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Associate Degree in Engineering Technology

Grow your skills in engineering technology and launch an exciting career.

Quick facts

Student type:
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Student type:

Quick facts

Domestic,International

Sorry, this program is not available for local students.

Please contact us for more information.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact us for more information.

Overview

Details

Accredited by Engineers Australia, this course provides a flexible pathway to an engineering degree.

In the first year, you'll learn fundamental principles of engineering that apply across different areas of engineering. At the end of the first year, you’ll select your major, choosing between:

  • advanced manufacturing and mechatronics
  • aerospace engineering
  • civil engineering
  • computer and network engineering
  • electrical and electronics engineering
  • mechanical engineering

Note: The computer and network engineering major is not available for students who commence this course in the July/midyear intake.

You'll choose subjects relevant to your engineering major and undertake a real-world project to design, develop, and present a product. Upon graduating from this program you may be eligible for entry into the relevant bachelor degree program or you can work in a relevant field.

How you will learn

The degree has an active learning approach. A key emphasis of the program is its linkages to current industry needs, so you graduate ready to launch yor career.

This course is taught by professionals with current research and industry experience. Learning and teaching approaches include lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, and group discussion work.

Electives and program structure

Year 1

You’ll be introduced to fundamental engineering skills including:

  • drafting
  • use of hand and power tools
  • machine processes and manufacturing

You’ll also cover materials engineering, which includes:

  • metals
  • composites
  • plastics and adhesives

You’ll learn the processes used to construct objects from these materials and the external factors that can change the effectiveness of these materials. You’ll also develop skills in computer-aided drafting (CAD) using specialised software.

At the end of this year, you’ll choose your engineering major.

Year 2

You’ll choose subjects relevant to your engineering major. All majors emphasise professional and personal development, allowing you to build skills in:

  • communication
  • decision making
  • team leading

You’ll undertake an engineering project to design, develop, and present a product. The engineering project is carried out in conjunction with industry or simulates a real engineering environment.

Choose a program structure

Program code: AD026
Title Location Duration Plan code CRICOS
Associate Degree in Engineering Technology City Campus
2 years Full time
2 years Full time
 AD026 079303K

Choose a program structure

Program code: AD026
Associate Degree in Engineering Technology
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years Full time
2 years Full time
Plan code
AD026
CRICOS
079303K
Note: The computer and network engineering major is not available for students who commence this course in the July/midyear intake.

Career

This degree is aimed at students starting out in a career in engineering. It allows you to specialise in one of seven major engineering disciplines.

Aerospace graduates may work in the aerospace industry as an aircraft maintenance engineer or aerospace design engineer at paraprofessional level.

A civil major will allow you to work in civil and structural fields that include laboratory technicians, research assistants, construction supervisors, or CAD draftspeople.

A major in computer and network engineering will allow you to pursue a career in networking, internetworking, IP telephony, network design, or network support.

With a major in electrical and electronics, you can work in electronic design, service engineering, or microprocessor programming.

Students who major in mechanical or advanced manufacturing and mechatronics can work in roles including product design and process, production planner, or automation specialist.

Professional recognition and accreditation

The following majors are fully accredited by Engineers Australia:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer and Network Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering

The following major is provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia:

  • Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics

The Sustainable Systems Engineering major is not yet accredited by Engineers Australia.

Graduates are eligible for graduate membership of Engineers Australia as an Engineering Associate.

Australia is one of eight countries that are signatories to the International Engineering Alliance, also known as the Dublin Accord, for engineering technicians. Graduates with this qualification are recognised in all countries that are signatories to the Accord.

Admissions

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any), or equivalent studies.

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.

Adjustment factors include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments.

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.

I am an applicant with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)

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

  • Satisfactory completion in Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 1 aggregate point. 
  • Satisfactory completion in Physics equals 1 aggregate point.

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. 
  • This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
  • 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.

I am an applicant with Vocational Education and Training study

Entry to this program 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:

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

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, 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.

STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.

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. 
  • This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
  • 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.

I am an applicant with Higher Education study

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.

You must have satisfactorily completed at least four 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.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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

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.

STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.

Personal statement

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.

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. 
  • This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
  • 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.

I am an applicant with Work and Life Experience

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (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.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work or 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.

STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Subject adjustments

  • Satisfactory completion in Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 1 aggregate point. 
  • Satisfactory completion in Physics equals 1 aggregate point.

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. 
  • This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
  • 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

ATAR profile

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.

Student profile

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


*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 RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

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.

50
Select qualification gained
Entry score calculator
1
2

Prerequisites

Mathematics; or 

VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics  (any), with a study score of at least 20.

Selection tasks

None

English language requirements

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)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

Further study

This course offers pathways into further study at RMIT.

Graduates of this course will be eligible for exemptions from the courses below, subject to meeting each course’s entry requirements:

Refer to the pathway pages above for details on which majors are considered relevant.

Please note: VTAC 3200332241 is no longer offered.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

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. Find out if you might be eligible.

Pathway options

You can gain entry to the Associate Degree in Engineering Technology from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Further study

When you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, you are guaranteed entry into a range of other RMIT programs.

You will receive four semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 192 credit points) into the following programs and the major you complete determines the program you can enter:

Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics major - Bachelor of Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Engineering) (Honours)

Aerospace major - Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours)

Civil major - Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours)

Computer and Network major - Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours)

Electrical and Electronics major

Mechanical major

Sustainable Systems major - Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)

You will receive three semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 180 credit points) in the Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications) (Honours) (BH071) when you complete the Electrical and Electronics major.

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

Fees

Fee summary

2021 indicative fees

In 2021, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,700 to AU$14,500*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
  • 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.

Commonwealth supported places

All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.

In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.

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

The Australian Government has announced amendments to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.

The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2021 and are subject to the passage of legislation. 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 2021

 

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2021

Agriculture, english, languages, mathematics, nursing, postgraduate clinical psychology, teaching

 $3,700 per standard year
$462 per standard (12 credit point) course

Architecture, creative arts, engineering, environmental studies, health, information technology, science

$7,700 per standard year
$962 per standard (12 credit point) course

Dental, medical and veterinary science

$11,300 per standard year
$1,412 per standard (12 credit point) course

Arts, commerce, communications, economics, humanities (excluding languages), law, management

$14,500 per standard year
$1,812 per standard (12 credit point) course

Fee assistance

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.

Additional expenses

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 2021 is $313.

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.

Scholarships

A selection of scholarships eligible students enrolling in this course are able to apply for includes:

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

Fee summary

The annual tuition fee for 2021 is AU$32,640.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$67,200.

View tuition fees for future years.

Other costs

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.

Important fee information

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.

Scholarships

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

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.

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