Comparison
La Trobe University vs Deakin University
Neither La Trobe University nor Deakin University is in the Group of Eight, so both tend to be more affordable and more teaching-focused than the sandstone universities. The choice is mostly about city, the specific program, and cost.
Both are in Melbourne, so cost of living is roughly the same. The comparison is really about the universities themselves.
| La Trobe University | Deakin University | |
|---|---|---|
| City | Melbourne | Melbourne |
| Group of Eight | No | No |
| Regional (migration) | No | No |
| International tuition | from A$36,000/yr | from A$36,000/yr |
| First-year budget | A$72,000 to A$83,000 | A$72,000 to A$83,000 |
| English (IELTS) | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Application fee | None | A$55 |
| Intakes | February, July | February, July |
| Selectivity | Competitive | Competitive |
Choose La Trobe University if
- You would rather not pay an application fee
- Automatic entry scholarships appeal to you
Who La Trobe University suits
La Trobe suits students in the life sciences, ecology, health, and the humanities who want a large Melbourne university with a green, self-contained main campus. Its Bundoora site sits next to a wildlife reserve used directly in teaching. It is less selective than the Group of Eight, which makes it accessible, and it has regional campuses in Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga that carry migration advantages.
Who Deakin University suits
Deakin suits students who value flexibility. It was an early mover into large-scale online delivery and still runs one of the country's biggest cloud campuses alongside physical sites in Melbourne and Geelong. It is strong in nursing, health, and business. If you want the option to mix on-campus and online study, or to start online and transition, Deakin is built for that. Geelong also offers lower living costs than central Melbourne.
La Trobe University vs Deakin University: common questions
Is La Trobe University or Deakin University cheaper for international students?
They are close. The lowest tuition on record is A$36,000 at one and A$36,000 at the other, and course choice moves the number more than the university does.
Which is harder to get into, La Trobe University or Deakin University?
They are broadly similar on selectivity. Entry depends far more on the specific course than on the university, so check the requirements for the program you want.
Which is better for permanent residence, La Trobe University or Deakin University?
Neither has a structural advantage. Neither is regional, so neither earns the regional study points. PR depends on your occupation, points, and the invitation rounds, not the university.
Which is more prestigious, La Trobe University or Deakin University?
Both sit in a similar tier. Prestige is not a strong tie-breaker here; look at rankings in your specific field and where you want to work afterward.
Can I apply to both La Trobe University and Deakin University?
Yes. Australian universities assess applications independently and many charge international students no application fee, so applying to both and comparing your offers is normal.
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Tuition figures are approximate and drawn from this site’s database, and selectivity is a band, not an official rate. This is general information, not admissions advice.