For undergraduate study, a mature age student is anyone who is 21 or older by the 1st of January in the year they’re applying. For vocational study (certificates and diplomas), it’s anyone who is over 18 and has been out of school for more than 12 months.
Age is generally used to determine eligibility for mature age entry under the equity schemes.
Mature age students follow the same application process as other applicants and still need to meet the minimum entry requirements to be considered.
RMIT is ranked in the top 10 universities in all of Australia and in the top 125 universities globally*.
People with qualifications have higher salary outcomes than those without qualifications^.
Many of RMIT's courses offer part-time and online options to accommodate work and life commitments.
*Source: QS World University Ranking 2026
^Source: www.abs.gov.au 2023
If you're looking to change careers or upskill in your current industry, RMIT has a range of courses at different levels to suit your needs.
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training and employment, normally over three to four years. Learn on the job and earn money while studying.
Start gaining practical knowledge in your field and pick up job-specific skills with these technical qualifications.
Get the specialised knowledge you need to work in skilled or paraprofessional areas. These programs normally take one to two years of full-time study.
An associate degree is a 2 year course that provides a solid foundation in a specific field. This degree can lead directly to employment or be a stepping stone to further study.
A bachelor degree is an undergraduate course that typically takes 3-4 years to complete. This degree is essential for many professional careers and is a prerequisite for postgraduate study.
An honours degree is an additional year of advanced coursework and research after a bachelor degree. It is ideal for careers in research, academia, or a prerequisite for postgraduate study.
A graduate certificate is 6-12 month focused course of study that is designed to help you gain specialised knowledge and skills in a particular area.
A graduate diploma is a 1 year course that offers more in-depth study than a graduate certificate but is shorter than a master's degree.
A masters degree is a 1-2 year advanced postgraduate qualification that provides advanced specialist or professional training and can lead to professional accreditation.
A PhD is the highest academic qualification. It takes 3-4 years and involves conducting original research that adds new knowledge to your field.
Studying any TAFE course will give you the skillset and experience to secure a job, but there are some skills that employers are currently looking for now more than ever.
Tuition fees for domestic students are listed in the fees section of each program on the RMIT website. The Australian Government provides financial assistance for domestic students in the form of the HELP loans and VET Student Loans schemes. A Commonwealth assistance loan can help eligible students to pay tuition fees, the student services and amenities fee, or to meet overseas study travel expenses.
Tuition fees for international students are listed in the fees section of each program on the RMIT website. All fees are quoted in Australian dollars ($AUD) and apply to RMIT University’s Australian campuses only.
From Commonwealth Supported Places to FEE-HELP loans, discover how RMIT can help you forget the fees and put the focus back on your career.
RMIT's pathways can help you achieve your study goals, even if you don’t meet the course requirements for your ideal course. They can also help you gain additional credentials and experiences along the way, such as a certificate or diploma.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) means that you may receive credit for prior study or skills and knowledge that you gained during employment, professional development, short courses, on-the-job training, or life experience.
Follow our step-by-step how to apply guides, including everything you need to submit an application to RMIT.
If you’re an international student, follow this step-by-step guide on how to apply to RMIT.
If you are currently studying at a different university or institution, you can transfer to RMIT to complete your studies.
Scholarships are available for both local and international students and can help with all kinds of study costs such as textbooks, fees, accommodation and living expenses.
In some circumstances, mature age students may be eligible for special consideration for entry into a course.
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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
