Deakin University, Australia
Please note: The in-person Spring 2021 Deakin program has been canceled and will be offered virtually instead. Please only apply if you would like to participate in a virtual study abroad program.
- Study in Melbourne, Australia - one of the world's most liveable cities
- No foreign language experience necessary
- Several housing options, including apartments and dormitories
- Petermann Scholarship available. See Further Reading below for more information.
KU students can study in Australia, the world's largest island and smallest continent. Whether you are interested in exploring the Outback, studying the life of koalas and kangaroos, or climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Australia has a number of opportunities for personal exploration and development.
Australia is geographically nearly the same size as the continental United States although its population is comparable to the State of Texas' population. Home to 22 million people, Australia boasts fantastic natural beauty. It has beautiful white beaches throughout most the country, numerous mountain ranges to the south and the red deserts of the Outback. Off the Queensland Coast, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth and stretches more than 1,600 miles. Students who study in Australia can also travel to New Zealand, throughout the Pacific Rim and in Southeast Asia, all of which offer opportunities to experience different cultures.
KU's study abroad programs in Australia offer high quality academics at top ranked universities. Programs are available to accommodate students with various academic backgrounds. Students can fulfill general education requirements, major courses and/or take junior/senior hours while studying abroad in Australia.
Deakin University has three campuses: Melbourne Burwood (student population of 26,000), Geelong (student population of 6,000) and Warrnambool (student population of 1,250). Not only is Deakin rated as one of the top research universities, but has twice won the University of the Year Award. Deakin also offers academic internships in the areas of art, business, dance, film, graphic design history, journalism, policy studies, public relations, and theatre.
To learn more about Deakin University, view Deakin’s promotional brochure (.pdf).
Deakin's three principal campuses reflect the full range of what Australia has to offer – from the busy multiculturalism of the metropolitan areas to the regional diversity of its coastal and bayside communities. Melbourne is Australia's second largest city with a population of 4.5 million. Not only is it the second largest city, but Melbourne is also Australia's cultural and sports capital. It was recently judged "the world's most livable city" by the London based Economist Intelligence Survey. The city of Geelong is Victoria's second-largest city with a population of 300,000. Geelong, set against the blue backdrop of Corio Bay, is located only one hour away from Melbourne and has many parks, gardens, eateries and attractions. The city of Warrnambool, with a population of 30,000, is the only city on the Shipwreck Coast. Local residents enjoy fishing, miles and miles of deserted surf beaches and the opportunity to see Southern Right Whales at home in the Southern Ocean. Warrnambool is 3 hours west of Melbourne.
Course offerings include: Architecture, Biology, Chemistry, Chinese, Dance, East Asian Languages & Cultures, Economics, Engineering (Electrical and Mechanical), English, Environmental Studies, Film & Media Studies, HSES, History, Mathematics, News & Information, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Strategic Communication, Theatre, Visual Art and Women's Studies.
Program dates for the Fall semester are generally late June to early October and mid-February to early June for the Spring semester. See date section above for specific dates for each academic term.
Deakin Course Equivalencies (.xlsx.)
On-campus accommodations are available at all three campuses but on-campus housing is competitive at the Melbourne campus. Most on-campus accommodations include single bedrooms and shared bathrooms with a shared kitchen and dining room. Furnished off-campus accommodations are available close to the Melbourne campus.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Applicants must be at least a second semester sophomore by the beginning of the program with a cumulative GPA of 2.6.
Joe Petermann Study Abroad Australia Memorial Scholarship
Fund created for an out-of-state, male student in his 3rd or 4th year of study at KU. The student must have expressed interest in other cultures and who will be studying abroad for a full semester in Australia. Awards up to $1,700. Interested students should complete the Study Abroad & Global Engagement Merit and Financial Need General Scholarship application to be considered for this scholarship.
Deakin Accommodations
Deakin Academic Handbook
Australia Tourism Website