Bachelor of Environmental Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

UNDERGRADUATE

Understand the earth's five systems - the geosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere - and play an important role in protecting and advocating for the environment.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

ATAR 71.55*

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$ 40,320 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

In this degree, you will learn about processes that occur in the environment and choose to specialise in areas including environmental biology, environmental chemistry, and geospatial sciences.​

The environment faces threats and challenges that include climate change, habitat loss, emerging contaminant and pollution events, and food and water security. The breadth of these challenges requires a combination of knowledge and skills in chemistry, biology, statistics, research and earth sciences for an interdisciplinary approach to overcoming these difficulties.​

Over the course of your environmental studies, you will undertake both practical and industry-relevant activities, where you will:​

  • gain considerable hands-on experience with equipment, both in the laboratory and in the field​
  • undertake frequent field trips during the second and third year​
  • work on collaborative projects gaining hands-on experience.​

These activities involve working in small groups to foster teamwork and a collaborative approach to projects and research.

Why study environmental science at RMIT?

Real-world experience

Undertake field trips and research projects, gaining first-hand experience of environmental challenges and solutions.

Choose your career pathway

Tailor your degree to suit your interests and career goals, with a range of industry-relevant, cross-disciplinary minor options.

Build your network

Interact with science students from across disciplines at RMIT, sharing knowledge and establishing connections.

2 persons dressed in overalls in a knee-high river, poking at something in the river with a long plunger-like tool

What you will study

This degree covers the evaluation and monitoring of all aspects of the environment, along with providing you with critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to meet the challenges of managing the environment.

RMIT was one of the only local universities I could find that actually offered a Bachelor of Environmental Science, rather than a Bachelor of Science with an environmental major. The most important part for me was the practical components of my education, especially for this course, and I heard that RMIT was great for hands-on learning.

- Shannon Kelly, Bachelor of Environmental Science

Shannon Kelly, Bachelor of Environmental Science BP192
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Guaranteed Pathway options available

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

Details

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Learning and teaching

Your environmental science learning experience will be multimodal.

You will learn through innovative technologies, work through problems linked to environmental science and gain hands-on skills in field sampling, measurement, instrumentation and report writing through:

  • face-to-face lectorials and laboratories
  • online lectures
  • group workshops and tutorials
  • field activities.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed by a variety of methods including, exams, assignments, oral and written presentations, laboratory and field reports and project reports.

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.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

This environmental science degree has an Industry Advisory Committee that has members from a variety of institutions and future employers of RMIT graduates.​

The degree has strong connections with key environmental industries such as EPA Victoria, Parks Victoria, and Sustainability Victoria.​

In the final year of your degree, several activities focus on preparing you for the environmental industry.​

You will work in teams doing sampling across a range of environmental fields (e.g. riparian, water soil) then complete a research project either at RMIT or in conjunction with an external organisation that can be of your choice or from staff industry connections.​

You will participate in teamwork, a fundamental skill used when working with government and environmental agencies and consultancies. Some of the previous participating organisations include:​

  • Environment Protection Authority (EPA)​

  • Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action ​

  • Agriculture Victoria​

  • Parks Victoria​

  • CSIRO​

  • Catchment Management Authorities​

  • Water authorities​

  • Wineries​

  • Municipal councils​

  • Landcare​

  • Waterwatch​

  • Agrifutures Australia​

You will also have the opportunity to undertake a research project. Designed to replicate a professional consultancy practice, this will enable you as a final-year student, to apply your learned knowledge to an environmental issue across a range of different problems and perspectives.​

Overseas work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through overseas work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

Explore overseas study and work

You will study at the Melbourne City and Bundoora campuses.

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.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

 

Year 1

You will complete a common science first semester, where you will get the opportunity to explore other disciplines in your journey to becoming an environmental scientist. The common first semester, ensures that all students have a foundation of academic experience across many fields of science. This breadth of experience will enhance your employability and give you choice and flexibility in your degree pathway.​

Year 2

In the second year, you will study the processes that occur in the hydrosphere and the soil environment underpinned by field work. You will also explore topics including ecology and conservation and the need for data to support policy and decisions.​

You will choose your minor area of study. A range of options are available, including Environmental Biology, Environmental and Analytical Chemistry, and Geospatial Science.​

Year 3

In your third year, you continue with your chosen minor area of study and explore processes occurring in the atmosphere. ​

You will participate in a week-long field trip that will teach you how to work effectively in teams and expose you to standard field techniques across soil, terrestrial and aquatic fields.​

Your science projects provide you with opportunity to work, often in a team, on a project of your choice.​

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Environmental Science
Program code: BP192
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Environmental Science
City Campus
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
BP192P23
110981J
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Plan code
BP192P23
CRICOS
110981J
View plan
Bachelor of Environmental Science
City Campus
3 years full-time
BP192P23
110981J
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time
Plan code
BP192P23
CRICOS
110981J
View plan
Bachelor of Environmental Science
City Campus
3 years full time
BP192P6
047880G
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full time
Plan code
BP192P6
CRICOS
047880G
View plan
Bachelor of Environmental Science
City Campus
3 years full time
BP192P6
047880G
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full time
Plan code
BP192P6
CRICOS
047880G
View plan

Please note: The BP192P6 plan code is no longer available. All applicants should apply for the BP192P23 plan code.

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

Career

Two male students standing knee-deep in a pond collecting samples with a net.

Your environmental science career

Environmental scientists who graduate from RMIT University find employment in consultancies, government agencies, resource management, research and education, mining, and manufacturing.

Your work as an environmental scientist may involve laboratory work, field work, report writing, and research.

Typical tasks graduates perform include:

  • sample collection and analysis
  • waste management
  • ongoing monitoring and assessment
  • environmental impact assessment
  • site remediation
  • policy development
  • cleaner production
  • environmental education and training
  • emerging contaminant analysis
  • environmental auditing.

Many RMIT graduates are now in senior positions in several industry areas, including:

  • The Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
  • Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action​ (DEECA)
  • The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
  • catchment management authorities
  • agricultural and research agencies
  • environmental consultancies
  • higher education.
Ellie Anderson, Bachelor of Environmental Science BP192
A definite highlight of the course has been the hands-on laboratory and fieldwork experience. I gained a lot of practical skills relating to environmental science, and feel confident being able to take my range of skills out into the workforce.

- Ellie Anderson, Bachelor of Environmental Science

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All graduates will be eligible for membership of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand.

Entry requirements and admissions

Please note: From 2023, the BP192P6 plan is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should apply for the BP192P23 plan. Admissions information for the BP192P23 plan is listed below.

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 27 in English as an Additional Language (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

AND

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 20 in one of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics

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.

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 Information Technology, Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study.

Overall maximum of 8 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 family and life circumstances, financial hardship and living with a 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 VTAC Equity scheme and scholarships and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Equity schemes and scholarships .
  • 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

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.

Your STAT results are valid for 2 years prior to the commencement of your study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • 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.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult family and life circumstances, financial hardship and living with a 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 VTAC Equity scheme and scholarships and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Equity schemes and scholarships .
  • 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 satisfactorily completed at least four courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.

Your STAT results are valid for 2 years prior to the commencement of your study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • 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.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

Personal statement

If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress, you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.

If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.

If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult family and life circumstances, financial hardship and living with a 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 VTAC Equity scheme and scholarships and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Equity schemes and scholarships .
  • 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., Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites. 

Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.

Your STAT results are valid for 2 years prior to the commencement of your study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • 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.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Subject adjustments

A study score of 25 in any Information Technology, Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study.

Overall maximum of 8 points.

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult family and life circumstances, financial hardship and living with a 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 VTAC Equity scheme and scholarships and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Equity schemes and scholarships .
  • 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.

View ATAR 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.

Find RMIT on VTAC

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

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 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?

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: 

  • a study score of at least 20 in one of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics

or equivalent studies.

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.

Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.

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 at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Additional information

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If you have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 such as VCE, you can find the ATAR for your RMIT course on our admissions transparency page.

View ATAR 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.

Find RMIT on VTAC

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.

Explore the pathway finder
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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.

View pathway details

Guaranteed Pathways available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed for entry into your dream course?

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.

Find out more about Guaranteed Pathways

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

An honours year is available. You may then wish to undertake research project to gain a Master by Research or PhD degree.

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When you successfully complete the Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management you are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Environmental Science with 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points).

 

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 to the Bachelor of Science  (Honours).

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate degrees.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,627 to AU$16,992.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • 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.

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 2025. 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 2025 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,627 per standard year
$578 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 $9,314 per standard year
$1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,241 per standard year
$1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,992 per standard year
$2,124 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.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

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 2025 is $365.

Materials fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

Find materials fees for this course

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

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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.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

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 2025 is $365.

Material fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

Find materials fees for this course

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.

Explore scholarships

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.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions
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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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information