Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Discover everything that goes into a career in pharmacy: pharmacology, therapeutics, knowledge of drug development, clinical trials and more.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

ATAR 78.35*

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Next intake:
February
Location:
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Fees:

AU$45,120 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Bundoora

Overview

This selective-entry, research-oriented honours degree is designed for capable and highly-motivated students who want hands-on involvement in research projects.

It prepares you for the compulsory one-year internship that you will need to complete in order to gain Australia-wide registration as a pharmacist.

Once you've successfully completed the degree and the internship, you will be registered to practise in any area of pharmacy in Australia, including community or hospital pharmacy.

Alternatively, this degree provides you with a foundation from which you can progress with further studies, to achieve a range of other career opportunities.

Why study the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at RMIT?

Research-oriented

Take part in hands-on research projects and prepare for different roles within the broader industry.

Professional registration

On completion, you'll be registered to practice in any area of Australian pharmacy.

Industry connections

Guest lecturers, advisory committees and work-integrated learning ensure relevant material.

Your career as a pharmacist

Career options include working in both community and hospital pharmacies, for the pharmaceutical industry, or in health policy and administration roles.

As an RMIT pharmacy student you’ll benefit from a supportive academic community with diverse research strengths. You’ll be able to gain real-world experience through work placements in both hospital and community pharmacies.

You’ll develop a sound scientific base in studies that include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biostatistics, physiology, genetics, microbiology and immunology, together with an understanding of the social factors that influence health.

In-depth knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacy practice, pharmaceutics and therapeutics is gained, together with an understanding of drug development, research skills and the option to study business if interested.

Portrait of Runu Hann, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at RMIT Runu Hann, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at RMIT
I first saw the Bundoora campus on Open Day, it was beautiful and the staff were so helpful. Everyone is lovely on campus, it's a really good vibe.”

What you will study

You will gain knowledge of how drugs are formulated into medicines and used in the management of disease. You will learn professional communication skills that will enable you to effectively advise both consumers and health professionals about medicines and healthy behaviours. 

Details

Learning and teaching

Clinical placement is a key focus throughout this degree. In addition to this, you will learn through lectures and tutorials, laboratory classes, workshops in the model pharmacy and simulated learning activities, work integrated learning, self-directed study, and team-based activities.

Teaching labs are equipped with the latest pharmacy facilities. You’ll begin to develop the skills of a pharmacy practitioner in the purpose-built model pharmacy, together with practical work experience in hospital, community and specialist work-integrated learning environments.

You will be taught by experienced professionals skilled in cutting-edge research and sessional staff with current industry experience.

 

Assessment methods

Your assessment in the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) will span written assignments, oral presentations, work-integrated learning assessments, formal tests, exams, quizzes, and more depending on subject requirements.

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.

Industry are involved in the delivery of this degree through:

  • Industry Advisory Committees
  • Guest lecturing
  • WIL opportunities

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.

Year 1

In first year, you’ll study a selection of science subjects, to give you a sound scientific base.  Subjects include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology. You’ll also study pharmacy-specific subjects, engaging you in the development of professional skills and an understanding of the social factors that contribute towards health.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll start to specialise in the biomedical sciences that contribute towards the pharmacy profession.  As well as being introduced to pharmacology, physiology, and the physical characteristics of dosage forms, you'll study pharmacy-specific professional practice subjects and engage in your first work-integrated learning (WIL) experience in second semester.

Year 3

In third year, you’ll complete in-depth study of therapeutics, supported by more detailed pharmacology, and expand your knowledge and skills in pharmacy practice, with increased emphasis on work-integrated learning activities. You’ll study advanced formulations, learn how to compound medicines for individual patients, and how the quality of medicines is regulated and assured.

Year 4

In your fourth year, you will expand your pharmacy practice and therapeutics proficiency through integrated study and engage in further work-integrated learning (WIL) activities. You’ll learn about recent developments in medicines, and complete a subject preparing you for a research project in your final semester of study.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
Program code: BH102

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
Bundoora Campus
4 years (8 semesters) full-time
BH102
079791M
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
4 years (8 semesters) full-time
Plan code
BH102
CRICOS
079791M
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
Bundoora Campus
4 years (8 semesters) full-time
BH102
079791M
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
4 years (8 semesters) full-time
Plan code
BH102
CRICOS
079791M
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
Bundoora Campus
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
BH102P24
114028G
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Plan code
BH102P24
CRICOS
114028G
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
Bundoora Campus
4 years full-time
BH102P24
114028G
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
4 years full-time
Plan code
BH102P24
CRICOS
114028G

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

Career

As a pharmacist, you will: 

  • prepare and dispense medicines in many forms. You will also give individuals advice on how to use their medicines in the safest and most effective way.
  • advise members of the public and other health professionals about both prescription and over-the counter medicines. You will provide advice regarding the selection of medicines, how much to take, how different medicines interact with each other, and any potential side effects.
  • work in the research and development of medicines and other health-related products. You can also can manage pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies.
  • provide public health services, such as vaccinations.

A one-year internship is required in order to gain Australia-wide registration, once your degree is complete.

On successful completion of the degree and your internship year, you will be able to work in:

  • community pharmacies
  • hospital pharmacies
  • the pharmaceutical industry (quality control, sales, marketing, and management)
  • the bio-pharmaceutical industry
  • clinical trials administration
  • drug information agencies
  • drug regulation for government or private companies
  • consulting to industry
  • pharmacy professional organisations
  • pharmacy academia
  • medical research and communications.

Graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations, including:

  • The Royal Melbourne Hospital
  • The Alfred Hospital
  • The Austin Hospital
  • Therapeutic Guidelines.

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) program is accredited with conditions by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). The program is also approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA). 

To become a registered pharmacist in Australia, graduates must successfully complete a Bachelor degree accredited by both the APC and PBA plus an additional year of internship training and registration examinations. Further information about registration to practise is available from the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA) website.  

Within Victoria, governance is the responsibility of the Victorian Pharmacy Authority (VPA).

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 25 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

AND

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

  • a study score of at least 25 in one of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics

or equivalent studies.

AND

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

  • a study score of at least 25 in Chemistry

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.

Subject adjustments

A study score of 30 in Chemistry or Maths: General Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study.

A study score of 25 in Agricultural & Horticultural Studies, Biology, Environmental Science, any Information Technology, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics, Outdoor And Environmental Studies, Physics or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study.

Overall maximum of 8 points.

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

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 satisfactorily completed at least four courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.

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.

Personal statement

If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.

If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.

If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.

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. 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:

Subject adjustments

A study score of 30 in Chemistry or Maths: General Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study.

A study score of 25 in Agricultural & Horticultural Studies, Biology, Environmental Science, any Information Technology, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics, Outdoor And Environmental Studies, Physics or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study.

Overall maximum of 8 points.

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

If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.

Immunisation and vaccination requirements*

  • Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTpa – adult dose), must be this immunisation NOT ADT (Adult Diphtheria/Tetanus – does not contain the pertussis component)
  • Poliomyelitis: primary course of 3 vaccination doses
  • Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR, 2 vaccination doses AND blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity
  • Hepatitis A: primary course of 2 vaccination doses OR serology to show immunity to Hep A Ab
  • Hepatitis B: primary course of 3 vaccination doses AND serology to confirm anti-HBV level is greater than or equal to 10mIU/ml
  • Varicella: 2 vaccination doses OR blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity OR history of chickenpox
  • Influenza Vaccination: annual requirement
  • Tuberculin Screen: Tuberculin Skin Test OR Quantiferon TB Assay blood test (serology) to show immunity. This is an annual requirement for the duration of your study.

Please note: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete, you should contact your medical practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that you will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the university.

Working with Children Check*

You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.

Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.

National police record check*

You will be required to present evidence of a successful National police record check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (this is an annual requirement for the duration of your program). Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and your RMIT issued student email address once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

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?

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

  • a study score of at least 25 in Chemistry

or equivalent studies.

AND

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

  • a study score of at least 25 in one of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics

or equivalent studies.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

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

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band below 6.5)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum of 19 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 24 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 58)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 185 with no less than 176 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Additional information

If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.

Immunisation and vaccination requirements*

  • Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTpa – adult dose), must be this immunisation NOT ADT (Adult Diphtheria/Tetanus – does not contain the pertussis component)
  • Poliomyelitis: primary course of 3 vaccination doses
  • Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR, 2 vaccination doses AND blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity
  • Hepatitis A: primary course of 2 vaccination doses OR serology to show immunity to Hep A Ab
  • Hepatitis B: primary course of 3 vaccination doses AND serology to confirm anti-HBV level is greater than or equal to 10mIU/ml
  • Varicella: 2 vaccination doses OR blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity OR history of chickenpox
  • Influenza Vaccination: annual requirement
  • Tuberculin Screen: Tuberculin Skin Test OR Quantiferon TB Assay blood test (serology) to show immunity. This is an annual requirement for the duration of your study.

Please note: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete, you should contact your medical practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that you will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the university.

Working with Children Check*

You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.

Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.

National police record check*

You will be required to present evidence of a successful National police record check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (this is an annual requirement for the duration of your program). Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and your RMIT issued student email address once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

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.

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 program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

You are guaranteed entry to the BH102P24 Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) with two semesters of credit* (equivalent to 96 credit points) when you successfully complete the AD012P24 Associate Degree in Health Sciences (Biomedicine option) and achieve an IELTS (Academic) minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band below 6.5) or equivalent.

Alternatively, you may be able to gain entry from one of RMIT’s vocational study programs. Please note however that places are limited and will be offered on a competitive basis.

*Based on full-time study load of 96 credit points per year. Individual circumstances may vary and please be aware that not all courses are offered each semester. These circumstances may affect the total duration of a program.

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 postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

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$45,120.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$185,280.

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.

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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.