Bachelor of Communication (Media)

Bachelor of Communication (Media)

UNDERGRADUATE

Blend practical skills and creativity in this innovative degree. Build the skills you need to work across film, television, radio, social and digital media.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

ATAR 68.05*

Duration:
Full-time 3 years or 2.5 years accelerated
Part-time 6 years
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3 years or 2.5 years accelerated
Fees:

BP221 AU$37,440 (2024 annual)
BP221ACC AU$44,928 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Learn to produce innovative and compelling content across a wide range of existing and emerging media platforms.

The Bachelor of Communication (Media) uniquely integrates practical production, conceptual analysis and critical reflection with professional industry knowledge to produce critically informed contemporary media professionals who are creative, socially aware and multi-skilled communicators. 

At the end of the degree the portfolio you create will demonstrate your abilities to produce, operate and innovate within a rapidly changing media environment.

Our graduates are technologically fluent and highly adaptable to the constantly evolving media environment. They are also creative thinkers and problem solvers employed across a wide range of industry sectors.

Why study media at RMIT?

Student-run TV station

Work on material to be broadcast on Channel 31, as well as independent radio broadcasters such as 3RRR.

Work placement

Complete 80 hours of professional work attachment, and contribute to various industry-linked projects.

International opportunities

Study overseas on exchange or as part of a study tour intensive, contributing to real projects.

Animated student holding qualification

Guaranteed Pathway options available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed? 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

Learning and teaching

Learning predominantly takes place within small-class sized, project-based studio environments that encourage active participation and develop skills in key contemporary media production practices.

Studio-based learning is a distinguishing feature of the Bachelor of Communication (Media). In studios, learning emerges through the act of making – an investigative and highly creative process driven by research, exploration, experimentation, critique and reflection.

Our staff have many years and varieties of teaching and industry experience. Guest lecturers and practitioners, including industry experts and graduates from the program, contribute significantly to courses through sharing their experiences of developing diverse, successful and adaptable media careers. They also provide feedback on project work that's in progress.

You will be taught how to develop and hone your creative process across multiple media formats and platforms, including film and video, podcasts, social and interactive media, and copywriting. You'll have access to state-of-the-art technology and facilities including TV, web and virtual studios at RMIT's City Campus.

Throughout the degree, you’ll engage with broader critical analyses of the historical, theoretical and cultural contexts of various media. You’ll experiment and innovate to help shape contemporary and future media industries.

You’ll learn through a variety of teaching and learning modes, including studios, lectures, seminars, tutorials, work-integrated learning and problem-solving workshops.

Work attachments form an important part of the degree experience and will help you develop formative connections to the industry while you study.

Assessment methods

Throughout the Bachelor of Communication (Media) you will be assessed through a variety of forms including presentations, exhibitions, and staff, peer and self-assessment.

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.

The RMIT Media program is widely recognised by employers for its industry-ready graduates.

The Industry Advisory Committee is made up of figures representing leading cultural institutions and media organisations.

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by RMITV, the student-run television station broadcasting on Channel 31. Students can also work with independent radio broadcasters 3RRR FM and SYN FM, both of which have strong and long-standing links with the Media program.

At different stages of their degree, students can work on various industry-linked projects and must complete 80 hours of professional work attachment. Organisations that have hosted students in the past include Networks 10, 9 and 7, ABC, SBS, WTFM and the Australian Open.

Many of your studio classes will enable you to partner with industry and community organisations. You'll work with these partners to create quality products and outcomes that will enter circulation immediately. Previous partners have included ACMI, Uniting, Friends of the Earth, the Melbourne International Film Festival and Sensis.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal tertiary study with professional or vocational practice and experience.

Students have the option to study overseas for a semester as an exchange or study abroad student. They can also select study tour intensives as electives.

For example, several media graduates have undertaken study tours with not-for-profit organisation Actuality Media. Travelling overseas they produced documentaries that helped highlight issues affecting disadvantaged communities.

Due to its popularity in the overseas market, the media degree has a strong international student cohort studying in Melbourne. The skills learnt in the degree are of a global standard, enabling you to work in Australia and overseas.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

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.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

The Bachelor of Communication (Media) degree combines professional studies with a minor specialisation, and a choice of subjects from a wide range of School and University-wide electives.

The degree is designed so that you will develop critical, analytical and practical production skills, theoretical knowledge and research expertise with which to better understand and evaluate your own and others’ work.

 

Professional studies

The compulsory professional strand subjects make up the majority of your degree.

In these studio-based subjects you will learn ways to produce media for traditional, digital, online, converged and networked environments. You will progressively develop your growing theoretical, practical and professional knowledge base across the degree, exploring the creative and critical application of these skills in a wide range of scenarios relevant to academic study and the media industries.

Minor studies

In addition to your core media subjects, you will complete a minor specialisation from one of the following areas:

  • Approaches to Popular Culture
  • Asian Media and Culture
  • Cinema Studies
  • Contemporary Politics and Communication
  • Literary Studies.

Electives

Throughout your degree, you will also have the chance to select a number of subjects from a wide range of school and university electives depending on your particular career and personal interests. Many of these are from closely-related media and communication areas such as journalism, public relations, advertising, design, creative writing, photography, games, and animation.

Year 1

You will develop foundational skills in making media content across a range of platforms. You will be introduced to the intellectual and scholarly aspects of the media industries and critically engage with their cultural, historical and ethical contexts.

Year 2

You will select from a large and varied array of studios to investigate, design and produce media in response to a problem or prompt allowing you to begin to develop and construct your media-making practice. You will also continue to study within your selected minor.

Year 3

You will complete your final media studio and begin preparation for graduation by exploring the many career pathways available in the media industries. By the final semester you will have gained real-world experiences and networking opportunities having undertaken approximately 60-80 hours of work attachment activities within a professional media environment.

Course structure

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

Please note: BP221ACC is an accelerated plan and is only offered to students commencing in July intakes.

Bachelor of Communication (Media)
Program code: BP221

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Communication (Media)
City Campus
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
BP221
048667E
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Plan code
BP221
CRICOS
048667E
Bachelor of Communication (Media)
City Campus
3 years full-time
BP221
048667E
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time
Plan code
BP221
CRICOS
048667E
Bachelor of Communication (Media)
City Campus
2.5 years full-time (6 semesters including Spring & Summer in the 1st year)
BP221ACC
055813G
Location
City Campus
Duration
2.5 years full-time (6 semesters including Spring & Summer in the 1st year)
Plan code
BP221ACC
CRICOS
055813G
Bachelor of Communication (Media)
City Campus
2.5 years full-time
BP221ACC
055813G
Location
City Campus
Duration
2.5 years full-time
Plan code
BP221ACC
CRICOS
055813G
Contact hours and study load

Semester 1 entry: 3 years full-time.

Midyear entry: 2.5 years full-time, accelerated. Students are required to complete one summer semester (comprising 48 credit points) during their degree.

Full or part- time study is determined by how many credit points you are enrolled in during the semester. An undergraduate full-time study load is considered to be 48 credit points (approximately three to four subjects) and part-time is considered to be 24 credit points or fewer (approximately two subjects) per semester.

If you need to reduce your study load below 48 credit points in any semester throughout your degree, please discuss your study options with your academic advisor prior to enrolment. This may impact your enrolment structure, program duration and tuition fees.

3 years full-time.

Midyear entry: 2.5 years full-time, accelerated. Students are required to complete one summer semester (comprising 48 credit points) during their degree.

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

Career

RMIT media graduates can be found throughout the media, communications and broader creative industries within Australia and internationally.

As a graduate you'll edge out others by being multi-skilled, global in outlook and capable of working across a range of media forms and organisational contexts.

RMIT students experience a high level of employment upon graduation due to the quality and excellence of their professional skills.

The Media degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work in a broad range of roles and industries that may include:

  • Broadcaster
  • Casting agent
  • Cinematographer
  • Cross-platform content developers
  • Curator
  • Digital media and communication strategist
  • Director
  • Distributor
  • Editor
  • Film and TV critic
  • Film festival director
  • Journalist
  • Marketer
  • Media advisor
  • Media seller and buyer
  • Post-production supervisor
  • Producer
  • Production manager
  • Publicist
  • Radio and podcast presenter
  • Radio programmer
  • Screenwriter
  • Social media producer
  • Website developer
  • Writer

Admissions

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 30 in any English

or equivalent studies.

Rankings and adjustment factors

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.

Selection criteria by applicant type

Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.

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.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12

School Network Access Program (SNAP)

  • 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.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.

Regional adjustments

  • RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. 
  • Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

  • 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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • 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:

  • Advanced Diploma: 81
  • Diploma: 72
  • Certificate IV: 54

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study media
  • your intended career path
  • your personal strengths and attributes relevant to the course career aspirations
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience

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.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

  • 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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • 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. 

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study media
  • your intended career path
  • your personal strengths and attributes relevant to the course career aspirations
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience

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.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

  • 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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • 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.

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study media
  • your intended career path
  • your personal strengths and attributes relevant to the course career aspirations
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience

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.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Regional adjustments

  • RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. 
  • Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

  • 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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • 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.

Additional information

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.

*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.

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 65% (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.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

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:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 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) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

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

This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Guaranteed Pathways available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed for entry into this degree?

At RMIT we've got your back, with a range study options to help you achieve your goals, no matter your ATAR.

Guaranteed Pathways gives you the option to preference pathway packages when you apply to RMIT.

If you apply and are successful in gaining a place in a Guaranteed Pathway package, you will progress straight into the Bachelor Degree upon successful completion of the relevant vocational degree (otherwise known as TAFE) first.

With a Guaranteed Pathway package, you can graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

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.

High performing graduates of the Bachelor of Communication (Media) are well placed to take up further study either to pursue a particular research interest through Honours or by taking a postgraduate Masters’ qualification.

You are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Communication (Media) with three semesters of credit (equivalent to 144 credit points), when you successfully complete one of the following programs:

Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

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.

Fees

2024 indicative fees

In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

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.

Defer your payment

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.

Paying your fees and applying for 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.

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.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

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 2024. 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.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024

Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 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 $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

HECS-HELP Loans

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.

SA-HELP Loans

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.

How does a HELP loan work?

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 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

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

Plan BP221

  • The annual 2024 tuition fee for BP221 (3 years full-time) is AU$37,440.
  • The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$115,200.

Plan BP221ACC

  • The annual 2024 tuition fee for BP221ACC (2.5 years full-time) is AU$44,928. 
  • The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$114,624.

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.

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.

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 - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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.