Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting

Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting

POSTGRADUATE

Extend your language skills and explore the possibility of an exciting global career.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and Online
Entry score:

See admissions

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

AU$14,400 (2025 total)

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

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$18,720 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Expand your language skills and begin an exciting and challenging career that can take you all over the world.

Through the Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting, you will learn advanced concepts of translating and interpreting to help communications across cultures and languages.

You'll build the skills to be able to navigate complex issues and situations, and to effectively communicate from one language to another.You'll also develop the ability to investigate and analyse a range of approaches to translating and interpreting in professional practice.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting at RMIT?

Accelerate your career

Build knowledge that can expand your career, providing the skills to transition into the field of Translating and Interpreting.

Professional accreditation

Gain eligibility to apply for the Provisionally Certified Interpreter test, ​Professional Translator test and Recognised Interpreter and/or Recognised Translator credentials.

Access to technology

Use communication media to support and streamline translating and interpreting work and gain insight into the intersection of theory and practice.

Portrait of Amanda Polanco, Master of Translating and Interpreting Amanda Polanco, Master of Translating and Interpreting
I was drawn to the Master of Translating and Interpreting at RMIT because of its close links with industry. One of my highlights has been using the new, purpose-built Translating and Interpreting suite, experiencing what it’s like to be a conference interpreter.

Details

Build the skills and knowledge you require to seek certification credentials from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI), and begin an exciting global career in this field.

Upon the completion of this graduate certificate, you will be eligible to apply for the Provisionally Certified Interpreter test, ​Professional Translator test and Recognised interpreter and/or Recognised Translator credentials.

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Learning and teaching

This graduate certificate caters for both face-to-face and online learning modes. 

As part of your studies, you will experience a range of teaching and learning approaches that are intended to develop and enhance your knowledge and skills, including seminars, lectures, workshops, tutorials, problem-based learning, presentations, group activities and research.

You will also demonstrate a range of verbal, written and internet-based approaches of communication.

Learning and teaching

Your assessment tasks will help you develop the appropriate skills required in a translating and interpreting career.

Your knowledge and skills will be assessed through assessment tasks that may include essay, report and project writing, online class presentations and group work, online discussions, case studies, problem solving and analysis, and industry-based assessment.

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.

RMIT is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with workplace experience.

As a student enrolled in this certificate, you will:

  • undertake and be assessed on structured activities that allow you to learn, apply and demonstrate your professional or vocational practice
  • interact with industry and community when undertaking these activities
  • complete these activities in real work contexts or situations.

These interactions and the work contexts provide distinctive sources of feedback to you to assist your learning.

Study in this graduate certificate requires attendance and participation in weekly lectures (2 hours each) and tutorials (2-3 hours each) per class, as well as independent study time.

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.

The Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting comprises four subjects, including three core subjects and one elective.

Core studies in ethics and professional issues and practice for both interpreting and translating certification. You will have the opportunity to choose an elective to help you delve into the theoretical bases or discourse studies related to translating and interpreting, or an advanced English language elective.

Course structure

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

Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting
Program code: GC185
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
GC185
104980E
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
GC185
CRICOS
104980E
View plan
Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting
City Campus
0.5 years full-time
GC185
104980E
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time
Plan code
GC185
CRICOS
104980E
View plan

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

Career

Graduates are qualified to work in a wide range of work contexts and industries both in Australia and overseas.

Potential employers include:

  • multinational firms and agencies operating in Australia and overseas
  • foreign embassies and posts • government departments and agencies
  • NGOs
  • localisation industry
  • private businesses.

Broader career prospects include employment in government areas such as:

  • cross-cultural communication
  • social and welfare services
  • security services
  • international trade relations in Australia or overseas

Graduates can also freelance as translators/interpreters.

Upon the successful completion of this graduate certificate, you will be eligible to transition into the Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting and Master of Translating and Interpreting.

Entry requirements and admissions

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

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline.

If you have not completed an undergraduate degree, you may still be considered if you have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in interpreting or translating or in the use of bilingual language skills. If you wish for your work experience to be considered, you must submit a CV and a personal statement detailing your relevant work experience.

You will be selected competitively for all languages based on your GPA, relevant experience and the results of any selection tasks you are required to complete.

*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.

Personal Statement

You must submit a personal statement outlining:

  • the language other than English (LOTE) you would like to study in the program
  • if you want to study interpreting or translating?
  • if you are applying to study the translation stream, what is your preferred translation directionality (LOTE into English or English into LOTE)? Please note only one direction can be studied in the program. We recommend that you translate into the language in which you are most proficient.

To meet the LOTE requirement, you must have completed a qualification equivalent to an AQF level 7 Bachelor degree that was taught and assessed in your nominated LOTE. If you do not meet this requirement, you must complete the LOTE test.

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

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

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline.

If you have not completed an undergraduate degree, you may still be considered if you have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in interpreting or translating or in the use of bilingual language skills. If you wish for your work experience to be considered, you must submit a CV and a personal statement detailing your relevant work experience.

Please note: You must indicate in your application the language combination you are applying for. Please refer to the selection task for more information.

You will be selected competitively for all languages based on your Grade Point Average (GPA), relevant experience and the results of any selection tasks you are required to complete.

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

Personal Statement

You must submit a personal statement outlining

  • the language other than English (LOTE) you would like to study in the program
  • if you want to study interpreting, translating or both streams?
  • if you are applying to study the translation stream or both the interpreting and translation streams, what is your preferred translation directionality (LOTE into English or English into LOTE)? Please note only one direction can be studied in the program. We recommend that you translate into the language in which you are most proficient.

If your bachelor degree was undertaken in English, you must complete a languages other than English (LOTE) test, which includes reading, writing and translating from your second language into your first language (one of them should be English). The program staff may also make arrangements for a brief interview if it's deemed necessary.

If your bachelor degree was undertaken in the LOTE you wish to study in this program, you must satisfy the English language requirements below.

If you do not have a bachelor degree, or your degree was undertaken in a language other than English that is not the language you wish to study in this program, you must complete a LOTE test (which will be provided after you submit your application) and meet the English language requirements below.

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

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 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 Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

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

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce your study load by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this program, you can continue your studies in GD168 Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting or MC214 Master in Translating and Interpreting, subject to the program’s entrance requirements and receive 48 credit points of advanced standing into either of these programs.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate 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.

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$14,400* (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

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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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.

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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