Strengthen your existing technical foundation with advanced data science capabilities.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Over one semester, you'll explore how advanced data science techniques can be applied to complex, real-world problems. You'll work with computational machine learning, build data engineering pipelines and develop advanced programming skills, while gaining experience with the tools and practices used to manage data at scale.
Designed for students from computing, science, engineering or health backgrounds, the Graduate Certificate offers a focused way to extend your capabilities without committing immediately to a longer course.
If you decide to continue your studies, the Graduate Certificate also provides a pathway into RMIT's Graduate Diploma or Master of Data Science.
Designed for people who already code, so we begin with advanced programming, algorithms and visualisation.
Learn from dedicated academics, guest lecturers and industry experts with research backgrounds and industry links.
Finish with this postgraduate qualification, or continue into the Graduate Diploma or Master of Data Science.
Learn how Data Science student Tanyya turned a lifelong interest in patterns into an internship at ANZ, and what she loves about Melbourne.
The Graduate Certificate in Data Science is also available via online delivery.
Please note: this graduate certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.
Our teaching approach is designed to foster your development as an independent learner so you'll be able to extend your capabilities once you graduate.
Subjects use blended delivery (a mixture of face-to-face and online delivery) to enable meaningful, flexible and inclusive learning experiences. Some subjects are predominantly face-to-face with some online learning components, while others are mostly online, with some campus-based classes. Course materials such as learning activities, resources and assessment are provided through RMIT’s Learning Management System, Canvas.
Career Development Learning (CDL) experiences are embedded within the course and provide you with the knowledge, skills and attributes to manage your career and development throughout your life.
The assessment approach is active, authentic and applied, offering opportunities to showcase your capabilities and the achievement of learning outcomes in each area.
Throughout the course, you'll engage in various assessment methods that involve performing tasks reflective of real-world scenarios. These assessments will test your knowledge, skills and attitudes, applying them to contemporary work and life situations.
Assessments are tailored to specific learning outcomes. These may include quizzes, essays or reports, oral presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory work, practical assignments, timed assessments and reflective journals.
We have substantial links with the ICT industry both within Australia and internationally. This course has an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC), with a diverse membership drawn from external industry and professional institutions. This committee helps inform course development and ensure that content and student learning outcomes remain closely aligned with the needs of future employers.
In addition, academic staff maintain connections with industry to develop and deliver work integrated learning experiences as well as offer advice on professional careers.
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.
The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
This foundational course opens the door to a diverse range of roles, with job titles in this new field including:
Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.
International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country equivalents web page.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this course.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have:
OR
International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
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 Language Pathways (Academic English) Advanced at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate courses, if you meet the entry requirements.
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.
As a successful graduate of the Graduate Certificate in Data Science, you are guaranteed entry into the Graduate Diploma in Data Science or the Master of Data Science and will receive 48 credit points of credit.
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.
This course is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your course. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
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 2027 is $386.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
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.
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.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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.
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 2027 is $386.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
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.
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 course, and more.
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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