Deakin University

Explore the moments, people and places that made Deakin University

Year after year, advancements in technology, groundbreaking research outcomes and course delivery methods have put Deakin at the forefront of higher education. We’ve gone from strength to strength – from being the first Australian university to specialise in distance education to cementing our position in the top 200 of universities globally.^

Use our interactive timeline to explore almost 50 years of events, people and places that have made Deakin University. You'll find highlights such as:

• the establishment of our vibrant campuses
• our pioneering approach to distance education
• launch of schools and research centres
• awards, accolades, and more.

Our stories

Deakin has many stories to tell. Learn more about the University's first years of foundation and the many accomplishments along the way – from creating new campuses to developing a renowned distance education approach and a research program that makes a difference to our communities.

Early years

Deakin was established as Victoria's fourth university. It was the result of many years of debate and lobbying, and a desire to increase students' access to education.

Antecedents

The antecedent institutions that laid the foundation for Deakin date back as far as 1887, but it was not until the 1970s that these institutions took new shapes that began the shift toward the Deakin we see today.

Distance education

For the past 40 years, we’ve been perfecting distance and online learning. Championed by Deakin’s first Vice-Chancellor, Deakin quickly developed an international reputation as a creative and innovative distance education provider.

Our places

From our beginnings at Waurn Ponds to magnificent award-winning buildings, our campuses are known for their world-class facilities and friendly, welcoming atmospheres.

A history of excellence

Over our 50+ year history, Deakin has grown to be one of the top universities worldwide. Our passion and commitment to teaching, research and student success is recognised by local and international ranking bodies and our students.

#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment

Be in demand as soon as you graduate, with a degree from Victoria’s #1 university for graduate employment.*

#1 Victorian uni for course satisfaction

Our courses are designed with industry and delivered by experts, meaning you graduate ready for success.

#1 Victorian uni for student support

We are committed to supporting you to ensure you are in peak study mode at all times.

World university rankings

International ranking bodies consistently place Deakin in the top 1% worldwide.

• Top 200 universities worldwide (#197), 2025 QS World University Rankings
• Top 200 universities worldwide (#177), 2024-2025 U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities
• Top 300 universities worldwide, ShanghaiRanking 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities, Times Higher Education 2024 World University Rankings

Top 200 worldwide

In 2024, Deakin University entered the top 200 in the prestigious QS World University Rankings. Deakin's rank of 197 is based on five key indicators – Research and Discovery, Employability and Outcomes, Learning Experience, Global Engagement and Sustainability.

Australian university rankings

Deakin consistently ranks #1 in Victoria university in the annual Quality Indicators of Learning and Teaching (QILT) surveys.#

2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching

• #1 Victorian university for graduate employment
• #1 Victorian university for course satisfaction
• #1 Victorian university for student satisfaction

2023 Student Experience Survey, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching

• #1 Victorian university for student support
• #1 Victorian university for facilities and resources
• #1 Victorian university for postgraduate educational experience
• #1 Victorian university for postgraduate teaching quality

Subject rankings

No matter your passion or area of expertise, you can be confident you're making the right choice when you choose to study at Deakin – we're highly regarded in local and international subject rankings across a wide variety of disciplines.#

#1 sport science school worldwide

#11 globally for education and educational research

#15 in the world for nursing

QS World University Rankings by Subject

• Top 1% worldwide for accounting and finance
• Top 1% worldwide for architecture and built environment
• Top 1% worldwide for arts and humanities
• Top 1% worldwide for business and management
• Top 1% worldwide for communication and media studies
• Top 1% worldwide for computer science and information systems
• Top 1% worldwide for life sciences and medicine
• Top 1% worldwide for psychology
• #11 in the world for sports-related subjects
• #4 in Victoria for medicine
• Top 3 law school in Victoria

ShanghaiRanking of Academic Subjects

• #15 in the world for nursing
• #20 in the world for hospitality and tourism management
• #27 in the world for business administration
• #30 in the world for textile science and engineering
• #42 in the world for education
• #43 in the world for public health
• Top 1% worldwide for computer science and engineering
• Top 1% worldwide for ecology
• Top 1% worldwide for law
• #1 sport science school worldwide**

Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject

• Top 1% worldwide for computer science
• Top 1% worldwide for engineering

U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Subject Rankings

• #2 in Australia for education and educational research, #11 globally

Australian Financial Review Best Universities 2024

• #1 in Victoria, #5 nationally for teaching

AFR BOSS Best Business Schools 2024

• Top 3 business school in Victoria overall
• #2 in business school Victoria for career impact
• #8 in business school in Australia for research quality

Research rankings

• #2 university in Victoria for research quality, THE World University Rankings, 2025
• #3 university in Victoria for research impact, CTWS Leiden Ranking, 2024
• #7 young uni in Australia for research quality, Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, 2025
• #9 young uni for research quality worldwide, Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, 2024
• #9 university in Australia for research impact, CWTS Leiden Ranking, 2024

More great things about Deakin

• Ranked 66th globally in sustainability, QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024
• #1 university in Australia for equity held in start-up and spin-out companies according to the Survey of Commercialisation Outcomes from Public Research (SCOPR) 2022, Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia