Four reasons to apply for RMIT's Academic Merit Scholarship

Scholarships can help ease financial pressure, be a source of pride, and make it easier for international students to support themselves while studying abroad.

Each year, RMIT awards thousands of international students with scholarships based on their academic achievement, what they are studying, where they are from, or their personal circumstances. For students from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, RMIT offers the Academic Merit Scholarship. This supports students from these regions to pursue their vocational education, bachelor’s or master’s by coursework program, with a 20% tuition fee reduction. In 2025, over 700 students received an Academic Merit Scholarship; evidence of RMIT's committment to making education more accessible.

To find out just how much of a difference this financial support can make to an international student’s life in Australia, we spoke to three RMIT students about their experience.

1. You get to study in the #1 student city in Australia*

Patricia, a Bachelor of Business student from Jakarta, Indonesia, says applying for the scholarship was a really straightforward process.

“I applied just like I would for a normal course, submitted the required documents, and RMIT assessed my past academic performance.

“When I received my offer from RMIT along with the scholarship, I was honestly surprised and incredibly happy. I always thought scholarships were only given to perfect students with the highest grades. Receiving it made me realise that RMIT values potential, passion, and commitment, not just scores.”

When asked what she loves about living and studying in Melbourne, Patricia says it’s the opportunities to meet people from other worlds, traditions and cultures.

“I’ve met so many different people here. And I love the food in Melbourne! It’s so good. The parks are beautiful, I go to the park and read books a lot. Sometimes I even do my assignments in the gardens because it’s so nice. Honestly, everywhere I go, I feel safe in Melbourne. It’s really student friendly.”

And while living in Melbourne presents her with a lifestyle that she loves, Patricia says RMIT has also facilitated many opportunities for her to feel part of a thriving student community.

In my first year, I joined PPIA, the Indonesian Students Association at RMIT. It was such a great opportunity to make new friends, expand my network, and connect with people who share similar values and goals. Being part of this community motivated me to continue developing myself.

– Patricia, Bachelor of Business student

2. You’ll build valuable industry connections

For Patricia, what she loves most about RMIT are the opportunities she’s been given to connect theory with practice.

“Through industry projects and presentations, such as pitching in front of ‘Shark Tank’ style panels, I’ve been able to gain valuable feedback directly from professionals.”

This industry feedback has helped her develop confidence as a business professional and prepare her for the workplace.

“Even without prior real-world experience, these experiences helped me understand how businesses think, make decisions, and respond to challenges. It has opened my mind to see things from both a business and customer perspective, preparing me for future marketing roles.”

3. You’ll feel supported throughout your studies

Dat, a Bachelor of Professional Communication student from Cần Thơ, Vietnam, says the process of applying for the Academic Merit Scholarship was straightforward, despite transferring from another university.

“When I received the news that I had been awarded the scholarship, I felt really happy. I immediately called my mum to share it with her! This support meant a lot to my family both financially and emotionally, as it reassured us that our efforts had been recognised.”

Throughout his studies, Dat says he's been supported in a multitude of ways, including from academics and through events run by the university.

“My lecturers are always willing to assist and provide clear guidance whenever I need help with my projects. The university also organises a wide range of events and activities that help me engage, learn and feel more connected to the community. These resources and opportunities have made my transition and academic journey much more enjoyable.”

He says he chose RMIT because of its rankings in his favourite field of advertising, and because it is “full of creative energy; exactly the kind of place for someone curious and creative like me.”

In my field, I enjoy working with other creative students. We discuss, exchange ideas and build projects together. I also join campus events to meet people from different countries and hear their stories, which helps me learn new things.

– Dat, a Bachelor of Professional Communication student

4. You’ll graduate job-ready

Jezlyne, a Bachelor of Graphic Design student from Jakarta, Indonesia, completed a Foundation Studies program at RMIT before applying for her undergraduate degree and the Academic Merit Scholarship.

“During Foundation Studies, we had to get a certain score to get the scholarship, so I tried my best and I got it! The scholarship helped a lot with the fees, and for international students, this makes a big difference.”

When asked why she chose RMIT, Jezlyne says it was the university’s #1 ranking in Australia for design studies^, as well as the hands-on nature of the program.

“I knew I wanted to go to RMIT since grade seven. I even had an art teacher in Jakarta who studied at RMIT and he was great! Plus RMIT is the best uni for design in Australia, so I knew that’s where I wanted to go.”

Jezlyne says the internship she did in her second year was instrumental in making her feel job-ready.

“I did an internship working on UI and UX with a company called Habitect, which was new to me, but I learnt heaps of new skills! It helped me to expand the ideas of what I could do with my work, and I feel like the industry needs graphic designers who are multi-talented and multi-skilled. My RMIT supervisor was the one who helped me find the job!”

In addition to the help she’s received from her supervisor, Jezlyne says she’s received guidance and support from many other areas of the university.

“There are so many career fairs that RMIT puts on! My teachers and their lectures helped me to realise that you need to build up your career before you graduate. They give me lots of help and mentor me, and help me with what to put in my portfolio.

“Lots of people in my class have found work before they graduate, and this has inspired me a lot and made me feel really ambitious.”

Story: Sophie MacGillivray

*QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2026

^QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

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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.

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