Frequently asked questions

We’re here to help. You can find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below – and if you can’t see what you’re looking for, our team is always here to support you.

Giving through Deakin

What is a tax deductible donation?

In Australia, tax-deductible donations are contributions to Australian Taxation Office (ATO)-approved deductible gift recipients (DGRs) that can be claimed on your tax return, potentially reducing your taxable income and the amount of tax you owe.

Are donations to Deakin tax deductible?

Yes, in Australia, public universities are endorsed by the ATO as a DGR. This includes Deakin University. You can check our DGR status at the Australian government’s ABN Look-up website. Deakin University’s ABN is: 56 721 584 203

How do tax donations work and how do I claim my tax deduction?

If you give $2 or more to Deakin, you can claim a deduction and reduce your taxable income. When you lodge your individual Australian tax return, there is a section where you can enter deductions, including charitable donations like giving to Deakin University.

Generally, you would claim the deduction for the gift in the financial year in which you gave the gift. More information on claiming your deduction at a later date is available on the ATO’s website.

Once you’ve made a monetary donation to the University, we’ll send you a receipt for your gift. It’s important to keep donation receipts safe to ensure you can support your claimed tax deduction.

For online donations, you’ll receive an email receipt immediately following the payment approval.
For recurring monthly gifts, you’ll receive one receipt at the end of the financial year. In Australia, the financial year starts on 1 July and ends on 30 June the following year. The donation receipt lists our name, our ABN, the date the donation was made and the amount of your donation.
For donations made by mail, a receipt will be emailed to the donor within two business days of Deakin receiving your gift. If we don’t have an email address for you, we’ll post the receipt instead.

Can I choose where my donation goes?

The choice is yours. You decide where your gift goes – whether it’s opening doors to education, supporting groundbreaking research or strengthening the community. Whatever you care about most, your generosity helps to make a real impact. Find out more about areas your donation could support.

How much of my donation goes towards my chosen area?

At Deakin, 100% of your donation goes directly to the area you choose – whether that’s a scholarship, research program or initiative you’re passionate about. We do not deduct administration or overhead fees from gifts. All of your gift goes towards your chosen fund.

Can I donate to Deakin if I live overseas?

Yes, Deakin has established programs in the United States and United Kingdom to support donors wanting to make tax-effective donations in those countries. You can select Deakin University from the ‘Suggest a recipient’ menu. If you live in a country other than the United States or United Kingdom, please contact our team at giving@deakin.edu.au or on +61 3 9244 5150 to see how we can help.

Can I donate art or cultural gifts to Deakin?

Yes, Deakin participates in the Commonwealth Government’s Cultural Gift Program, which supports individuals, companies, trusts or other types of taxpayers to make cultural gifts of art, books, scientific materials, manuscripts and more.

I’m a Deakin staff member. How can I contribute?

Staff members can participate in the Deakin GIVE program and receive an immediate tax deduction.

How can I get in touch with the Deakin Giving team?

Email giving@deakin.edu.au
Call +61 3 9244 5150
Connect on LinkedIn or Facebook

What is community giving?

Community giving at Deakin brings together students, staff, alumni and friends to create collective impact.

Community giving celebrates the power of many. Every gift – whether it’s $5, $50 or $500 – combines with thousands of others to open doors for students, fund research and support causes that matter most to our community.

Community giving is built on the belief that everyone can play a part. You choose where your gift goes and 100% of it directly supports that area.

Endowed gifts

What is an endowment fund and how does it work?

Deakin welcomes gifts of endowment – donations invested over the long term to generate returns used to fund scholarship or research programs. Endowment means your donation continues to live on for future generations, having an impact for perpetuity. If you’re considering a gift of endowment, you should anticipate an investment of roughly 25 times the annual amount required to fund the initiative you’d like to endow. Find out more about endowed gifts at Deakin.

How are endowed gifts to Deakin invested and managed?

Deakin has a core belief of investing responsibly to ensure funds are efficiently managed, to diversify risk and to generate sustainable and financial value over the long term. We aim to continually evolve and incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into our decision-making and investment management. Learn more about our Investment Committee and read the Deakin Investment Policy.

Gifts in Wills

Can I leave a bequest if it isn't a large amount of money?

Yes, gifts of any size will contribute to making a meaningful difference. A smaller gift can be added to an existing fund or directed to an area of greatest need. Find out more about leaving a gift in your Will to Deakin.

Does Deakin University have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status?

Yes, Deakin is endorsed as a DGR from 1 Jul 2000. It is covered by Item 1 of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

Do I need to tell Deakin if I leave a gift in my Will to the University?

We always appreciate being told when people have generously included Deakin in their Will, so we can thank you and invite you to join the Deakin Legacy Society. Sharing details of where you’re directing your support helps us to ensure your gift is used in a way that reflects your intentions.

Can I nominate Deakin University as my executor?

No, Deakin is unable to act as an executor.

What happens if the area of research or current program that I leave my gift to ends?

We recommend including wording in your gift that will ensure it can be used for a similar purpose. Find out more.

How can I get in touch with the Gifts in Wills team?

Email susie.taylor@deakin.edu.au
Call +61 459 283 885

Deakin alumni

How do I update my details?

Keeping your details up-to-date means you won’t miss out on all the latest news, events and offers for Deakin alumni. Update your contact details through our Alumni Connect form, or to update your employment details or share your journey since graduation, please reach out to us at deakinalumni@deakin.edu.au.

How do I subscribe or unsubscribe to alumni communications?

Please email our Alumni Engagement team at deakinalumni@deakin.edu.au to update your communication preferences.

My Deakin student account and email have expired, and I need access.

All student accounts are deleted three months after graduating. If you require an extension, you can reach out to Student Central at enquire@deakin.edu.au.

Academic records and documentation

How do I get a copy of my academic transcript?

You can order all your academic documents (including your testamur) from the Graduate documents webpage under the ‘My eQuals’ heading.

I've forgotten my login for My eQuals or am unable to login.

Please reach out to the Student Central team who will be able to assist:

Email enquire@deakin.edu.au
Submit an enquiry to Student Central (select ‘visitor enquiries’)
Call (13 33 25 in Australia, or +61 3 9244 6333 outside Australia)

How do I find my student ID?

Email deakinalumni@deakin.edu.au and confirm your date of birth and degree/s completed to receive your ID.

How do I get my qualification verified for a pre-employment check?

Email the Student Central team at enquire@deakin.edu.au for assistance with providing a verification.

Alumni benefits

How do I become a member of the Deakin alumni community?

Once you’ve graduated from Deakin, you’re automatically recognised as a member of our alumni community.

How do I sign up for my Deakin alumni library membership?

As a Deakin alum, you can apply for a free, 12-month Deakin Library membership to access a range of physical and digital resources. Please reach out to libraryhelp@deakin.edu.au if you have any questions or need assistance with registering.

Does Deakin offer career services for alumni?

Yes, Deakin provides a dedicated career service for alumni through DeakinTALENT.

You can access a range of personalised career services, including:

lifetime access to career support
career coaching
access to exclusive jobs and internships.

How do I nominate an alum, or myself, for a Deakin University Alumni Award?

Nominations for our 2027 Alumni Awards are now open. Submit your self-nomination or nomination.

How can I volunteer or mentor at Deakin?

You can support students, fellow alumni or the Deakin community by volunteering or mentoring. To get involved, complete the relevant registration form below:

How can I get in touch with the Deakin Alumni team?

Email deakinalumni@deakin.edu.au
Connect with us on LinkedIn or Facebook

What's Next

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Donor Charter

Deakin University Advancement

At Deakin University, we are driven to create impact by turning bold ideas into discoveries and discoveries into change that touches lives. This is only possible through the generosity, trust and shared vision of our diverse, global community of donors and partners. Together, we amplify what is possible and extend the benefits of our work to reach as many people as we can.

Philanthropy has always been a part of Deakin’s story, shaping who we are today and who we will become tomorrow. Our partnerships with donors are at the heart of creating opportunity, sparking innovation, and fostering excellence in education and research. Together, we make a genuine and lasting difference in the many communities we serve.

At Deakin we celebrate the transformative role of philanthropy and are committed to providing exceptional donor stewardship. We work to ensure that all our donors have fulfilling experiences when giving through Deakin. We are committed to building enduring relationships with those who share our passion for making positive change in the world. The generosity of our community of supporters empowers us to push boundaries, change lives and help create a better world. We are deeply grateful to all our donors for their support and strive to ensure every experience with us in philanthropy is positive and rewarding.

Deakin University’s Donor Charter underpins our promise to fundraise in an ethical manner that promotes public confidence and protects the University and the donors’ interests.

As a donor, and our partner in change, you can expect the following commitments from Deakin:

To be transparent, informative and professional

Deakin University adheres to the Universities of Australia Code of Practice for Australian University Philanthropy and to Deakin University’s Philanthropic Gifts Policy.
A donor can expect to be informed of the University’s mission, the way the University will implement the gift according to the donor’s intent and the identity of key personnel involved in managing the gift.
Individuals representing the University will act in a professional manner and will inform prospective donors if they are volunteers, students or University staff.
No programs, agreement, trust or contract will be pursued with potential donors at the expense of the donor’s or the University’s best interests and motivations.
The University and its staff will actively and positively provide relevant information on the University, and the use of and progress with the gift.

To use gifts effectively and ethically in line with donor wishes

The University is committed to ensuring that philanthropic gifts are managed efficiently, effectively and ethically, and in a way that reflects their intended purpose/s.
Should it become impractical or impossible to carry out the expressed purpose/s, or where the University reasonably believes that the original expressed wishes are no longer a suitable and effective means of using the gift, the University will communicate with the donor or the donor’s nominated representative.
As part of our commitment to responsible management and oversight of philanthropic gifts, the Chief Advancement Officer reports regularly to Council on the overall management and administration of philanthropic income of the University.
The University is committed to use gifts responsibly and ethically.

To respect the privacy of donors

Donors can expect to be treated with the highest level of care and respect.
Donors’ personal information will be treated confidentially in line with the University’s Privacy Policy.
Requests for anonymity will be respected, honoured and confidentially enacted.

To acknowledge and recognise donors and celebrate philanthropy

We will acknowledge and recognise every donor in ways that are timely, personal, and meaningful – celebrating their impact and fostering a genuine, lasting connection with the Deakin community.
We will promptly provide an official receipt suitable for taxation purposes, ensuring donors feel valued and assured that their generosity has been received and recognised.