Pursuing a STEM degree in Australia is a dream for many international students, and Deakin University continues to open doors through its highly competitive Deakin STEM Scholarship. With its world-class learning environment, cutting-edge research culture, and strong global reputation, Deakin offers an inspiring launchpad for students ready to shape the future. If you’re planning to begin your studies by 2026 and you come from one of the eligible countries, this opportunity could be your pathway to an affordable and impactful education in Australia.
What Is the 2026 Deakin STEM Scholarship?
In a rapidly evolving global economy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines are more critical than ever. Deakin University in Australia recognizes this, and to support and attract top talent from abroad, it offers the Deakin STEM Scholarship — a merit-based award specifically for international students enrolling in STEM programs through its Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE).
For students planning to launch 2026 studies at Deakin, this scholarship represents a powerful opportunity: 20% off tuition fees for the standard duration of the course.
Eligibility Criteria for the Deakin STEM Scholarship
To qualify for the Deakin STEM Scholarship, you must meet all of the following conditions:
Nationality
- Be a citizen of one of these countries: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, or Vietnam.
Student Status
- Be a new international student (i.e., not currently enrolled at Deakin) beginning a course by Trimester 3, 2026.
Degree Type & Faculty
- Be applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree (including honours) in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE) at Deakin.
- Do not be starting a course via the FutureLearn platform.
- Certain courses are excluded: information systems and business analytics courses, and most double-degrees are not eligible — except the Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) double degree is eligible.
Entry Requirements
- Meet the general entry criteria for your chosen course, including the English language requirements.
- Undergraduate Academic Requirement: You must satisfy country-specific higher academic thresholds than standard entry. For example:
| Country / Qualification | Course Entry Requirement | STEM-Scholarship Requirement |
|---|
| Australia (ATAR) | Lowest selection rank for entry in the prior year | 5 points above that selection rank |
| Australian Foundation Program | 65% | 70% |
| Cambodia | Equivalent of 65% WAM | — |
| China – Gaokao | Tier-one cut-off score (province) | Same as tier-one cutoff |
| Deakin College Diploma | 50% | 65% |
| Diploma (Partner) | 60% | 65% |
| Diploma (China) | 60% | 72% Chinese WAM (≈ 65% Australian WAM) |
| Hong Kong – HKDSE | 18 | 19 |
| Indonesia – SSC | GPA 7.5 | GPA 8.2 |
| IB (International Baccalaureate) | 25 | 27 (2 points above entry) |
| Malaysia – STPM | GPA 2.7 | GPA 3.0 |
| Ontario (OSSD) | 65% | 70% |
| Sri Lanka – A-Levels | 9 points (A=5, B=4…) | 11 points |
| UK A-Levels / Nigeria / Kenya / Pakistan | 6 points | 8 points |
| Vietnam – High School | GPA 8.0 | GPA 8.2 |
- Postgraduate Academic Requirement: Must have completed a three-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution and achieved at least 65% WAM in that degree.
Academic Progress (Scholarship Retention)
- Once awarded, you must maintain a WAM of at least 65% each academic year to continue receiving the scholarship.
- You must also continue meeting all other eligibility requirements throughout your study.
What the Scholarship Actually Covers
- Tuition Reduction: The Deakin STEM Scholarship provides a 20% discount on your “student contributions” (tuition) as stated on your offer letter.
- Duration: It lasts for the normal duration of your degree, so long as you maintain the required academic performance.
- Limitations: The scholarship does not cover non-tuition costs such as living expenses, textbooks, health insurance, or travel. Additional fees may apply, but they’re not part of the 20% STEM award.
How to Be Considered & Apply
One of the strongest perks of the Deakin STEM Scholarship is that there is no separate scholarship application required for many students. Here’s how it works:
- Apply for Your Course
- Submit your application to a STEM-eligible degree at Deakin (SEBE faculty), for either undergraduate or postgraduate coursework.
- Indicate your status as an international student when applying.
- Automatic Assessment
- Deakin will automatically assess your eligibility for the STEM Scholarship when they review your course application and academic records.
- If you meet all criteria, the scholarship will be included in your offer letter (or scholarship notification).
- Receive the Discount
- Once awarded, the 20% reduction is credited to your student account, lowering your semester-by-semester tuition payments.
- If you don’t maintain the required WAM (≥ 65%), you risk losing the scholarship for subsequent academic years.
- Contact for Clarifications
- If you have any questions or concerns (eligibility, continuation, or country-specific criteria), you should reach out to the Deakin International Scholarships Office.
Visit the official scholarship website for more details.
Why the Deakin STEM Scholarship Matters
A Meaningful Financial Boost
- The 20% tuition reduction is significant. For international students — who often face high per-year costs — this scholarship materially lowers the financial barrier of studying in Australia.
Strategic Investment in STEM Talent
- By targeting its scholarship to STEM disciplines, Deakin is not only supporting students but also investing in future innovators, engineers, data scientists, environmental experts, and more. This aligns with global trends prioritizing STEM education and research.
Long-Term Support
- Unlike one-time awards, the Deakin STEM Scholarship applies for the normal duration of your chosen degree. That means if you remain eligible, the benefit continues semester after semester — as long as you meet academic and administrative requirements.
Possible Challenges
While the scholarship is generous, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:
- Not a Full Scholarship
- It’s a 20% tuition discount — not a full ride. You’ll still need a financial plan for accommodation, living costs, textbooks, insurance, and other non-covered fees.
- Eligibility Is Country-Specific
- Only students from certain countries are eligible for this STEM Scholarship. If you’re outside that list (Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam), you will not be eligible.
- Academic Performance Matters
- You must maintain a WAM of 65% or higher each year to continue receiving the scholarship. Falling below this may mean losing the benefit.
- For undergraduates, meeting standard admission isn’t enough — you need to meet the higher scholarship-entry threshold for many national qualifications.
- Study Duration Constraints
- If you change courses, take extra units, repeat courses, or otherwise extend your study beyond the standard timeframe, the scholarship may not apply to those extra units.
- Limited to SEBE Faculty Courses
- Only courses in Deakin’s Science, Engineering, and Built Environment faculty are eligible. If you switch to a non-STEM faculty, your scholarship will likely no longer apply.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances & Make the Most of the Scholarship
If you’re planning to apply to Deakin and hope to benefit from the STEM Scholarship, here are some strategic recommendations:
- Choose Your Course Wisely
- Apply for a degree that clearly falls within Deakin’s SEBE (Science, Engineering, Built Environment) faculty — this ensures eligibility for the scholarship.
- Prepare Strong Academic Credentials
- Make sure to meet or exceed the academic thresholds required for scholarship eligibility (e.g., WAM for postgraduate, or country-specific qualifications for undergraduates).
- Maintain consistent academic performance through your course to retain the scholarship each year.
- Understand Your Finances Beyond Tuition
- Estimate your full cost of study: accommodation, living costs, transport, health insurance, textbooks, etc.
- Explore additional funding: you may combine this scholarship with other financial supports (though check Deakin’s policy), or apply for external scholarships if needed.
- Track Your Scholarship Status
- Know the retention requirement (WAM ≥ 65%) and monitor your academic progress each trimester/year.
- Reach out early to Deakin’s International Scholarships Office if you think you risk dropping below the threshold — sometimes, universities allow for exceptions or remediation.
- Stay Informed of Deadlines
- Make sure to apply for your course by the correct trimester and indicate your international status correctly. Since there’s no separate form, your course application is essential.
- Network and Seek Mentorship
- Connect with current or past Deakin students (via LinkedIn or student forums) who have received the STEM Scholarship. Their insights can help with course planning, academic strategies, and navigating financial concerns.
Conclusion
The 2026 Deakin STEM Scholarship is a powerful merit-based opportunity for international students wanting to study STEM programs at Deakin University. With a 20% reduction in tuition fees, automatic assessment, and long-term support (for the normal course duration), it strikes a thoughtful balance between reward and responsibility.
For eligible students — especially those from the specified countries — this scholarship can dramatically reduce the financial burden of studying in Australia while positioning them to contribute meaningfully in STEM fields. But like all scholarships, success hinges not just on winning it but on maintaining your academic standing.
