The university is keen to hold onto the suite of courses, but they are a selling point to new operators which would be able to expand their existing offerings. 

It’s understood a potential deal with Federation University stalled with marine courses the sticking point. 

Professor Jane den Hollander said Deakin was keen to hold onto the courses and was in discussions with the state government about taking over a facility at Queenscliff. 

She said if Deakin secured that facility, it would likely be “completely unhooked” from undergraduate offerings and primarily focus on research. 

“But there is a view more people would choose those courses if they were located in Melbourne or Geelong (rather than Warrnambool),” she said. 

“It would also be sensible to offer those courses in Warrnambool, given its location and our expertise in Bass Strait.” 

A employee at Friday’s briefing said the vice chancellor had indicated marine and aquatic sciences were safe but no guarantees were given for other courses. 

“It was a combination of relief but also an acceptance of a realisation," the staff member said after the briefing. 

“It’s nice to get some transparency. It was good of her to say we have been in talks with different providers, ending all the rumours.” 

Western Victoria Upper House MP James Purcell asked Training and Skills Minister Steve Herbert about the university’s future in parliament on Wednesday. 

Mr Herbert said he had not received any advice.  

“However, I do know that enrolments at the campus have dropped over the last couple of years and that there has been a significant drop in enrolments this year,” Mr Herbert said.

“I have powers to stop the sale of campuses over $5 million or long-term leases, but I have no powers to stop them closing and I do not have powers to stop course shifts; that is the domain of the federal government. 

“I will make contact with the federal minister to offer any assistance we can."

National Tertiary Education Union national assistant secretary Matthew McGowan said it would fight any reduction in regional study opportunities.

“If you have a university in your town, your chances of getting a higher education and greater opportunities in life are significantly increased,” he said.

“It would be very disappointing for both the reputation of the university and the City of Warrnambool if Deakin was to leave. 

“Deakin is part of the fabric of the Warrnambool community, it would be very disappointing to have that taken away.”