Deakin University vs La Trobe University: A 2025 guide for international students

Note: Fees and scholarships vary by course and intake. Use these figures as a guide only, speak with an IDP counsellor for advice tailored to your needs.

Both universities are well recognised in Australia and globally. However, while subject rankings vary, Deakin generally ranks higher overall.

Deakin University

A global leader in Sport Science (#1 worldwide according to Shanghai Rankings 2024) and ranks highly in Australia for Education and Nursing. Its Business School is double-accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System), placing it among the world’s leading business schools

La Trobe University

Ranked 42^nd for Nursing (QS world rankings 2024) and is within the 200 universities for Life Sciences, Public Health and Archaeology. Employer surveys consistently rate La Trobe graduates highly for workplace readiness and satisfaction, with a rating of 85.9% (2023 Employer Satisfaction Survey).

Verdict: Deakin holds a stronger global presence and higher overall rankings, while La Trobe stands out for its research impact and strong employer satisfaction ratings.

Both universities offer many different courses, but each is stronger in certain subjects. Knowing what each university is best at can help you choose the one that matches your future career goals.

Deakin strengths

• Sport science with leading labs and partnerships.

• Nursing and midwifery with strong clinical placements.

• Education with practical school‑based experiences.

• Business and management through an internationally accredited business school.

• IT and engineering with project‑based learning and co‑designed industry units.

View courses offered by Deakin here!

La Trobe strengths

• Nursing and allied health with strong clinical networks.

• Life sciences and public health with research‑active staff.

• Arts, humanities and social sciences with community‑engaged projects.

• Education across metropolitan and regional settings.

View courses offered by La Trobe here!

Verdict: While Deakin and La Trobe both excel in health sciences, La Trobe is the better choice for Nursing and Deakin for Sports Sciences.

Learning style and support can make a big difference in how confident an international student feels while studying. Both universities focus on hands-on learning, but each has its own approach.

Deakin University

Focuses on industry‑aligned learning. Expect case studies, labs, client projects and work‑integrated learning. Strong online and blended learning options also give flexibility if you need to balance study, work, and life in a new country. Peer mentoring, language support, and study skills workshops are widely available to help international students adapt quickly.

La Trobe University

Strong emphasis on community engagement and applied learning. Many health and social science courses integrate placements in regional hospitals, schools or community organisations, giving international students real-world exposure. Smaller class sizes at regional campuses can provide more personalised support, while Melbourne’s Bundoora campus offers a vibrant, inclusive environment. La Trobe also provides specialised orientation programs and ongoing academic mentoring tailored to international students.

Verdict: If you want structured industry placements, flexible study formats and strong online back-up, Deakin is a great fit. If you value community-based learning, supportive smaller classes and opportunities to connect with local networks, La Trobe may be the better choice.

Campus life is about more than just studying — it’s where international students build connections and feel at home in Australia.

Deakin campuses

• Melbourne Burwood: Modern facilities in the east of the city. Good transport, strong student associations and clubs.

• Geelong Waterfront and Waurn Ponds: Coastal lifestyle, close to beaches, new labs and design studios.

• Warrnambool: Smaller coastal campus with a friendly feel.

• Cloud Campus: Flexible online learning for many courses.

La Trobe campuses

• Melbourne Bundoora: Expansive, green campus with a wildlife sanctuary and active student life. The university is also a leader in sustainability, with its main campus certified carbon neutral.

• Regional Victoria: Bendigo, Albury‑Wodonga, Mildura, and Shepparton offer smaller cohorts and strong community links.

• City sites: Melbourne CBD and Sydney centres are available for selected courses.

Verdict: Deakin offers modern city and coastal campuses with strong facilities, while La Trobe provides a green, sustainability-focused hub and regional options with a welcoming community feel.

To study in Australia, international students need to meet both academic and English language entry requirements. In most cases, this means showing proof of completing senior secondary school (for undergraduate study) or a recognised bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate study). Universities often also expect a minimum academic average, usually the equivalent of 60–70%.

English proficiency is another key part of admission. Most courses at Deakin and La Trobe require an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0. Higher scores may be needed for specific degrees.

Applications also include submitting transcripts, proof of English language results, a valid passport, and sometimes additional documents such as a statement of purpose, CV, or portfolio depending on the course.

Fees and scholarships

Studying at Deakin or La Trobe is an investment, and there are costs beyond tuition, such as living expenses. Below is a breakdown of these costs along with some of the scholarships each university offers to international students.

Tuition costs

Study costs at both Deakin and La Trobe usually falls between AUD 30,000 and 40,000 per year for most coursework programs. However, lab‑heavy or specialist courses can cost more.

Scholarships

Deakin: Offers the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, one of the most competitive awards in Australia, covering up to 100% of tuition fees for outstanding academic achievers. For students with strong but not top-tier grades, Deakin provides 25% merit scholarships as well as country-specific bursaries that reduce fees for students from selected regions. These scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants and can make a significant difference in overall study costs.  

Discover more scholarships to study at Deakin here!

La Trobe: Provides a wide range of scholarships for international students, including the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship, which offers up to 100% tuition coverage for high-achieving students from countries such as India and Sri Lanka. The university also offers the La Trobe Excellence Scholarship, reducing fees by 15–25%, along with faculty-specific and regional campus awards. These scholarships are designed to reward academic merit, attract diverse talent, and make studying at La Trobe more affordable.  

Discover more scholarships to study at La Trobe here!

Verdict: Deakin offers highly competitive scholarships for top achievers, while La Trobe provides a wider range of awards that make study more accessible for many international students.

International students should plan for at least AUD 20,000 per year in living expenses, though costs vary by location. Studying at Deakin’s Melbourne Burwood campus or La Trobe’s Bundoora campus means higher housing and transport costs, typical of a major city. In contrast, regional campuses such as Geelong, Bendigo, or Albury-Wodonga often provide more affordable accommodation and a lower overall cost of living.

Under current visa rules, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during breaks. This can help offset living costs, especially in cities like Melbourne where part-time work is widely available in hospitality, retail, and services. Regional campuses may have fewer job options, but students there can sometimes access extra post-study work rights if they remain in regional Australia after graduation.

Verdict: Melbourne campuses offer more part-time job opportunities, but housing tends to be costlier. In contrast, regional campuses are more affordable and may have fewer part-time work options, though students can access additional post-study work rights.

Deakin and La Trobe both give international students strong career prospects, but the pathways differ.

Deakin University

Has some of the best graduate outcomes in Victoria, supported by a strong emphasis on career-focused learning and industry partnerships. International students benefit from career coaching, networking events, and structured internship opportunities that make it easier to transition into the workforce. Deakin graduates are highly regarded in areas such as sport science, education, health, business, and IT.

La Trobe University

Performs strongly, with high employer satisfaction scores in national surveys. Its graduates are valued for their practical skills, especially in nursing, health, and life sciences. Regional campuses provide opportunities for smaller, community-linked placements, and students who stay in regional areas after graduation may be eligible for extended post-study work visas.

Verdict: If you want a clear pathway to jobs in metropolitan areas and strong employability support, Deakin is a strong choice. If you are interested in health, life sciences, or regional opportunities with visa benefits, La Trobe offers excellent prospects.

Finding a safe and affordable place to live is one of the most important requirements for international students. Both Deakin and La Trobe provide on-campus housing and support services to help you settle in Australia.

Deakin University

Deakin offers modern student residences at its Melbourne Burwood, Geelong and Warrnambool campuses. Options include shared apartments, studios, and catered facilities, with support staff on site to help new international students adjust. Deakin also runs orientation housing sessions and helps students connect with off-campus providers. Living on campus gives easy access to classes, facilities and student clubs, making it a popular choice for international students.

La Trobe University

La Trobe provides on-campus colleges and residences at Bundoora and regional campuses such as Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga. Accommodation is designed to be inclusive, with pastoral care and peer support built in. International students can choose from self-catered or catered options and benefit from being part of a multicultural student community. For those preferring private housing, La Trobe’s housing office guides students towards safe rentals near campus.

Verdict: Deakin offers more on-campus options in city and coastal locations, while La Trobe provides a wider range of affordable accommodation, especially at its regional campuses.

Want to know more about living costs and rentals in Australia? Read our Guides – Your guide to renting in Australia as an international student and Your complete Guide to Accommodation Costs in Australia.

Find Student Accommodation near your university to see available housing options that match your budget and location.

Deakin and La Trobe both provide excellent opportunities for international students, with distinct strengths. Deakin leads in career-focused learning, sport science, education, and nursing, with strong graduate outcomes and flexible study options. La Trobe stands out in nursing, life sciences, and health, offering a welcoming community and affordable pathways, especially through its regional campuses.

The right choice depends on your subject interests, budget, and the lifestyle you want in Australia.

Here’s a clear breakdown to help you match the right university to your priorities:

Pick Deakin if you:

• Want the strongest employment outcomes and a direct path from classroom to career.

• Plan to study sport science, nursing, education, business, IT, or engineering.

• Prefer modern facilities in Melbourne’s east or by the coast at Geelong, with flexible online options

• Value structured placements, industry mentors, and a high level of student support.

Pick La Trobe if you:

• Plan to study nursing, life sciences, health, psychology or arts/humanities.

• Would enjoy a large, green campus with a wildlife sanctuary and friendly community vibe.

• Want regional campus options and pathways with smaller class sizes.

• Are cost-conscious and plan to apply for merit scholarships

• Hope to take advantage of post-study work opportunities in regional Australia, where graduates can access extended post-study work visas and strong local employment prospects.

Need personalised advice? Talk to an IDP counsellor today for free support with course selection, applications, scholarships, and visas. We’ll help you compare your options and take the next step toward studying in Australia with confidence.