Bachelor of Architectural Design

Bachelor of Architectural Design

UNDERGRADUATE

Gain the skills you need to be a leading architect. Work on real-world briefs and study in a world-class studio environment to create something that lasts. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Range of criteria*

Duration:
Full-time 3 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$48,960 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Acknowledged by the national and international architectural profession, the Bachelor of Architectural Design is designed to help you develop a rich understanding of architecture, and build a diverse set of skills that will carry you through your career.

Learn in an environment that is similar to a cutting-edge architectural design firm. Through your core and elective subjects, you'll have the opportunity to focus on your drawing, 2D and 3D design skills, and will be surrounded by like-minded creatives. You'll combine both experimental and speculative design with practical projects, and engage with real-life industry projects to expand your knowledge and help you discover innovative approaches to problem solving.

Learning from internationally-recognised and award-winning architects alongside visiting national and international experts, consultants and specialists, you will explore the core skills required of an architect and architectural designer. As a student, you will be immersed in new ideas and perspectives that will develop your design and communication skills.

Why study architectural design at RMIT?

Industry links

Design studios delivered by academic experts, innovative designers and international practitioners.

Hands-on learning

Learn in an environment that is similar to a cutting-edge architectural design firm.

Path to accreditation

This course is a pathway to the Master of Architecture, and professional accreditation.

Student in an orange top wears an orange top and a VR headset as she builds the Greek God Dad Bod Pavilion.

Slowbuild Augmented Reality Studio

Observe Bachelor of Architectural Design students designing, producing, assembling and hand-painting the inhabitable Greek God Dad Bod Pavilion structure over six weeks, using state-of-the-art facilities with the Slowbuild Augmented Reality Studio.

Details

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Learning and teaching

It’s all centred around design.

Our unique design studios are one of the major reasons why RMIT Architecture and its graduates are so highly regarded by industry.

Learning intensively in small groups, you will have the opportunity to work intensively on one project throughout the semester. In your studios, you will have the opportunity to develop skills in drawing, 2D and 3D design in an environment that follows the best practice of a local or international design firm. Run by academics and leading members of industry, design studios provide a unique way of exploring ideas by challenging future designers, and allowing them to connect with peers, industry, and other disciplines.

Studios are located across the city campus and within the multi award-winning RMIT Design Hub designed by RMIT architecture alumni Sean Godsell. 

Assessment methods

In the Bachelor of Architectural Design, your assessment relies upon continuous cycles of reviewing, feedback and reflection. Throughout your study, your work is presented verbally, critiqued and submitted in a portfolio of drawings and images. Each semester, work from your design studios is presented as a part of a public exhibition.

Other forms of assessment include assignments and projects, presentations, essays, and tests. 

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.

Learn from internationally-recognised and award-winning architects.

RMIT aArchitecture is well known for its long-standing links with industry. Design studios are delivered by academic staff, as well as sessional staff from innovative practices, or visiting international practitioners and academics.

In design studios, you will also have the opportunity to work on real world projects with local and global community and industry partners. Many public lectures are held throughout the year, led by prominent local and international architects and urban designers.

Recent studio partners:

  • RMIT Associate Lecturer Amy Muir
    MUIR Architecture
  • RMIT Associate Professor Paul Minifie and Dr Jan van Schaik (lecturer)
    MvS Architects
  • RMIT Professor of Architecture Carey Lyon
    Lyons Architecture
  • RMIT Adjunct Professors Howard Raggatt and Ian McDougall
    ARM Architecture

The Bachelor of Architectural Design has a range of international exchange agreements with universities in the USA, Europe and Asia.

You’ll also have the opportunity to choose design studios that require overseas travel, and give you the opportunity to work with students from international universities.

Recent design studios have included collaborations with students in Berlin, Germany and architecture practices in Shanghai, China.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

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

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

This degree forms part of a five-year specialist degree, made up of the three year Bachelor of Architectural Design plus the two year Master of Architecture by coursework.

The Bachelor of Architectural Design offers a range of opportunities to develop a strong knowledge base in the field and experience the architectural design process.

From first term, first semester you will be hands-on in design studios developing your design skills and learning in an environment that follows the best practice of an innovative architectural design firm.

Design studios typically makes up half the degree each semester and are taught in small groups. You will focus on a particular theme and project each semester. After first semester, you’ll be able to select which design studio you wish to follow, completing one per semester.

Supporting subjects such as technology, communication and history comprise the remainder of your degree, and give you an understanding of the social and physical contexts of the built environment, as well as teaching you drawing skills.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Architectural Design
Program code: BP250
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Architectural Design
City Campus
3 years full-time
BP250
060830J
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time
Plan code
BP250
CRICOS
060830J
View plan
Bachelor of Architectural Design
City Campus
3 years full-time
BP250
060830J
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time
Plan code
BP250
CRICOS
060830J
View plan

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

Career

This undergraduate degree is a stand-alone award that provides employment options for those who seek to work as an urban designer, in architectural practices or as a designer more generally, in roles that do not require professional registration.

Students must complete the Master of Architecture to be eligible to apply for accreditation as an architect.

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Graduates may be employed in an architectural practice or a related design field, but need to complete the Master of Architecture in order to be eligible to apply to be professionally recognised as an architect. In Australia, completion of the Master degree will allow you, following two years’ professional experience, to sit the Architects Registration Board examination and register as an architect.

 

Admissions

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 30 in English (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

The Architecture selection task is now closed for Semester 1 2024. The submission deadline was 6 October 2023.

Graduates of RMIT's Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) can still apply and are guaranteed an interview for the Bachelor of Architectural Design. After you have applied either directly to RMIT or via VTAC, please email the following documents to the School at aud.he@rmit.edu.au and include your RMIT student ID number:

  • an application statement outlining your motivations and aspirations for studying architecture
  • CV
  • Folio

For more information, please refer to the selection task requirements below for applicants with one year of tertiary studies in a design discipline.

Selection task dates

If you are applying via VTAC, you must complete and submit the Architectural Design selection task by the following date:

VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
All VTAC applicants 6 October 2023
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
 6 October 2023

Selection task requirements

For applicants without one year of tertiary studies in a design discipline
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Outline your motivations and aspirations for studying architecture including details of any relevant experience such as employment, voluntary work, etc and how this strengthens your application to this program (maximum 250 words).

For this exercise, you are required to identify an issue or major site and respond to it by presenting bold ideas and visions for its future. 

Your site can be a building, a street or a public space that you wish to reconsider through design. 

Your design vision may be informed by opportunities you identify within the site.  

Alternatively, you can engage with current or recurring issues facing society or the built environment as a way of expressing your ideas about design. 

You are encouraged to be ambitious and brave in the design work that you present in response to this exercise. In preparing your response, think broadly, imaginatively and be creative. 

Your proposal does not have to be practical or even possible, it could be for now or a long way into the future. 

There is no one correct response to this exercise and you are not expected to have any substantial prior knowledge of architecture. 

The selection panel will be assessing your ideas and vision and not your ability to communicate architectural ideas visually. 

You should draw on your own experience, research, and skills to put forward your own ideas. 

Consider the issue or site and your design response carefully before preparing your final submission so that your ideas are clearly presented to the selection panel.

Submission instructions

Your submission must be an original and specific response to the design idea exercise.

You should expect to spend approximately eight hours on this exercise.

Your submission should clearly identify the issue or site you are responding to and include:

  • A graphic illustration of your design proposal. You are free to use any medium to communicate your ideas including: drawing, illustration, model making (submit photographs only), photomontage, collage, painting, computer modelling/rendering - anything that you think will express your ideas and proposal. Make sure to scan or digitise hand drawings and photographs at a higher resolution for clarity.
  • A concise written description of the design problem or site and your analysis of what you have identified as issues or opportunities for your design proposal (maximum 100 words).
  • A clearly written description of your design proposal (maximum 100 words).

Upload your submission in one single PDF file containing no more than 4 pages (maximum size 10MB).

Your single PDF file must be named as follows: (Your first name)_(Your Surname).pdf.

For applicants with one year of tertiary studies in a design discipline

For applicants who will have successfully completed at least one year of tertiary study in a design discipline, e.g. architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, graphic design, art or fashion design, or an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) by the program commencement date:

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Outline your motivations and aspirations for studying architecture including details of any relevant experience such as employment, voluntary work, etc and how this strengthens your application to this program (maximum 250 words).

Upload your academic transcript (s) of your previous study in design and your curriculum vitae (CV).

Your folio must comprise of 3 to 5 projects. For each project please include: 

  • a brief description of the project intent 
  • some developmental work (drawings, models, renderings, sketches etc.) 
  • a series of images of the final outcome.

Each project may have up to 4 pages dedicated to it (no more than 20 pages for the entire folio). Please ensure your folio is well organised and clearly presented. 

It is important to demonstrate in your folio how you have engaged in the creative process and how these efforts respond to the constraints and issues inherent in the project. The folio will demonstrate your development of creative ideas in a logical sequence. 

You are also encouraged to include photographs of 3D models and mock-ups.  

Projects can include work from previous study, as well as your own projects. Include any projects that demonstrate your potential to follow a design process. Projects that demonstrate an ability to realise a 3D outcome are encouraged.  

You may include up to one page of projects completed in architectural work-related project experience, but this is not essential. If you choose to do this, it needs to be clearly differentiated and labelled. 

Submission instructions

Your folio should be collated in a single PDF (maximum size 10MB). Alternatively, you can provide a URL to your work. Please provide a username and/or password if applicable.

Interview (shortlisted applicants)

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview. Interviews will be held in December 2023 and shortlisted applicants will be advised by the end of November the date they are required to attend.

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

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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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 and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of 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 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 and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.

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

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.

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 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 and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.

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

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and 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.

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 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 one year of tertiary study, comparable to the first year of this program, undertaken in a design discipline (architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, graphic design, art or fashion design).

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 30 in English (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

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early 2024 for programs with a midyear intake. 

You must complete and submit the Architectural Design selection task.  

For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.   

Selection task dates

The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Timely applicants TBC
Late applicants TBC

Selection task requirements

Selection task requirements will be available early 2024 for programs with a midyear intake.

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.

Expand all sections

If you are in this category, you are not eligible to apply for this program in this intake.

You must have successfully completed at least one year of tertiary study, comparable to the first year of this program, undertaken in a design discipline (architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, graphic design, art or fashion design).

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of 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 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 one year of tertiary study, comparable to the first year of this program, undertaken in a design discipline (architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, graphic design, art or fashion design).

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.

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

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.

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 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.

If you are in this category, you are not eligible to apply for this program in this intake.

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 equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.

For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to an Australian Year 12, see the Entry requirements by country web page.

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.

If you are applying for July intake, you must have successfully completed one of the following within 10 years of the program commencement date:

  • the RMIT Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) and satisfy the interview requirement

OR

  • a minimum of one year tertiary study comparable to the first year of this program, undertaken in a design discipline (architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, graphic design, art or fashion design).
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 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.

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

Selection tasks by applicant type

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Semester 1, 2024 selection task

The Architecture selection task is now closed for Semester 1 2024. The submission deadline was 6 October 2023. 

Selection task requirements

You are required to provide the following:

  • a statement outlining your motivations and aspirations for studying architecture including details of any relevant experience such as employment, voluntary work, etc and how this strengthens your application to this program (maximum 250 words) 
  • a design idea exercise. For this exercise you are required to identify an issue or major site and respond to it by presenting bold ideas and visions for its future. Your site can be a building, a street or a public space that you wish to reconsider through design. Your design vision may be informed by opportunities you identify within the site. Alternatively, you can engage with current or recurring issues facing society or the built environment as a way of expressing your ideas about design.

You are encouraged to be ambitious and brave in the design work that you present in response to this exercise. In preparing your response, think broadly, imaginatively and be creative.

Your proposal does not have to be practical or even possible, it could be for now or a long way into the future. There is no one correct response to this exercise and you are not expected to have any substantial prior knowledge of architecture. The selection panel will be assessing your ideas and vision and not your ability to communicate architectural ideas visually.

You should draw on your own experience, research, and skills to put forward your own ideas. Consider the issue or site and your design response carefully before preparing your final submission so that your ideas are clearly presented to the selection panel. 

Submission instructions

Your submission must be an original and specific response to the design idea exercise.

You should expect to spend approximately eight hours on this exercise.

Your submission should clearly identify the issue or site you are responding to and include:

  • A graphic illustration of your design proposal. You are free to use any medium to communicate your ideas including: drawing, illustration, model making (submit photographs only), photomontage, collage, painting, computer modelling/rendering - anything that you think will express your ideas and proposal. Make sure to scan or digitise hand drawings and photographs at a higher resolution for clarity.
  • A concise written description of the design problem or site and your analysis of what you have identified as issues or opportunities for your design proposal (maximum 100 words).
  • A clearly written description of your design proposal (maximum 100 words).

Upload your submission in one single PDF file containing no more than 4 pages (maximum size 10MB). Your single PDF file must be named as follows: (Your first name)_(Your Surname).pdf.

Interview (shortlisted applicants)

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview. Interviews will be held in December 2023 and shortlisted applicants will be advised by the end of November the date they are required to attend.

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

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.

Semester 1, 2025

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2024. 

Selection task dates

VTAC round Register and submit the selection task by

VTAC international applicants

 TBC

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 140kb) along with your application. 

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.

From your degree to the masters

The Bachelor of Architectural Design provides a pathway into the Master of Architecture, and is also portable into professional programs in architecture with a similar structure agreement.

Guaranteed entry into the masters

Graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design with an overall GPA of 2.5 (out of 4) are guaranteed entry into the Master of Architecture and will be exempt from completing the selection task.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design with a GPA lower than 2.5 (out of 4) may still apply for entry into the Master of Architecture and must complete the selection task. They will be assessed on merit based on their selection task.

You’ll also have the option to study the Master of Urban Design upon completion of the Bachelor of Architectural Design.

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

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

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

When you successfully complete the Bachelor of Architectural Design and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5, you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Architecture. If you achieve below the minimum GPA, you may still apply and will need to attend an interview. You will be assessed on a case by case basis.

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

Fees

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2024 indicative fees

In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • 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.

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 2024. 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 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 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 $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 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 2024 is $351.  

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.

Irana Turynska Scholarship

For students who identify as a woman in their third year of the Bachelor of Architectural Design or first year of the Master of Architecture; worth up to $10,000.

Carey Lyon Scholarship

For full-time Architecture students who can demonstrate circumstances which impact their study; worth $7,500.

Bruce Henderson Architects Scholarship

For Bachelor of Architectural Design or Master of Architecture students who can demonstrate circumstances which impact their study; worth up to $10,000 per annum.

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 2024 is AU$48,960.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$151,680.

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

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

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

Applying for refunds

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

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

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Acknowledgement of Country

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

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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