Diploma of Business

Diploma of Business - BSB50120

VOCATIONAL

Gain a broad understanding of business with a diploma that will enhance your career.

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

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$13,250 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July, September
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Designed to build on your existing knowledge, the Diploma of Business is tailored to ensure relevance to contemporary work environments.

It will cover personal and team effectiveness, communication with customers, business continuity for sustainability and risk, and business success through planning.

Why choose the Diploma of Business at RMIT?

Work relevant

Build on existing skills with learning tailored to the needs of current and future work environments.

Hands-on learning

Undertake work-related projects to develop practical skills and apply knowledge.

Sporting connections

Take advantage of our partnerships with the Essendon Football Club and Cricket Victoria.

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Work in elite sport

Love sport? RMIT has partnered with both Essendon Football Club and Cricket Victoria to offer a unique insight into professional sport, get essential industry experience, and gain two qualifications in one.

Learn more
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Pathways to your business degree

The Diploma of Business offers students the opportunity to work within various functions of business. It's like a taster to the different things that students may be exposed to within a workplace. 
- Annie Barry, Diploma of Business teacher

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Guaranteed Pathway options available

Know where you're headed? Guaranteed Pathways lets you preference pathway packages so you can secure your place in your goal degree and graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

Details

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Learning and teaching

You will undertake work-related projects to develop practical skills and apply knowledge, demonstrating your abilities to function effectively in a business role.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes reports, presentations, projects, research, and practical activities, exercises, and 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 Diploma of Business you will undertake work-related projects to develop practical skills and apply knowledge, demonstrating your abilities to function effectively in a business role.

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

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

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

You will study 12 subjects, covering topics including:

  • emotional intelligence 
  • critical thinking
  • marketing
  • social media
  • customer behaviour
  • workplace sustainability and risk management
  • project management
  • managing budgets and business resources
  • communication skills.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Business
Program code: C5406
National curriculum code: BSB50120
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Business
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5406
107881F
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5406
CRICOS
107881F
View plan
Diploma of Business
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5406
107881F
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5406
CRICOS
107881F
View plan
Diploma of Business
Tullamarine - Essendon Edu Acd
1 year full-time
C5406EFC
Location
Tullamarine - Essendon Edu Acd
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5406EFC
CRICOS
View plan
Diploma of Business
Melb Cricket Education Academy
1 year full-time
C5406MCE
Location
Melb Cricket Education Academy
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5406MCE
CRICOS
View plan

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

Career

Throughout this diploma, you will develop business communication and professional development skills, with the aim of building on existing knowledge and gaining a broad understanding of a range of business functions.

After graduation, you may choose to transition to further education or employment opportunities. Possible career paths include small business owner, business manager and coordinator-level roles involving business planning, project management, resourcing, marketing or social media. 

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Option 1:

Diploma of Business (plan code C5406):

Applicants must meet one of the following minimum academic requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

  • At least 6 months’ work experience in a related field

Option 2:

Guaranteed Pathway - Diploma of Business/Bachelor of Business (plan code C5406PATH1):

Applicants must meet one of the following minimum academic requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

  • At least 6 months’ work experience in a related field

Option 3:

Essendon Football Club (plan code C5406EFC) dual Diploma of Business with Diploma of Leadership and Management (plan code C5407EFC)

Applicants are advised to apply for either the Essendon Football Club C5407EFC plan, and if successful, will be made an offer for both the Diploma of Leadership and Management and the Diploma of Business. See Diploma of Leadership and Management for details and admissions requirements.

Option 4:

Cricket Victoria dual Diploma of Business (plan code C5406MCE) with Diploma of Leadership and Management (plan code C5407MCE)

Applicants are advised to apply for the Cricket Victoria C5407MCE plan, and if successful, will be made an offer for both the Diploma of Leadership and Management and the Diploma of Business. See Diploma of Leadership and Management for details and admissions requirements.

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

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

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) (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.

Please note: September intake is not available to advanced entry students.

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 program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 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) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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Successful completion of one of the following RMIT Pathway Options guarantees entry into this qualification.

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 course/s below.

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

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You can gain entry to this program 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.

Successful completion of the Diploma of Business guarantees entry into one of the following RMIT programs. The major you choose to study may determine the amount of credit you will be eligible to receive:

  • Bachelor of Business - you will receive:
    • 96 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1-year full-time study) - any major (excluding Business Information Systems) or no major
    • 84 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 0.5-year full-time study) - Business Information Systems major
  • Bachelor of Business Professional Practice - you will receive:
    • 96 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1-year full-time study) - any major (excluding Financial Planning (with accreditation) and Business Information Systems) or no major
    • 60 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 0.5-year full-time study) - Financial Planning major (with accreditation)
    • 48 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 0.5-year full-time study) - Business Information Systems major
  • Bachelor of Accounting - you will receive 72 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 0.5-year full-time study).

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

Diploma of Business (Plan code C5406)

  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$11,250* per annum

Dual Diploma of Business (plan code C5406EFC / C5406MCE) / Diploma of Leadership and Management (plan code C5407EFC / C5407MCE):

Students will undertake and graduate with two qualifications, the Diploma of Business and the Diploma of Leadership and Management. In 2025, the total tuition fees for these diplomas are:

The total tuition amount for this program will be:

  • 2025 full fee paying place: AU$21,866 per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

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

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and 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.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (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.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

Melbourne Cricket Education Academy Community Scholarship

For Melbourne Cricket Education Academy students undertaking the dual Diploma of Business and Diploma of Leadership and Management who love sport and can demonstrate circumstances impacting their education; worth 100% of tuition fees paid.

Essendon Education Academy Community Scholarship

For Essendon Education Academy students undertaking the dual Diploma of Business with the Diploma of Leadership and Management who love sport and can demonstrate circumstances impacting their education; worth 100% of tuition fees paid.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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2024 commencement

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