Guaranteed Pathways

What pathways are available?

RMIT University’s range of study pathways help international students prepare and qualify for study at Australian universities.

Pathways include:

RMIT Universities guaranteed pathways are for students who want a degree or diploma qualification.

What do you want to Study?

The only requirement is that each stage you achieve the minimum required results.

View the results required for a Guaranteed Place.

RMIT University International College has been established to help students meet those requirements and continue their education at RMIT University.

Learn more about Pathways at the Future Students web site.

Guaranteed Pathways to an RMIT Degree

Diagram illustrating Pathways to an RMIT Degree

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Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is another option to Foundations Studies. Students who have completed the equivalent of Year 10 in their own countries can study VCE at Year 11 level before proceeding to Foundation Studies or continuing on to VCE Year 12.

VCE Year 11 and 12 is the Victorian State Government secondary school certificate which is recognised throughout Australia as a university entry qualification.

The full certificate is studied over two years but many RMIT students choose to study one or two semesters of Year 11 VCE before transferring to a guaranteed place in the Foundation Studies program. Students study with local and international students which increases language skills and cultural experiences. The wide range of VCE subjects provides a good opportunity for students to discover their strengths and interests and therefore make wise choices for further study.

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What is the difference between VCE and Foundation studies?

VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) is the official senior secondary program taught in Victorian schools. It is a two-year program covering Year 11 and Year 12. The curriculum is set and accredited by the government. The Year 12 component includes external assessment, including externally set examinations. It's calendar is determined by the standard Australian academic year.

Foundation Studies is accredited by RMIT University and the curriculum is specially designed for international students. The assessment is set and conducted by RMIT. Several intakes and durations are available. The program is recognised throughout Australia but is not as widely known internationally as the VCE. For international student seeking a university entrance qualification, particulary into Australian universities, it is an alternative to VCE Year 12.

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Foundation Studies

RMIT University’s Foundation Studies is an accredited program which prepares students for university-level study.

Foundation Studies is recognised for entry to degree and diploma programs by Australian and international higher education institutions.

Students can enter from either Year 11 or 12 and proceed (Entry requirements applicable) via the following options:

  • Standard
  • Accelerated or
  • Fast-Track

Four intakes per year mean students are able to minimise the overall time to qualify for their degree.

RMIT University’s Foundations Studies provides the opportunity for students to specialise with four streams:

  • Science, Engineering and Technology
  • Art, Design and Architecture
  • Business
  • Media and Communication.

Follow up studies show that the majority of Foundation Studies students are amongst the highest performing students at RMIT. Of the students who successfully completed their RMIT Foundation Studies program in 2003, almost 90% continued on to higher education at RMIT University.

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RMIT Diploma

Because RMIT University is a dual sector institution we are able to offer many additional education pathways. If students have either completed Year 12 in their own country, have completed a Foundation Studies program or passed VCE, they can do an RMIT Diploma if their results are not sufficient for direct entry to a Degree program.

Many of RMIT University’s Diplomas have pathway into the later years of a degree program, provided they gain sufficient grades for entry. These Diplomas are a good ‘second chance’ option for students and if a student elects this pathway they gain both a Diploma and Bachelor qualification.

Many students studying in a Diploma or Advanced Diploma elect to graduate with an industry recognised qualification and enter the workforce whilst others use the pathways options. RMIT University has numerous education pathways.

Diploma programs generally require one to two years to complete and are available in a wide range of disciplines including:

  • Arts
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Communication
  • Design
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Health Sciences
  • Language/Interpreting

Students choosing to undertake the one-year Diploma of Business are guaranteed a place in a Business degree with credit towards first year subjects subject to satisfactory results.

Contact information

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