Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Overview

Biomedical science forms the basis of our understanding of how human bodies function, and the responses of the body to various diseases, exercise, diet, internal disturbances and environmental influences.

RMIT's Bachelor of Biomedical Science will equip you with a fundamental understanding of the human body and how it interacts with disease: how it occurs, what happens, and how we can control, cure and prevent it.

Studying in purpose-built facilities, you'll develop an understanding of the research process and gain practical experience with the modern technologies used in biomedical research, ensuring you are job-ready when you graduate.

You'll have the flexibility to choose your specialisation. Specialist areas include cell biology, neuroscience, human anatomy, human physiology, and biochemistry and molecular biology.

This biomedical science degree is an ideal preparation for graduate entry into health sciences degrees such as medicine, physiotherapy and dentistry. It also prepares you for entry into postgraduate honours and higher degree research programs.

What you will learn in this degree

In this flexible degree, you'll develop a broad understanding of human anatomy, physiology and pathology from cellular to systems level.

Why study biomedical science at RMIT?

Well-equipped facilities

Study in our state-of-the-art Digital Health Hub, using the latest technology to drive health innovation.

Learn from industry experts

Be taught by practising industry professionals, and benefit from their industry experience and contact networks.

Graduate job-ready

Undertake an industry placement in a university research laboratory or professional organisation, gaining practical, hands-on experience.

Details

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How you will learn

This biomedical science course emphasises practical skills, using the latest technology in modern, well-equipped laboratories, including state-of-the-art digital facilities for learning in-depth anatomy and physiology.

As a biomedicine student, you will learn in small classes with excellent staff-student ratios in an intimate campus setting.

Lectures, tutorials and seminars are used extensively in the degree to communicate knowledge and ideas about the role of biomedical science.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes tests, essays, reports, oral presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

Learn more about blended learning at RMIT

Industry connections

Employers and industry professionals contribute to the ongoing development of the degree. Their involvement ensures that the degree remains relevant to your needs as a graduate and to the needs of employers.

Many of the academics within the degree are (or have been) practising industry professionals with extensive industry experience and contact networks.

During your first year of study, you will undertake a work integrated learning project, which will involve taking a project from concept through experimental design and action to communicating it in an industry standard poster presentation.

During your third year of study, you will undertake a research project (capstone project) in a university research laboratory or a professional organisation. With associated coursework, this runs for 120 hours. You will work in research and analytical laboratories in universities, hospitals and industry, gaining hands-on industry experience.

Learning outcomes

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

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

Electives and course plan

In addition to gaining a fundamental understanding of biomedical sciences, you will have the opportunity to choose electives in years two and three. All areas provide a strong foundation for progression into research and other health-related careers.

Year 1

You will study several general life sciences subjects to provide you with a sound scientific base. This will include chemistry and biochemistry, cell biology and anatomy and physiology. You will be introduced to the foundations of human health and begin developing skills in communication and professional practice.

This first year of this bioscience course provides you with the skills to pursue a broad range of biomedical science careers and prepares you to transfer to other degrees offered by the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences.

Year 2

You will study genetics, molecular biology, pharmacology and toxicology, developing a strong understanding of the origins and mechanisms of disease at the cellular, tissue, organ and systems level in human pathophysiology. You may select your area of interest from either Clinical Health and Disease or Medical Biotechnology.

Year 3

You will study current health and disease topics in-depth with medical research academics and learn how to understand, interpret and apply research-based knowledge to the development of solutions to health and medical problems.

In your final year, a capstone experience will give you the opportunity to integrate, critically reflect on and consolidate what you have learnt in your degree and enable you to engage in an immersive work placement or research experience to put theory into professional practice.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Program code: BP231

Title

Location

Duration

Plan code

CRICOS

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bundoora Campus

3 years (6 semester) full-time, or 6 years (12 semesters) part-time

BP231P10

068159D

Location

Bundoora Campus

Duration

3 years (6 semester) full-time, or 6 years (12 semesters) part-time

Plan code

BP231P10

CRICOS

068159D

View plan

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bundoora Campus

3 years (6 semester) full-time

BP231P10

068159D

Location

Bundoora Campus

Duration

3 years (6 semester) full-time

Plan code

BP231P10

CRICOS

068159D

View plan

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bundoora Campus

3 years full time, 6 years part time

BP231P23

110985E

Location

Bundoora Campus

Duration

3 years full time, 6 years part time

Plan code

BP231P23

CRICOS

110985E

View plan

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bundoora Campus

3 years full time

BP231P23

110985E

Location

Bundoora Campus

Duration

3 years full time

Plan code

BP231P23

CRICOS

110985E

View plan

Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Chinese Medicine)

Bundoora Campus

3 years full-time

BP231CHM

Location

Bundoora Campus

Duration

3 years full-time

Plan code

BP231CHM

CRICOS

View plan

Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Chiropractic)

Bundoora Campus

3 years full-time

BP231CHR

Location

Bundoora Campus

Duration

3 years full-time

Plan code

BP231CHR

CRICOS

View plan

Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy)

Bundoora Campus

3 years full-time

BP231OST

Location

Bundoora Campus

Duration

3 years full-time

Plan code

BP231OST

CRICOS

View plan

VTAC code

If you are eligible* to apply via The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), copy and paste the below code into VTAC CourseSearch.

Plan BP231P23 - 3200231031

*Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.

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

VTAC code

If you are eligible* to apply via The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), copy and paste the below code into VTAC CourseSearch.

Plan BP231P10 - 3200231033

Please note: From 2023, the BP231P10 plan is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should apply for the BP231P23 plan.

*Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.

Find RMIT on VTAC

Career

RMIT's Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree produces highly skilled graduates with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in selected areas of biochemical, biological, paramedical and related health sciences.

This biomed degree can lead you to work in leading health science fields like genetic engineering, cancer research, neuroscience, DNA profiling and stem cell research.

As a biomedical scientist, you will be able to pursue a career in:

research in universities, hospitals and biomedical research institutes
medical and pharmaceutical research
public and private diagnostic centres
therapeutic research laboratories
applied health areas like health promotion and administration.

You can also go on to postgraduate studies in biomedical science in universities and research institutes.

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Professional recognition and accreditation

Graduates of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science may be eligible for membership of a number of Australian professional societies including the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR), the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT), and the Molecular and Experimental Pathology Society of Australasia (MEPSA).

Admissions

Please note: From 2023, the BP231P10 plan is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should apply for the BP231P23 plan. Admissions information for the BP231P23 plan is listed below.

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 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in Biology or Chemistry and units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in one of any Mathematics or Physics, 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.

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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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

A study score of 25 in any Information Technology, any Mathematics or any Science 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.

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.
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 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.

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.
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 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.

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

A study score of 25 in any Information Technology, any Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 6 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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Inherent requirements

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

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.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

understand more about the program
determine if you may need support during your studies
make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

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 program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

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 inherent requirements

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.

View ATAR profile

Student 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.

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

Academic requirements

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 65% (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

Select a study location*

Select a qualification gained*

Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

Learn about your pathway options

Please note: October intake is not available to students with advanced entry.

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in one of Biology or Chemistry and one of Mathematics (any) or Physics, with study scores of at least 20.

Selection tasks

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

English language requirements

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Additional information

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Inherent requirements

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

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:

understand more about the program
determine if you may need support during your studies
make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

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 inherent requirements

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.

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Pathway options

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 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.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out if you might be eligible

Further study

Graduates will be equipped to undertake a research degree in biomedical science.

Find out more about our research programs.

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Pathway options

You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Biomedical Science when you successfully complete one of the following RMIT programs:

Associate Degree in Applied Science – you will receive two semesters of advanced standing* (equivalent to 120 credit points into BP231P10 plan or 108 credit points into BP231P23 plan)
Diploma of Laboratory Technology – you will receive two semesters of advanced standing* (equivalent to 96 credit points)

Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

*Based on full-time study load of 96 credit points per year. Individual circumstances may vary and please be aware that not all courses are offered each semester. These circumstances may affect the total duration of a program.

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.

Please note: any advanced standing or credit received may reduce the choice of majors or minors available in the program.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

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.

Further study

When you successfully complete this program you may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Sciences (Honours).

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate degrees.

Fees

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Fee summary

2023 indicative fees

In 2023, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.

Additional expenses

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
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.

New government eligibility rules in 2022 - low completion rates

From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.

Commonwealth supported places

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 2023. 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 2023 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)	Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture	$4,124 per standard year $515 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	$8,301 per standard year $1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science	$11,800 per standard year $1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture	$15,142 per standard year $1,892 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.

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 2023 is $326.

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

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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Fee summary

The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$41,280.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$123,840.

View tuition fees for future years

Other costs

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
Some programs incur additional expenses.

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

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.

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