Deakin University

Deakin University is located in Melbourne, Australia, the country’s second-largest city with a population of over five million. Most Noroff students choose the Melbourne Burwood Campus, which is the largest of Deakin’s four campuses.

Melbourne’s climate can be unpredictable and is famously described as having “four seasons in one day.” Summers (December to February) can be hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40 °C (104 °F), while winters (June to August) are cooler, often dropping to around 5–10 °C (41–50 °F). It’s a good idea to pack clothing for both warm and cool weather.

For more information about Deakin and its different campuses, visit Living in Australia.

To travel to Deakin University in Melbourne, fly into Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), the city’s main international airport. Total travel time from Norway is usually between 22–30 hours, depending on layovers. Most flights include one or two stops, often in cities such as Dubai, Doha, Singapore, or Bangkok, depending on the airline you choose.

From Melbourne Airport, you can reach the city center easily by shuttle bus, taxi, or public transport, giving you several options to start your stay in Australia.

Airport Pick-Up

As an international student at Deakin, you can arrange to be picked up at Melbourne Airport upon arrival. To use this service, fill out the Airport Pick-Up form after you have received your flight details and accommodation address. Requests must be submitted at least three business days before your departure. Late requests cannot be accepted.

The most convenient and popular way to travel from Melbourne city center to Deakin’s campuses is by tram, which is efficient and easy to use, with frequent departures. Alternatively, it takes about 30 minutes by car from the city center to the campus.

Visit Before You Arrive for all the essential information before your trip.

Melbourne is known as a global city for art, culture, and sports, offering everything from unique cafés and restaurants to galleries, festivals, and major sporting events. The city is also surrounded by beautiful natural areas, such as national parks and beaches, providing plenty of opportunities for excursions and outdoor experiences.

Under Living in Melbourne, you can find more information about what it’s like to live and study in the city, including tips on transport, housing, leisure activities, and student life in general.

If you have the chance to travel a bit further from Melbourne, Australia offers a wide range of amazing experiences. A short drive from the city takes you to the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, where you can see the iconic Twelve Apostles and explore charming small towns along the route.

For a weekend trip, you can visit Phillip Island to see the famous penguin parades, or head to Grampians National Park for hiking, waterfalls, and breathtaking views. In winter, mountain areas like Mount Buller offer excellent skiing opportunities.

If you have the opportunity for a longer holiday, you can explore Australia’s iconic destinations such as Sydney, with its famous Opera House and Bondi Beach, or travel to the Great Barrier Reef to experience the world’s largest coral reef. Outback adventures in Uluru and rainforest experiences in Daintree are also popular choices for those who want to experience Australia’s unique natural beauty.

Noroff Graphic Design students are eligible to apply for:

• Bachelor of Design, Deakin code A319.

Noroff Film students can apply for:

• Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation, Deakin code A351.

Students in 3D Art and Games Technology – Interactive/Content Creation may apply for:

• Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation, Deakin code A351.

Students in UX Design or UI Design are eligible to apply for:

• Bachelor of Design, Deakin code A319. This is a 1+2 pathway, meaning you complete your first year at Noroff and then two additional years at Deakin University to earn the bachelor’s degree.

To qualify for our 2+1 agreement with Deakin University, you must complete a two-year Higher Vocational Education program at Noroff Fagskole (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits) and earn a Higher Vocational Diploma. This applies to the following programs: Graphic Design, Film Production, and 3D Art and Games Technology.

To qualify for our 1+2 agreement, you must complete a one-year Higher Vocational Education program (60 ECTS credits) at Noroff Fagskole and earn a Vocational Diploma. This applies to the following programs: UX Design and UI Design.

Grade Requirement

A grade point average of C or higher is required. Applicants with a slightly lower average may still be considered individually, but admission cannot be guaranteed.

You can download the English version of your diploma via Studentweb once you have completed your studies at Noroff.

The English language requirement at Deakin University can be satisfied through one of the following options:

• Norwegian Upper Secondary Certificate: A grade of 4 or higher in English.
• DUELI English Test: Successful completion of the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) placement test. This free, 60-minute written test requires you to discuss a given topic.
• Recognised English Test: Successful completion of an approved test such as IELTS, Pearson PTE Academic, or Cambridge English.

Please note that higher requirements may apply if you hold an international qualification such as the IB Diploma or another international upper secondary certificate.

You do not need to meet the English requirement at the time of application. However, you must provide documentation that you satisfy one of these requirements before you can receive an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Deakin University.

The tuition fees for international full-time students at Deakin University for the academic year 2025 are:

• A319 – Bachelor of Design: AUD $37,400 per year
• A351 – Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation: AUD $40,800 per year

These tuition fees are indicative only, and actual fees may vary. The estimated fees are based on completing 8 credit points per year for the specified year and do not include additional costs that may apply, such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Deposit

As a Noroff student, you do not need to pay the full tuition for the first trimester in advance, as Norwegian students typically receive loans from Lånekassen only after receiving their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You are only required to pay a deposit of AUD $500 until the loan is disbursed. More information on fees can be found under Fees and Scholarships.

Living Costs

You can estimate living expenses for students in Melbourne using the Cost of Living Calculator on Study Australia. This tool provides a detailed overview of expected expenses based on your lifestyle and accommodation.

As a general guideline, international students in Melbourne can expect living costs of AUD $1,500 to $2,500 per month, depending on accommodation and lifestyle. This includes housing, food, transport, and other necessities. Please note that these are estimates, and actual costs will vary based on personal choices and habits.

Work While Studying

With an Australian student visa, you may work up to 48 hours per two-week period during teaching trimesters. During breaks between trimesters or outside teaching periods, you may work without any time restrictions.

To ensure a good balance between work and study, you must:

• Maintain your course enrolment
• Attend classes satisfactorily
• Make satisfactory progress in your courses

More information about working during and after your studies, as well as job opportunities, can be found under Working in Australia.

Deakin offers several housing options, with on-campus accommodation being a popular choice among students. Living on campus provides easy access to campus facilities, an inclusive environment, and the opportunity to become part of a vibrant social community.

You can find more information about the different housing options at each campus under Accommodation.

Please note that you must receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before you can apply for student housing.

To study in Australia, you must apply for a student visa, which allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your studies and work part-time if you wish.

The visa application process begins only after you have received your final offer—known as a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)—from Deakin University. This document is required to apply for a student visa. For more details about the process, visit Deakin’s Student Visa page.

The student visa application is completed online through the Australian Government’s official Student Visa portal.

Before starting your application, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This allows us to register you in our system, provide guidance, and inform our partner universities which students are applying through the Noroff exchange agreements.

We recommend that you contact us and submit your application using your personal email address, as your Noroff account will be deactivated once you have completed your studies.

Choosing Your Trimester

When applying to Deakin University, you must decide which trimester start works best for you. The examples below assume the standard Noroff intake beginning in August. If you are an online student with a different schedule, you should consider which trimester fits your timeline.

Trimester 2 (starts in July)

Advantages:
Quick transition for those who wish to continue their studies immediately after graduation.

Challenges:
If you finish your Higher Vocational College degree at Noroff in the spring semester, it may be difficult to receive your diploma and secure your visa in time.

On-campus housing can be harder to find since Deakin’s main intake is in Trimester 1.

Trimester 1 (starts in March)

Advantages:
More time to apply, receive your diploma, and complete the visa process.
Greater availability of student housing, as this is Deakin’s main intake.
Opportunity to work or save money before starting your studies.

Challenges:
A longer gap between completing your Noroff program and starting at Deakin.

Take time to consider which trimester gives you enough flexibility to plan and meet all requirements before your studies begin. If you have questions, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

How to Apply

Noroff will submit your application to Deakin on your behalf. To start the process, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your completed application form and all required documents, making sure every attachment is in English.

Required documents

• Application form
• High school diploma (English version—contact your high school if you don’t already have this)
• Updated CV
• Copy of your passport
• Noroff diploma (if you have already graduated)

Processing Time

Application processing may take up to six weeks, so apply well in advance.

When Deakin emails you the offer letter, you must accept it by completing and returning the attached acceptance form.

If your offer includes any conditions, such as providing your Noroff diploma or completing an English language test, you must meet these requirements before you can receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Deakin follows a trimester system, with the academic year divided into three trimesters of roughly four months each. Two trimesters equal a full academic year. As a Noroff student, you may apply for Trimester 1 or Trimester 2 admission.

Trimester dates and recommended deadlines:

Trimester 1: March – June
Recommended application period: early autumn, by December.
Final application deadline: 15 January

Trimester 2: July – October
Recommended application period: early spring, by April.
Final application deadline: 15 May

Trimester 3: November – February
Not available for Noroff students

Note:

For students completing their Higher Vocational College diploma at Noroff in the spring semester, starting in Trimester 2 can be more challenging, particularly when it comes to receiving your diploma and securing a visa on time. Student housing may also be harder to find, as Deakin’s main intake is in Trimester 1. For additional guidance on choosing the right trimester, see the “Application Process” section.

• Deakin University – Official Website
• Deakin University – International Students
• Deakin – Melbourne Burwood Campus