Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

Overview

Psychology is a science that provides powerful tools and methods for exploring human experience and behaviour. The combination of a social science degree with a psychology specialisation is ideal for those interested in the interaction between individuals and the world around them.

Through your studies in this degree, you'll develop enhanced communication and research skills, better understand the people around you, and build abilities in decision making, problem solving, and critical thinking. You'll have the opportunity to put your skills to practice, and meet potential future employers, on a professional work-placement.

The Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) is the first 3 years of a 6-year pathway towards becoming a registered psychologist. Psychology studies can also lead to careers in human services organisations, community based agencies, human resource management, multicultural agencies and education settings.

Details

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How you will learn

This degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), which provides access to further APAC-accredited study in Australia and overseas and can lead to national and international registration as a psychologist.

You will explore psychology, with breadth studies in sociology, communication, research, and understanding policy. You'll have the opportunity to undertake a minor specialisation in Indigenous studies or choose to study a language. Alternatively, you can follow a minor interest area in sustainability or cultural studies.

Learning is student-centred with academic staff drawing on modern world examples of pop culture, activism, the internet, or analysis of modern social phenomenon to illustrate sociological theories in lectures and readings.

You'll take part in interactive coursework through psychology laboratories, excursions, online workshops and/or learning modules, and activity-based workshops. Through individual and group presentations, you develop skills in presenting ideas to large groups, facilitating discussion, engaging in debate and visually organising information through mind-mapping.

You'll examine case studies, including field notes, auto-ethnographies (a form of research written in the first person where the researcher reflects on what is going on around them), documentaries and analyses, journal articles, academic texts, and more; exploring the work of experts in your field. You'll learn academic writing skills, including how to create structured essays, write lab reports, and complete reflective journaling.

Assessments range from the traditional to the innovative, and may include formal essays, online quizzes, oral presentations, posters, graded group discussions, exams, artefact analysis, interviews and class facilitation mini-conference-style presentations.

All degrees are delivered in English.

Blended learning options

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

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

Learn more about blended learning at RMIT

Industry connections

The field education component in this degree means you will have the opportunity to apply what you have learned to a workplace.

You'll work under the guidance of an experienced practitioner, such as a qualified psychologist.

Field education is a great way to meet potential employers, develop networks and career opportunities. Some students have received ongoing employment after a placement.

Examples of past students placements include:

Shadowing a psychologist at private clinic.
Working with an advertising agency to understand consumer behaviour.
Working with an NGO in Indonesia to conduct aid research and establish a public health awareness campaign.
Acting as spotter on the political campaign trail for a major political party.
Working at a gallery in Indonesia curating cultural artefacts.
Volunteering with Camp America in the USA and developing a deeper understanding of developmental psychology.

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

International opportunities

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

By combining international exchange, professional internship and international research projects, you may be away for an entire year. Financial support is available through UMAP 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.

Explore global opportunities

Learning outcomes

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

Electives and course plan

This degree is based in the social sciences with a comprehensive psychology specialisation, comprising 11 psychology subjects, 9 social science subjects and 4 electives.

Year 1

You'll study the foundations and principles of psychology, plus social science units that explore:

environmental studies
economics
social constructionism
philosophy
sociology
politics.

Year 2

The emphasis shifts from social science to psychology. Here you will explore biological, developmental, cognitive and social psychology as well as a smaller number of social science subjects. You'll also begin using electives to develop areas of specialisation.

Year 3

You'll cover advanced psychology subjects on:

psychological assessment
the philosophy of psychology
psychopathology
program management
program evaluation.

Students will also undertake a 35-day professional work placement.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

Program code: BP112

Title

Location

Duration

Plan code

CRICOS

Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

City Campus

3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

BP112

035023D

Location

City Campus

Duration

3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Plan code

BP112

CRICOS

035023D

View plan

Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

City Campus

3 years full-time

BP112

035023D

Location

City Campus

Duration

3 years full-time

Plan code

BP112

CRICOS

035023D

View plan

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 BP112 - 3200333191

*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 BP112 - 3200333193

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

Find RMIT on VTAC

Career

You'll enjoy excellent employment prospects in the public, private and community sectors.

The skills learned in this course are especially relevant to areas such as child protection, human resource management, education, welfare and the health sector and in community-based agencies.

Graduates find work in areas including:

federal and state government departments (Centrelink, Department of Human Services)
disability services
rehabilitation services
community development programs
dispute mediation
employment placement and case management
equal employment opportunity program development
immigration advice and referral centres.

This degree also provides an academic foundation to pursue further specialised study in clinical, educational, organisational, developmental or forensic psychology.

This degree is the basis for further study if you want to become a practising psychologist.

To register as a psychologist, in addition to this degree, you'll need to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours) and the Master of Clinical Psychology, or equivalent.

Career options

social psychologist
social researcher
social policy officer
organisational behaviour specialist
human resources manager
welfare service officer.

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Professional recognition and accreditation

The psychology sequence of study included in this degree is accredited with conditions by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Successful completion of an APAC-accredited undergraduate psychology specialisation is a partial requirement for registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

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.

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

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

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12

School Network Access Program (SNAP)

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

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

Subject adjustments

A study score of 30 in Biology, Further Mathematics or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 6 points.

Regional adjustments

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

Equity access schemes

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

Elite Athlete Program

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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

I am an applicant with Vocational Education and Training study

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

We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.

You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:

Advanced Diploma: 81
Diploma: 72
Certificate IV: 54

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement 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.

I am an applicant with Higher Education study

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

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

You must have 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 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

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

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

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

Elite Athlete Program

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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

I am an applicant with Work and Life Experience

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

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.

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

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement 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

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 30 in Biology, Further Mathematics or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 6 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.

Additional information

Expand all sections

Professional compliance requirements

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.

Working With Children Check*

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.

Note: For placements undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.

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.

Inherent requirements

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

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

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

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

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

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

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

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

View inherent requirements

ATAR profile

View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.

View ATAR profile

Student profile

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

View student profile

*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.

RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.

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

Academic requirements

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

Select a study location*

Select a qualification gained*

Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

Learn about your pathway options

Prerequisites

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

Selection tasks

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

English language requirements

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

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

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

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

Additional information

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Inherent requirements

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

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

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

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

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

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

View inherent requirements

Professional compliance requirements

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.

Working With Children Check*

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.

Note: For placements undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.

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.

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

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.

Explore pathway finder

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Pathway options

Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

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

Find out if you might be eligible

Further study

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

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Pathway options

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

Coming from a partner institution?

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

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

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

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

Credit and recognition of prior learning

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

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

Further study

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

Fees

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Fee summary

2023 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$4,124 to AU$15,142*.

Additional expenses

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

New government eligibility rules in 2022 - low completion rates

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

Commonwealth supported places

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

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

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

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2023. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2023 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)	Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture	$4,124 per standard year $515 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology	$8,301 per standard year $1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science	$11,800 per standard year $1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture	$15,142 per standard year $1,892 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP.
Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

Fee assistance

HECS-HELP Loans

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

SA-HELP Loans

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

How does a HELP loan work?

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

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

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

Additional expenses

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

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

Scholarships

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

Explore scholarships

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Fee summary

The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$32,640.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$97,920.

View tuition fees for future years

Other costs

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

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

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

Important fee information

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

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

Scholarships

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

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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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