Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry)

Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry)

UNDERGRADUATE

Explore trends and issues in music and gain the skills to pursue a career in sound engineering, artist and event management, journalism and more.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

ATAR 68.20*

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

Commonwealth supported places

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$33,600 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Take your love of the music industry to a new level!

Study in the heart of Melbourne, the exciting music capital of Australia and home to thriving local scenes, buskers, bars, clubs, theatres and festivals. You will learn about key music technologies, global music cultures, popular music scenes, music business practice and live music performance.

The Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) is a one-of-a-kind degree that is renowned for its blend of project-based work and academic study. You’ll have opportunities to pursue your own interests, such as creative music-making with Ableton Live, in addition to developing your critical thinking and problem solving skills. In your final year of study, you’ll undertake an internship at a music industry organisation that suits your career aspirations, giving you work experience before you graduate.

Headshot of Hayden Ryan on a dark background. Light halos the top of his head. He has long, dark, wavy hair and facial hair and lip piercings.
The ambitions that I carried throughout my undergraduate years were always supported by the staff, who would go above and beyond, and still do, to assist me with anything from references, to editing, to job opportunities.

- Hayden Ryan, Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) graduate and Yuin man from Narooma

We understand the changing dynamic of the music industry, and we know the skills that employers are looking for. You will have the training, practical experience and theoretical knowledge that ensures you are ready for a variety of careers in the music industry and the broader creative arts sector. 

Why study music industry at RMIT?

Expert academics

Learn from people with first-hand knowledge of performance, touring, journalism and event coordination.

Professional internships

Gain hands-on experience at a record label, touring organisation, radio station or live venue.

High-end facilities

Get creative in our Ableton Live music production studio, and hone your skills in our DJ studio.

Details

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In this degree, you will be taught by staff who have many years of industry and research experience.

Our ongoing lecturing staff hold relevant PhD qualifications and have first-hand knowledge of music performance, international touring, music journalism, event coordination and/or the music business. In addition, we invite guest teachers from across the spectrum of cultural organisations, arts bodies, and music businesses. This enables our students to experience the breadth and depth of employment possibilities in the music industry.

You’ll learn through a variety of teaching and learning modes, such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, work integrated learning and problem-solving workshops. There will also be opportunities for hands-on learning through music-making in our Ableton Live music production studio, and DJ studio. The final year of study involves an industry placement where you’ll learn from professionals in a real-world setting.

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.

The Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) staff have established relationships with a broad range of influential music industry organisations, which they draw on for research, teaching and assessment activities.

These organisations include the Mushroom Group (a leader in recording and publishing), Music Victoria (the peak advisory body for industry workers in Melbourne), the Australian Music Vault (which documents Australian music history), The Push (youth music organisation) as well as the Victorian Music Development Office, Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copywrite Owners Society (APRA AMCOS), the Australian Music Centre, and many more.

In the third year of your degree, you will get a taste of music industry work when you undertake your internship. Our students have been placed at commercial record labels Universal Music Australia, Warner Music Australia, and Sony; indie labels Chapter Music and Milk! Records; touring organisations such as Frontier; radio stations such as PBS FM; and at key live music venues/companies such as The Tote, the Corner Hotel, Laundry Bar, Opera Australia, and the Melbourne Theatre Company. Other opportunities have included interning at recording studios, music festivals, management and promotion companies, and many more depending on the student’s field of interest. Many of our interns have progressed into paid roles in these organisations.

The Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) degree provides perspectives on global music industries and global music cultures via our curriculum.

As a student, you can expand on this knowledge though RMIT’s exchange opportunities with our partner universities from across the world: undertake global work, do a semester abroad or choose an overseas study experience. The choice is yours. 

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.

3 years full-time.

July Entry: Students are required to complete subjects intensively over one summer semester during the first year of the degree (comprising 48 credit points).

Full or part- time study is determined by how many credit points you are enrolled in during the semester. An undergraduate full-time study load is considered to be 48 credit points (approximately three to four subjects) and part-time is considered to be 24 credit points or fewer (approximately two subjects) per semester.

If you need to reduce your study load below 48 credit points in any semester throughout your degree, please discuss your study options with your academic advisor prior to enrolment.  This may impact your enrolment structure, program duration and tuition fees

3 years full-time.

July Entry: The July entry is for eligible applicants with advanced standing only.

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

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 allows you to complete a specialisation (major course of study) in music industry.

You will also complete a minor specialisation in an area of interest, as well as elective subjects. Together, these subjects enable you to have a well-rounded education that equips you with a range of skills and knowledge to embark on the career of your choice in the music industry. 

Music Industry major

This is the main coursework you will undertake in this degree.

Year 1

You will study people and practices in the music industry, as well as performance and production techniques. You’ll also have a choice of creative opportunities and workshop-style classes, where you will study topics such as Ableton Live production, social media creation, or music business concepts.

Year 2

You will study historical and contemporary styles and genres of music; global perspectives about society, culture and industry; and key issues surrounding music in popular culture. As with Year 1, you will have an opportunity to explore your own interests via practical classes.

Year 3

You will prepare for graduation by exploring the many career pathways in the music industry, and undertaking a major project of your own design. The internship, or work placement, is a key aspect of Year 3. Here you will undertake approximately 60-80 hours of internship activities at music industry organisations. You’ll gain real-world experiences in professional workplaces, and develop networking opportunities for employment.

Minor

In addition to your Music Industry major, you will choose a minor specialisation in one of the following streams: Approaches to Popular Culture; Asian Media and Culture; Cinema Studies; Contemporary Politics & Communication; or Literary Studies. Through your minor you will investigate broader cultural, social and historical perspectives.

School electives and University electives

Choose from a wide range of electives in the School of Media and Communication, from podcasting, to advertising media, to making music videos, to learning how to DJ. You can also select from electives from across the university, from business topics to languages.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry)
Program code: BP047
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry)
City Campus
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
BP047
065131G
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Plan code
BP047
CRICOS
065131G
View plan
Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry)
City Campus
3 years full-time
BP047
065131G
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time
Plan code
BP047
CRICOS
065131G
View plan

VTAC code

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

  • Plan BP047 - 3200333181

*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 BP047 - 3200333183

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

Career

Alice Ivy. Media music industry.

ARIA nominated producer / musician Alice Ivy, winner of Triple J Unearthed Listen Out

Since graduating from the Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) degree, artist Annika Schmarsel aka Alice Ivy has performed and recorded her music to wide acclaim and travelled the world.

Graduates are employed in a variety of areas within the music industries and the broader creative industries. Completion of the degree offers you the opportunity to find employment in these industries through industry-based projects and placements.

RMIT students experience a high level of employment upon graduation due to their professional skill level. This degree provides a broad overview of the music industries, and the type of career this qualification leads to may include:

  • artist manager
  • broadcaster or podcaster
  • concert manager or promotor
  • digital music producer/composer
  • music administrator
  • music distributor
  • music event manager
  • music policy advisor
  • music writer/journalist
  • performer
  • private music educator
  • recording artist
  • sound designer
  • sound/studio engineer
  • teacher

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.

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. 
  • This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
  • 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 outlining:

  • reasons for wanting to study this program
  • awareness of current issues facing the music industry
  • personal career aspirations
  • your current involvement in music activities such as music performances, productions or other relevant industry experience. Please provide evidence such as YouTube, Sound Cloud or other website links. For collaborative work, applicants must detail their role, and the role of the collaborator(s).

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. 
  • This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
  • 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 outlining:

  • reasons for wanting to study this program
  • awareness of current issues facing the music industry
  • personal career aspirations
  • your current involvement in music activities such as music performances, productions evidence of any music performance, production or other relevant industry experience. Please provide evidence such as may include YouTube, Sound Cloud or other website links. For collaborative work, applicants must detail their role, and the role of the collaborator(s).

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. 
  • This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
  • 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 outlining:

  • reasons for wanting to study this program
  • awareness of current issues facing the music industry
  • personal career aspirations
  • your current involvement in music activities such as music performances, productions evidence of any music performance, production or other relevant industry experience. Please provide evidence such as may include YouTube, Sound Cloud or other website links. For collaborative work, applicants must detail their role, and the role of the collaborator(s).

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:

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. 
  • This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
  • 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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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 65% (see calculator below).

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

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

Entry score calculator
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

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.

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.

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 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$33,600.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$100,800.

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