Learn language and interpreting skills from industry experts.
Not applicable
If you're interested in working as an interpreter, this diploma is your first step towards professional practice where you will verbally translate conversation between speakers of different languages.
Interpreters provide a critical service, helping people to overcome language barriers when accessing community services in areas such as health, education, law, business and travel.
This diploma is suitable for people who already possess bilingual skills, but have not yet reached the required level of specialised language proficiency for the Advanced Diploma of Interpreting.
You’ll gain basic transfer skills for interpreting in general conversational settings, learn about professional ethics, and improve language proficiency. You'll also develop the skills to conduct transactions, interactions and negotiations at a functional level.
Students studying spoken language will explore legal and medical terminology, while Auslan interpreting students will learn about health and education terminology.
Note: The course activities will be delivered online, with some in-person classroom sessions held at the City campus.
Potential to join in simulated interpreting activities with students from other discipline areas, practising your skills.
The course is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
Learn from experienced, industry-connected, NAATI-certified professional interpreters.
RMIT is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) to offer up to 40 languages. In Semester 1, 2025, the following languages may be offered subject to demand and meeting minimum numbers:
Additional languages may be offered subject to demand.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Please note: this diploma is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.
This diploma is flexible in its delivery and offers many opportunities for you to apply your knowledge and skills.
The course activities will be delivered online, with some in-person classroom sessions held at the City campus.
You will participate in learning activities including scenarios, case studies, role plays, online practice tools, group discussions and projects, practical demonstrations, reflective journals and simulations.
Subjects are delivered in English, but some may have bilingual activities and assessment tasks.
Assessment in this diploma may include:
All practice materials and exams simulate the NAATI testing conditions to prepare students for their certification test.
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.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
Teaching staff are all NAATI-certified professional interpreters who bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills to the classes, ensuring teaching and learning are in line with current industry standards.
You may participate in simulated interpreting activities with students from other discipline areas such as community services, criminal justice, occupational therapy and social work, giving you the opportunity to put your skills into practice.
Each semester there are opportunities to work with students from social work, criminal justice backgrounds, and occupational therapy backgrounds.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
The Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language) typically requires 2 days of study per week, and an additional 3 hours of independent study time per subject per week.
You will complete 5 core subjects and 7 elective subjects.
This diploma introduces you to the profession of interpreting and will train you to:
Through classes, workshops and guided group and individual learning activities, you will practise your interpreting skills and gain an appreciation of professional ethics and industry knowledge.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
The Diploma of Interpreting is designed to help you build the hands-on skills, practical experience and direction you need to turn your love of languages into a career.
Demand for qualified interpreters is increasing due to high levels of interaction between people and cultures.
This is a result of globalised economies and movement of people due to immigration and humanitarian reasons. A large number of people face language barriers due to physical disabilities such as deafness or impaired hearing and require language assistance.
You can find employment as a freelancer or contractor to language services agencies, or work in public and private sector organisations such as hospitals, courts, businesses, government departments and agencies.
The Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language) is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Graduates will be eligible to sit the external NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter test after completing this diploma.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum academic entry requirements.
Applicants must meet the prerequisites and submit the selection task.
In Semester 1, 2025, the following languages may be offered subject to demand and meeting minimum numbers:
Additional languages may be offered subject to demand.
All applicants must meet both the English language requirements and the LOTE requirements specified below.
Successful completion of an approved English proficiency test within the last two years, achieving:
OR
Successful completion of a recognised year 12 equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or post-secondary education equivalent to an Australian Certificate IV level qualification or higher where the language of instruction was English and the qualification was from one of the RMIT recognised English speaking countries.
OR
If you are unable to provide evidence for any of the requirements listed, RMIT can arrange for you to complete the Versant English Placement Test at no cost (maximum one test sitting per applicant per intake). To access this online test, please complete and submit your application and RMIT will contact you to arrange the test.
You must meet one of the following:
Successful completion of a recognised year 12 equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or higher taught in the LOTE you have nominated to study.
OR
Complete an RMIT administered LOTE test. The LOTE test includes reading, writing, and translating from your second language into your first language (one of them must be English). Please note, you may be contacted for an interview if further information is needed to make a selection decision.
All applicants must 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.
If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application by the date below. 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 |
|---|---|
| All applicants | 7 February 2025 |
Identify which language you intend to study (choose only one). Note, languages offered each intake are subject to demand.
You will also need to Indicate whether you wish to be considered for a Victorian Government Premier and Cabinet scholarship place and demonstrate that you meet the living and citizenship/residency/asylum seeker status outlined in the scholarship criteria on the government webpage.
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 65% (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.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course 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 Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
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 may gain entry into the following program:
Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language) graduates with a Bachelor degree may gain entry into one of the following postgraduate programs:
Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.
For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.
You can gain entry to this program 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.
When you successfully complete this diploma, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
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.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.
Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (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.
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.
It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date.
The Victorian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet are offering a limited number of scholarships for students who undertake the Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language) in 2025 in the following LOTE:
If you wish to be considered for a Scholarship for one of these languages, please indicate this on your Selection Task. Visit the Victorian Government website for more information.
Please note: There are limited scholarships available in each language. Once allocation is fully exhausted you may be offered a Government funded or fee-paying place depending on your eligibility. The scholarship places are on a 'first come, first served' basis, where priority is given to applicants based on the time they fulfil the eligibility requirements. Applications for scholarships may close early if all places are allocated.
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.
