Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design

Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design

UNDERGRADUATE

Begin a career as an interior decorator and designer with this industry-led, practical qualification focusing on sustainable and creative practice.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Range of criteria*

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$33,600 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Would you like to work as an interior designer and decorator?

This is a dynamic and industry-relevant degree where you’ll explore practical and theoretical decoration and design frameworks to support a wide range of projects, creating innovative interior concepts and proposals.

Underpinned by the exploration of sustainable practices in the planning and specification of interior structures, there is a strong focus on the application of materials and surface treatments, furnishings, and colour and lighting solutions to create aesthetic and functional spaces in both residential and commercial environments.

Projects will provide you with opportunity to work directly with industry to develop an understanding of associated vocational roles.

Why study interior decoration and design at RMIT?

Work on live projects

Assignments are live industry briefs, focused on delivering real-world lessons and outcomes.

Career-focused education

Gain valuable feedback on your work from highly experienced teachers and industry leaders.

Stay on trend

Keep up-to-date with global trends and interior design movements.

On successful completion graduates may be employed in assisting in commercial design offices, working with lead designers in boutique design or decoration consultancies, working in colour consulting, and fulfilling design and decoration consultation outcomes in other related retail and wholesale sectors of the industry.

As an interior designer and decorator, you will create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces working to design briefs. You’ll also design residential and commercial environments, drew sketches and produce samples of your designs. You will work directly with clients, specify materials, finishes and colour schemes, provide advice on artwork, supervise on-site design and construction, keep up with global trends and communicate effectively with clients and project consultants.

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

The learning and teaching in the Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design emulates how you would work in a commercial design and decoration studio. Teachers will interact and work with you as if you are a junior designer.

This associate degree promotes independent learning and inquiry. You’ll learn through workshops, studios, industry presentations and briefs and on-site visits. Practical demonstrations may be held in class or in an on-site industry environment. You will acquire a broad range of hands-on skills (rendering, architectural drafting, sketching, perspective drawing, CAD, Revit, model making, Photoshop, client presentation) alongside learning the history and theory of colour and design.

During your studies you will interact with key people from external companies on live projects. This models the consultancy practice of interior design and decorators for client presentations.

It is recommended that you have your own computer, but this is not a requirement as students have access to computer labs on campus. Students have access to industry standard software and can purchase these at discounted rates.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes concept design development, digital and verbal presentations, reports, groups projects, research and practical tasks.

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.

Rather than undertaking block work experience, you will work with external companies on live projects and competitions throughout your studies.

In the past students have worked with:

  • Dulux 
  • BQ Design
  • Zwei Interiors and Architecture 
  • Elenburg Fraser Architecture 
  • Nexus Designs 
  • FMD Architects 
  • Group GSA

This approach mirrors the consultancy practice of interior designers and decorators with clients and stakeholders in industry.

This degree supports and encourages networking to develop Industry connections. Networking is an essential part of the design industry and this degree allows you to connect with current designers and past students who have established design practices. Networking can lead to invitations to become part of industry-based committees and boards.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

This course is investigating options for future overseas study and learning connections.

Students are expected to attend 20 hours of classes over four days and undertake a minimum of 20 hours extra study and research weekly.

Concentrated periods of self-directed learning are often required out of class hours when assessments are due.

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

This associate degree, delivered over two years full-time, focuses heavily on industry-led, real client projects. This approach mirrors the consultancy practice of interior designers and decorators with clients and stakeholders in industry.

Second year students have the opportunity to enter a variety of competitions including the Design Institute of Australia Graduate of the Year Awards.

Graduates are work-ready thanks to the amount of exposure they have to industry projects, scholarships, competitions, industry networks and mentors.

Year 1

You’ll study residential briefs to develop your understanding of:

  • architectural views
  • space planning
  • colour
  • materials
  • furnishings
  • decorative arts and contemporary interior style.

Visual technology and communication skills underpin the presentation aspects of working as a designer/decorator. You will work with computer-aided design (CAD), Photoshop and other industry-standard software.

Year 2

You will deepen your knowledge of residential and commercial briefs. Sustainability underpins the approach to all projects including lighting, soft furnishings, colour, interior building materials and techniques.

You'll develop your 3D visualisation and modelling skills to produce detailed and accurate spatial documentation.

You'll also hone your presentation skills in design practice studios for both concept and finished presentations and engage with experienced professionals through the industry-mentoring program.

Course structure

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

Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design
Program code: AD020

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design
City Campus
2 years full-time - 4 semesters
AD020
078836M
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time - 4 semesters
Plan code
AD020
CRICOS
078836M
Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design
City Campus
2 years full-time
AD020
078836M
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
AD020
CRICOS
078836M

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

Career

As an interior designer and decorator you will:

  • develop and create beautiful, functional spaces working to a design brief
  • decorate residential and commercial environments
  • draw sketches and produce samples of your design ideas
  • work directly with clients, providing advice on colour schemes, layouts, lighting and soft furnishings
  • source paint colors, lighting, furniture and flooring
  • provide advice on artwork, pillows, rugs and accessories
  • supervise on-site design and construction
  • keep up-to-date on global trends and product knowledge
  • communicate successfully with both clients and associated project consultants/tradespeople.

You will be equipped with the skills to work in a wide range of design environments including:

  • assisting designers and decorators in large architectural firms
  • management roles in interior decoration and design departments
  • CAD in commercial areas
  • design and decoration consultancies in small boutique companies specialising in complete soft furnishings and residential fit outs
  • self-employment
  • interior textile wholesale areas
  • retail consultancies in furnishings, lighting or furniture
  • colour consultancies, either for large paint companies or in self-employment.

This course is nationally accredited by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA). Current students and graduates of this course are eligible for DIA membership.

Admissions

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

2024 ATAR*

The lowest selection rank plus any adjustment factors to receive an offer for semester 1 2024 for each stream are as follows:

Plan/package detail

ATAR*

Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design Range of criteria
Guaranteed Pathway package AD006PATH2 
Interior Decoration and Design (Associate Degree)/Interior Design (Honours) (Degree)
Range of criteria

Prerequisites

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

  • a study score of at least 20 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task.

Selection task

Semester 2, 2024

All applicants must submit the selection task

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.

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for direct applicants

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
Direct applicants 12 July 2024

Selection task requirements

An applicant statement outlining why you want to study Interior Decoration and Design (maximum 300 words).

A digital folio of 6 projects with the finished piece and the back up or process work included.

A project could be sketching / painting / drawing / photography / graphic design / sculpture or 3D form. At least one project must be computer-generated, displaying digital skills.

The projects do not need to have an interior design focus but display visual creativity.

For each piece of work, include a short statement describing the project and the outcome (100 words per work).

Submission instructions

Submit your folio as a single PDF (maximum size 10MB). Include the page number, your full name, and application number on each page. 

OR

Provide a URL to your folio (please provide password if applicable). All images must be contained and visible on one webpage.

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.

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

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.

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.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 150.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of 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.

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.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 150.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of 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. 

Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 150.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of 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:

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

Art and Design application tips

View the following videos for some practical application advice:

Female student looking at an art folio

Applying for Art and Design courses

Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.

two students looking at artwork

Art and design selection interviews

Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.

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 60% (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.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a selection task for this program. See below for full selection task details.

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

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 60 (with minimum of 10 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 16 in Speaking and 19 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 50 (with no communication band less than 42)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 169 with no less than 162 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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Selection task

Semester 1, 2024

You must complete and submit the selection task.

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants

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
December round 13 December 2024
January rounds 22 December 2024
February rounds 30 January 2024

Selection task requirements

Applicant statement

Submit an applicant statement outlining why you want to study Interior Design (maximum 300 words)

Folio

A digital folio of 6 projects with the finished piece and the back up or process work included.

A project could be sketching / painting / drawing / photography / graphic design / sculpture or 3D form. At least one project must be computer-generated, displaying digital skills.

The projects do not need to have an interior design focus but display visual creativity.

For each piece of work, include a short statement describing the project and the outcome (100 words per work).

Submission instructions

Submit your folio as a single PDF (maximum size 10MB). Include the page number, your full name, and application number on each page. 

OR

Provide a URL to your folio (please provide password if applicable). All images must be contained and visible on one webpage.

Art and Design application tips

View the following videos for some practical application advice:

Female student looking at an art folio

Applying for Art and Design courses

Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.

two students looking at artwork

Art and design selection interviews

Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 144kb) along with your application. 

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.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

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

You are guaranteed entry into the Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design with 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points) when you successfully complete the Diploma of Interior Design.

Alternatively, you can gain entry 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.

You are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) with 2 (Semester 1 intake) or 3 (Semester 2 intake) semesters of credit (equivalent to 144 credit points) when you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design.

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

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.

The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$33,600.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$68,160.

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.