Associate Degree in Business

Associate Degree in Business

UNDERGRADUATE

Explore a wide range of business disciplines and build highly transferable professional skills.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

ATAR 40.00*
2025 Guaranteed ATAR 40.00

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

Commonwealth Supported Places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$ 33,600 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Refine your professional skills and knowledge in a real or simulated business environment.

In the Associate Degree in Business, you will study a range of business subjects that span marketing, human resources, accountancy and management disciplines.

Blending the academic and the practical, you will explore and understand how the range of subjects work together holistically to enable the effective management of a contemporary business.

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Why study business at RMIT?

Industry connections

Work with partner companies on group projects, including real-life business challenges.

Learn from experts

Gain mentorship from senior industry figures with practical workplace experience.

Hands-on experience

Develop professional skills in all aspects of the modern business environment.

Connecting you with industry

Through your studies you will be exposed to simulated and real-life business challenges, often working with partner companies on specific group projects. Past partners have included Devondale, Zagame Automotive Group, the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Tupperware, and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

Working individually and in groups, you will develop cooperative skills essential in the workplace. You will also be mentored by teachers with practical workplace experience in senior industry roles to complement your academic learning journey. Your expansive studies in this associate degree will allow you to pursue more specialised further study.

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Guaranteed Pathway options available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed? Guaranteed Pathways lets you preference pathway packages so you can secure your place in your goal degree and graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

Details

The Associate Degree in Business is designed to develop your professional skills in all aspects of the modern business environment.

You will graduate with the confidence to analyse and solve problems, work collaboratively, and understand basic business concepts for immediate employment outcomes or as a basis for further study.

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Learning and teaching

The Associate Degree in Business matches the academic standards of the first two years of a bachelor degree, but is taught in smaller groups. You'll learn in classes of typically 25-30 students, allowing a close and supportive relationship with your teachers.

The learning sessions will include subject analysis, discussions, tutorial exercises and assignment support. 

Assessment methods

Assessments include case studies, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments. 

You will be able to include all projects and assignments undertaken with external partner companies on your resume, so that prospective employers understand that you have had relevant practical business experience and the opportunity to develop those critical thinking skills which will prepare you for life and work.  

Learning at RMIT

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.

RMIT Capabilities

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:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

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.

As part of this associate degree, you will have the chance to apply and refine a range of professional skills in a workplace or in a simulated business environment.

You will:

  • demonstrate your professional or vocational skills by completing projects  in a work context or situation

  • interact with industry and the community when you undertake this activity and benefit from their feedback.

The majority of the subjects within the Associate Degree in Business use embedded work-integrated learning, which involves project-based work, allowing you to use and apply the knowledge to create or optimise a business practice.

In your final year of the associate degree, you may choose to enrol in the Business Internship elective (12 credit points) which involves taking up a position in industry for one or two days per week for one semester. These positions are normally unpaid and are designed to develop your soft skills and increase your overall employability upon graduation. The placement must be self-sourced.

Guiding the development of the College of Business, both nationally and internationally, is an Industry Advisory Board of high-profile executives. This board creates a strategic bridge between the latest in technology and design thinking and business.

While the Associate Degree in Business is delivered in Melbourne, student exchange opportunities may be possible into qualifications offered at RMIT Vietnam.

Overseas work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through overseas work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

Explore overseas study and work

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this associate degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Associate Degree in Business consists of 15 core subjects and one elective.

Year 1

In your first year of study, you will undertake eight core subjects. These will span marketing principles, business law, decisionmaking in a business context, information systems, and integrated perspectives.

Year 2

In the second year of this associate degree, you will undertake seven core subjects, covering topics including logistics and supply chain management, human resources management, entrepreneurship, financial markets, buyer behaviour, and more. You will also choose one elective subject.

All subjects in the Associate Degree in Business introduce you to the major streams in the Bachelor of Business.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Associate Degree in Business
Program code: AD029
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Associate Degree in Business
City Campus
2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
AD029
111279A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
Plan code
AD029
CRICOS
111279A
View plan
Associate Degree in Business
City Campus
2 years full-time
AD029
111279A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
AD029
CRICOS
111279A
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

As a graduate of the Associate Degree in Business, you will have built skills applicable to any number of industries, including public and private sectors, and small and large enterprises.

If you are interested in pursuing further study, you may choose to undertake the Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Business Professional Practice, or the Bachelor of Accounting.

Entry requirements and admissions

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 20 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 23 in English as an Additional Language (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

2025 ATAR*

The lowest selection rank plus any adjustment factors to receive an offer for semester 1 2025 for each stream are as follows:

Plan/package detail

2025 ATAR*

Semester 1 2025 Guaranteed ATAR
Associate Degree in Business 40.00 40.00
Guaranteed Pathway package AD029PATH1 
Business (Associate Degree)/Business (Degree)		 40.00 40.00
Guaranteed Pathway package AD029PATH2 
Business (Associate Degree)/Accounting (Degree)		 40.00 40.00

Guaranteed ATAR

For Semester 1 2025 applicants, this course has a Guaranteed ATAR (excluding adjustment factors).

This means that if you receive an ATAR equal to or above this and meet the course pre-requisites, we will guarantee you an offer in this course.

If you receive an ATAR below this guarantee, you may still receive an offer, depending on the availability of places in this course and whether you are eligible to receive any adjustment factors.

Please note: For VTAC applicants to receive an offer, this course must be your highest eligible preference.

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program 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.

Selection criteria by applicant type

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.

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Entry to this program 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.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12

School Network Access Program (SNAP)

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.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.

Subject adjustments

  • A study score of 20 in any Business equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 8 points.

Regional adjustments

  • RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. 
  • Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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.

Successful completion of an approved pathway qualification guarantees entry into this qualification.

Otherwise 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:

  • Advanced Diploma: 81
  • Diploma: 72
  • Certificate IV: 54

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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., 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.

Successful completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent) will meet the minimum entry requirements for this course.

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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 higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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.

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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 work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Subject adjustments

  • A study score of 20 in any Business equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 8 points.

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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.

Additional information

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You can find important application and study dates for this course on the Apply page.

View important dates

View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.

View ATAR profile

The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.

View student profile

*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.

Find RMIT on VTAC

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification 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.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

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:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 60 (with minimum of 10 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 16 in Speaking and 19 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 50 (with no communication band less than 42)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 169 with no less than 162 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 at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Additional information

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If you have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 such as VCE, you can find the ATAR for your RMIT course on our admissions transparency page.

View ATAR profile

*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.

Find RMIT on VTAC

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

View pathway details

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.

Find out if you might be eligible

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

Browse business pathways

Successful completion of the Associate Degree in Business may provide entry into the Bachelor of Laws. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement (including any adjustment factors).

View pathway details
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You can gain entry to this degree from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

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.

Successful completion of the Associate Degree in Business guarantees entry into one of the following RMIT programs.  

  • Bachelor of Business - the major you choose to study will determine the amount of credit you will receive:
    • 192 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 2 years full-time study) - major: Entrepreneurship; Finance; Global Business; Logistics and Supply Chain; Management and Change; Marketing; People and Organisation; or no major
    • 180 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study) - major: Blockchain Enabled Business; Business and Technology; Economics; Innovation and Enterprise; or Social Impact
    • 168 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study) - Financial Planning major (with accreditation)
    • 144 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study) - Business Information Systems major
  • Bachelor of Business Professional Practice - the major you choose to study will determine the amount of credit you will receive:
    • 192 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 2 years full-time study) - no major
    • 168 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study) - Marketing major
    • 156 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study) - major: Entrepreneurship; Finance; Global Business; Logistics and Supply Chain; Management and Change; or People and Organisation
    • 144 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study) - major: Blockchain Enabled Business; Business and Technology; Economics; Innovation and Enterprise; or Social Impact
    • 132 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1-year full-time study) - Financial Planning major (with accreditation)
    • 108 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1-year full-time study) - Business Information Systems major
  • Bachelor of Accounting - you will receive 144 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study)

When you also achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0), you can gain entry to:

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • 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

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.

Paying your fees and applying for 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.

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.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

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 2025. 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.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2025 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,627 per standard year
$578 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 $9,314 per standard year
$1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,241 per standard year
$1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,992 per standard year
$2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

HECS-HELP Loans

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.

SA-HELP Loans

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.

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.

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 2025 is $365.

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.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Explore scholarships
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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.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

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 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

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.

Explore scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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 program, and more.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions
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Acknowledgement of Country

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.

More information