma year replaces first-year university units. Students then complete 2 more years to earn the standard Deakin University degree, which carries the same testamur as direct-entry students and does not show Deakin College on the certificate.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while at Deakin College?
Ans. Yes, the Australian Subclass 500 student visa lets Indian students work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters and unlimited hours during trimester breaks. Roles in retail, hospitality, tutoring and campus jobs are common near Melbourne Burwood and Geelong. Wages start around AUD 24.10 per hour under the National Minimum Wage.
Ques. Is there an IELTS waiver for Indian applicants at Deakin College?
Ans. There is no general IELTS waiver for Indian citizens. A country-of-prior-study exemption applies only if the last 5 years of schooling were English-medium in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland. Indian applicants without qualifying prior study must submit IELTS 6.0 for diplomas, IELTS 5.5 for Foundation, or an accepted alternative such as PTE Academic 50.
Ques. What is the application fee for Deakin College?
Ans. Deakin College does not charge an application fee. An Initial Course Enrolment Fee of AUD 225 (INR 14,641) is paid only after accepting an offer and confirms the seat before the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is issued. The fee applies once per enrolment and is credited against future tuition on some programs.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers finance Deakin College?
Ans. Indian banks and NBFCs including HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, State Bank of India and Prodigy Finance fund Deakin College tuition and living costs. Loans typically cover the diploma year plus the remaining Deakin University degree in a single sanction. Lenders require the CoE, offer letter and financial capacity documents matching Australian Home Affairs benchmarks.
Ques. Does Deakin College require GRE or GMAT for MQP entry?
Ans. No, the Deakin College Masters Qualifying Programs in Business and Law do not require GRE or GMAT for Indian applicants. Entry rests on a 3-year Bachelor’s degree with 60% in a relevant discipline plus IELTS 6.0. On successful MQP completion, students enter Deakin University postgraduate coursework at Year 1 without additional standardised tests.
Ques. How long does the Deakin College fast-track diploma option take?
Ans. The fast-track diploma runs 8 months across 2 back-to-back trimesters instead of the standard 3 trimesters over 12 months. Fast-track suits Indian students who want the earliest possible Deakin University second-year start and are ready for a heavier per-trimester load. Total tuition remains the same because the unit count is identical.
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Deakin College Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Postgraduate Scholarships 2020 | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 94,510/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.3 L/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 18.9 L/Yr$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
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