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Deakin University is a major public university based in Victoria, Australia, with multiple campuses at Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool. It is a mid-tiers institution with around 57,591 students, of which there is a substantial international population. Admissions are fairly competitive, but an acceptance rate of about 75% suggests otherwise. The most sought-after majors are Business, Psychology, Information Technology, Nursing, and Education. The graduation rate is around 72%, and the Deakin graduates have a median starting salary of around INR 76,00,000 (ten years after graduation, converted from median earnings of $91,000).
RMIT University or Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology is a preeminent public research university located in Melbourne, Australia, with further campuses in Vietnam and Europe. It is a large university with approximately 73,327 students, out of which more than 35,000 are international students. Admission is selective with an acceptance rate of roughly 22%. Typical majors are Engineering, Design, Architecture, Business, and Media & Communication. The average graduation rate is around 70%, and the median initial salary of RMIT graduates is around INR 83,00,000 (which is $99,000 median earnings ten years after graduation).
| Deakin University | RMIT University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.6 Out of 10 | 4.4 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 201 Times Higher Education 2026 # 207 QS World University 2026 # 197 QS World University 2025 | # 125 QS World University 2026 # 251 Times Higher Education 2026 # 123 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 126 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 301 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 126 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 401 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 351 for Law by QS World University 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -117 PG Programs -63 Doctorate Programs -5 | UG Programs -84 PG Programs -67 Doctorate Programs -34 |
| Exam Score | GMAT-500 GRE-291 IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-69 | GMAT-550 IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 20286 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 43000 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 544 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 28732 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 25228 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 13748 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate Employability Ranking- #271; Highest paid degrees- MBA (131,000 USD); Masters (93,000 USD); Masters in Finance (88,000 USD); Bachelor (87,000 USD); Bachelor of Science (84,000 USD). | Graduate Employability Rankings #77; Top recruiters: National Australian Bank, Telstra Corporation Ltd., Deloitte, GHD Group; Highest paid degrees: Masters in Science (153,000 USD); Masters in Management (198,000 USD); Executive MBA (90,000 USD); Masters in Finance (87,000 USD); MBA (80,000 USD). |
| application requirements | award certificates; academic transcripts; formal identity papers (e.g. your passport); CVs; Personal Statement; Proof of English proficiency. | 16 years of age; English proficiency scores; supplementary requirements (portfolio, interview, supplementary information form); CV; work reference letter; referee report |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Deakin Business School | NA |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.6/10 Read 38 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 35 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 151 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 # 179 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 | # 167 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 65/90TOEFL - 94/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -22770 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| application dates | Oct 11, 2024 (Vtac Seas (Special Consideration) Application And Scholarship Deadline) | Mar 4, 2026 (Semester 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Mar 6, 2026 (Semester 1 Acceptance Deadline for 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Deakin University | RMIT University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1974 | 1887 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 30:1 | 18:1 |
| Male:Female | 58% Male, 42% Female | 47% Male, 53% Female |
| Location Facts | Campuses located in Melbourne's Burwood suburb, Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront and Warrnambool, as well as the online Cloud Campus; the Largest campus is in Burnwood located 45 minutes by tram from the Melbourne CBD | 3 campuses and 2 sites in Australia; Main campus located in Melbourne city center on the northern edge of Hoddle Grid; surrounded by restaurants, cafes, parks, markets, State Library of Victoria. |
| Library | Online Collections of over 970,000 resources: 636,845 e-books; 201,666 e-journals; 577 online databases; 73,693 streaming audio; 116,828 streaming video; 96,424 records in Deakin Research Online; 18,003 Open Access records in Deakin Research Online. Physical Collections of over 815,000 resources: 694,960 books; 2,885 print journals; 97,247 items in special collections; 17,854 DVDs and videos; Extensive microform collection. | RMIT Library has four library sites in Melbourne- Swanston, Carlton; Bundoora; Brunswick; Makerspace; 600,000+ volumes; 1,892,472 in-person visits; 1,999,273 visits via website; 1,160,670 database usage; 687,175 video streams. |
| Campus Life | 120 clubs and societies; Deakin sports club that include Deakin Burwood Basketball Association, Deakin University Football and Netball Club (Sharks) & Sharks Players United, and Deakin Snow Riders (DSR); Deakin University Student Association (DUSA); gyms, fitness classes, basketball courts & sports ovals | Over 100 clubs, societies and collectives; RMIT Gallery- public art gallery of the university; RMIT Link- university’s campus union; RMIT's University Student Union (RUSU); The Swanston Gazette- Student newspaper; Catalyst- Student magazine; RMITV- student television production company; Student Youth Network (SYN)- student radio station; Realfoods- student-volunteer-run café. |
| Hostel | #Studio Apartments(week) - $265 #Large Studio Apartments(week) - $279 | #Room and Board - $13748 |
| Famous Alumni | Anurag Singh (Indian film director); Leigh Peta Sales (Australian Journalist); Stella Young (Australian Comedian); Benjamin James Graham (Former Australian Rule Footballer); Rodger Corser (Australian Actor); Michael Klinger (Australian Cricketer); James William Kilgore (American Activist) | James Wan (Australian-Malaysian film director); Amanda Barnard (Australian theoretical physicist); Rob Hulls (Australian Politician); James Hird (Australian rules football player); James Tomkins (Australian sportsman, three-time Olympic gold medalist); Rove McManus (Australian comedian and television host); Lydia Lassila (Australian skier, Winter Olympic gold medalist). |
| City Life | Located in Geelong, southwest of Melbourne; 2nd largest city in Victoria; 2nd fastest city in Australia; Major employers: Ford Motor Company, Avalon Airport. Target Australia; Shell oil refinery; etc.; Popular tourist attractions include Buckley Falls; - Curlewis Golf Club; Market Square; Point Lonsdale Lighthouse; Queenscliffe Maritime Museum; Geelong Art Gallery; Ozone shipwreck, etc. | coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria; Unemployment rate- 6.0%; Hosts several cultural festivals such as Melbourne International Arts Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival and Moomba; Famous tourist attractions include Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, Crown Casino, Southbank, Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Docklands, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, Melbourne Observation Deck, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Luna Park. |
| Weather |
Deakin University and RMIT University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Deakin University and RMIT University are both reputable Australian universities, although RMIT is marginally superior in regards to global ratings. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, RMIT ranks somewhere close to 125th with Deakin ranking closer to 207th. Times Higher Education ranks RMIT in the somewhat better ranked 251–300 category, just slightly better than Deakin who is in the same era. In terms of strength by subject, RMIT sits on top in the area of Engineering, Design, and Architecture, while also receiving significant global recognition in Management and Media Studies. Deakin is very well regarded in Nursing, Education, Sports Science, and Business with global rankings typically between 150-200 in these subject areas. General Information RMIT is the larger and lengthier related institution, founded in 1887. RMIT has a large urban presence in Melbourne, and expatriate campuses in Vietnam and Europe. With over 73,000 students, it is one of Australia's largest universities. Deakin, founded in 1974, is younger, and spread out physically with campuses in Melbourne, Geelong, Warrnambool, and various overseas partnerships in Indonesia and India. Deakin accommodates approximately 57,000 students, so offers a hybrid city and country campus experience.
Acceptance Rates & Admissions
RMIT has an acceptance rate of 22% and Deakin an approximate acceptance rate of 75%. Admission to RMIT is competitive, and their advantage draws from their niche targeted study programs in design and technology. Deakin differentiates with its progressive and inclusive learning opportunities, particularly its award-winning online offerings.
Research Facilities & Impact
RMIT has leading research facilities in the digital technologies, urban innovation and aerospace spaces and with strong industry partnerships. Deakin has acquired advanced research and like RMIT, strong industry partnerships in clean energy, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing with notable investments with facilities like ManuFutures and Carbon Nexus. Both institutions invest heavily in applied research and industry engagement.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition is somewhat comparable, with RMIT located in a major city resulting potentially higher living costs; both institutions have scholarship and government-sponsored financial aid programs, including for international students. Deakin's regional campuses naturally represent a less expensive way of living.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Greatness
RMIT generally has a strong position in graduate employability, particularly for graduates in tech, business and design. Deakin graduates have a very high success rate in employers in healthcare, education, and public administration and a strong track record of placement and industry connections.
