Vocational (TAFE) applications

How to apply for a vocational (TAFE) course

Considering vocational study? Follow this handy guide on how to apply for a certificate, diploma or advanced diploma at RMIT.

Find a course

Check entry requirements

Prepare your documentation

Submit your application

Interested in applying for an apprenticeship or traineeship?

Important dates

These are the key dates you need to know, before submitting your application to study with us.

Semester 1 intake

VTAC application dates

Please refer to the VTAC site for important application and offer dates.

Direct application dates

Applications open on 29 July 2024.

Applications will be accepted for each program until all places are filled, so ensure you apply as early as possible for your application to be considered. Late applications may result in a delayed class commencement. 

The following programs have timely close dates that you will need to submit your application by the below dates. Late applications may continue to be accepted after these dates if places are still available:

Semester 2 intake

For the semester 2, 2025 (midyear) intake, applications will open on the following dates:

Level of study Applications open
All vocational study (Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas and Associate Degrees) 11 March 2025

*Some vocational courses are offered on a continuous basis. Information is available on individual course pages.

Applications will be accepted for each program until all places are filled, so ensure you apply as early as possible for your application to be considered. Late applications may result in a delayed class commencement.

 The following programs have timely close dates that you will need to submit your application by*:

*Late applications may continue to be accepted after these dates if places are still available.

Timely close date Course
TBC
TBC

Entry requirements for vocational education (TAFE)

You must meet all of the relevant entry requirements for a certificate, diploma or advanced diploma at RMIT. This includes both the University Minimum Entry Requirements, as well as the specific entry requirements for your course, detailed under the Admissions section of the relevant RMIT course page.

1. University entry requirements

RMIT University admits students on the basis of their demonstrated capacity to succeed and sets minimum entry requirements for each level of study (e.g. diploma or bachelor degree), including:

  • the minimum age requirement
  • the minimum English language requirement.
  • the academic entry requirements (by level of study).

To be eligible for admission to an RMIT program applicants must:

  1. Be at least 16 years of age on the commencement date of the program (course), course (subject) or unit in which they wish to enrol.
    a.    Programs (courses) may set higher age requirements than the University’s minimum, please check the program (course) page that you are applying for for specific information.
     
  2. Where a program is funded under the VET Funding Contract and the applicant will be under the age of 17 years at the time of the commencement of the program (course) the applicant must provide correspondence that exempts them from attending secondary school from:
    a.    a Department Regional Director where the applicant hasn’t completed Year 10.
    b.    their school Principal where the applicant has completed Year 10.

The following information provides you with the minimum English language requirements for entry into RMIT programs for applicants who are Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, New Zealand Citizens or a person seeking asylum who holds either a: Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa. 

There are no university minimum English language requirements for entry into VE programs for domestic applicants. However, English language requirements may be set for individual programs.

More information can be found under Admissions on each program (course) page.

If you are applying for a government subsidised place and/or a VET Student Loan you will be required to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment before you can enrol. This is to ensure that you will be successful in your program. We will also be able to determine if you require any additional support for language, literacy or numeracy throughout your program/course.

If you are applying to RMIT as an International student please visit RMIT’s Minimum English language requirements for International students.

There are no minimum University academic entry requirements for domestic applicants.

Domestic applicants who are offered government funded places will be required to complete a Pre-Training Review which includes a language, literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolling.

Please check the relevant program (course) page or contact the College of Vocational Education to find out about any specific program (course) minimum entry requirements.

Where a program (course) has specified the minimum academic entry requirements to be the successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification) the following qualifications are considered by RMIT to be equivalent:

Qualification Type Minimum Academic Requirement
Victorian Senior Secondary Qualification Senior Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (Senior VCAL)
Victorian Senior Secondary Qualification Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major
New Zealand Level 3 The National Certificate of Educational Achievement
International Baccalaureate Diploma The International Baccalaureate Diploma
International secondary schooling A qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to an Australian Senior Certificate of Education. See the Country or region equivalence Webpage for recognised qualifications that are frequently presented by applicants.

Alternatively, applicants may satisfy the requirement by completing the STAT multiple choice.

2. Course entry requirements

RMIT courses have specific minimum entry requirements which are sometimes higher than the University’s minimum requirements. It’s important that applicants check these requirements on the program (course) page that you are applying for, or on the VTAC website.

Applicants may also be required to complete a selection task as part of the course entry requirements. Details of the selection task requirements are specified on the individual program (course) pages.

Prepare your documentation to support your application

Depending on the program you are applying for, you may need to provide supporting documents and information such as:

  • Employment history
  • Previous study
  • Personal details
  • Academic records and statement of completion
  • Evidence of English proficiency
  • Supporting documents like a CV or professional accreditation, personal statement or folio.

Selection tasks for some courses

You may be required to complete a selection task which might include an interview, folio, pre-selection kit and/or supplementary information forms. Please check the Admissions section of the course you are applying for.

How to submit your application

There are two main ways to apply to RMIT, either through VTAC or Direct.

  • If you are in Year 12 you will use VTAC for almost every course.
  • If you are not in Year 12, it can depend on the course you are interested in.

To find out which method you should use, go to the relevant course page and click the apply button. 

How to apply via VTAC

VTAC course applications are made online. We recommend that you get familiar with VTAC course information to learn more about your study options and the steps involved before submitting your VTAC application.

How to apply direct to RMIT

You can apply direct to RMIT using RMIT's online application system. Before you apply, check your eligibility and learn about stages involved in making direct applications.

More information to support your application

Need help with your application?

Our team is here to answer any questions you have about studying at RMIT and can help prepare your application. Get the latest information about study options, entry requirements, scholarships and fees directly from RMIT staff.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.