Deakin University vs RMIT University: Which Is Right for You in 2027?
Deakin University vs RMIT University: Which Is Right for You in 2027?
Introduction
Deakin University and RMIT University attract the same kind of student: someone who wants a practical degree that leads to a job. Both are big public unis in the Australian Technology Network (ATN). So the choice comes down to where you want to be and how you like to learn.
RMIT lives in the middle of Melbourne's CBD, with a TAFE arm and a strong name in design and technology. Deakin spreads across Burwood, Geelong, Warrnambool and a huge online offering.
The short version
- Lean RMIT if you want the city as your campus.
- Lean RMIT for design, art, fashion or a TAFE diploma that leads into a degree.
- Lean Deakin for a traditional campus with ovals, or regional Victoria.
- Lean Deakin if you need online study or three intakes a year.
- Lean Deakin if student satisfaction and support scores matter: on QILT data it's above the national average on both, and RMIT is below.
1. Overview and Reputation
Rankings won't settle this one: QS 2027 puts RMIT ahead and THE 2027 puts Deakin ahead. The real difference is shape. Deakin is spread across suburban, regional and online study, built around flexibility. RMIT is concentrated in the CBD, with a TAFE arm and a strong name in design and technology. Pick the setting you'll want to show up to.
Deakin dates from 1974 and it's big: about 62,000 students at the end of 2025, with roughly a third studying online. Melbourne Burwood is the largest campus (more than 30,000 students), plus Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront and Warrnambool.
In the THE World University Rankings 2027 it came 218th, 11th in Australia, ahead of RMIT on that table. For you, Deakin means flexibility: suburban, regional or online study, and the option to switch if your plans change.
RMIT started in 1887 as the Working Men's College and became a university in 1992. It's dual-sector, teaching both TAFE certificates and diplomas and uni degrees. Its main base is the City campus in Melbourne's CBD, with campuses at Bundoora and Brunswick.
In the QS World University Rankings 2027 RMIT came equal 119th, 10th in Australia, ahead of Deakin on that table. For you, RMIT means a city uni with studio-based courses and named industry partners, especially in design, art and technology.
QS World University Rankings 2027: 227th (14th in Australia)
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027: 218th (11th in Australia)
Student experience: 80.4% of undergraduates rate their overall educational experience positively (national average 76.5%)
Graduate employment: 76% of undergraduate graduates looking for full-time work had found it (national average 76.2%)
Graduate median salary: $71,400 for undergraduate graduates in full-time work (national average $74,000)
QS World University Rankings 2027: equal 119th (10th in Australia)
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027: equal 239th (13th in Australia)
Student experience: 73.2% of undergraduates rate their overall educational experience positively (national average 76.5%)
Graduate employment: 64.7% of undergraduate graduates looking for full-time work had found it (national average 76.2%)
Graduate median salary: $69,800 for undergraduate graduates in full-time work (national average $74,000)
2. Academic Focus and Teaching Style
Deakin's edge is flexibility: three trimesters, a huge online catalogue, and work-integrated learning that Deakin says is available in every course. RMIT's edge is the hands-on route: studios, design degrees, and a TAFE pathway that can carry you into a degree. If you want uni to fit around your life, look harder at Deakin. If you want to learn by making things, look harder at RMIT.
Deakin is built for flexibility:
- Three trimesters: most courses start in March, July and November, so you can start (or catch up) at more points in the year.
- Online: more than 250 degrees and courses, which Deakin says carry the same accreditation as on campus, though some need intensives, exams or placements on campus.
- Work experience: Deakin says work-integrated learning (placements and projects with real employers) is available in every course.
RMIT runs two main semesters, starting 1 March and 19 July in 2027. What really sets it apart is the TAFE connection: Packaged Pathways let you apply once for a TAFE diploma that moves you automatically into a related degree.
- Design: a wide range, from the Bachelor of Graphic Design (selected on a folio, not ATAR) to fine arts, photography and industrial design.
- IT: the Bachelor of Computer Science is accredited at Professional level by the Australian Computer Society.
- Flexibility: a double major usually takes no longer than a single degree.
3. Research and Global Impact
Deakin University
Deakin's THE ranking reflects research you'll feel more if you take honours later. The more immediate global option is overseas internships and study tours, so you can take your degree abroad for a stint.
RMIT University
RMIT's industry work is most visible in design and art. It names partners such as ACMI, the NGV and Zoos Victoria for design projects, and design students can go on exchange to Parsons School of Design in New York.
4. Campus Life and Student Experience
A day in the life at...
Deakin University
RMIT University
Deakin University
Burwood is a proper campus, with ovals, courts, gyms, an art gallery and on-site housing. The route 75 tram stops outside, and a Deakin shuttle runs from Box Hill station. The Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) says there are more than 100 clubs, and in Geelong a free shuttle links the two campuses.
The feel: a self-contained suburban uni, with room to spread out between classes.
RMIT University
The City campus isn't walled off: its 67 buildings are spread through the city centre. Brunswick is home to the School of Fashion and Textiles. The RMIT University Student Union (RUSU) says it has over 90 clubs.
The feel: your lunch break happens in the city, with part-time work, galleries and gigs a short walk away.
5. Student Support and Wellbeing
On QILT's student survey data, 77.1 per cent of Deakin undergraduates rated their support positively, against 68.2 per cent at RMIT (national average 71.2). Overall experience follows suit: 80.4 per cent at Deakin, 73.2 at RMIT (national 76.5).
Deakin University
- Counselling: free, face to face, by phone or online.
- Health: bulk-billing medical centres or nursing services on each campus.
- Study help: Study Support Advisers, Writing and Maths Mentors and PASS.
- First Nations: the NIKERI Institute.
RMIT University
- Counselling: free, short-term and confidential.
- Disability: Equitable Learning Services.
- Study help: Academic Skills Advisors and peer mentors.
- First Nations: the Ngarara Willim Centre.
6. Employability and Industry Connections
On QILT graduate data (via ComparED), 76 per cent of Deakin graduates looking for full-time work had found it, about the 76.2 per cent national average. At RMIT it was 64.7 per cent. Median salaries were similar: $71,400 and $69,800. A gap of about 11 points is worth asking both unis about for your field.
Deakin University
DeakinTALENT gives you career coaching and a jobs and internships board, for life. Placements range from clinical work to AFL sport placements, and a support scheme helps if placement costs are a barrier. No promise of a job or placement.
RMIT University
Many courses include internships or work experience, though not every degree. IT students can add a year of work experience to a three-year degree, and Career Connect helps with resumes and interviews. No placement promise either.
Watch our unbiased, independent reviews for Deakin University and RMIT University
7. Cost, Entry and Lifestyle
Getting in
You apply to both through VTAC (or directly to RMIT). For 2027, VTAC timely applications closed on 28 September 2026 and equity scheme (SEAS) applications on 9 October 2026; late applications close on 30 October 2026. Neither uni lists a uni-wide early offer scheme. Your selection rank is your ATAR plus adjustment factors (bonus points for things like your subjects or where you live).
- Deakin: the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR gives a guaranteed place, on average about 10 points below a course's lowest selection rank, if you're at an under-represented school, live or study regionally, or are Indigenous. It's compared with your ATAR before adjustments and assessed automatically through VTAC.
- RMIT: a published Guaranteed ATAR for 2027 (before adjustments): 88 for Laws, 75 for Engineering (Honours). Students at 200+ SNAP partner schools are considered for up to 20 adjustment points.
Lowest selection ranks, 2026: Laws, Deakin 90.00 (Burwood) and RMIT 86.00; Engineering (Honours), Deakin 65.15 (Waurn Ponds) and RMIT 73.00.
What it costs
In a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), you pay the same capped amount at both: in 2026, $9,537 a year for science, engineering or IT and $17,399 for law or business. HECS-HELP, a government loan you repay once you earn enough, lets you defer it.
- Deakin: the Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship covers your student contribution plus $5,000 a year at an ATAR of 95+ or school dux (round one closes 16 December 2026). The Student Support Scholarship pays up to $10,000 a year for students facing hardship.
- RMIT: an Accommodation Scholarship of up to $6,000 if you're moving to Melbourne or Bendigo; check with the uni for 2027.
Where you'll live
Deakin Res runs $323 to $416 a week at Burwood and $259 to $350 at Waurn Ponds, utilities included (year not stated). RMIT's only affiliated residence is UniLodge @ RMIT Bundoora, where UniLodge's Bundoora page lists a room in a four-bedroom apartment at $285 a week on its Full Year 2026 rate, bills and Wi-Fi included; elsewhere it's private housing, and RMIT cites a median Melbourne one-bedroom rent of $500 a week (September 2025).
International students: see Deakin's international fees page and each RMIT course page.
8. Which One’s Right for You?
You might feel at home at Deakin University if you:
- want a suburban campus, or to study in Geelong or Warrnambool
- need online study or three intakes a year
- like that Deakin says every course offers work-integrated learning
- can use the Deakin Guaranteed ATAR
- care about student satisfaction and support scores
You might feel at home at RMIT University if you:
- want to be in the CBD every day
- are aiming for design, art, fashion or IT
- want a TAFE diploma that leads into a degree
- go to a SNAP partner school
- like a uni where the city is your campus
Neither is the better uni. Look up your exact course at both and compare its entry score and how much real work it includes. Then test the trip: ride the 75 tram to Burwood, then walk between RMIT's City buildings.
Here to help you choose the right uni
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