Graduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering

POSTGRADUATE

Discover this essential discipline and expand your engineering knowledge.

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

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

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

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering has been designed for those wishing to specialise in the mechanical engineering discipline.

Through your studies in this certificate, you will build the necessary skills to lead projects, implement the new technologies, and oversee operating practices and processes in manufacturing-orientated organisations.

Why choose the Graduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering at RMIT?

Industry input

Benefit from our Industry Advisory Committee's expertise and feedback on course content.

Expert educators

Learn from experienced academics with connections to industry and funded research projects.

Undertake research

Plan and execute a substantial research-based project with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability

With a focus on project based and multi-disciplinary learning, you will develop knowledge in advanced CAE and dynamics, solid mechanics, advanced thermo fluids, and more. You will also increase your skills and understanding in mechanical engineering and related technologies, combined with advanced skills in oral and written communication, teamwork, design, and project management.

Please note: this graduate certificate 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.

Details

Expand all sections

Learning and teaching

Upon successful completion of this certificate, you will have the capability to investigate and analyse complex engineering issues using systems thinking and modelling techniques.

You will learn to develop innovative solutions to engineering problems, and to initiate, plan, lead or manage engineering activities. 

As part of your studies, you will plan and execute a substantial research-based project with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability. You will also learn to communicate in a variety of different ways to collaborate with stakeholders, considering the knowledge, expectations, requirements, interests, terminology and language of the intended audience. 

Assessment methods

You can anticipate assessment in the form of assignments and projects, assessed tutorials and presentations, self- and peer-assessments, and technical report writing. 

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.

This graduate certificate has strong links with industry through its Industry Advisory Committee and through research and teaching collaborations.

Many teaching staff are from local industry or have extensive industry experience and well-developed contact networks, and many are engaged in industry-funded research projects. These attributes, when integrated into teaching and courseware development, ensure that your learning experience is industry-relevant and work-integrated.

As a student in this certificate, you can expect an average of 10 hours per week for each subject you undertake, comprising lectures, tutorials/laboratory sessions and learner directed activities.

You may also require additional time for independant study.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

To graduate from this certificate, you must select and successfully complete four of the following subjects: 

  • Sustainable Engineering Practice and Design 
  • Innovation and Technology Management 
  • Risk and Project Management 
  • Modelling and Simulation of Engineering Systems 
  • Advanced CAE 
  • Advanced Thermo Fluids 
  • Advanced Dynamics 
  • Advanced Mechanics of Solids.

Course structure

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

Graduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
Program code: GC204
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part time equivalent
GC204
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part time equivalent
Plan code
GC204
CRICOS
View plan

Career

At the completion of this certificate, you will be equipped to further your career aspirations in mechanical engineering, operations, or consultancy in manufacturing, automotive, petrochemical, construction, mineral processing, bioprocessing and similar industries, as: 

  • R&D leader introducing new technologies and research and development. 
  • Team Leader implementing operational strategies. 
  • Operations Manager responsible for the competitive performance of a unit 
  • Consultant providing specialist technical advice to industry. 

Alternatively, you may choose to pursue further study in the Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering).

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Applicants must have:

  • An Australian Bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Sustainable Systems or Automotive Engineering

OR

  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience.

International qualifications are assessed for parity to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

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

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

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.

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering are guaranteed entry into the Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) and will receive 48 credit points of credit.

Fees

Expand all sections

Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2025 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2025 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*. 

Full-fee places

  • Full-fee places: AU$18,720* (2025 total).

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 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.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

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.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

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.

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.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

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 HECS-HELP, 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.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

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. 

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.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course 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 - 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