Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (Australia)

The Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is one of Australia’s strongest university awards, waiving 100 percent of tuition for the very top international applicants and 50 percent for the remaining awardees, across the full length of a bachelor’s or master’s coursework degree at Deakin University in Victoria.

Candidates need roughly an 85 percent academic average, a genuine personal statement and evidence of leadership, and scholars join the Vice-Chancellor’s Professional Excellence Program with priority access to campus housing. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis before each trimester (March, July and November intakes), and unsuccessful candidates are automatically considered for the 25 percent Deakin International Scholarship.

• International students (citizens of countries other than Australia or New Zealand) starting an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at Deakin University.
• Academic benchmark of about 85 percent average (or equivalent) in previous studies, for example 80 percent across the first four semesters of a bachelor's for postgraduate applicants; competition often pushes successful scores higher.
• Meeting Deakin's English requirements (around IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate programmes).
• New commencing students only, and not holders of another Deakin scholarship or bursary.
• The Doctor of Medicine programme is excluded, as are research degrees (which use Deakin's HDR scholarships instead).
• A personal statement in your own voice and evidence of leadership and community involvement carry real weight in selection.
• Recipients must join the Vice-Chancellor's Professional Excellence Program and maintain strong results to keep the waiver.

• 100 percent tuition waiver for the very top candidates, or 50 percent for the remaining awardees, applied every trimester for the standard length of the degree.
• Participation in the Vice-Chancellor's Professional Excellence Program, a structured leadership and employability track exclusive to these scholars.
• Priority access to on-campus accommodation (paid at your own cost, subject to availability).
• Automatic consideration for the 25 percent Deakin International Scholarship if you are not selected, so one application covers both.
• Study at a large Victorian university with strong industry links across Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool campuses.
• Geelong and Warrnambool count as regional Australia, which can add post-study visa advantages.

• Deakin course application submitted first, so you hold (or are processing) a Letter of Offer.
• Completed Deakin International Scholarship Program application form (PDF) emailed to Deakin International Admissions.
• Personal statement of about 300 words on why Deakin, your activities and why you would be a strong ambassador.
• Two references highlighting community involvement and leadership.
• Academic transcripts for all previous study.
• Evidence of extracurriculars or work experience where available; an interview may follow.

• Apply for your chosen Deakin undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree through the Deakin application portal or an authorized representative.
• Download the International Scholarship Program form, complete it with your personal statement and references, and email it to Deakin International Admissions.
• Submit at least one month before your course start date; applications are assessed on a rolling basis in the lead-up to each trimester (March, July and November intakes), and awards close once the yearly quota fills.
• Only successful applicants are contacted, and you must accept both the course offer and the scholarship by the stated deadline or the award lapses.
• Maintain full-time enrollment and the required GPA each trimester to keep the fee waiver.
• If you miss out, the automatic 25 percent Deakin International Scholarship assessment softens the landing.