Associate Degree in Graphic Design

Associate Degree in Graphic Design

UNDERGRADUATE

Develop specialist technical and creative skills to start your own business or work for design firms.

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:
Brunswick
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$34,560 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick

Overview

Gain industry knowledge and specialist skills to kick-start your career in graphic design.

Graphic designers are visual problem solvers with highly specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills and knowledge in visual communication. You may specialise in a number of fields including corporate identity, book and magazine layout, advertising, branding, packaging, web design, way-finding and exhibition design.

The Associate Degree in Graphic Design combines communication, design, technology and business. It will provide you with strong skills in finished art and design concept development, as well as in-depth knowledge of the design process. The rigorous research and learning experiences will challenge you to develop a deeper level of critical thinking enabling you to create high level and innovative design solutions and concepts.

Why study the Associate Degree in Graphic Design at RMIT?

Industry tools

Work with industry-standard software such as InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

Career-focused learning

Learn best practice and gain valuable feedback from industry leaders.

Choose your specialisation

Pick your own path and tailor your learning to your personal design goals.

Forms of visual and graphic communication that you will explore:

  • illustration
  • computer aided design
  • typography
  • packaging design
  • books
  • advertising
  • publicity material
  • social media marketing

You will also become competent in industry standard software including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

The focus of your second year is to give you a professional level of technical expertise, project management and teamwork skills, along with a clear understanding of industry business practices.

You will be qualified to take responsibility for the work of others in terms of establishing and monitoring systems to ensure the effective production of work.

Details

Expand all sections

Learning and teaching

The learning and teaching approach of this program emulates how you would work in a commercial design studio.

Through workshops, presentation and group discussions, you will learn from experienced staff that will treat you as a junior designer. Teachers are globally connected and divide their time between teaching and working in industry.

You’ll interact with key people from Australian and international companies on commercially-related projects during the program, as well as undertaking work experience.

Full-time students are expected to attend 20 hours of classes over 4 days and undertake approximately 15 hours of extra study and research per week. Most classes are held in computer labs to simulate industry processes. There are often concentrated periods of out-of-class work when assessments are due.

It is recommended that you own a computer, preferably an Apple Mac, which is the industry standard. Please note that this is a recommendation but is not a requirement, as students have access to computer labs on campus. Being a student enables you access to program specific and industry-standard software at discounted rates.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed throughout each semester via project briefs, essays, reports, verbal and visual 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.

In the first year, you will connect with leading local and international design companies through excursions, talks and competitions such as the Tudor Book cover competition and the Department of Justice postcard and brochure brief.

In the second year you’ll be engaged in work placement and connect with major design companies on industry projects. Past projects have included:

  • Smiggle illustration brief
  • Fuji Xerox spot varnish project
  • Océ paper sampler.

A graduate exhibition of portfolios is presented to industry at the end of the second year. Representatives review and provide you with individual feedback.

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

The degree is currently exploring potential overseas study tours, providing you with the opportunity to meet industry figures and attend workshops and conferences.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

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.

Year 1

In first year, you will be introduced to creative and applied typography and finished art and explore:

  • drawing
  • illustration
  • digital illustration
  • digital design
  • reprographics and prepress
  • critical design thinking and problem solving
  • copyright and ethical practice
  • industry knowledge.

Year 2

As your studies progress into second year, you will:

  • extend your creative thinking and problem solving skills
  • consolidate and extend your technical knowledge and skills
  • develop your design language in graphics for the built environment, packaging and different communication devices
  • produce a professional graphic portfolio to present to industry at the graduate exhibition.

This associate degree focuses on developing the ability to conceive, negotiate and realise design concepts for complex projects using sophisticated communication, organisational and project management skills.

You will engage in a number of individually directed projects and industry set briefs as well as work placement with design companies, agencies, print houses and studios. You will also have the opportunity to participate in an international study tour.

Course structure

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

Associate Degree in Graphic Design
Program code: AD022
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Associate Degree in Graphic Design
Brunswick Campus
2 years full-time - 4 semesters
AD022
078839G
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
2 years full-time - 4 semesters
Plan code
AD022
CRICOS
078839G
View plan
Associate Degree in Graphic Design
Brunswick Campus
2 years full-time
AD022
078839G
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
AD022
CRICOS
078839G
View plan

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

Career

Graduates from this degree are highly sought after by agencies and design studios. You may also wish to undertake freelance or consultancy work or continue your studies in communication design. 

You will graduate as a highly trained graphic designer, ready to start your own business or work for companies in Australia and overseas.

Graphic designers work in many different commercial and community contexts across both print and digital media.

Their work as professional designers may include or link to areas such as advertising and promotion, art direction, branding and corporate identity, instructional design, packaging, signage and web design.

As a graphic designer, daily activities may include:

  • commercial area: create logos and artwork for products such as packaging or cafe menus
  • electronics area: focus on graphics used for websites, commercials, TV and film
  • advertising industry: create graphics for clients to sell a product or service through print or digital publications such as newspapers and magazines, or outdoor signage.

Career options

Graduates of this degree can continue on to become:

  • desktop publishers and Mac operators
  • graphic designers
  • illustrators and finished artists
  • graphic artists
  • design/creative directors
  • art directors
  • design/project managers
  • web designers.
Expand all sections

This program is supported by a Program Advisory Committee that consists of industry representatives from a range of design areas who also offer support through industry placement and portfolio feedback.

You are able to join these organisation as a student member while studying:

Graduates can apply for associate membership and full membership once they have obtained their professional experience.

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 question (maximum 250 words):  

  • Question 1: Provide a statement outlining your opinion on how graphic design can be used to improve society or your community.
Folio

A folio of 3 different pieces of your original and completed graphic design work.

  • ‘Completed’ means there is a definite outcome/product, or it was made to demonstrate skills or interests related to graphic design. It is essential that at least one piece uses typography & layout, and there is a demonstrated use of design software.
  • Each piece should have a small selection of process work (approx. 1 page), showing how it was made or developed.
  • Each piece should also include a short summary describing the idea in the design, target audience and the design choices (e.g. technique, media) you applied to achieve the outcome (40 words maximum per piece).

The folio should demonstrate your design, problem-solving and technical skills and include:

  • A range of resolved design concepts and project outcomes.
  • 2D or 3D design (“2D” can be any flat surface graphic, layout or illustration. “3D” can be packaging or digital).
  • Typography (text formatting or experimentation with type).
  • The use of graphic design industry software, e.g. Adobe CC suite or similar.
  • Freehand or digital drawings or illustrations.
  • Creative use of design elements (e.g. colour, texture, composition, etc).
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.

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).

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

A statement outlining your opinion on how graphic design can be used to improve society or your community. (Maximum 250 words)

Folio

A folio of three (3) different pieces of your original and completed graphic design work.

  • ‘Completed’ means there is a definite outcome/product, or it was made to demonstrate skill or interests related to graphic design. It is essential that at least one piece uses typography & layout, and there is a demonstrated use of design software.
  • Each piece should have a small selection of process work (approx. 1 page), showing how it was made or developed.
  • Each piece should also include a short summary describing the idea in the design, target audience and the design choices (eg. technique, media) you applied to achieve the outcome (40 words maximum per piece).

The folio should demonstrate your design, problem-solving and technical skills and include:

  • A range of resolved design concepts and project outcomes.
  • 2D or 3D design (“2D” can be any flat surface graphic, layout or illustration. “3D” can be packaging or digital).
  • Typography (text formatting or experimentation with type).
  • The use of graphic design industry software, eg. Adobe CC suite or similar.
  • Freehand or digital drawings or illustrations.
  • Creative use of design elements (eg. colour, texture, composition, etc).
Submission instructions

A single PDF (maximum size 10MB). Include the page number, your full name, and application number on each page.

OR

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

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 146kb) 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 Bachelor of Design (Communication Design). 

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

Expand all sections

You are guaranteed entry into the Associate Degree in Graphic Design when you successfully complete the following program:

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.

From 2021 to 2023, successful completion of this program with an overall GPA of at least 2.5 out of 4.0 guarantees entry into the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) with 4 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 192 credit points). If you achieve below the minimum GPA, you may still apply and will need to participate in a folio presentation. You will be assessed on a case by case basis and entry is not guaranteed.

From 2024, successful completion of this program guarantees entry into the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) with 3 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 144 credit points). 

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