Computer Science and IT VTAC Selection FAQs

  1. How do I apply for CS&IT undergraduate programs?
  2. What is the general minimum educational background for entry?
  3. What about mature age entry?
  4. I have done some tertiary study (Advanced Diploma or another degree). How much credit can I get?
  5. What chance do I have of being selected?
  6. What TER would I have had to get to ensure I got a place in round 1?
  7. My friend got the same score as me, he got an offer and I didn't. Why? (This may happen to a few students whose score is below the Clearly-In cut off.)
  8. My score is a bit below the cut off, am I likely to get a second round offer? Should I accept my first round offer?
  9. I didn't apply for your course / had it at a lower preference. Can I get an irregular offer?
  10. I didn't get an offer into your course, and given my results I'm unlikely to. What can I do to better my chances next time?
  11. Do you have scholarships?
  12. Do you have special entry schemes?
  13. Do you offer local full fee paying places?
  14. I completed XXX qualification at YYY institution. What exemptions will I get in your program?

How do I apply for CSIT undergraduate programs?

All local applications (including transfers from other RMIT programs and applications from non-Year 12 students) go through VTAC. See their website at http://www.vtac.edu.au. You can also obtain a copy of the VTAC guide from newsagents.

International applicants should contact RMIT International instead.

What is the general minimum educational background for entry?

Year 12 or a two-year Diploma (sometimes called an Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma). For specific program pre-requisites check the VTAC guide.

What about mature age entry?

See above. If you have not completed Year 12 we recommend an Advanced Diploma in Computer Science or Information Technology at TAFE. This will get you back into formal study and get you advanced standing in CS&IT programs later down the track. When you apply, please document your background on the VTAC Pi form.

I have done some tertiary study (Advanced Diploma or another degree). How much credit can I get?

It depends on what you have done and which program you would like to do. Credit for an Advanced Diploma varies from 6 months - 2 years. Typically you would get around 1 year advanced standing.

What chance do I have of being selected?

Selection is based on your previous academic performance. In each year we have a fixed number of places and take the best qualified applicants up to that limit plus a few extras to account for students dropping out. If your marks are excellent (e.g. High Distinction or Distinction) you have a better chance. This applies to both Year 12 and non-Year 12 applicants. We have many applicants for 100-200 places so entry is quite competitive. However, good solid students who can show academic ability have a good chance.

What TER would I have had to get to ensure I got a place in round 1?

Clearly-In scores are as follows:

  • BP002 – (Double degree) Bachelor of Applied Science (Computer Science) / Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems Engineering) – 75.05
  • BP003 – (Double degree) Bachelor of Applied Science (Computer Science) / Bachelor of Engineering (Communication Engineering) – 74.80
  • BP004 – (Double degree) Bachelor of Applied Science (Computer Science) / Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic Engineering) – 76.65
  • BP094 – Bachelor of Applied Science (Computer Science) – 71.15
  • BP096 – Bachelor of Applied Science (Software Engineering) – 80.40
  • BP098 – Bachelor of Applied Science (Computing and Internet Technology) – 60.25
  • BP153 – Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Systems) – 66.70
  • BP162 – Bachelor of Applied Science (Info Technology) – 60.45
  • BP215 – Bachelor of Design (Games Graphics Programming) – 73.65
  • BP232 – Bachelor of Technology (Computing Studies) – 52.45

My friend got the same score as me, he got an offer and I didn't. Why? (This may happen to a few students whose score is below the Clearly-In cut off.)

Students in the "middle band" are ranked according to individual results and other information, TER score is not the only factor.

My score is a bit below the cut off, am I likely to get a second round offer? Should I accept my first round offer?

Students should always accept their first round offer. If they change their mind, they are guaranteed of a refund of any fees they have paid. It is likely that we will make some 2nd round offers but we are unable to confirm this until after 1st round enrolments.

I didn't apply for your course / had it at a lower preference. Can I get an irregular offer?

You can apply for an Irregular Offer if you:

  • Have received an offer but want to be considered for a course listed lower on your preferences than the offer you have already received.
  • Have received an offer but want to apply for a course not listed on your preferences.
  • Have not received an offer and want to apply for a course not listed on your preferences.

If your score was at or above our cut off, it is possible that you may be able to get an irregular offer into one of our programs, but we cannot be sure until after 1st round enrolments. Please contact the School on 9925 2348 to arrange to discuss your situation.

I didn't get an offer into your course, and given my results I'm unlikely to. What can I do to better my chances next time?

We are happy to select people who have come through RMIT TAFE and have reasonable results, especially people who have completed an Advanced Diploma in Computer Science. (They usually start with certificate 4 in the 1st year, and Adv Dip in the 2nd). Please contact the School of Life and Physical Sciences which runs the Computer Science TAFE courses. We also take people from Business TAFE with Adv Dip Business IT, although we prefer the CS qualification.

Do you have scholarships?

Scholarship information can be found at www.rmit.edu.au/csit/ug_scholarships.

Do you have special entry schemes?

Yes. See the VTAC guide entry at the start of the RMIT University section.

Do you offer local full fee paying places?

No.

I completed XXX qualification at YYY institution. What exemptions will I get in your program?

This will be worked out by our admission staff. We hope to be able to determine this on the day of enrolment. Please make sure you bring certified copies of all your transcripts.

If your query was not answered above, please email selectionenquiries@cs.rmit.edu.au.