Looking to study a Bachelor of Design in Australia? The Bachelor of Design (CRICOS course code 109273C) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Deakin University (Deakin) over 3 years. Registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), this course meets Australian Government standards for international education. Deakin University is a government-funded institution with a strong reputation in design and creative arts, offering students access to cutting-edge facilities and industry connections. Whether you aspire to become a graphic designer, UX/UI specialist, or creative director, this degree equips you with the skills to thrive in a dynamic field. With campuses in Geelong and Melbourne's Burwood, you can choose a study experience that suits your lifestyle. In this guide, HeadStart Academy breaks down everything you need to know: fees, entry requirements, work placements, visa steps, and more. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — your trusted resource for accurate, up-to-date information.
The Bachelor of Design (CRICOS 109273C) is a three-year full-time Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) offered by Deakin University (CRICOS 00113B). This program falls under the field of Graphic and Design Studies (broad field 10 - Creative Arts) and prepares students for careers in visual communication, digital media, interaction design, and more. Graduates typically develop expertise in design thinking, software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite, prototyping tools), user research, and project management. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical studio-based learning, encouraging creative problem-solving and collaborative work. As a CRICOS-registered course, it assures international students of quality education and compliance with the ESOS Act, which protects their rights while studying in Australia.
The Bachelor of Design is a single qualification (no dual award) delivered in English over 156 weeks (3 years) as per the CRICOS register. Full-time study typically requires 40 weeks per year of classes, with breaks aligning with the academic calendar. The course does not include foundation studies; students enter directly into the bachelor program. Classes are held on-campus, providing face-to-face interaction with lecturers and peers, as well as access to workshops, studios, and digital labs. Part-time study is generally not available for international student visa holders, as the Subclass 500 visa requires full-time enrolment.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire Bachelor of Design is A$122,808, with no additional non-tuition fees listed (A$0), bringing the estimated total to A$122,808. This fee is sourced from the CRICOS register and is subject to change — always confirm the current fees on Deakin University’s website. Note that this amount does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For 2025, OSHC for a single student is roughly A$600–$800 per year. Living costs in Victoria vary: in Geelong, average weekly rent is around A$250–$350, groceries A$80–$120, and public transport A$30–$50. In Melbourne (Burwood), rent is higher at A$350–$500 per week. The Australian Government recommends budgeting at least A$29,710 per year for living costs. Use the Deakin University fee calculator and the Department of Home Affairs’ financial capacity requirements to plan your budget.
Entry to the Bachelor of Design generally requires completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent overseas) with competitive grades, plus specific prerequisites in English or design-related subjects. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency: IELTS academic overall 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0) or equivalent in TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge. Deakin may also accept other English tests — check the university’s admissions page for details. Some students may enter via foundation or pathway programs if they do not meet direct entry requirements; Deakin offers pathway options through Deakin College. Always review the specific course entry requirements on the Deakin website as they can change. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 24 weeks with an average of 10 hours per week, totaling approximately 240 hours of work-integrated learning (WIL). This typically takes the form of an industry placement, internship, or studio project where students apply design skills in a real-world setting. WIL is a key part of the degree, helping you build a professional portfolio, gain industry contacts, and understand workplace practices. Deakin University partners with various design studios, agencies, and corporate design teams to offer meaningful placements. The work component is an integral part of the course curriculum, and successful completion is required to graduate.
The Bachelor of Design is delivered at two Deakin University campuses: Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus in Geelong, Victoria, and Melbourne Burwood Campus in Burwood, Victoria. Geelong is a regional city about 75 km from Melbourne, known for its lower cost of living and growing creative sector. The Waurn Ponds campus features modern design labs and studios. Burwood Campus is located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, a major international student hub with easy access to the city centre via tram, bus, and train. Melbourne is consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities and has a vibrant design and arts scene. Both campuses are well-served by public transport and offer student support services, libraries, and accommodation options. Choosing between them depends on your preference: a quieter regional setting or the buzz of a capital city.
To study this Bachelor of Design on campus, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to live, study, and work in Australia for the duration of your course. Standard conditions include: work rights of 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited work during scheduled breaks. You must maintain genuine student status, meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire period. You also need to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. All CRICOS-registered providers, including Deakin, are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring you receive quality education and consumer protection. For visa application support, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Victoria is home to over 150,000 international students and boasts more than 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering creative arts courses. Melbourne is a UNESCO City of Design, hosting major events like Melbourne Fashion Week and the Australian International Design Awards. Geelong is part of the Geelong City Deal initiative, boosting creative industries in the region. Studying design in Victoria gives you exposure to a thriving creative economy, with companies like Canva, REA Group, and various design consultancies headquartered locally. The state also has strong public transport networks connecting campuses to cultural districts, galleries, and tech hubs. However, weigh the cost of living: Melbourne is more expensive than Geelong. If you prefer a quieter, more affordable option, Geelong offers excellent facilities with lower rents. Either way, Victoria provides a supportive environment for design students.
Ready to start your design journey? Follow our 3-step guide: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers like Deakin University. 2) Apply directly to Deakin, meeting entry requirements. 3) Receive your CoE and apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Begin now with HeadStart Academy.
Bachelor of Design is a CRICOS-registered programme at Deakin University (Deakin). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.