
Dreaming of studying in Australia? Deakin University is one of Australia’s top choices for international students, especially Nepalese applicants. But getting admitted isn’t just about having good grades—there’s more to it. Let me break down everything you need to know.
Why Deakin University?
Before diving into requirements, here’s why thousands of Nepalese students choose Deakin:
- Quality Education – Recognized globally and highly respected
- Modern Campuses – State-of-the-art facilities in Melbourne
- Student Support – Strong focus on international student success
- Work Opportunities – Post-Study Work (PSW) visa rights after graduation
- Affordable – Compared to other Australian universities
Part 1: Academic Requirements for Deakin University
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Important Note for Nepalese Students:
Deakin does NOT directly accept Nepal Education Board (NEB) Year 12 or Proficiency Certificate (PC) as equivalent to Australian Year 12. This means you’ll likely need a diploma or pathway program first.
What Qualifications Are Acceptable?
1. Proficiency Certificate (PC) After Class 12
If you have completed Proficiency Certificate after Class 12:
- Minimum WAM (Weighted Average Mark): 65%
- This is considered equivalent to Australian Year 12
- You can apply directly to undergraduate programs
2. CTEVT Diploma (3-Year After Year 10)
If you have a 3-year diploma from CTEVT (Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training) completed after Year 10:
- Minimum WAM: 65%
- Comparable to Australian Certificate IV
- You can apply to undergraduate courses
3. Graduate/Postgraduate Entry
Bachelor’s Degree pathway:
- 2-year Bachelor’s degree → Australian Associate Degree
- 3-year Bachelor’s degree → Australian Bachelor’s Degree
- 4+ year Bachelor’s degree → Australian Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree pathway:
- 1+ year Bachelor’s degree after 3-year degree → Postgraduate Bachelor’s
- 2-year Bachelor’s degree after 2-year degree → Master’s Degree
- 2-year Master’s degree after 4-year Bachelor’s → Master’s Degree
Recommended Route for Most Nepalese Students
Many Nepalese students take the Pathway Program Route:
- Complete a Deakin Pathway program
- Then directly enter into first year of bachelor’s degree
- This bridges the gap between Nepalese and Australian qualifications
Part 2: The Genuine Student (GS) Requirement – Most Important!

This is critical. The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires all international students to be Genuine Students.
What is a Genuine Student?
A genuine student is someone who:
- Truly intends to study in Australia
- Understands their chosen course
- Has clear career plans after graduation
- Can prove they have the financial means to study
- Has legitimate reasons for choosing Australia
8 Key Genuine Student Criteria You Must Meet
1. English Proficiency
You must communicate fluently in English without grammatical errors.
What you need:
- IELTS score (typically 6.0-6.5 for most courses)
- TOEFL or PTE accepted
- Some courses require higher scores (7.0+)
- English-medium education background helps
Pro Tip: Start preparing for English tests NOW. Poor English is a red flag for visa officers.
2. Academic Profile
You must show:
- Relevant academic progression
- Connection between your previous studies and chosen course
- Genuine interest in your field of study
Example: If you studied IT diploma, choosing an IT bachelor’s shows clear progression.
3. Professional Requirements
Work experience must be GENUINE and supported by:
- Salary slips
- Bank statements
- TDS certificate
- NOT cash payments (this is a red flag)
Important: Unemployment gaps of up to 1 year are acceptable with valid reasons.
4. Study/Employment Gaps
- Gaps up to 1 year are acceptable with valid reasons
- Beyond 1 year requires supporting documents
- Common valid reasons: illness, family emergency, job searching
5. Married Applicants (Special Requirements)
If you’re married, additional criteria apply:
- Marriage should be at least 18 months old
- Spouse should travel with you (strongly recommended)
- Both must be graduates with progressive careers
- Spouse’s yearly income: NPR 12 Lakhs minimum (if employed)
For Business Owners (Spouse):
- Audit/CA report required
- Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for past 3 years
- Business registration documents
- One-year current account statement
6. Immigration History
CRITICAL – Any visa refusals will likely get you rejected:
- Any past visa refusals (any country) must be declared
- Previous travel history disclosure required
- Details of relatives in Australia must be mentioned
- Applications with Australia or New Zealand visa refusals are NOT accepted
7. Financial Profile (The Money Part – Very Important)

You need to prove you can afford to study in Australia.
Minimum Financial Requirements:
| Expense Category | Amount Required (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 1 year course fees |
| Living Expenses (You) | AUD 29,710 per year |
| Living (Partner) | AUD 10,394 per year |
| Living (Each Child) | AUD 4,449 per year |
| Airfare (You) | Self-funded |
| Airfare (Family) | Self-funded per person |
In Nepali Rupees: Roughly NPR 35-40 Lakhs for 1 year depending on the course
Income Requirements:
For Single/Unmarried Applicants:
- Parents as main sponsors
- Combined annual income: NPR 22 Lakhs minimum
- OR single source income: NPR 15 Lakhs minimum
For Married Applicants:
- Minimum combined income: NPR 28 Lakhs per annum
Financial Documentation You’ll Need:
- Income Certificates (WARD)
- Last 2 years required
- Must be filed regularly each financial year
- Business Income (if applicable)
- Business registration documents
- Current account statement
- TIN Number
- Rental Income (if applicable)
- TIN Number
- Account statements showing rental deposits
- Lease documents
- Savings Accounts
- Only PRINTED copies accepted
- Must have bank certification
- Cannot accept digital/screenshot copies
- Education Loan (if applicable)
- Loan sanction letter
- Loan disbursement letter
- Account statement
- Letter must specify if it covers tuition AND living expenses
Important Financial Rules:
- Funds must be at least 6 months old
- Large deposits must have source of funds documentation
- Large Fixed Deposits must show income capability
- Only siblings can sponsor (besides parents)
- Agriculture or rental income ALONE is NOT acceptable
Banks Accepted:
Deakin accepts Class ‘A’ banks listed by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.
Don’t rush the process. Give yourself 12-18 months to prepare properly.
Your Australian education dream is possible. Start today!
Frequently Asked Question
You may still be considered if you have substantial savings, fixed deposits, or education loan support. But it’s more difficult.
A: Yes! International students can work 20 hours/week during semester and full-time during semester breaks
A: Yes! Deakin offers Merit-based, Course-specific and Country-specific scholarships for international students.
