Bachelor of Laws

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Bachelor of Laws

UNDERGRADUATE

Become a global, technology focussed lawyer for a changing world.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

ATAR 85.00*
Guaranteed ATAR 88.00

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Part-time 6 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

ATAR 85.00

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$39,360 (2022 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

With detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the Australian legal framework and fundamental legal principles we will develop your practical and theoretical capabilities through a unique approach that brings law to life.

two female students looking at book in the Law library

Law Students' Society

Enjoy the perks of RMIT's Law Students' Society and gain access to mentoring opportunities, competitions, career sessions, and initiatives from the School and our external sponsors.

Through our deep industry connections, you will gain valuable legal experiences that prepare you to contribute in a rapidly changing world.

Our practical and applied learning format incorporates law and technology to prepare you for an evolving legal system and society.

As a graduate of this degree, you will possess an understanding of the fundamental areas of legal knowledge, the Australian legal system and its underlying principles and concepts (including international and comparative contexts), the broad theoretical basis of the law and its social context, the principles and values of justice and ethical practice in a technology impacted, evolving legal system.

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Exclusive facilities

Enjoy dedicated facilities and custom study spaces for law students in the historic Emily McPherson building, home of the Graduate School of Business and Law.

Details

Be taught by expert law academics who have industry experience.

In the Bachelor of Laws, you will develop the foundational legal knowledge required for a career as a legal practitioner or with legal or non-legal roles in a variety of law-related fields.

You will also possess the ability to analyse a problem involving a question or questions of law and, through research, to provide a solution to it. You will possess the skills needed to practise law in a variety of fields, industry sectors and locations and you will develop skills in effective writing, drafting, advocacy, interviewing and advising, negotiation, team work and presentations.

Through your studies, you will develop an understanding of the application of ethical standards and be able to demonstrate judgment and strategic reasoning. Upon graduation, you will have sound commercial judgment and an awareness of the ethical and justice issues affecting all stakeholders in the Australian legal system.

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Learning activities and experiences in this program include case-based learning where you will be encouraged to engage in critical discussion in seminars and online forums, supplemented by industry engaged, authentic experiential learning opportunities in various simulations that will develop your legal skills.

These simulations include writing briefs and other legal documents, mooting, and negotiation/mediation and technology skills. All legal skills are integrated into core law courses to ensure that students develop the requisite skills in close connection with the legal knowledge.

Clinical legal education and industry placement opportunities are also on offer.

A capstone experience is provided which will give you the opportunity to critically reflect on the curriculum. You’ll draw upon knowledge and skills gained throughout your studies and apply these in courtroom scenario.

Take part in legal skills experiences throughout the program which provide you with opportunities to demonstrate advocacy, negotiation, problem solving, legal reasoning, technology and communications skills.

Career development learning is scaffolded across all stages of the program. This degree is designed to prepare you to be admitted to legal practice in Victoria.

This degree is based on a unique approach that we call bringing law to life.

It has been designed specifically to create job-ready graduates, with direction and input from a Law Program Advisory Board made up of a judge, magistrate, senior executives from law firms, representatives from the bar, and other senior members of the legal profession. Students in this degree will have integrated, industry-engaged experiences within substantive core law course, and will be able to take clinical electives, study tours and industry placement/internships.

There is the opportunity to observe a number of innovative courts, both locally and internationally in study tours for law students.

There is also the opportunity to take a study tour to our Vietnam campus looking at legal systems in Asia.

As a student of this degree, you will spend approximately 36 hours on campus per semester, plus an additional 320 hours of independent study commitment per semester.

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.

This degree consists of 24 subjects (each 12 credit points). Your 17 core subjects contain all the academic areas of knowledge you will need to be accredited to legal practice.

The curriculum for this degree is shaped around the mission of the university, and addresses each of the aspects of RMIT’s ambitions by including:

  • an introductory subject that deals with global legal systems as well as the Australian context (Becoming a Lawyer in a Globalised World)
  • a technology and law subject that is combined with legal ethics and lawyers’ practice (Technology, Ethics and the Law)
  • a mid-level problem-based learning subject dealing with setting up new start-ups that includes a “design thinking in law” approach to solving legal problems (Enterprise Law: Designing Legal Solutions). 
  • a mid-level subject that explores global business in the context of human rights and focuses on international justice (Law, Business and Human Rights).

The designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) subjects in this degree are Justice Innovation and Enterprise Law: Designing Legal Solutions.

In Justice Innovation, you will work in partnership with industry and with your peers to develop an innovative justice solution to a current social problem.

Enterprise Law: Designing Legal Solutions includes a law firm simulation advising technology start-ups on their legal issues.

These subjects will provide you with opportunities to apply your academic skills to a work-based context.

Our capstone subject, Evidence, includes a major courtroom simulation that teaches you about advocacy and legal argument.

You will be able to access a range of elective subjects and will also have the opportunity to undertake a number of practical internship and clinical education subjects.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Laws
Program code: BP335
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Laws
City Campus
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
BP335
103210M
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
BP335
CRICOS
103210M
View plan

VTAC Code

If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.

  • Plan BP335 - 3200333411

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

VTAC Code

If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.

  • Plan BP335 - 3200333413

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

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

Career

As a graduate of this degree, you will have diverse career options including the within the commercial legal sector, government sector/legal aid, community law/NGOs, in-house with corporations and unions, academia, the media, politics and business.

To be eligible to be admitted to practise law in Australia, graduates must additionally complete the Practical Legal Training (PLT) requirements, either through one year of Supervised Workplace Training with a law firm or an approved PLT course. The PLT course can be undertaken on a fee-paying basis through Leo Cussen Centre for Law or The College of Law.

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Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Bachelor of Laws

To be eligible to be admitted to practice law in Australia, graduates must additionally complete the Practical Legal Training (PLT) requirements, either a one year of Supervised Workplace Training with a law firm or an approved PLT course. The PLT course can be undertaken on a fee paying basis through Leo Cussen Centre for Law or The College of Law.

Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB)

Course satisfies the academic requirements for graduates admission to the Australian Legal Profession.

Visit the Victorian Legal Admissions Board website.

Council of Australian Law Deans (CALD)

The School is compliant with the standards for Australian Law Schools adopted by the Council of Australian Law Deans and assessed by the Australian Law Schools Standards Committee (ALSSC).

Visit the Council of Australian Law Deans website.

Admissions

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

Prerequisites

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.

Guaranteed ATAR

This course has a Guaranteed ATAR (excluding adjustment factors).

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

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

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

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.

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.

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Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12

School Network Access Program (SNAP)

  • The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.

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

Subject adjustments

  • A study score of 25 in Legal Studies, equals 1 aggregate point per study. 
  • A study score of 35 in any English equals 2 aggregate points per study. 
  • Overall maximum of 3 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.

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.

The Bachelor of Laws is not available to applicants whose highest level of education is Vocational Education and Training study.

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.

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

We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.

  • successful completion of an Australian higher education diploma (or equivalent overseas qualification); or
  • successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian associate degree (or equivalent) and no double-fail in any required course of the receiving degree; or
  • successful completion of two Open Universities Australia higher education units. Scored or graded results are required.

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.

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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., 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:

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.

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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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 RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.

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

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 85% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

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

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

To study this 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.

Pathways

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

When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.

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.

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You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Laws when you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) with no double fail unless the required course is passed.  

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

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.

Fees

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2022 indicative fees

In 2022, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,985 to AU$14,630*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022.
  • 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.

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 commencing their program in 2022. 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 2022 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2022
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $3,985 per standard year
$498 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 $8,021 per standard year
$1,002 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $11,401 per standard year
$1,425 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $14,630 per standard year
$1,828 per standard (12 credit point) course

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2022 is $315.

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.

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The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$39,360.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$120,960.

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.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

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

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.

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Acknowledgement of country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

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.

More information