Postgraduate students – domestic
Most of our postgraduate courses are fee-paying places, although a selection of our postgraduate courses offer Commonwealth supported places (CSP).
A full fee-paying place is one for which the university does not receive any government funding. Students enrolled in these places contribute the full cost of their course, though you may be eligible for a Government FEE-HELP loan. The tuition fees you're charged depend on the year you commenced study in that course.
Students enrolled in a CSP are only required to contribute to part of the cost of their course. This is referred to as the 'student contribution'.
Estimate your tuition fees
Whatever course you're studying, our fee estimator tool will give you an indication of your course tuition fees.
Research students
The fees for Higher Degrees by Research vary based on your program of study and whether you're a domestic or international student.
If you're an Australian citizen or permanent visa holder, or a New Zealand citizen, you won't need to pay tuition fees for your research degree.
The Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) provides funding to domestic – and some international – students to support higher degree by research studies. It's administered by individual universities on behalf of the Department of Education and Training. The RTP is offered to top-ranking applicants, though an application for an RTP place will be submitted automatically when you apply.
Deakin University Postgraduate Research (DUPR) scholarships are also available and funded by the University.
Both the RTP and DUPR scholarships are available to domestic and international students.
International students
If you're a temporary resident of Australia or citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand, you're an international student.
Study-related costs
There may be a number of costs other than tuition fees that you need to factor in when you study at university. These will depend on your personal circumstances. For example, where you live, your mode of transport, hobbies and social activities.
Additional costs to consider also include things like books and reading materials, computer equipment, and possibly work placement related costs.
SSAF (Student Services and Amenities Fee)
All domestic students completing undergraduate and postgraduate studies, both on campus and online, incur the SSAF. It helps pay for vital services to enhance your experience at Deakin, including student support services, facilities and social activities.
The annual maximum fee is set by the Government and will vary according to your study load and mode of study. For more information about the SSAF rates charged at Deakin please visit our Current Students Student Services and Amenities Fee page.
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) has more information about the SSAF, including expenditure guidelines.
HELP loans
There are a range of government loans available to eligible domestic students to defer payment of tuition fees. These are known as HELP loans.
Recognition of prior learning
You can reduce your overall study time and tuition cost by getting your work and previous study experience recognised as recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Got a question but can't find the answer?
We've curated some of the most commonly asked questions our future student advisers get about course fees and study costs.
Common questions
Skip to next topicHow much does it cost to study at Deakin?
Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are, the course you study and the year you start. Fees are based on an annual amount; they don't cover the entire duration of the course. Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Does it cost more or less to study online?
Whether you study online or on campus, there's no difference in cost. Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are (i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate, research), the course you study and the year you start. Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a university place for which the government pays a proportion of your tuition fees. This will vary per course and year. Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is HECS-HELP?
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan program that helps eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students pay their tuition fees. If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, the Government will pay your tuition fees on your behalf until you're able to repay your loan from your employment income.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a non-means tested loan program. If you're an eligible fee-paying student you can receive a loan from the Australian Government to help pay your tuition fees. Once employed, you'll be required to start paying back the loan. The compulsory repayment threshold for the 2021-22 income year is $47,014.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Is there a discount for past students?
Yes! If you're a past student of Deakin you may be eligible to receive a 10% discount on your tuition fees through the Deakin alumni postgraduate bursary. Available only for those commencing a postgraduate award course in a full-fee paying place.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can my employer chip in for part of my fees?
Yes, if you're enrolled in an upcoming study period, your employer can contribute to or pay your tuition fees in full directly to Deakin. They must complete a Sponsorship Agreement form, which outlines the relevant course requirements, duration and level of sponsorship agreed to between you and your employer.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can I be sponsored by my employer?
Yes, if you're enrolled in an upcoming study period, your employer can sponsor you to study at Deakin. They must complete a Sponsorship Agreement form, which outlines the relevant course requirements, duration and level of sponsorship agreed to between you and your employer.