Deakin University in Australia offers a wide range of scholarships for the 2025 academic year, including several fully funded options for research degrees and generous tuition waivers for coursework programs. Whether you are aiming for a master’s by coursework, an undergraduate degree, or a higher degree by research (HDR), Deakin University Scholarships 2025 can significantly reduce or completely cover your study costs.
This detailed guide explains the main Deakin scholarships, who can apply, what they cover, and how to submit a strong application for the fully funded awards.
Overview of Deakin University Scholarships 2025
Deakin University provides scholarships for both domestic and international students across different levels of study. These scholarships include:
- Fully funded research scholarships for master’s by research and PhD students.
- High-value tuition scholarships for international coursework students (up to 100% tuition).
- Partial tuition fee waivers to support high-achieving students starting undergraduate or postgraduate coursework.
The most important fully funded scholarships at Deakin for 2025 are the Research Training Program (RTP) and the Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPRS). These HDR scholarships usually cover tuition fees, provide a living stipend, and offer additional allowances for relocation and health insurance for eligible international students. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Types of Deakin Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded and Partial)

1. Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship 2025
The RTP Scholarship is funded by the Australian Government and is one of Deakin’s flagship fully funded options for higher degree by research students (master’s by research and PhD). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key benefits (2025 rates may include):
- Tax-free stipend of around AUD 35,550 per year (2025 rate, indexed annually).
- Full tuition fee offset for the standard duration of the degree.
- Relocation allowance (often between AUD 500 and AUD 1,500) for eligible students moving to Deakin from interstate or overseas.
- For international students: single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the student visa. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Duration:
- Doctoral degree: typically 3 years for stipend and up to 4 years for tuition coverage.
- Master’s by research: shorter duration according to course length. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
2. Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPRS)
The DUPRS is funded by Deakin University and offers benefits similar to those of RTP. In many cases, RTP and DUPRS are considered together, and a candidate may be ranked for one or both depending on funding availability.
Typical benefits:
- Living stipend (similar value range to RTP, tax-free).
- Tuition fee coverage for the duration of the research degree.
- Relocation allowance and OSHC for eligible international students. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Both RTP and DUPRS are highly competitive, fully funded scholarships, awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with Deakin’s research strengths.
3. Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship 2025
The Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards for international coursework students. It targets high-achieving applicants with excellent academic records.
Key benefits:
- 100% or 50% tuition fee waiver for the normal duration of the course. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Participation in the Vice-Chancellor’s Professional Excellence Program (VCPEP), which provides leadership training and professional development. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Priority access to on-campus accommodation (accommodation costs are usually paid by the student, subject to availability). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Although this scholarship is not fully funded in the sense of covering living expenses, it can cover up to 100% of tuition fees, making it one of the most generous coursework scholarships at Deakin.
4. Deakin International Scholarship 2025
The Deakin International Scholarship is aimed at academically strong international students commencing undergraduate or postgraduate coursework at Deakin. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Typical benefits:
- 25% tuition fee reduction for the normal duration of the course, subject to maintaining the required academic performance. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Many students who do not receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship still gain significant support through the Deakin International Scholarship.
5. Other Deakin-Funded Scholarships and Awards
Deakin also offers other scholarships that may be fully or partially funded, focusing on:
- Academic excellence and high ATAR/grades.
- Equity and access, including support for disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Specific faculties or disciplines (for example, health, business, IT, engineering etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
These may include merit-based scholarships for domestic students, equity scholarships, and discipline-specific scholarships.
What “Fully Funded” Means at Deakin University
When people talk about “Deakin University Scholarships 2025 — Fully Funded,” they usually refer to research scholarships such as RTP and DUPRS, which cover tuition fees and provide a living stipend and allowances. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
For coursework students, the closest option to “fully funded” is the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (up to 100% tuition), often combined with personal savings, part-time work, or external funding to cover living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria for Deakin Scholarships 2025
Each scholarship has its own criteria, but common requirements include:
General Eligibility (Most Scholarships)
- Meeting academic entry requirements for your chosen Deakin program. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Meeting English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test scores).
- Enrolling in a full-time degree at Deakin (undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, or HDR).
- Holding or being eligible for the appropriate Australian student visa if you are an international student.
Additional Criteria for HDR (RTP and DUPRS)
- A strong academic record, usually equivalent to Honours 2A or above or a high distinction/first-class average in previous degrees.
- Evidence of research experience (thesis, publications, research projects, work in research roles). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- A clear and well-developed research proposal aligned with Deakin’s research areas.
- Support or supervision from a Deakin academic supervisor in your proposed area.
Additional Criteria for Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
- Outstanding academic performance in previous studies (often equivalent to very high distinctions/GPAs).
- Evidence of leadership potential and community involvement.
- Interest in participating in professional development and leadership activities through the VCPEP. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
What Deakin Scholarships 2025 Cover
Coverage for RTP and DUPRS (Fully Funded)
- Full tuition fee offset for the duration of the research degree.
- Annual living stipend (around AUD 35,550 per year in 2025, tax-free, subject to indexation). :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Relocation allowance for eligible students (approx. AUD 500–1,500).
- OSHC for international students for the period of the student visa. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Coverage for Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
- 100% or 50% tuition fee reduction for the normal duration of the program. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Leadership and professional development through VCPEP.
- Priority consideration for on-campus accommodation (costs usually paid by the student). :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Coverage for Deakin International Scholarship
- 25% of tuition fees for the full course duration, provided you maintain the required academic performance. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Eligible Levels and Fields of Study
Deakin University Scholarships 2025 cover a wide range of levels and disciplines:
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) – especially for high-achieving international students through tuition scholarships.
- Postgraduate coursework (Master’s) – including business, IT, engineering, health, arts, and more.
- Higher Degree by Research (HDR) – master’s by research and PhD scholarships, particularly RTP and DUPRS (fully funded). :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Many scholarships are open to all faculties, while some are specific to certain study areas. Always check the detailed scholarship description for restrictions.
How to Apply for Deakin University Scholarships 2025

The application process depends on the type of scholarship. Below is a general step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Choose Your Program and Check Eligibility
- Decide on the degree level (undergraduate, master’s coursework, or HDR).
- Confirm that you meet the academic and English language requirements for your chosen course.
- Review specific scholarship criteria (GPA, nationality, research area, etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
- Personal statement or motivation letter.
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE).
- For HDR: research proposal, writing samples, and evidence of prior research experience.
Step 3: Apply for Admission to Deakin
- Submit an application for your chosen degree through Deakin’s online application system or an authorized representative.
- For HDR programs, contact potential supervisors and upload your research proposal as required.
Step 4: Submit Scholarship Application
- Some scholarships (especially HDR) require a separate scholarship application, often via a specific form or portal.
- Others, like certain international scholarships, may use an automatic consideration process based on your course application and academic results. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Step 5: Await Assessment and Outcome
- Applications are assessed on academic merit, research potential, leadership, and fit with Deakin’s priorities.
- Shortlisted candidates for fully funded research scholarships may be contacted for further information or clarification.
- If successful, you will receive a formal scholarship offer outlining conditions and next steps.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Deadlines for Deakin University Scholarships 2025 can vary by scholarship and faculty. Some HDR scholarships are open for application all year with specific assessment rounds, while other scholarships may have fixed closing dates each trimester. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Always check the latest deadline information for:
- RTP and DUPRS scholarship rounds.
- Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship intakes.
- Deakin International Scholarship cut-off dates for each trimester.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
1. Maintain Excellent Academic Results
Most Deakin scholarships, especially fully funded options, are highly competitive. A strong academic record with high distinctions significantly boosts your chances.
2. Highlight Leadership and Community Engagement
For Vice-Chancellor’s and other leadership-focused scholarships, showcase your involvement in clubs, community projects, work responsibilities, or volunteering that demonstrates initiative and impact.
3. Craft a Clear Career and Research Vision
Explain how studying at Deakin will help you achieve your long-term goals. For HDR, align your research proposal with Deakin’s research strengths and highlight how your project can contribute to knowledge or solve real-world problems.
4. Prepare a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement should be honest, specific, and well-structured. Show who you are, why you chose Deakin, and how you will use the scholarship opportunity to create positive change.
5. Follow Instructions Carefully
Submit all required documents in the correct format before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications are often not considered, even if you are a strong candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Deakin University Scholarships 2025 fully funded?
Yes, some scholarships at Deakin are fully funded, especially research scholarships like the RTP and DUPRS, which typically cover full tuition fees, provide a living stipend, and offer allowances for relocation and health insurance for eligible international students. Coursework scholarships such as the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship can cover up to 100% tuition but generally do not include a living stipend.
2. Who can apply for Deakin’s RTP and DUPRS fully funded scholarships?
Both domestic and international students can apply for RTP and DUPRS scholarships, provided they meet the academic and research eligibility criteria for a master’s by research or PhD program at Deakin.
3. Do I need an offer of admission before applying for a Deakin scholarship?
For many scholarships, especially HDR scholarships, you usually need to either apply for admission and scholarship together or have at least started your admission application. Some coursework scholarships may automatically consider you when you apply for a degree at Deakin.
4. Can undergraduate students receive scholarships at Deakin University?
Yes. Deakin offers tuition scholarships for high-achieving international and domestic students at the undergraduate level, although most fully funded scholarships are for research degrees.
5. What is the difference between RTP and DUPRS?
RTP is funded by the Australian Government, while DUPRS is funded by Deakin University. Both are research scholarships that offer similar benefits in terms of tuition coverage and living stipends, and candidates are often considered for both based on merit.
6. Can I work part-time while holding a Deakin scholarship?
Many scholarship holders can work part-time within the limits set by their scholarship conditions and Australian student visa rules. However, excessive work hours may breach visa or scholarship conditions and can affect academic progress, so it is important to check the specific rules that apply to you.
7. How competitive are fully funded scholarships at Deakin?
Fully funded scholarships at Deakin are very competitive. Successful applicants usually have outstanding academic records, strong references, clear research or career goals, and well-prepared applications.
8. Do I need a separate application for the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship?
In many cases you must submit a specific scholarship application and provide supporting documents that demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. Always check the current application instructions for the year you are applying.