International student caps

International student caps

Group of students walking on Bowen Street lined with trees in the background

International students are an important and valued part of the RMIT community.

You might have heard that the Australian Government has announced changes to international student commencement numbers from 1 January 2025. The caps impact every university differently and we encourage you to apply as early as possible to study at RMIT. 

Once you start your studies at RMIT, you will be warmly welcomed as an international student. You will join a multicultural and multi-faith community, made up of students from over 196 different countries who call RMIT their home away from home. 

RMIT looks forward to welcoming international students to our vibrant Melbourne campuses in 2025. 

Why RMIT?

Four international students taking a selfie outside Flinders St Station.

Study in the heart of Melbourne

Established in 1884, RMIT is one of Australia’s oldest tertiary institutions and is among the top 150 universities in the world.* Our state-of-the-art campuses and student accommodations are also located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia’s #1 city for international students.^

International business students

Gain in-demand skills and work experience

Our courses are practical and enable you to gain skills that will set you apart from other graduates. You’ll learn by getting hands-on experience in placements, industry projects and field work. Beyond the classroom, students can also access our award-winning career services.**

RMIT international student doing an arts and crafts activity

Join a supportive and welcoming community

We offer many support services to our international students, including free English classes, academic support and career counselling. Our passionate students also run over 160 clubs and societies, where you’ll make friends and connect to your home away from home.

Female staff member holding iPad while facing male student turned away from camera

Any questions about your application?

Our friendly team is here to help! Reach out to us if you have any questions about your application, including whether you may be exempt from the caps.

Contact us

Frequently asked questions

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Applications for RMIT programs remain open – so if you’re interested in studying with us in 2025, we encourage you to apply early and accept your offer.

All international student applications are assessed fairly, based on academic merit. 

Some courses may be exempt from the caps, including: 

  • Standalone English language courses (ELICOS) 
  • Non-award courses, which are courses that don’t lead to a recognised qualification, such as single courses or Foundation Studies 

Additionally, you may be exempt from the caps if you are a: 

  • Higher Degree by Research student 
  • Study abroad or short-term university exchange student 
  • Part of an Australian transnational education or twinning arrangement 
  • Key partner foreign government scholarship holder 
  • Students from the Pacific and Timor Leste 

If you’re unsure how the caps will affect your application, or whether you are exempt from the caps, we welcome you to contact us at Study@RMIT.  

Congratulations on securing an offer with RMIT! We look forward to welcoming you on campus.  

All current conditional offers will be honoured, and we encourage you to accept your offer as soon as possible. 

Foundation Studies will not be impacted by the caps.  

As Australia’s largest dual-sector university, RMIT is proud to offer Foundation Studies and pathway programs that help our international students gain key skills for their future. 

RMIT will do its best to accommodate your request, however a request to defer your enrolment will be subject to availability of places in your program. 

Students who transfer to RMIT from another university will be included in the cap. Therefore, we encourage you to apply early if you'd like to study at RMIT.

*QS World University Rankings 2024
^QS Best Student Cities 2025
**In 2022, the Job Shop at RMIT was awarded the Most Popular Career Service by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) at the Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards (AGRIA).

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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.

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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