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Diploma to Degree Pathways in Australia for Indian Students: Deakin, Griffith, Curtin and UTS Colleges

A pathway diploma is an AQF level 5 qualification taught by a college attached to a university and built to match the university's first year. Pass it with the required grade and you enter the second year of the bachelor's. For Indian students it is the main route when Class 12 marks sit between 55% and the university's direct-entry level.

Leonid Kurza, co-founder of EdumappleBy Leonid Kurza · co-founder of Edumapple · checked

  • 55%Class 12 for Griffith College and Curtin College Stage 2
  • 60%Deakin College and UTS College diplomas
  • Year 2entry after the diploma
  • ₹22 lakhCurtin College Stage 1, total

The colleges

CollegeIndian entryFeeLeads to
Deakin College (Melbourne Burwood)Class 12, 60%; IELTS 6.0 (5.5)A$35,200–40,000 (2026)Deakin degrees; diploma equals first year
Griffith College (Brisbane, Gold Coast)AISSCE best four 55%; NIOS, PSEB, HSEB 60%By programmeSecond year at Griffith for most students
Curtin College (Perth)Stage 1: Class 11 50%; Stage 2: Class 12 55%Stage 1 A$32,900; Stage 2 A$36,900–44,900Second year at Curtin
UTS College (Sydney)Class 12, 60% (other state boards 65%)By programmeUTS degrees

Curtin College also runs a Master Qualifying Program (A$19,900) for graduates who need a bridge into a Curtin master's.

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Things to check

The grade you must reach in the diploma to enter second year of your chosen degree; whether the CoE packages the diploma and the degree together; and that the degree years after the diploma, studied in Australia, still meet the 485's 92-week rule.

Questions from Indian students: Diploma to degree in Australia

What is a diploma pathway in Australia?
A one-year (or eight to twelve-month) diploma taught by a college linked to a university, equal to the first year of the degree. Passing at the required grade gives entry to the second year.
What marks do Indian students need for a diploma pathway?
Griffith College: 55% in the best four AISSCE subjects (60% for NIOS, PSEB and HSEB). Deakin College: Class 12 with 60%. UTS College: Class 12 with 60% in the best four relevant subjects (other state boards 65%). Curtin College Stage 2: Class 12 with 55%.
How much does a pathway diploma cost?
Deakin College diplomas cost A$35,200–40,000 in 2026; Curtin College Stage 2 diplomas A$36,900–44,900 and Stage 1 A$32,900.
Is a diploma cheaper than the first year of a degree?
Usually somewhat cheaper, and it admits students with lower marks. You still finish with the same degree in the same total time.
What IELTS do I need?
Usually 5.5 overall with 5.0 in each band; Deakin College asks Indian and Nepali applicants for 6.0 with no band below 5.5 for diplomas.

Sources we checked