For undergraduate study, a mature age student is anyone who will be 21 or older by the 1st of January 2019 (or the year in which they’re applying). For certificates and diplomas, it’s anyone who is over 18 and has been out of school for more than 12 months.

Mature age students follow the same application process as other applicants and still need to meet the minimum entry requirements to be considered.

If you are a mature age student you should take a look at our equity and access guidelines to see if you’re eligible for special consideration.  

The application process can be a bit different according to the type of course you're interested in and your previous educational experience. If you know what which course you want to apply for, just search for it on our website, select the course you're interested in and then click the 'apply' button once you're on the page.

The apply page for each course will contain specific information about intake dates, entry requirements and what you need to start the application process. If you're not sure which course you want to apply for, then you can browse available courses.

We've put together a video walkthrough below showing how to navigate RMIT's online appliation system, you're also welcome to call us if you have any questions about how or when to apply for a particular RMIT course.

If you’ve completed previous study which is similar to the course you are applying for, it’s possible you may be eligible for study credit based on this experience. When you apply you will be asked to note previous study which will be considered with your application.

Once you’ve been made an offer you will need to fill out a credit application form and it will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. You can find a list of different types of study credit, along with a step-by-step guide on how to request them on Apply for credit. 

Study pathways provide opportunities for you to transfer from one RMIT course to another based on your previous educational experience. There's often more than one way to get into a degree so don’t worry if you don’t meet all the criteria at first.

Your previous studies may be recognised in one of two ways:

• Completed or partly completed certificate, diploma and advanced diploma qualifications can be credited towards a degree.
• Partly completed degree studies may be credited to other RMIT courses.

Some certificates and diplomas allow you to earn credit that may be transferred to a degree at a later stage. In addition, being acknowledged for previous study may reduce the duration of your program and save you money. There are a number of recognised pathway options so check your course or interest area to see what's offered.

If you’re transferring to RMIT or returning to study after a break, we understand that study may not be the only thing on your mind. That’s why we offer a range of support services to ensure you don’t lose momentum while working towards a degree.

Here’s a list of support services available to help you stay focused and on track while studying with us:

• RMIT’s Study and Learning Centre has a wealth of resources available to students year-round, including the Learning Lab which hosts specialised online tutorials to help students hone their skills in areas like research and writing. For friendly advice from experienced Learning Advisors, you can also visit our drop-in learning centres at a time convenient to you.
• Been a while since you were at university? Sharpen your study skills at our academic writing and study skills workshops. We also offer specialised workshops to help prepare you for higher-level postgraduate coursework. 
  
• Personal support such as childcare, financial advice and counselling is also available when you need it, and our Student Support Advisors can offer free assistance and support on a range of topics. Find out more about RMIT's support services.