Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media)

Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media)

UNDERGRADUATE

Delve into the vibrant world of animation and explore 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, special effects and more at a leading design university.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Range of criteria*

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$42,240 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media) looks at animation in all its forms, from the animated character to motion graphics across linear and interactive environments. Presented in a creative environment, this degree focuses on intellectual investigation and conceptual development.

Upon graduating, you will demonstrate aesthetic and intellectual maturity, as well as strong technical abilities within design, media and art disciplines.

Students and staff enjoy wide national and international acknowledgement, and exhibit in festivals and conferences such as Siggraph, MIAF, LIAF, MILIA and Annecy.

At RMIT, you're learning from the best. Our art, design and animation courses regularly rank in the top 10 internationally, and are considered some of the best in Australia. Many of our teaching staff are practising artists, designers and industry practitioners. They are experienced educators who are actively engaged in research in their areas of expertise. 

I'm very happy to be at RMIT because of my teachers. They all have over 10 years experience so they know what students want. They teach us design skills as well as everything about the industry.
Portrait of Kiki Yan, Foundation Studies, Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media) at RMITat RMIT - Kiki Yan, Foundation Studies, Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media) at RMIT at RMIT

Details

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In this degree, there is a strong focus of practical learning, even in theory subjects.

Your study will take place in studios and workshops, and will include a guest lecture series from staff from industry.

A major component of the course is studio practice. This will engage you in learning about animation and interactive media through immersion into the discipline, its methods and practices through set projects and briefs.

You will be assessed through presentations, digital submission and peer-reviewed work. Over the three years, you will work towards the completion of an industry-ready folio of work including a major production.

Work placement and internships are available through the studio courses.

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.

This course replicates work found in real-world industry studios. Assigned tasks simulate industry-based work practices.

Previous students have found work placements with animation and media agencies such as LucasArts, Viskatoons, and Iloura as a result of program industry connections.

This is the top animation degree in Victoria, helping to attract a strong international student cohort.

The global focus of skills taught means your proficiency can be applied globally. As a result, you will be encouraged to submit your work to international festivals to receive global recognition during and upon graduation.

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.

Duration and study load

3 years full-time.

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.

3 years 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.

You’ll start your hands-on learning from day one, allowing you three full years of exposure to the design and artistic elements of animation.

Year 1

Through imaging, design, media studies and production studios, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to animation and interactive media. You will cover areas of narrative development, as well as developing performance, visual and aural literacy.

Year 2

In semester 1 you will study 2D and 3D animation, interactive media, and digital effects.

In semester 2 you will engage in the studio model through electing to work on particular projects or briefs. You will also select electives from 2D and 3D animation, sound design, interactive media, video, experimental video, and alternative animation.

Year 3

In the final year there is emphasis on collaborative and conceptual development. You again engage with the studio model and choose another elective. In the final semester you will produce a major work of your own design, the final outcome of which will be an industry-ready folio to showcase your skills and abilities.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media)
Program code: BP203
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media)
City Campus
3 years full-time (6 semesters)
BP203P14
079976B
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time (6 semesters)
Plan code
BP203P14
CRICOS
079976B
View plan
Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media)
City Campus
3 years full-time
BP203P14
079976B
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time
Plan code
BP203P14
CRICOS
079976B
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 BP203P14 - 3200333261

*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 BP203P14 - 3200333263

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

Career

As the relevance and importance of media design and creative skills expand, our graduates are in high demand. They work as:

  • animators
  • motion graphics designers
  • character designers
  • pre production artists
  • 3D visualisers and modellers
  • visual effects artists
  • web designers
  • art directors
  • digital artists
  • teachers
  • self-employed business owners and artists.
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This degree has strong connections with the creative industry through organisations such as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Experimedia and Film Victoria.

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. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task.

Selection task

Semester 1, 2023

The Animation and Interactive Media selection task is now closed for Semester 1 2023. The deadline to submit the selection task for this intake was on 18 November 2022.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants

If you are applying via VTAC, you must complete and submit the Animation and Interactive Media selection task by the following date:

VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
All VTAC applicants

18 November 2022
Selection task dates for direct applicants

You must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
All direct applicants

18 November 2022
Selection task requirements
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Describe your reasons for wanting to study and what interests you about animation and interactive media. Please include the influences on your work (e.g. film, television, literature, art, design, music, people or culture) (maximum 400 words).

Provide a single PDF of 12 A4 size pages with images of your own work (3D, 2D, photographs, graphics, drawings etc) that best showcase your creativity. 

Links to online folios can be included (excluding Instagram/Pinterest). Multiple images on a page are acceptable (maximum size 10MB).

Create a ‘storyboard’ with a sequence of pictures (without words or text) based on one of these four themes:

  • Box
  • Riot
  • Clockwork
  • Cold

Tell the story as a comic strip style sequence using no more than twelve images. In your storyboard, use images one to ten to develop the story which may lead to an unexpected, amusing or surprise ending in the last one or two images. 

You may use original hand drawn graphic, collage or photographic means to create the images. 

The aim of this task is to help us evaluate your ability to communicate and illustrate your ideas using visual language.  

The storyboard must be formatted as a single PDF (maximum size 10MB).

Folio presentation (some applicants)

Most applicants will be selected based on their selection task. If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to present your folio.

Folio presentations will be held in December. 

An advisory letter indicating the outcome of your selection task will be sent from December.

Semester 2 2023

Selection task details and submission dates will be available on 1 May 2023 for programs with a midyear intake. 

Selection criteria by applicant type

The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.

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

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.

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.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).

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.

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.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

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

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

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

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

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

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

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

Elite Athlete Program

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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

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.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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

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

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

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

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

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

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

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

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

Art and Design application tips

View the following videos for some practical application advice:

Female student looking at an art folio
Applying for Art and Design courses

Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.

two students looking at artwork
Art and design selection interviews

Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.

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.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a selection task for this program. See below for full selection task details.

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.

Selection task

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Semester 1, 2023

Selection task dates

The Animation and Interactive Media selection task is now closed for Semester 1 2023. The deadline to submit the selection task for this intake was on 18 November 2022.

If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to present your folio. Folio presentations will be held in December.

VTAC round Register and submit the selection task by
VTAC international applicants

18 November 2022

Selection task requirements

Applicant statement

Describe your reasons for wanting to study and what interests you about animation and interactive media. Please include the influences on your work (e.g. film, television, literature, art, design, music, people or culture) (maximum 400 words).

Creative work

Provide a single PDF of 12 A4 size pages with images of your own work (3D, 2D, photographs, graphics, drawings etc) that best showcase your creativity.

Links to online folios can be included (excluding Instagram/Pinterest). Multiple images on a page are acceptable (maximum size 10MB).

Visual storytelling task

Create a ‘storyboard’ with a sequence of pictures (without words or text) based on one of these four themes: 

  • Box
  • Riot
  • Clockwork
  • Cold

Tell the story as a comic strip style sequence using no more than twelve images. In your storyboard, use images one to ten to develop the story which may lead to an unexpected, amusing or surprise ending in the last one or two images.  

You may use original hand drawn graphic, collage or photographic means to create the images.  

The aim of this task is to help us evaluate your ability to communicate and illustrate your ideas using visual language.  

The storyboard must be formatted as a single PDF (maximum size 10MB).

Semester 1, 2024

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2023. 

Art and Design application tips

View the following videos for some practical application advice:

Female student looking at an art folio
Applying for Art and Design courses

Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.

two students looking at artwork
Art and design selection interviews

Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 125kb) along with your application. 

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

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.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media) with an overall GPA of 3.0 out of 4 are guaranteed entry into the MC232 Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity upon application and will be exempt from completing the selection tasks.

Graduates the Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media) with an overall GPA less than 3.0 out of 4 must complete the selection tasks and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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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.

You are guaranteed entry to the Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity when you successfully complete this program with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0). You will receive credit (equivalent to 48 credit points).

If you achieve below the minimum GPA, you may still apply with submission of a selection task. Assessment is on a case-by-case basis and entry is not guaranteed.

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

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$42,240.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$126,720.

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

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

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

Applying for refunds

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

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

More information
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

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

More information