Five reasons to start studying in Semester 3

For the fourth year running, RMIT’s Semester 3 intake will open again in 2026. Classes begin in either September or October, depending on the course.

If you’re thinking about your study options this year, here are five reasons why Semester 3 could be the ideal time to start to your learning journey, with added insights from international Diploma of Business students, Jason and Lucy.

Jason began his Diploma of Business in October of 2023

Support from my teachers has been very good. They have a lot of time for us and it feels like they really care

#1: Take control of your studies early and graduate ahead of the pack

Starting your studies in Semester 3 allows you to achieve your career goals sooner. By taking advantage of our third intake for 2026, you place yourself ahead of students waiting to start their course in Semester 1, 2027 — meaning you’ll graduate and be ready for work earlier.

Jason says he heard about the intake from a friend studying at RMIT.

“I heard about the intake from my friend who was already studying at RMIT. It was timed very well with finishing high school in Indonesia and allowed me to get straight into the course that I wanted to study with my business knowledge still fresh in my mind.”

Lucy, an international student from Germany, says she was initially worried that it would be a less popular intake, but doesn't regret her decision.

"I’m actually glad RMIT offers this intake so I didn’t have to wait for Semester 1 and could start my studies earlier.

"I've worked in business administration and website design before and really enjoyed that experience which made me want to learn more. I chose to study at RMIT because of their great reputation and wide variety of business-related courses as well as their industry connections."

#2: Enjoy smaller class sizes with a more personalised learning experience

With RMIT's main intakes being Semester 1 and Midyear, Semester 3 classes tend to have fewer students. This often encourages greater participation and allows a more personalised learning experience, with lots of opportunities to seek feedback and assistance from your teachers and peers.

“Support from my teachers has been very good," says Jason.

"They have a lot of time for us and it feels like they really care. If students are interested in how businesses work, I suggest it is best to start with the Diploma of Business and the [Semester 3] intake. As a lot of students have just gotten out of high school, the foundation is not there yet, so the diploma course will help them big time. Smaller class, fewer students – teachers have more attention towards you.”

Lucy agrees that her teachers have been extremely encouraging.

"Teachers at RMIT are very helpful and supportive, creating a safe and welcoming environment for students from overseas. I also found it really valuable to learn from teachers who shared their own industry experiences as this gave me a broader understanding of the career paths available to my future. And I found the smaller cohort made it feel more personal and made it easier to connect with others."

#3: Make friends with like-minded students

If you’re eager to start your studies in September or October, your classmates are likely to share your motivation! Like you, they’ve chosen to get a step ahead and experience life as a tertiary student at RMIT in Melbourne. Through group assignments, you can learn and tackle challenges together, while finding out what else you might have in common outside of your studies.

“Group assignments have been very fun to do," says Jason.

"There are obstacles of course, some hard parts and some easy parts, but for most of it, you can get a lot out of it working in a team and getting to know your group members.”

Lucy believes that RMIT provides many opportunities for international students to find their community.

"There is a large international student community [at RMIT], so you will never feel alone. My advice for international students is to be open and actively engage in classes and group work. That way you'll get the most value out of your course."

#4: Access RMIT’s support services

RMIT’s Student Connect team is here for you at every stage of your learning journey, offering the support you need to adjust to university life and stay on top of your studies. The team is available Monday to Friday, and you can get in touch between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Outside of that time, you’ll also have access to 24/7 personal teaching and writing support via Studiosity.

Jason says he experienced that help firsthand.

"On my first day when I needed help, I just went to Student Connect and they helped me then and there – I didn’t need to worry about anything.”

Lucy also agrees that RMIT offers a lot of academic and wellbeing support for international students.

"I feel like the university creates a very welcoming environment as teachers are supportive and understanding of different cultural backgrounds. This really helps students feel included and comfortable while adjusting to living and studying in a new country."

#5: Experience summer in Melbourne while you settle into university life

Moving to Melbourne in time for the Semester 3 intake means you also arrive in time for Australian summer. The weather in Melbourne tends to warm up from late November, so you have plenty of time to settle in before making the most of summertime — when the days are long and the beaches are enticing! You might even pick up a new skill, like Jason.

“Over summer I’ve gotten into fishing here. It’s a new hobby and a new experience for me, which has been pretty cool!”

Explore Semester 3 courses

Story: Jacqueline Guldon and Sophie MacGillivray

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