Develop the skills you need to work in IT, and specialise in system administration, networking, programming, development, security, and more.
You'll build foundational knowledge in cyber security, artificial intelligence, programming and data handling, gaining in-demand tech skills, problem-solving abilities, and career flexibility.
Through theoretical subjects and practical, hands-on training, you'll learn to:
This associate degree allows you to enter the workforce with relevant skills for today's IT industry, opening doors to roles in government, education, health, tourism, and retail, among other industries and sectors.
Attend conferences and learn from highly experienced teachers who are still active in industry.
Learn the latest in the field with a combination of practice and theory.
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Computer Society at the associate grade level.
In Semester 2, 2026 we are introducing a Cyber Security Operations major option to this course. This means that in addition to the 3 existing options where, in your second year, you can continue to further your interest towards information technology, computer science, software engineering, or data science, you also have a choice of a major as the focal point of your IT studies in this associate degree.
The 3 no-major options build on the knowledge you gained from first year to industry-level requirements, covering these shared topics:
You'll then study 2 subjects that will help you meet the requirements to articulate into one of the following degrees: Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Software Engineering (Professional), or Bachelor of Data Science.
Finally, you'll undertake a simulated industry project that provides you with a capstone experience, giving you the opportunity to integrate, critically reflect on, and consolidate what you have learned in your program.
The fourth option is the Cyber Security Operations major, through which you'll complement your first-year foundational IT knowledge with focused studies in various areas of cyber security, including:
Your capstone experience comes via the Cyber Security Major Project – you'll define a real-world cyber security problem, research solutions, and design and implement a working prototype or framework. This project provides you with the opportunity to consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills you've gained throughout the Cyber Security Operations major.
This qualification is closely integrated with industry and real-world problem solving as an integral part of the learning experience. We have partnered with key organisations in industry to help build what you will learn in your classes.
Through this partnership with the Cisco Networking Academy, you have the opportunity to sit for the external Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification 1, 2, and 3 exams to earn certificates at no cost after completing the subjects Networking 1 and Networking 2.
On completion of the associate degree, you can receive a discount voucher from Cisco for professional Cisco certifications, and are eligible to take the professional certification exams independently.
This associate degree is delivered through a variety of learning formats, including interactive teaching and learning, laboratory work, hardware and software problem solving, and qualitative, quantitative, graphic, electric and text-based projects. You will work both in teams and independently to further hone your practical and theoretical skills.
You will be assessed throughout the semester, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate practical competence and theoretical understanding, and receive feedback on your learning and progress.
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.
The associate degree is overseen by an advisory committee that includes industry representatives to ensure workplace relevance.
Opportunities are provided to participate in industry-relevant excursions and attend professional conferences such as Cisco live conference student summit.
In the final year of study, you'll undertake a capstone virtualisation subject, assessed by industry experts, that brings together the knowledge and skills you have developed and applies them in a practical context.
In addition, through strategic partnership with Cisco, this course delivers industry-leading networking education that equips you with cutting-edge expertise and hands-on experience. This collaboration provides you with access to competitions such as the NetRiders and WorldSkills IT Network Admin, providing opportunity to compete at national and international levels, strengthening your pratical skills and career readiness.
Course materials are strategically aligned with Cisco’s certification pathway, enabling a seamless transition if you wish to pursue globally recognised credentials. By achieving Cisco certifications upon completing your studies at RMIT, you gain a competitive edge enhancing employability and positioning you for success in the networking profession.
Upon successful completion of the Associate Degree in Information Technology, you will have a strong foundation of applied IT and scientific knowledge that you can immediately apply to your professional practice.
You will have the skills necessary to examine, analyse and compare information technology systems, identify an organisation’s requirements and constraints, and model a system that responds to them.
Your studies in this course will also teach you how to communicate effectively with a range of audiences using various modes and media, enabling you to present and explain complex IT issues, recommendations, and solutions to both IT and non-IT personnel. You will learn to work autonomously and collaboratively, working effectively in different roles, teams and organisations to successfully produce measurable outcomes.
In your first year, you'll study 8 compulsory foundational subjects that cover a range of IT topics including:
Lab work is a major component, with learning activities focused on practical application of technical skills. You'll be assessed on technical competence both in practice and theory.
The second year offers 4 course combination possibilities to facilitate your preferences in the information technology sector, including the option of choosing a Cyber Security Operations major.
| No-major option 1 | No-major option 2 | No-major option 3 | Cyber Security Operations major |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 x Core subjects | 8 x Major subjects | ||
|
To articulate into the Bachelor of Information Technology 2 x option-specific subjects
|
To articulate into the Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Software Engineering 2 x option-specific subjects |
To articulate into the Bachelor of Data Science 2 x option-specific subjects |
|
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Graduates can specialise in system administration, networking, technical support, computer programming, web development, database administration, software development, and IT security.
Information computing technology is integral to all industries and the variety of career opportunities in the profession reflects this.
Graduates of this associate degree may find employment in roles such as junior software developer, web programmer, IT support specialist, network technician, systems administrator, or cyber security analyst, depending on their chosen electives and areas of interest.
Industries and sectors our graduates can work in include:
Graduates from this associate degree are eligible for membership of the Australian Computer Society at the associate grade level.
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
AND
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
or equivalent studies.
The lowest selection rank plus any adjustment factors to receive an offer for semester 1 2026 for each stream are as follows:
Plan/package detail |
2026 ATAR* |
|---|---|
|
Associate Degree in Information Technology |
40.00 |
|
Packaged Pathway AD006PATH2 Bachelor of Information Technology via Associate Degree in Information Technology |
42.75 |
Entry to this course is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Entry to this course is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
The RMIT Elite Athlete and Performer Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes and performers to achieve academic excellence while reaching high performance in sport or the performing arts, by allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic or performing arts responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this course is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for 2 years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete and Performer Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes and performers to achieve academic excellence while reaching high performance in sport or the performing arts, by allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic or performing arts responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this course is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have satisfactorily completed at least four graded courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA from these studies.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for 2 years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress, you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
The RMIT Elite Athlete and Performer Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes and performers to achieve academic excellence while reaching high performance in sport or the performing arts, by allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic or performing arts responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for 2 years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete and Performer Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes and performers to achieve academic excellence while reaching high performance in sport or the performing arts, by allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic or performing arts responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
By understanding the types of activities you'll participate in, you can:
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there is a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities.
Please contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team to discuss any adjustments you may require. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your course so that you can participate fully in your studies.
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this course wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this course.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
If you are an international student studying year 12 in Australia, you may be able to apply via VTAC with your ATAR.
Find information about the ATAR selection rank* for this course in our ATAR for International students course finder.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
Mathematics; or Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 20.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.
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) Pre-Advanced at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.
This course has pathways available.
The Associate Degree in Information Technology provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.
You are guaranteed entry to the Associate Degree in Information Technology with credit when you successfully complete the Diploma of Information Technology.
You will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points) if you follow the Information Technology pathway.
You will receive 1 semester of credit (equivalent to 72 credit points) if you follow the Computer Science, Software Engineering or Data Science pathway.
Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study courses.
When you successfully complete the Associate Degree of Information Technology you are guaranteed entry with credit into the following RMIT programs:
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT undergraduate study courses.
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.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
In 2026, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,738 to AU$17,399.
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.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2026. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,738 per standard year
$592 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $9,537 per standard year
$1,192 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $13,558 per standard year
$1,694 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $17,399 per standard year
$2,174 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
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.
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 2026 is $373.
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.
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.
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.
For Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students studying an associate or bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, information technology, software engineering, computer or data science, or related STEM fields; worth up to $50,000.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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 program, 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.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
