AU$35,520 (2025 annual)
Join the ranks of successful urban planners when you undertake the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning – the first degree of its kind in Victoria.
Urban and regional planning is more than just creating physical environments; it’s a way of sustainably changing and shaping the world. In this degree, you will focus on sustainability and its place in urban planning policy, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to pursue a career as a policy and planning leader.
Not only will your studies cover urban planning in Melbourne and its regional surrounds, you will also be introduced to planning practices across the world. You are encouraged to complement this knowledge with a semester abroad at one of RMIT’s sister universities, and get to know urban and regional planning in a global context.
This degree emphasises the benefits of practical learning. By participating in industry-relevant, real-life projects, you will be introduced to leading practitioners in the field, learn best practice methodologies, and graduate job-ready – with industry connections, and a degree that is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
Professionally, planners collate, analyse and present information that will help shape strategies and plans for the future. This degree will help you to effectively communicate with stakeholders in a way that will help to create successful, socially responsible planning outcomes.
If you are passionate about urban design, geography and history, environmental studies, or politics and economics, this degree will pique your interest. You will learn to understand and critically engage with the many factors and processes that shape the way we live, work, play and commute. In this degree you will be encouraged to think creatively about what role planning can play in creating equitable and livable cities and regions.
Examine and explore urban and regional planning in a global context.
Undertake a lengthy work placement in a real-world environment.
This bachelor degree is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.
What does planning mean to you? Discover why planning is a great career choice for you and the types of projects you could get involved in.
In this degree, you will explore the concept of a sustainable, equitable and livable city through lectures, workshops, research projects, international study tours, field excursions, industry placements, and experiences.
Many of your guest lecturers are planning practitioners, presenting you with industry-relevant knowledge from within the classroom.
You will be assessed throughout the semester through a variety of formats as relevant to your chosen subjects, and will include: essays, reports, reflective pieces, policies, oral and graphic presentations, practice-based assessments to allow you to demonstrate your skills.
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 your final year, you will undertake a 30- to 60-day work placement.
Placements often include work in strategic, statutory, social and environmental planning roles within local or state governments, or the private sector. These placements can lead to full-time work after graduation.
This degree pioneered formal work placements in the industry. Many employers now actively seek out RMIT planning students to fill their work placement vacancies.
Take advantage of the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world projects in international contexts. Our students have participated in projects in countries such as Vietnam and Nepal, and in parts of Latin America.
In your second year, you have the opportunity to study a semester in countries with progressive planning systems, such as Canada, Finland, the Netherlands, Japan, Singapore and Sweden.
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 degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
By studying Australian society, politics and economics, you will better understand the foundations of urban and regional planning. You will also cover the origins and development of planning principles and practices.
You will focus on contemporary planning policies, as well as social science research methods, social planning, urban design and transport planning. Many students opt to study overseas for a semester in second year.
You will specialise in different areas of practice: planning law, regional planning, climate change adaptation, urban economics, natural resource management, and planning at local government level.
In your final year you will undertake a work placement, in addition to studying planning theory, planning research methods and structure planning. You will finish by writing an individual thesis or a major professional report on a chosen topic.
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.
As cities continue to grow, so does the need for planners.
Urban and regional planning graduates readily secure jobs, and have ample opportunity for early career promotions. Our graduates have high rates of success in achieving full time employment after completing their degree. Many start in local or state government, or with private sector planning consultancies and property developers.
Graduates can also build careers in areas such as urban design and placemaking, community health and social planning, environmental and climate change policy, as well as housing and transport planning. Many RMIT graduates also work overseas.
Throughout your career, you might undertake roles such as:
The RMIT urban and regional planning degree is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
The PIA has mutual recognition of membership status with the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) and the Canadian Institute of Planners/Institut Canadien des Urbanistes (CIP)
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.
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.
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.
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., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your 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:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
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.
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., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
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. You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
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.
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.
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 70% (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).
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.
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.
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry. For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
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.
When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
You can gain entry to this degree from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.
If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.
Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT
If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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 program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
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*.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.