Master of International Development
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
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Duration
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Location
Overview
Your international development career
Engage with the world’s economically disadvantaged regions, working to empower people to improve their wellbeing and address the causes of poverty.
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What you will learn
Gain insights into the dynamics of change around the world, focusing on developing countries and marginalised communities. You can complete the degree online, so you can study anywhere in the world.
Details
Studies in international development give you the opportunity to find a career that aligns with your values. You’ll gain the skills and networks needed to work towards solutions to global issues and make a real difference in people’s lives.
During your studies you’ll examine issues of gender, environment and sustainability, health, peace and conflict, economics, security and politics from a critical and practical perspective.
You’ll build professional capabilities essential to designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating international development projects, which help communities, cities and countries adapt to the complex and changing environments.
If you see yourself as a citizen of the world and have a passion for social justice, a career in international development is for you.
Study mode
Whether you want to study while travelling, working abroad, living interstate or juggling life’s commitments, this program is designed to give you the freedom to choose how and when you study.
RMIT’s tailored study options including evening classes, intensive full-day workshops and access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal. All courses are delivered in English.
If you live interstate, or overseas, you can also take a combination of online and on-campus study by attending intensive workshops.
Prepare for the international workforce by applying your skills to industry-relevant projects.
Guest seminars and industry guidance will inform your learning as you work through real-world case studies and develop a final-year capstone project.
Learn from currently practicing development professionals who have extensive networks in the sector.
You will be able to network with fellow students, experts and industry partners, which can open employment opportunities soon after, or even before you graduate.
International development students have undertaken industry placements with local and international non-government organisations, the former Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development program (now called Australian Volunteers) and the many different agencies of the United Nations (UN).
Most students have conducted placement and projects within the Asia-Pacific, but some have also worked in Africa, South America, North America, Middle East and Europe.
RMIT has partnerships with RedR, as well as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
You can tailor this degree to meet your specific interests and development career aspirations by choosing a stream of electives in one of the following areas:
- gender and development
- conflict and peacebuilding
- humanitarian assistance and disasters
- sustainability and development
- global practice
- global justice
- human rights and advocacy
- applied language.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS |
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Choose a program structure
Program code: MC211
Career
Career avenues exist in Australia and overseas in the development sector.
RMIT graduates have worked with a wide range of development agencies:
- United Nations
- UNICEF
- World Vision Australia
- Oxfam
- Transformation, Empowerment, Advocacy, Relief (TEAR)
- Save the Children
- Plan International
- Australian Red Cross
- Department of Foreign Affairs
- RedR
You can also use this program as the first step in advancing to PhD research.
Admissions
This program is currently not taking applications. Please see MC283 Master of Global Studies.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification).
You may also be considered if you have significant relevant work experience.
Entry requirements
To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application:
- a CV
- a personal statement that demonstrates your academic foundation for master study. This may include details on how your professional experiences relate to the program, demonstration of critical thinking in personal and/or professional practice, and communication and problem solving skills.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
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 for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in international studies, politics, sociology, social work, international community development, history or anthropology you will be eligible for exemption:
Qualification level |
Exemptions |
Remaining program duration |
Bachelor degree |
Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) |
Minimum 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
Bachelor honours degree |
Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
Minimum 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
Graduate certificate |
Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) |
Minimum 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
Graduate diploma |
Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
Minimum 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for exemption of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).
Learn more about whether you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Fees
2022 indicative fees
Full-fee places: AU$24,960.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
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.
Defer your payment
This program 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 program. 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.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
Payments and refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
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.
How does a HELP loan work?
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.
This program is approved for income support.
You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.
If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.
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 2022 is $315.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$33,600.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$69,120.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.