Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours)

Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Explore a creative, expansive practice that addresses the relation between people and their environments: how we live, work and play.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Range of criteria*

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Fees:

AU$46,080 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

In the 21st century, the definition of ‘interior’ can no longer be simply equated to the inside of a building.

Conditions of interior and interiority are increasingly affected and transformed by contemporary technologies as well as social and cultural forces and relationships.

Focused on the dynamic relations between people and the surrounding environment, this ideas-led design degree explores the potential and future of interior design as a practice. This degree will challenge your assumptions about interior design. You will learn to think and operate like a designer you will learn from distinguished design practitioners.

Portrait of Alexandra Pestrivas, Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) student Alexandra Pestrivas, Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) student
Ever since primary school I have been interested in drawing and creativity. My older siblings were heading into university when I was still quite young. That’s when I became familiar with RMIT, and after recognising its high reputation for technology and design I was even more inspired.
two students walking outside of Building 100

Discover the Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours)

Hear from our experts on what it's like to study the Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) at RMIT. 

Why study interior design at RMIT?

Internship opportunities

Gain valuable industry experience in a range of leading design practices here and overseas.

Expert educators

Learn from and work with distinguished practitioners with years of experience in the field.

Professional affiliation

On completion, you will be eligible to join the Design Institute of Australia (DIA).

Four years of ideas-led designing

Working in a highly creative studio setting, you will develop rich experiential sensibilities and a sophisticated array of approaches to the design of interior environments. These could range from detailed, material-focused projects including furniture and joinery, to event-based situations like exhibitions, installations and performances, or large-scale complex projects, such as commercial spaces, retail precincts and public or community centres.

Different interiors are considered, from architectural, retail, exhibition and urban environments to digital and filmic spaces, performance and theatre design, art installations and more.

Your studies conclude with the highly-celebrated graduate exhibition INDEX. This event brings together industry, staff and students to celebrate the discipline of Interior Design and its future through the work of these emerging designers.

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

You will build design skills through responding to a range of design briefs, from the conceptual to real-life situations.

You will be provided with technical and communication tools such as Rhino, Revit, 3D imaging, hand-drawing, film production and model making, as well as verbal presentation skills. You will also have the opportunity to travel and engage with industry through workshops and projects that allow you to respond to complex design challenges.

Students in third and fourth year have the opportunity to undertake internships and gain valuable experience with leading design practices in Melbourne and internationally.

Learn to think and operate like a designer

Design studios make up a majority of your studies and are generally taught in small groups. In these classes, you will explore conceptual ideas and experiment with a breadth of media and innovative technologies. These range from detailed hands-on making processes to sophisticated digital modelling.

What is a design studio?

Design studios provide a unique way of exploring ideas by challenging future designers. Studios are run by academics and practising design leaders from local and international architectural and design firms.

Design studios model the best practice of local and global design firms. The studios allow you to explore design, connect with your peers, industry and integrate with other disciplines.

The city is your urban laboratory

Studying in the dynamic urban setting of Melbourne’s CBD will allow you to develop sophisticated design proposals in response to your immediate surroundings. In this way, RMIT’s Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) uses Melbourne’s CBD as a kind of urban laboratory to test design ideas.

INDEX Graduate Exhibition

INDEX is the final year graduate exhibition. Each year generates a unique event and the exhibition is an interior design project in its own right. The exhibition brings together industry, staff, and students to celebrate the discipline of Interior Design and its future through the work of these emerging designers.

Assessment methods

In the Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours), assessment is designed to provide feedback on your progress. Assessment tasks may include design projects, written assignments, reflective journals and portfolios, and individual and group presentations.

In your final year of study, you will undertake a capstone subject designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have acquired  and honed throughout the degree.

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.

Each semester, professional designers present studios and specialisations that engage directly with contemporary design projects and issues. These projects may involve clients and actual projects where you will develop your proposals within a scenario-based, simulated design practice environment.

The course has developed strong community and industry relationships, which allow you to be exposed to real-life projects. Examples include projects with ACMI, NGV, Abacus Learning Centre, Peter Mac Cancer Foundation and Westfield.

Internships in third and fourth year

You will have the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience in a range of leading design practices located both locally in Melbourne, and internationally across the Indo-Pacific region

These placements will embed you into design teams under the supervision of an experienced mentor, allowing you to develop your design skills and professional capabilities whilst working on real projects.

Local internship partners:

  • Bates Smart
  • Design Office
  • National Gallery of Victoria
  • Sibling Architecture

International internship partners:

  • Hassell
  • Woods Bagot

Through this course, you will engage in an ongoing global dialogue through student and staff exchange, travel studios, industry placements, and engagement with an international network of practitioners and academics.

Travel studios

International travel studios provide you with an opportunity to engage in projects and workshops that bring into focus issues surrounding space, local customs, society and contemporary culture.Students focus on developing design projects in response to these complex issues. Previous locations include, Hong Kong, India, Argentina, Mexico, USA, Germany, Eastern Europe, South Korea and Morocco.

You will also have the chance to go on a full semester overseas exchange in your third year.

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

You'll undertake classes in design and communications, history and theory, and technical studies that introduce you to concepts of interior design.

Years 2 and 3

Studies are integrated in design studios and electives in technology, communications, specialisations, and history and theory. Each semester, practising professionals and academics offer a selection of studios and specialisations investigating timely and relevant topics.

In second and third year, you have the opportunity to develop your design skills and awareness through overseas travel studios. In third year, you may also choose to study overseas for a semester.

Year 4

You'll pursue an individual thesis and design project based on your accumulated skills and interests in design, theory, technology and communications. Final year work is celebrated through a public exhibition, INDEX.

Specialisations include: residential design, furniture design, retail design, design for film and TV, design for theatre, exhibition and event design, model making, design publishing, lighting, materials, digital modelling and fabrication, projection mapping, digital video and website design.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours)
Program code: BH115

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full-time
BH115
083945G
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full-time
Plan code
BH115
CRICOS
083945G
Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full-time
BH115
083945G
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full-time
Plan code
BH115
CRICOS
083945G

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

Career

Many graduates work in interior design and architectural practices where commissions may range from residential, retail and entertainment, to hospitality, corporate office and public building design.

These practices vary in scale, from large corporate offices to teams of two or three.

As an interior designer, you may also work in film and television design, set design for theatre, furniture design, exhibition design and curating, event planning and design journalism.

Design practices are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary, with interior designers, landscape architects, architects, industrial designers and graphic designers collaborating on large-scale projects. Graduates have gone on to work at Woods Bagot, the National Gallery of Victoria, and in their own design practices.

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA).

This RMIT degree participates in a local and global conversation and network through membership of:

Admissions

You must have successfully completed at least one year of tertiary study, comparable to the first year of this program, undertaken in a design discipline (architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, art, fashion design, spatial design, visual communication, or media) within 10 years of the program commencement date.

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than 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

You must complete and submit the Interior Design selection task.

Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, 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

The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
All applications 19 July 2024

Selection task requirements

Outline your motivations and aspirations for studying interior design, including details of any relevant experience such as employment, voluntary work, short courses or workshops, etc., and how this strengthens your application to this program (maximum 150 words).

Describe an interior you have encountered that is exciting, fascinating, or inspiring. This interior could include but is not limited to - an exhibition, museum, gallery, retail environment, airport, civic building, digital environment, stage or theatre production (maximum 150 words).

Upload academic transcript(s) of your previous study in a design discipline and an up-to-date CV that outlines your experience in interior design.

Your folio must comprise 10 to 20 pages and include:

  • Development work such as process work and experimentation
  • Research, such as reference images and precedent work
  • A series of images of the final outcomes
  • A brief description of the creative intention.

In your folio, it is essential to demonstrate how you have engaged in a creative process and creative thinking. Projects can include work from previous studies, projects you did in school, and work you did in your personal time. You are encouraged to use the following in your folio:

  • Drawings (orthographic, observational, digital, hand-made)
  • Paintings, mixed-media pieces, collages (scanned or photographic documentation of 2D works)
  • Models - digital or hand-made (photographic documentation of 3D works)
  • Objects, sculpture, jewellery (photographic documentation of 3D works)
  • Installations (photographic documentation of 3D works)
  • Photographic imagery.
Submission instructions

The folio must be uploaded as a single PDF in either A4, A3 or A2 size. The PDF should be no more than 20 pages (maximum size 20MB) and must be named as follows: First name_Surname.pdf.

Alternatively, you can provide a URL to your work. Please provide a username and/or password if applicable.  

Folio presentation (some applicants)

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend a folio presentation.

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.

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

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2024.

You must complete and submit the Interior Design selection task.

Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, 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 Interior Design selection task by one of the dates below to be considered for selection in that VTAC round:

VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
November round (Non year 12 applicants only) TBC
December/January round 1 (All applicants) TBC
January round 2/February rounds (if places are available) TBC
Selection task dates for direct applicants

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

TBC

Selection task requirements

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2024.

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.

If you are in this category, you are not eligible to apply for this program in this intake.

You must have successfully completed at least one year of tertiary study, comparable to the first year of this program, undertaken in a design discipline (architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, art, fashion design, spatial design, visual communication, media).

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.

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 one year of tertiary study, comparable to the first year of this program, undertaken in a design discipline (architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, art, fashion design, spatial design, visual communication, media).

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.

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.

If you are in this category, you are not eligible to apply for this program in this intake.

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 70% (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.

If you are applying for July intake, you must have successfully completed at least one year of tertiary study, comparable to the first year of this program, undertaken in a design discipline (architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, art, fashion design, spatial design, visual communication, media) within 10 years of the program commencement date.

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.

Selection task by applicant type

Semester 1, 2025

Selection task dates

If you are applying via VTAC you must complete and submit the Interior Design selection task by the following dates:

VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by

December/January round 1 (all applicants)

17 November 2023
January subsequent rounds (if places are available) 18 January 2024

Selection task requirements

You are required to provide the following:

  • a statement outlining your motivations and aspirations for studying interior design, including details of any relevant experience such as employment, voluntary work, short courses or workshops, etc., and how this strengthens your application to this program (maximum 150 words).
  • a statement describing an interior you have encountered that is exciting, fascinating, or inspiring. This interior could include but is not limited to - an exhibition, museum, gallery, retail environment, airport, civic building, digital environment, stage or theatre production (maximum 150 words).
  • a folio comprising 10 to 20 pages that includes:
    • Development work such as process work and experimentation
    • Research, such as reference images and precedent work
    • A series of images of the final outcomes
    • A brief description of the creative intention
  • In your folio, it is essential to demonstrate how you have engaged in a creative process and creative thinking. Projects can include work from previous studies, projects you did in school, and work you did in your personal time. You are encouraged to use the following in your folio:
    • Drawings (orthographic, observational, digital, hand-made)
    • Paintings, mixed-media pieces, collages (scanned or photographic documentation of 2D works)
    • Models - digital or hand-made (photographic documentation of 3D works)
    • Objects, sculpture, jewellery (photographic documentation of 3D works)
    • Installations (photographic documentation of 3D works)
    • Photographic imagery

The folio must be uploaded as a single PDF in either A4, A3 or A2 size. The PDF should be no more than 20 pages (maximum size 20MB) and must be named as follows: First name_Surname.pdf.

Alternatively, you can provide a URL to your work. Please provide a username and/or password if applicable.

Folio presentation (some applicants)

Shortlisted applicants are required to attend a folio presentation.

Folio presentations will be held in late November or early December. 

For all subsequent rounds folio presentations will be arranged after you have submitted your application.

An advisory letter indicating the outcome of your selection task will be sent from December.

Semester 1, 2025

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2024. 

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 125kb) along with your application. 

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.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) with an overall GPA of 2.5 (out of 4) are guaranteed entry into the MC275 Master of Interior Design with 96 credit points of advanced standing and will be exempt from completing the selection task.  

Graduates of the Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) with a GPA lower than 2.5 (out of 4) may still apply for entry into the MC275 Master of Interior Design and must complete the selection task. They will be assessed on merit based on their selection task.

You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) with credit  when you successfully complete one of the following RMIT 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 the Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0), you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Interior Design with 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points).

If you achieve below the minimum GPA, you may still apply and will need to submit a folio. Applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Alternatively, 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$46,080.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$187,200.

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.