Learn to communicate across a range of contexts and gain the skills needed to pursue a career in Auslan across various sectors.
The Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan) has been designed to equip you with the skills you need to confidently interpret general dialogue and monologue settings in Auslan.
Your studies in this diploma will explore how to communicate across a range of subjects, including health and education, incorporating relevant cultural contexts and standards of ethical practice.
You will learn to interpret both independently and as part of a team. With the knowledge developed in this diploma, you will be able to pursue fulfilling roles in the community services sector, including education, welfare, government, and more.
*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Please note: this diploma is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.
Throughout this diploma you will have the opportunity to develop and apply your knowledge and skills.
Your learning will take the form of scenarios, simulations and role plays, case studies, online practice, group discussions, practical demonstrations, reflective journals. You may also engage in interactive online learning, independent reading and practice, and both online and library research.
Your assessment in this diploma may take the form of quizzes, role plays and demonstrations, and written work spanning questions and answers, reports, and self-reflections.
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.
Throughout your learning in the Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan), you will engage with industry in either practical or simulated contexts.
This offers you the opportunity to apply and demonstrate your knowledge in professional contexts. Several of your subjects will feature real or simulated interpreting assignments, and you will receive feedback on your performance according to industry standards.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
To graduate from this diploma, you must undertake and successfully complete five core subjects and seven elective subjects.
Your core subjects will span codes and standards of ethical practice, how to manage interactions in general settings, and the use of routine subject area terminology.
Your elective subjects will cover health and education terminology, demonstrating language proficiency in different subjects and cultural contexts, interpreting as part of a team, sight translating, and more.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Upon successful completion of this diploma, you will have the skills and knowledge necessary to offer interpreting services in a range of settings.
You may work in community services, education, welfare, government, or other sectors in which Auslan interpreting is required.
The Diploma is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). The Diploma meets the training prerequisite for interpreters who wish to sit the Certified Provisional Interpreter test with NAATI.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum academic entry requirements.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in both English and Auslan.
All applicants must submit the selection task.
All applicants must meet both the English language requirements and the Auslan Skills assessment requirements specified below.
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent) or a Certificate IV qualification or higher where the language of instruction was English, and the qualification was from one of the RMIT recognised English speaking countries.
OR
Successful completion of an approved English proficiency test within the last two years, achieving:
OR
If you do not have any of the test results above or are unable to provide supporting documentation to meet the English language requirements, RMIT can arrange for you to complete the Versant English Placement Test at no cost (maximum one test sitting per applicant per intake). To access this online test, please complete and submit your Selection Task. RMIT will contact you to arrange the test.
You must have formal study or life experience in Auslan. Eligible applicants will be contacted in November 2024 to undertake a skills assessment in Auslan and English.
The skills assessment will be held in either December 2024 or January 2025. It will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and will test receptive (sight) comprehension skills, and appropriate sign production and articulation skills in Auslan.
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.
Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
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 |
|---|---|
| November round (Non-year 12 applicants only) | TBC |
| December round (Current year 12 applicants only) | TBC |
| January rounds (if places are available) | TBC |
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 |
|---|---|
| All applications | TBC |
Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2025.
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.
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 diploma, you may be eligible to apply for further studies at RMIT such as an advanced diploma or undergraduate degree. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options or browse your options.
The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.
Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.
If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.
The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.
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.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
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.
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.
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