AU$38,400 (2024 annual)
Note: from 2023, this degree is no longer offered.
Chinese medicine is the use of medicinal substances that come from different sources such as roots, flowers, seeds and leaves of plants to address health conditions.
It also includes other therapies such as acupuncture, cupping (applying a heated cup to the skin to create suction) and tui na (remedial massage).
The emphasis is on the integration of Chinese medicine and western medical sciences, working together with the health community to provide the community with skilled health practitioners in Chinse medicine. Advanced clinical training is provided in Australia and China (where practicable) to broaden your clinical experience.
Graduates will be able to practise Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture at an internationally accepted level, with the capacity to launch careers in independent practice, or working within healthcare organisations as a Chinese medicine practitioner registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Undertake a supervised clinical internship in China, applying your knowledge of Chinese medicine and western medical sciences.
Developed in close consultation with industry, this degree is approved through the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia.
In addition to Chinese medicine subjects, you can study health professionalism, anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and toxicology.
Combine Chinese medicine principles, diagnosis, and treatment, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine and more, with western medical examination and differential diagnosis.
You will develop diagnosis, treatment and herbal dispensing skills by undertaking supervised clinical observation and practice at the RMIT Health Clinic at University Hill, Bundoora.
I chose RMIT because this degree is known for emphasising evidence-based practice and providing a foundation in both western health sciences and Chinese medicine.
You will develop health practitioner skills in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and herbal dispensing skills by undertaking supervised clinical observation and practice at the RMIT Health Clinic at University Hill, Bundoora.
The RMIT Health Clinic offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine services for health promotion, rehabilitation, and addressing conditions such as pain management, skin conditions, and women's health.
You will also undertake a one-semester clinical internship in China through the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, where practicable.
You’ll experience a flexible learning environment that blends online learning with lectures, supportive tutorials, and practical hands-on sessions.
In the Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Chinese Medicine, assessment is multifaceted and progressive. Traditional forms such as tests and assignments are used alongside a variety of practical assessment approaches to provide feedback. This may include a demonstration of practical skills on a model subject or a viva voce style oral examination.
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 has consulted government agencies, industries and professional associations extensively to develop its Chinese medicine degrees since their inception in 1993.
RMIT program development is done in consultation with the University’s Chinese Medicine Program Advisory Committee and major professional associations.
RMIT has led the development of Chinese medicine education in Australia and is the only World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine in Australia.
Significant international ties with the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine allow students an opportunity to undertake clinical placement in the Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, when practicable. The Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine is one of China’s busiest, and the visit is the perfect way to round out your studies.
You will hone your skills by seeing approximately 30 patients a day during a 13-week placement for one semester. Your rounds will take you across various clinical departments, exposing you to around 2000 patients and a wide range of clinical conditions. Consultations and treatment incorporate Chinese and western medicine and treatment.
During your final year, where practicable, you’ll embark on a supervised clinical internship in China, to experience first-hand modern practice of Chinese medicine in a public hospital.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
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.
Your studies begin with the basics of cell biology and Chinese medicine principles. Anatomy and physiology follow, so you understand the body's normal and abnormal states.
You will study the basic theory of acupuncture and be able to accurately locate acupuncture points. You'll learn Chinese herbal medicine and formulations in detail.
You will have further study in pathology, pharmacology, toxicology and medical examination. With additional study in acupuncture techniques and preparation for clinical practice, you will understand the different clinical conditions that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can address.
You will study a range of clinical courses covering common conditions in Chinese internal medicine, dermatology, gynaecology, and musculoskeletal issues and pain in Chinese medicine.
You will then apply these skills and knowledge to address patients’ health complaints at the RMIT Health Clinic under the supervision of experienced Chinese medicine clinicians.
You will continue studying clinical conditions covering eye; ear, nose and throat (ENT); and paediatrics. You will also receive advanced clinical training and undertake a clinical internship in China (where practicable) over one semester, with the flexibility to remain on-campus.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Chinese medicine practitioners work with patients to prevent and alleviate health problems using a range of treatment options including Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture.
They assess patients by checking their pulse and tongue, and observing abnormalities in sleep, appetite, perspiration and body temperature. From this, they develop management plans.
Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and is one of the most commonly used complementary therapies in Australia and globally.
Graduates will be able to practise Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture at an internationally accepted level.
You could go on into:
Chinese medicine has been regulated in Victoria since 2000 and nationally since July 2012. Employment opportunities are expected to increase with the national mandatory registration.
This double degree is fully accredited by the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia.
It is also recognised by the following major Chinese medicine associations in Australia:
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
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.
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.
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Entry to this 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.
This degree provides current Year 12 applicants with the opportunity to apply for an early conditional offer through RMIT’s Early Offer program. Applications must be submitted by 30 August. To find out more and apply, visit Early Offer program.
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:
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 two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
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.
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 two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
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.
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 two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.
Immunisation requirements will depend on the placement organisation. Students will need to check the immunisation requirements of the placement organisation before commencing their placements.
Please note: A full course of immunisation requirements can take up to 7 months. It is essential to confirm these requirements with the School as soon as possible.
For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please contact RMIT Connect – Work and Study Opportunities where your enquiry will be dealt with accordingly.
*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student.
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:
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 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.
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 admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 70% (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.
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 course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
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.
If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.
For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please contact RMIT Connect – Work and Study Opportunities where your enquiry will be dealt with accordingly.
*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student.
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:
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.
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry. For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
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.
If you successfully complete the Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine), you may be eligible to apply for the Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture). Alternatively, you may be eligible to apply for the Master of Science (Health Science) research degree and then continue to study the PhD degree.
When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
You can gain entry to this degree from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
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.
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.
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.
In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
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.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024 |
---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,445 per standard year $555 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 | $8,948 per standard year $1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $12,720 per standard year $1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $16,323 per standard year $2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.
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.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$38,400.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$211,200.
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.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
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.