Deakin University vs Swinburne University of Technology

Deakin University is a publicly respected university located in Victoria, Australia, with campuses in Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool. It is a mid-sized university with about 57,000 students, including a significant international student body. The admissions are fairly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 75%. Some of the popular majors offered include Business, Psychology, Nursing, Information Technology, and Education. Graduation rate is about 72%, and the median starting salary of Deakin alumni is about INR 55,00,000 (ten years post-graduation, equivalent of AUD 91,000 median earnings).

The Swinburne University of Technology is a public research university based in Melbourne, Victoria, in the Melbourne metropolitan area. It is a mid-sized university with around 39,000 students, including a considerable population of international students. Admissions are available, and the acceptance rate stands at around 66%. Popular majors comprise Engineering, Design, Computer Science, Business, and Media & Communication. The graduation rate is around 70%, and graduates of Swinburne have a median starting salary of around INR 48,00,000 (AUD 79,000 median income a decade after graduating).

Overview Comparison
Deakin UniversitySwinburne University of Technology
Collegedunia Score4.6 Out of 104.2 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 201 Times Higher Education 2026
# 207 QS World University 2026
# 197 QS World University 2025
# 251 Times Higher Education 2026
# 294 QS World University 2026
# 251 Times Higher Education 2025
Subject Strength# 126 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 301 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 201 for Law by QS World University 2025
# 176 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 601 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 201 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -117
PG Programs -63
Doctorate Programs -5
UG Programs -90
PG Programs -39
Doctorate Programs -9
Acceptance Rate75.0 %70.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
PTE-60
TOEFL-79
IELTS-5.5
PTE-42
TOEFL-65
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   20286
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  43000
[For PG Program]
Average Tuition Fees   18844
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  25635
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 3600 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).


Average graduate salary for the degrees are as follows:

MBA: $66,000

Masters: $64,000

BBA: $52,000

Master in Science: $51,000


application requirements

award certificates; academic transcripts; formal identity papers (e.g. your passport); CVs; Personal Statement; Proof of English proficiency.

Submit official transcripts of all your previous education

Submit English language proficiency test scores

Check program specific requirements

Campuses and B-SchoolsDeakin Business School
NA
CollegeDunia Reviews7.7/10 Read 41 reviews7.5/10 Read 19 reviews
General Facts Comparison
General FactsDeakin UniversitySwinburne University of Technology
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1974
1908
Student:Faculty Ratio33.3:1
25:1
Male:Female42% Male, 0% Female62% Male, 38% 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


University has three campuses based in Melbourne, located in Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna, and one in Sarawak, Malaysia. Close to public transport, the campuses offer state-of-the-art facilities and unique learning environments to support students in their studies. 


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.


The library of the university provides various resources like databases, journals, e-books etc. Other supports like IT services, research services are also provided at the university.


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


Swineburne is a dynamic, innovative, and ever-evolving institution. The focus of the institution is on making students career-ready. The university is internationally recognised for high-impact research, with eight of its STEM research fields ranked well above the world standard.
Swinburne Student Life provides free services and support to students, including legal advice, independent advocacy services and a volunteering program. It also offers a broad range of student clubs, and regularly hosts student events and activities.  Swinburne’s student support services can help with your studies, career, health and wellbeing, accommodation, child care, IT, safety and more. Swinburne guarantees real industry experience in all of its bachelor degrees in the form of placements, internships or industry-linked projects.


Hostel-#Campus housing - $1000
#Homestay (rent/month) - $1200
#Sharing rental - $600
#One bedroom (rent/month) - $800
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)


Garth Davis: film director
Houman Younessi: International authority and expert on information technology and biotechnology.
Andrew Dominik: film director
Karl von Möller: film director
Mark Hartley: film director
Bridget Hustwaite, Triple J radio presenter, television presenter, journalist and author[


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.


When you’re living in Melbourne, there is never a shortage of things to do — and many of the options won’t cost you a cent. Spend your days exploring the city's famous laneways, museums, parks and sporting events. Once your feet get sore, hop on the free City Circle tram and jump off at some of the city’s major attractions including Federation Square, Princess Theatre, Melbourne Aquarium, shops and cafes. Once the sun sinks beneath the horizon, the city takes on another life. Live music and theatre, entertaining buskers, a buzzing bar scene and some of Australia’s best restaurants all come to life. 

When you’re living in Melbourne, you have a wonderful base for day trips and extended holidays to the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, Mount Dandenong, Macedon Ranges and more. With bus, rail and plane connections close by, exploring the rest of Australia is easy to do.


Weather
Comparison Notes

Deakin University vs Swinburne University of Technology

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Deakin and Swinburne are two of Australia's top public universities, both with developing global reputations. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Deakin ranks approximately #207, whereas Swinburne is a slight point lower at #294. Times Higher Education ranks Deakin at #201 and Swinburne at #251, indicating that both are highly regarded, but Deakin has a slight advantage overall.

In subject strengths, Deakin leads in Nursing, Education, Sports Science, and Business, and it has sound positions for Law and Engineering. Swinburne excels in Design, Engineering, Computer Science, and Media & Communication, and is particularly renowned for its technological and creative innovation.

General Information

Deakin is a multi-campus institution with locations covering Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool, and approximately 57,000 students. It provides both urban and regional environments as well as strong online learning facilities. Swinburne, which is centered in Melbourne, is smaller with approximately 39,000 students and has a strong image of being industry-linked and technologically advanced, particularly in STEM and design areas.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Deakin is more open with an acceptance rate of around 75%, whereas Swinburne is somewhat more competitive at 66%. Both institutions take international qualifications and provide flexible entry options, such as foundation courses. Deakin is normally requiring IELTS 6.5, whereas Swinburne takes IELTS 5.5 and is therefore slightly more lenient for English competence.

Research Impact & Facilities

Deakin has made significant investments in advanced manufacturing and sustainability, with standout facilities such as Carbon Nexus, ManuFutures, and the Battery Innovation Hub. Swinburne is renowned for its partnerships in space technology, AI laboratories, and design studios, and has deep industry connections via its Innovation Precinct.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition is similar, with Deakin UG programs from ?17–25 Lakh and Swinburne from ?17–22 Lakh. Living expenses are a bit less at Deakin's regional campuses. Both provide scholarships and international student financial aid, including merit scholarships.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Deakin alumni perform well in health, education, and public administration, with average incomes of around $64,000. Swinburne graduates perform well in technology, design, and engineering, with comparable salary bands and high employability rates. Industry orientation at Swinburne puts students ahead in innovation-led careers, while Deakin develops leadership in community and applied research fields.