Why university?
A university education will help your teen secure their future and gain invaluable life skills. It is a key time to discover their purpose and prepare for professional success. The right university will be a safe place to grow as a person and mature into the next stage of life. We know every student has unique interests and learning styles, that’s why Deakin offers progressive, real-world learning and practical experience that will take them from classroom to career.
Parents and caregivers' guide
Choosing a university is a big decision. You want what is best for your child, but it can be difficult to know where to start or how to provide support. As your child’s key adviser, you can play an important role in ensuring they have all the information they need to make a confident and informed decision.
Our parents and caregivers' guide covers the entire process, from preferencing tips to choosing a course and career planning, making it easy to support your teen as they take this important first step.
Explore courses by ATAR
Together, you can explore our courses, and use our ATAR and study score calculators, to match your child's interests to courses and future career opportunities.
Support their university journey
It’s never too early to take an active interest in your teen's future. There are plenty of ways you can show your support and help them prepare for their university journey.
Year 10
Year 10 is an exciting year as it marks the beginning of the senior years of high school. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore your teen’s interests through work experience and research different study options that will lead into their future career.
Year 11 & 12
There is a lot to think about during your child’s final years of high school. Your encouragement and understanding has a significant impact on their growth as they begin planning the next phase of their life. We've put together some tips on how to help them stay focused, prepare for exams and develop the skills needed for university.
Discover their interests
Now is an exciting time for your teen to explore their interests and research all of their future course and career options. Deakin is Victoria’s #1 university for teaching quality* and we have over 300+ degrees designed and taught by industry leaders. Our students are highly skilled and ready for the workforce, going on to achieve incredible career success across all industries in Australia and around the world.
#1 university for student satisfaction
We have facilities and services available so that students feel happy, safe and supported as they build friendships, make connections and start their university adventure.^
Pathways to university
Did you know that there is more than one way for your child to get into university? It can feel like there is a lot of pressure on exam results, but a high ATAR isn't the only way to begin studies at Deakin. There are many pathways and flexible options to fast-track your child’s entry into their preferred course. Explore their options with our pathways finder tool.
Beyond their ATAR
Regional Access Scheme
Do you want your child to finish Year 12 full of confidence? No matter where you live, your child can apply for the Deakin Regional Access Scheme and receive a conditional offer long before their classmates.
Indigenous Access Scheme
The Indigenous Access Scheme recognises the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, considering the skills, experience and community work that prepares them for study.
Special Entry Access Scheme
The Special Entry Access Scheme acknowledges factors that can disrupt your teen's studies, like illness, financial hardship and natural disasters, and improves their chance of securing a place in their dream course.
Transition to Deakin: a guide for students and parents
We chat with two of our student ambassadors about how they transitioned from Year 12 into university life at Deakin.
Award-winning university career service
University is just the first step toward your teen’s professional career. Our award-winning university career service, DeakinTALENT, offers advice and encouragement to all students, as well as an extensive suite of programs and services to help them secure their dream job post-graduation.#
Deakin is one of the world's top universities, which means that top quality teaching, world-class support and highly advanced faculties are guaranteed during my course.
Rijja Malihi
Bachelor of Laws/Arts
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Advice for parents, from parents, about surviving VCE
To better understand how to support students through Year 11 and 12, we spoke with parents and caregivers whose kids have been through VCE for their best advice.
Got a question but can't find the answer?
We've curated some of the most commonly asked questions our future student advisers get from parents and caregivers of Year 12s and soon-to-be uni students.
Common questions
Skip to next topicWhat 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 closes on 14 December 2022 at 4pm, two days after ATAR release. COP reopens on 13 January 2023 after January offers are made. COP closes again on 19 January 2023 and reopens on 1 February 2023, after February offers are made. Final close is 15 February 2023.
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 August 1st. 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 2023 rounds.
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:
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:
Does Deakin offer any guaranteed entry courses?
Our Associate Degree of Arts is a guaranteed pathway into our Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Criminology. You can also apply to transition, with credit, into a range of other bachelor degrees, though this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What study support is available to online students?
During your tailored, online orientation program you'll gain access to our dedicated study support site, chock-full of helpful resources, including the library. For more personalised support there's also one-on-one mentoring sessions and student success coaches available via numerous channels, plus our 24/7 online tutoring and writing feedback service.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What if my child is under the age of 18?
Students under the age of 18 are welcome to study at Deakin. Our Underage Student Management Policy recognises that they might need some additional support and require the appropriate involvement of a parent of caregiver. We do have some guidelines for underage international students, to ensure they get the most of their studies in Australia.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can I check on my child’s academic progress?
According to our Privacy Policy, we're unable to provide personal information about students unless the student has given their explicit consent. This is regardless of whether the student in question is under 18 or if the parent or caregiver is paying their fees or expenses.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Footnotes
*2021 Student Experience Survey, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
^Australian Graduate Survey 2010 –2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016 –2021 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
#Australian Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 winner for most popular career service in Australia
Need more information?
Do you have a question or want to help your child plan their course preference shortlist? Our expert advisers are here to support you. Contact us today.
1800 MY FUTURE (1800 693 888)
myfuture@deakin.edu.au
Enquire online