Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies

Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies

UNDERGRADUATE

Learn about the social, political and ethical aspects of law and develop skills in law and alternative dispute resolution practices.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

ATAR 65.25*

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

Commonwealth supported places

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$32,640 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

This degree offers insight into the social, political and ethical aspects of law within Australia and other countries and develops skills in law and alternative dispute resolution practices.

You'll be prepared for employment in private law firms, government, corporations, tribunals, courts, NGOs and community legal services.

You will gain knowledge and skills in legal research and practice, critical thinking, policy analysis, civil and criminal law, international human rights and alternative dispute resolution processes. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of the legal system and become better equipped to create a more just and responsible world.

Animated student holding qualification

Guaranteed Pathway options available

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

Why study legal and dispute studies at RMIT?

Boost career opportunities

Undertake a 50-day supervised field placement or internship, gaining practical experience and building your network.

Strong industry links

Benefit from close links with the Dispute Resolution Centre, the court system, community legal centres and criminal justice agencies.

Global connections

Gain an international perspective with the opportunity to undertake international study tours and study a semester overseas.

Details

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RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, tutorials, lectorials, workshops, presentations and group discussions.

Your classes will take place in a number of different spaces, including traditional lecture theatres and the interactive lectorial and small group tutorial rooms in RMIT's Swanston Academic Building, as well as some online classrooms.

You will complete a wide range of assessments, including essays, online quizzes, reports, reflections and group presentations.

Academics are actively involved in teaching, research and professional practice. The program is overseen by an Industry Advisory panel comprising representatives from a range of key justice and legal agencies.

All subjects are delivered in English. You will have access online and digital resources.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a 50-day supervised field placement or internship.

These internships have assisted past students in gaining employment within the industry.

Previous field placements have taken place in:

  • Department of Justice
  • Victorian Legal Aid
  • community legal centres
  • private law firms
  • Dispute Settlement Centre, Victoria.

Integral to the success of RMIT justice degrees are their close links with the Dispute Resolution Centre, the court system, community legal centres and criminal justice agencies. These links influence and complement program design, development and delivery.

This degree is developed in consultation with an advisory committee made up of representatives from the Department of Justice, courts and tribunals, Corrections Victoria, Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police and the wider justice community. Their involvement ensures that the degree is vocationally relevant, meets the needs of graduate employers and incorporates the latest issues emerging in the sector.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

You have the opportunity to undertake international study tours where you can apply your knowledge to real-world projects in international contexts.

Past study tours have included students participating in an international forum on migration and human trafficking in the Philippines. Students returning from study tours are able to reflect on the new perspectives they have gained and the experiences they have enjoyed.

You are encouraged to take one semester of the degree at a partner university. RMIT University has exchange partners all over the world including the US, Mexico, China, Chile and more.

By combining international exchange, professional internship and international research projects, you may be away for an entire year. Financial support is available through scholarships, RMIT travel grants and government loans.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

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.

This program consists of 3 complementary and intersecting areas of study: Law, Socio-Legal studies and Dispute Resolution.

Year 1

You will acquire an introduction to the study of law; develop knowledge in important areas of law such as criminal law, civil law and torts; gain a comprehensive understanding of the sociology of law, and learn about negotiation and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Year 2

You will develop a solid legal grounding in civil procedure, international human rights, information law, family law and mediation, and you will learn about policymaking, while studying electives in your chosen areas of justice interest.

Year 3

You will deepen your civil law skills in the areas of labour relations and litigation evidence, and will build the groundwork for your future career through the study of organisational practices, research methods and your final year Internship placement. You will also have further elective options, including the opportunity to study arbitration and mediation and graduate as an accredited mediator.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies
Program code: BP204
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies
City Campus
3 years full-time/6 years part-time
BP204P16
052088A
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time/6 years part-time
Plan code
BP204P16
CRICOS
052088A
View plan
Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies
City Campus
3 years full-time
BP204P16
052088A
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time
Plan code
BP204P16
CRICOS
052088A
View plan

Duration and study load

Full- or part-time study is determined by how many credit points you are enrolled in during the semester. An undergraduate study load is considered part-time if you are enrolled in 24 credit points or fewer (approximately two subjects).

Once you are enrolled into this degree you can choose to switch to a part-time study load. This may impact your program duration and tuition fees. Please discuss your study options with your program manager prior to enrolment.

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 BP204P16 - 3200333471

*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 BP204P16 - 3200333473

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

Career

Graduates work in administration and research within a legal context or as human rights and community workers in government and non-government agencies, or progress to further studies in law, mediation and negotiation.

Employment opportunities are primarily in the paralegal field for roles as dispute resolution professionals, and in policy positions in:

  • private firms
  • government departments
  • corporations
  • legal aid
  • council legal offices
  • tribunals
  • activist organisations
  • community legal services.

Prospective careers

  • paralegal
  • Indigenous services liaison
  • youth justice officer
  • legal aid
  • law clerk
  • victim support officer
  • legal policy officer
  • counsellor
  • judge’s associate
  • case manager.

Admissions

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

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL, 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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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.

Early offer program

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.

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 LOTE, Legal Studies, Politics: Australian Politics or Politics: Global Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study.
  • Overall maximum of 4 points.

Regional adjustments

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

Equity access schemes

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

Elite Athlete Program

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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

Entry to this program is competitive. 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

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study this program
  • your intended career path
  • the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience

If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.

Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.

Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.

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.

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 successfully completed at least two courses (subjects) in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses (subjects) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent. You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA. 

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study this program
  • your intended career path
  • the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience

If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.

Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.

Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.

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.

Elite Athlete Program

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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

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

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

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study this program
  • your intended career path
  • the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience

If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.

Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.

Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and

  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and

  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program

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

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

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Subject adjustments

  • A study score of 25 in any LOTE, Legal Studies, Politics: Australian Politics or Politics: Global Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study.
  • Overall maximum of 4 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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NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

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 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 an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification 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.

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.

Additional information

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NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

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.

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

Guaranteed Pathways available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed for entry into this degree?

At RMIT we've got your back, with a range study options to help you achieve your goals, no matter your ATAR.

Guaranteed Pathways gives you the option to preference pathway packages when you apply to RMIT.

If you apply and are successful in gaining a place in a Guaranteed Pathway package, you will progress straight into the Bachelor Degree upon successful completion of the relevant vocational degree (otherwise known as TAFE) first.

With a Guaranteed Pathway package, you can graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Fees

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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.

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.

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 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.

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 2023 is AU$32,640.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$103,680.

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.

More information
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