Reach the level of English you need to gain direct entry to RMIT with the Academic English course.
This English language course teaches you academic language using materials relevant to academic coursework. You'll develop English language skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. You'll also learn university-level study skills.
The Academic English course:
One of the unique features of our courses is that we teach using a task-centred approach, which provides you with opportunities to practise what you learn in the real world. To get the most out of your experience, you need to actively participate in class and we encourage you to develop and express your own ideas and perspectives.
Successful completion can give you direct entry to university or TAFE without the need to take a formal English test.*
*Entry requirements and eligibility vary by institution and course. Please check individual institution and/or course requirements before applying.
Beginner to Advanced (more details below)
Each level delivered over 10 weeks, except for Beginner Level (5 weeks).
20 hours of scheduled classes per week (plus independent learning)
For improved learning, average 15 per class, maximum 18
Academic English is one of 3 English language courses delivered by RMIT UP (CRICOS Provider No. 01912G).
The other 2 courses are our General English course, which is tailored for students learning general English skills for everyday life, work and travel, and IELTS Preparation. (Academic English and General English are accredited under English Language Pathways (CRICOS course code 120098J) while IELTS Preparation is accredited under CRICOS course code 120099H.)
In Academic English, there are 7 levels, from Beginner to Advanced. In the first 4 levels (Beginner to Intermediate), Academic English and General English students learn together, creating a diverse and engaging classroom experience with classmates from around the world and with a range of learning goals. From Upper Intermediate level onwards, students move into separate Academic English and General English streams.
The length of your Academic English course will be determined by your current level of English, the level of English you wish to reach, and how well you progress. Each level of Academic English at RMIT UP is taught over 10 weeks, except for Beginner Level (5 weeks).
Our courses use face-to-face, learning and diverse assessments tasks to set our students up for English excellence in study, work and life.
To assist our growing learning community in Australia, we offer classes in 2 ‘shifts’. Which shift you will study in depends on your English level and class.
Classes are held from Monday to Friday. Your class may be scheduled on either Shift 1 or Shift 2, depending on your language level.
| Shift 1 | Shift 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 8.20am – 10.20am | 1.00pm – 3.00pm |
| Break – 30 minutes | ||
| Session 2 | 10.50am – 12.50pm | 3.30pm – 5.30pm |
For every 4 hours in the classroom, we recommend you do at least one hour of independent study every day.
Each level is delivered over 10 weeks, except for Beginner Level (5 weeks).
You can access your timetable via Canvas, RMIT's online Learning Management System. All class times are listed in Melbourne time.
| Intake | Orientation | Course start date | Course end date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Friday, 29 May | Monday, 1 June | Friday, 3 July |
| 6 | Thursday, 9 July | Monday, 13 July | Friday, 14 August |
| 7 | Friday, 14 August | Monday, 17 August | Friday, 18 September |
| 8 | Friday, 25 September | Monday, 28 September | Friday, 30 October |
| 9 | Friday, 30 October | Monday, 2 November | Friday, 4 December |
| 10* | Friday, 4 December | Monday, 7 December | Friday, 26 February 2027 |
*This is a special 10-week summer course for students starting on an award course pathway who require only 10 weeks of English before commencing in Semester 1, 2027.
Once you apply to study at RMIT, you will be sent a letter of offer. After you have accepted the offer and paid for your course, you will be issued with a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). You will then be contacted on the enrolment date to complete the enrolment process.
RMIT Melbourne is closed on public holidays. Plan ahead by checking when these take place at the Business Victoria website. RMIT UP is also closed on the Tuesday following Easter, and the period between Christmas and New Year's Day.
We offer face-to-face English language teaching in the CBD of Melbourne, Australia.
RMIT Building 85, Level 1, 97-99 Franklin Street.
RMIT UP is located at RMIT’s Melbourne City campus, in the heart of Melbourne. We are conveniently located between Swanston Street and Elizabeth street, just a short walk from Melbourne Central Station.
The campus has easy access to the city’s many trams and train stations including Melbourne Central train station, Elizabeth Street and Swanston Street trams and the new State Library Station, part of the Metro Tunnel project (open in 2025).
RMIT offers a free* service that collects you from the airport and takes you to your pre-arranged accommodation. Please refer to Prepare to arrive webpage for more information.
Otherwise, you can catch a taxi or take the Skybus into the city centre.
*Conditions apply
In English Language teaching
Within the Melbourne CBD
For students at all academic levels
RMIT UP's English Language Program is quality endorsed by NEAS.
For this course, you can either complete an RMIT UP placement test, or one of the recognised English language proficiency tests in the table below. Based on your test results (which can be no more than 24 months old), we will determine your course entry level.
Please note: RMIT UP placement test results are only valid for 6 months from the test date. Students applying to study in our English Language courses need to have a valid RMIT UP placement test result or will be asked to re-sit a test before enrolment or on arrival for the start of class.
For information on minimum English language requirements for Student Visa holders, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Select a level to see the test score required.
We may also test you when you arrive to confirm your level of English. If we assess you at a different level than the one provided in your application, you may need to study more (or fewer) weeks than originally offered. This may affect when you can start the next program you had planned to study.
* The RMIT UP English Placement Test is accepted for placement into all course levels, including the Beginner, Elementary and Pre-intermediate levels.
** In cases where there is a variance of more than 5 between one or more PTE-A communicative skills scores, RMIT UP will either advise on which course level applies or require students to do the RMIT UP English Placement Test.
You can apply for an English Language course at the same time you apply for further study at RMIT.
For example, you might apply for Academic English leading to a bachelor's degree. This is called a 'package' and allows you to apply for a single visa for the full duration of your studies.
Apply direct to RMIT via the online Application Portal.
Apply to RMIT via an international agent.
If you successfully complete an Academic English Upper Intermediate, Academic English Pre-advanced or Academic English Advanced language course, you can pathway straight into many RMIT courses without having to complete a further English language test.
| Your completed English level | Your next possible level/course |
|---|---|
| Elementary | Pre-intermediate |
| Pre Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Intermediate | Upper Intermediate |
| Upper Intermediate | Advanced or RMIT Foundation Studies and Vocational Education courses |
| Pre-advanced | Advanced Plus or RMIT Associate Degrees |
| Advanced | RMIT Higher Education degrees |
Each level of study in the English courses is 10 weeks in duration, with the exception of the Beginner course level, which is 5 weeks.
In addition to tuition fees, you need to pay for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
You do not need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) for the Academic English course. (The SSAF fee applies to other RMIT courses, including Foundation Studies and Fast Track.)
If you request a replacement certificate or statement for your Academic English course, this will incur additional charges.
| Replacment document | Fee |
|---|---|
| Academic English replacement Statement of Attendance | AU$10 |
| Academic English replacement Statement of Course Results (final results for one level studied) | AU$10 |
| Academic English replacement completed set of Statement of Course Results (final results for each level studied) | AU$20 |
Find out more about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
For information about circumstances in which you might be eligible for fee refunds and the amounts refundable, please read the RMIT UP ELICOS Refund Procedure.
To apply for a refund for your Academic English course, please complete the online refund application form.
The following bursary discounts may be available for eligible English students studying at RMIT:
If you are a citizen of a Latin American country this bursary provides a tuition fee discount on your Academic English course.
If you are a citizen of Cambodia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand or Vietnam this bursary provides a tuition fee discount on your Academic English course.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
RMIT UP Student Services will contact all new students via email with important information about enrolment and orientation. Please refer to the English Language student enrolment guide for more information.
Enrolment opens 2 weeks prior to the start of each intake. New students will receive an email from Student Services with:
Orientation is compulsory for all new students. It takes place on the Friday before the start of each intake.
The orientation program covers:
Contact the RMIT UP Student Services team at rmit.up.studentservices@rmit.edu.au
Everything you need to know for your first few weeks at RMIT including enrolment information, timetables and orientation.
Explore the services, activities and support available to you as a student.
Do you want to see where you could be studying? We have put together a virtual campus tour.
Contact us to enquire about this course.
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