Build core skills choose from a speciality in aerospace, civil, computer and networking, automation, mechatronics engineering, and more.
AU$37,440 (2025 annual)
Accredited by Engineers Australia, this course provides a flexible pathway to an engineering degree.
The Associate Degree in Engineering has been designed to equip you with a broad theoretical and technical knowledge of the underlying principles of engineering.
You will learn to analyse and interpret complex problems, communicate effectively to a range of stakeholders, and find effective solutions to the issues facing industry.
Offering six majors, you will get to choose to focus on mechanical, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and mechatronics, electrical and electronics, computer and network, or civil engineering. Each major will immerse you in the subject, giving you the specialist skills you need to pursue a career in your preferred area of engineering.
Learn from professionals with current industry and research experience.
Build important skills in communication and teamwork as well as engineering.
Undertake a broad range of majors accredited by Engineering Australia.
Graduates may work in a range of fields including aerospace, civil and structures, computer and networks, electronics design, electrical systems and automation, mechatronics, mechanical design and product development.
In the first year, you'll learn fundamental principles of engineering that apply across different areas of engineering.
At the end of the first year, you’ll select your major, choosing between:
You'll choose subjects relevant to your engineering major and undertake a real-world project to design, develop, and present a product. Upon graduating from this program you may be eligible for entry into the relevant bachelor degree program or you can work in a relevant field.
The degree has an active learning approach. A key emphasis of the program is its linkages to current industry needs, so you graduate ready to launch your career.
This course is taught by professionals with current research and industry experience. Learning and teaching approaches include lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, and group discussion work.
You will be assessed throughout the semester through a variety of formats, depending on your subject selection. These may include examinations, assignments and projects, assessed tutorials, laboratory and project reports, team-based activities, and more.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this associate degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
In the Associate Degree in Engineering, you will build a strong foundation in engineering principles before choosing a major that will refine your knowledge and hone your expertise.
In your first year in this degree, you’ll be introduced to fundamental engineering skills including:
You’ll also cover materials engineering, which includes:
You’ll learn the processes used to construct objects from these materials and the external factors that can change the effectiveness of these materials. You’ll also develop skills in computer-aided drafting (CAD) using specialised software.
At the end of this year, you’ll choose your engineering major.
You’ll choose subjects relevant to your engineering major. All majors emphasise professional and personal development, allowing you to build skills in:
You’ll undertake an engineering project to design, develop, and present a product. The engineering project is carried out in conjunction with industry or simulates a real engineering environment.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: The computer and network engineering major is not available for students who commence this course in the July/midyear intake.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
This degree is aimed at students starting out in a career in engineering. It allows you to specialise in one of seven major engineering disciplines.
Aerospace graduates may work in the aerospace industry as an aircraft maintenance engineer or aerospace design engineer at paraprofessional level.
A civil major will allow you to work in civil and structural fields that include laboratory technicians, research assistants, construction supervisors, or CAD draftspeople.
A major in computer and network engineering will allow you to pursue a career in networking, internetworking, IP telephony, network design, or network support.
With a major in electrical and electronics, you can work in electronic design, service engineering, or microprocessor programming.
Students who major in mechanical or advanced manufacturing and mechatronics can work in roles including product design and process, production planner, or automation specialist.
The following majors are fully accredited by Engineers Australia:
The following major is provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia:
Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics.
The Sustainable Systems Engineering major is not yet accredited by Engineers Australia.
Graduates are eligible for graduate membership of Engineers Australia as an Engineering Associate.
Australia is one of eight countries that are signatories to the International Engineering Alliance, also known as the Dublin Accord, for engineering technicians. Graduates with this qualification are recognised in all countries that are signatories to the Accord.
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
The lowest selection rank plus any adjustment factors to receive an offer for semester 1 2024 for each stream are as follows:
Plan/package title |
2024 ATAR* |
2025 Guaranteed ATAR |
Associate Degree in Engineering Technology AD026 |
43.60 | 40.00 |
Guaranteed Pathway package AD026PATH1 Engineering Technology (Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Major) (Associate Degree)/Engineering (Adv Manufacturing and Mechatronics) (Honours) |
46.05 |
40.00 |
Guaranteed Pathway package AD026PATH2 Engineering Technology (Mechanical Major) (Associate Degree)/Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours) |
43.90 | 40.00 |
Guaranteed Pathway packageAD026PATH4 Engineering Technology (Electrical and Electronics Major or Computer and Network Engineering Major) (Associate Degree)/Engineering (Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering) (Honours) |
51.10 | 40.00 |
Guaranteed Pathway package AD026PATH5 Engineering Technology (Electrical and Electronics Major) (Associate Degree)/ Engineering (Electrical Engineering) (Honours) |
44.35 | 40.00 |
Guaranteed Pathway package AD026PATH7 Engineering Technology (Civil Major) (Associate Degree)/Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours) |
42.45 | 40.00 |
Guaranteed Pathway package AD026PATH8 Engineering Technology (Aerospace Major) (Associate Degree)/Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours) |
42.70 | 40.00 |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
AND
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
or equivalent studies.
This course has a Guaranteed ATAR (excluding adjustment factors).
This means that if you receive an ATAR equal to or above this and meet the course pre-requisites, we will guarantee you an offer in this course.
If you receive an ATAR below this guarantee, you may still receive an offer, depending on the availability of places in this course and whether you are eligible to receive any adjustment factors.
Please note: For VTAC applicants to receive an offer, this course must be your highest eligible preference.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.
This degree provides current Year 12 applicants with the opportunity to apply for an early conditional offer through RMIT’s Early Offer program. Applications must be submitted by 15 September. To find out more and apply, visit Early Offer program.
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have satisfactorily completed at least four courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Mathematics; or Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 20.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
If you have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 such as VCE, you can find the ATAR for your RMIT course on our admissions transparency page.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Didn't get the ATAR you needed for entry into this degree?
At RMIT we've got your back, with a range study options to help you achieve your goals, no matter your ATAR.
Guaranteed Pathways gives you the option to preference pathway packages when you apply to RMIT.
If you apply and are successful in gaining a place in a Guaranteed Pathway package, you will progress straight into the Bachelor Degree upon successful completion of the relevant vocational degree (otherwise known as TAFE) first.
With a Guaranteed Pathway package, you can graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.
Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.
For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
You can gain entry to this degree from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.
If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.
Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT
If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
You are guaranteed entry into a range of other RMIT programs when you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Engineering Technology.
You will receive four semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 192 credit points) into the following programs and the major you complete determines the program you can enter:
Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics major - Bachelor of Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Engineering) (Honours)
Aerospace major - Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours)
Civil major - Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours)
Computer and Network major -
Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering) (Honours)
Electrical and Electronics major
Mechanical major - Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours)
Sustainable Systems major - Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.
In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*.
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,627 per standard year $578 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $9,314 per standard year $1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $13,241 per standard year $1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $16,992 per standard year $2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
For students commencing an engineering degree at RMIT; worth up to $28,000.
For a civil engineering student who identifies as a woman and has an affinity for the civil construction industry; worth $7,000 per year.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
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.
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.
