Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)

Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)

UNDERGRADUATE

Immerse yourself in furniture design and learn to create sustainable, modern furniture and related products.

Apply Enquire Download Brochure
Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Range of criteria*

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$35,520 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

In the award-winning Associate Degree in Design (Furniture Design), you will learn to make creative and original furniture designs with a strong grounding in design methods, manufacturing technologies and processes informed by cultural and social factors.

As a student of this degree, you will work on combining real-life industry projects and design theory with a hands-on focus on production to create sustainable contemporary modern furniture products. It teaches you to investigate contemporary, cultural and environmental aspects of professional furniture design practice.

Why study the Associate Degree in Design (Furniture) at RMIT?

Career-focused education

Assignments are live industry briefs, focused on delivering real-world lessons and outcomes.

Learn from industry

Gain valuable feedback on your work from highly experienced teachers and industry leaders.

International connections

Gain the opportunity to participate in global design and industry trade exhibitions.

You will gain the skills to explore design through real-world industry projects with highly-regarded design companies, and connect with Australian and international industry mentors who will work with you to provide feedback on the commercial viability of your design work.

As a graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to compete in local and international design competitions such as London Design Week, Fringe Design, Workshopped Design Show Australia, and VIVID (Décor + Design).

Details

You will utilise use a combination of manual making skills and machine technologies in the product development and construction of contemporary furniture products.

You’ll gain a higher level of critical and conceptual thinking skills and develop ideas that will address issues within today’s society, including sustainable approaches to design, making, and multi-object manufacturing.

In this hands-on degree where you will explore design solution and emphasis on production and craft knowledge, and a blend of topics from design, prototyping, engineering, sustainability, marketing and traditional to modern manufacturing techniques. 

Expand all sections

Learning and teaching

The learning and teaching approach of this degree emulates how you would work in a commercial designer-maker studio.

Through practical hands-on studios, lectures, workshops, presentation and group discussions, teachers will treat you as though you are an assistant designer-maker.

Over the course of the degree, you will interact and undertake live design projects from non-profit community projects to national and international furniture companies.

The curriculum has been designed to enable you to learn using traditional design and manufacturing methodologies with modern and industry-standard equipment, such as 3D printers, CNC machine to standard hand power tools.

When studying digital manufacturing and prototyping, you will use CAD and CNC software such as AutoCAD, Solidworks, and BiesseWorks. You will be encouraged to use visual language to market yourself through physical and digital media using Adobe Creative Suite for visualisation and presentation techniques.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed throughout each semester via reports, verbal and visual design presentations, group projects, research and practical assignments.

Learning at RMIT

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.

Rather than undertaking block work experience, you will work with external companies on live projects and competitions throughout your studies.

This approach mirrors the consultancy practice of furniture designers with clients and stakeholders.

Companies that have worked with students of this degree include:

  • Eco Outdoors
  • Schiavello
  • Silver Lynx
  • Britton Timbers
  • Dowel Jones.

You will also connect with current designers and past students who have established design practices and manufacturing hubs.

You will learn from lecturers connected with major industry bodies such as the Furniture Industry Association of Australia and Design Institute of Australia. You will work on real-world briefs and have the opportunity to work with national and international design companies. A recent brief involved working with The Salvation Army to create a range of economical and ergonomic furniture for some of Melbourne’s most disadvantaged people.

You’ll participate in industry-wide design competitions such as Melbourne Fringe Festival: Design, DIA – Graduate of The Year Award (GOTYA Award), Craft Victoria, and VIVID (Vibrant Visions in Design). Many current students and graduates have also been celebrated at the Melbourne Now exhibition which celebrates creative practitioners in Melbourne.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

You will participate in global research and develop links with international publications that publish students' final-year projects.

You’ll also work and establish connections with international manufacturing partners.

Students and graduates participate in global design and industry trade exhibitions including the London Design Festival, Melbourne Movement, and the International Furniture Fair Tokyo.

Many graduates have established their own successful design practices in Australia, Singapore, Europe, America, Canada and the Middle East.

There are also opportunities to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences.

Students can expect approximately 23 hours of class time over four days per week, with 15 additional hours of independent study and research weekly.

There will be concentrated periods of independent work when assessments are due.

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.

You’ll study in state-of-the-art facilities at the Melbourne City campus with lecturers connected with major industry bodies.

You will choose between four streams, called design studios, that constitute your key learning activity. These are:

  • design studies
  • technology
  • design studio
  • communication

The objective of the four streams is to allow you to interact with industry, students and staff through group work and peer-to-peer learning.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)
Program code: AD007
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)
City Campus
2 years full-time - 4 semesters
AD007
061154K
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time - 4 semesters
Plan code
AD007
CRICOS
061154K
View plan
Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)
City Campus
2 years full-time
AD007
061154K
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
AD007
CRICOS
061154K
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Furniture designers generally work on a freelance basis as independent designer and makers.

You may also find work with furniture manufacturers, interior design consultancies or large retail chains, where your role may include:

  • liaising with clients and managing design projects
  • drawing designs by hand or using computer aided design (CAD) software
  • building full-size samples
  • exploring and experimenting with different materials and unusual furniture-making methods
  • researching new trends and classic styles to inspire and influence your designs.

You may also contribute your expertise to other related professions, such as set design for theatre companies or displays for galleries and museums.

Upon graduation you will be able to design your future, working for major production companies or as an independent designer in the global furniture industry in roles such as:

  • designer
  • production manager
  • buyer
  • retail specialist
  • account manager.

Award-winning alumni

  • Daniel Triebert
    Winner, Design Institute of Australia Graduate of the Year Award Victoria/Tasmania
  • Alexsandra Pontonio
    Winner, The Furniture Concept Award VIVID (Vibrant Visions in Design)
  • Richard Greenacre
    Winner, VIVID and two awards at Fringe Furniture.
  • BolajiTeniola
    Multi winner of industry awards including GOTYA, national furniture winner and state overall winner, Fringe,
Expand all sections

You will be eligible to join the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) as a student member while studying. Graduates can apply for associate membership and full membership once you have obtained your professional experience.

Please note: eligibility for full membership is based on a points system.

Entry requirements and admissions

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 20 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 23 in English as an Additional Language (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task.

Selection task

Semester 1, 2025

All applicants must submit the selection task

Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.

All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants
VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
November round (Non-year 12 applicants only) 1 November 2024
December round (Current year 12 applicants only) 13 December 2024
January rounds (All applicants) 1 January 2025
February rounds (All applicants if places are available) 28 January 2025
Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 7 February 2025

Selection task requirements

Applicant statement

Applicants are required to answer the following questions (maximum 250 words per question):  

  • Question 1: Provide a statement outlining what your passions for design and making are and why.
  • Question 2: How will Furniture Design at RMIT assist you to achieve your vision?
Folio

A folio of 3 to 5 projects or activities that demonstrate the breadth and depth of your interests and experiences. This could include projects undertaken within formal study, hobbies, volunteer or paid work, or any relevant activity that gives an insight into your design capabilities, however varied.

Provide a short description for each project, including the context of development and the key activities undertaken (maximum 200 words per project).

Submissions instructions

Upload your folio as:

  • A single PDF (maximum size 10MB). Please ensure to include the page number, and your full name and application number on each page.

OR

  • Provide a URL to your folio (please provide a password if applicable). All images must be contained and visible on one webpage.

Your selection task will be assessed using the following selection criteria: 

  • Your creativity in whatever form you present it 
  • Your conceptual and technical ability relative to your life experience 
  • Your passion for how design can be used as a vehicle for the improvement of the world around us. 

Selection criteria by applicant type

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.

Expand all sections

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12

School Network Access Program (SNAP)

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.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).

Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Design guarantees entry into the Associate Degree in Design (Furniture).

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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 and achieving a minimum overall score of 150.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of 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:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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.

You must have successfully completed at least two courses (subjects) in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses (subjects) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 150.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 150.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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.

Additional information

Expand all sections

Art and Design application tips

View the following videos for some practical application advice:

Female student looking at an art folio

Applying for Art and Design courses

Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.

two students looking at artwork

Art and design selection interviews

Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.

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 60% (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.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a selection task for this program. See below for full selection task details.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 60 (with minimum of 10 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 16 in Speaking and 19 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 50 (with no communication band less than 42)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 169 with no less than 162 in any component.

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).

Selection task

Expand all sections

Semester 1, 2025

You must complete and submit the selection task.

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants

If you are applying via VTAC, you must complete and submit the selection task by the following dates:

VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
December round 13 December 2024
January rounds 1 January 2025

Selection task requirements

Applicant statement

An applicant statement outlining what your passions for design and making are and why.

How will Furniture Design at RMIT assist you to achieve your vision? (350 words).

Folio

A folio of 3 to 5 projects or activities that demonstrate the breadth and depth of your interests and experiences. This could include projects undertaken within formal study, hobbies, and volunteer or paid work, or any relevant activity that gives an insight into your design capabilities, however varied.

Provide a short description for each project, including the context of development and the key activities undertaken (maximum 200 words per project).

Submission instructions

A single PDF (maximum 10MB). Please ensure to include the page number, and your full name and application number on each page.

OR

Provide a URL to your folio (please provide the password if applicable). All images must be contained and visible on one webpage.

Your selection task will be assessed using the following selection criteria:

  • Your creativity in whatever form you present it
  • Your conceptual and technical ability relative to your life experience
  • Your passion for how design can be used as a vehicle for the improvement of the world around us.

Art and Design application tips

View the following videos for some practical application advice:

Female student looking at an art folio

Applying for Art and Design courses

Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.

two students looking at artwork

Art and design selection interviews

Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 315kb) along with your application. 

Additional information

Expand all sections

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.

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

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.

Expand all sections

This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

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.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

Expand all sections

You are guaranteed entry to the Associate Degree in Design (Furniture) when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Design.

Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

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 the Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) with 3 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 144 credit points) when you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Design (Furniture),.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.

Fees

Expand all sections

2025 indicative fees

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*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

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.

Defer your payment

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.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

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.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

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.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2025 for commencing 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

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

HECS-HELP Loans

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.

SA-HELP Loans

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.

How does a HELP loan work?

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.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

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.

Materials fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Expand all sections

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.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

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.

Material fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

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.

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 - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information
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.

More information