Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)

Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)

UNDERGRADUATE

Become a writing professional. Gain industry connections with passionate writers. 

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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:

Range of criteria

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$36,480 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Work closely on your writing in an intensive studio model with world-leading lecturers and creative practitioners, improving your writing and solving problems from industry.

This degree is designed to make you confident, skilled and adaptable in today’s creative industries - where writing and editing are essential skills, and so are creativity, communication, and critical thinking.

Along with leading genres like fiction, screen and digital writing, you’ll become an adaptable writer by learning the skills to adjust to a constantly changing industry, spending deep time with your creative work, trying experiments, and gaining new knowledge. A flair for creative expression will be complemented by proficiency in the business of writing, allowing you to understand the publishing process and learn the skills required to become a freelance writer, collaborator or creative entrepreneur, across multiple media platforms.

With a strong emphasis on industry connections, you will develop a large network of relationships throughout the degree, maximising your opportunities to gain employment upon graduation and building a potentially lifelong network of creative peers.

As a graduate of this degree, you can expect to work in a variety of roles, as writers, editors, publishers, screenwriters, screen producers, digital and mobile media creators, and producers of events like writers’ festivals.

The Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) was unlike anything offered at other universities. At RMIT, creative writing was the focus of the degree - not a singular unit or area of study. I felt reassured that I wouldn’t just be spending three years studying something I loved - I’d also get a career out of it at the end. It’s such a unique degree that lends itself to all kinds of industries and career outcomes.
Pallavi Daniel, Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) - Pallavi Daniel, Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing).
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Guaranteed Pathway options available

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

Details

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Throughout this degree, you will learn how to develop your creative, critical and professional skills as a writer in a range of learning environments including workshops, seminars, intensives and face-to-face studios.

You will undertake individual projects and work in teams. You will focus closely on your own writing, immersed in your creative work, and undertake writing intensives aimed at building a rigorous creative practice.

You will also work towards solving problems from industry and building international communities of peers by responding to briefs. Recent partners include Jakarta Post, the Emerging Writers' Festival, and SingLitStation Singapore. You may have the opportunity to participate in the Emerging Writers’ Festival Gazette which involves making and publishing a dynamic daily newspaper; travelling to China to collaborate with local writers; or hosting Singaporean writers and collaborating on an event for Melbourne Writers Festival.

As part of the curriculum you will hone your writing skills, connecting to students and lecturers across the creative industries and enhancing your employability. You may participate in collaborative studios with media, editing and publishing students, or work on projects with students from design, advertising and photography disciplines.

Our key staff are authors, screenwriters, essayists, playwrights, reviewers and researchers. They work across digital, screen and print writing platforms, and integrate their creative practice with a dedication to teaching excellence and world-leading research.

This degree offers guest lectures and master classes by industry professionals from Australia and around the world. The work you produce will be assessed by peers, guests and workshop leaders throughout your three years of study. You will receive professional feedback from industry practitioners and learn to offer valuable criticism yourself.

You will have the opportunity to work in studios with students from other communication disciplines on projects such as short films, writers’ festivals, digital projects and book productions.

Internships and work placements are offered as part of the degree and present a chance to develop vital connections to the industry while you study.

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 degree has close ties with all aspects of the writing and publishing industries, including publishers such as Hardie Grant Books and Hachette Publishing; screen industry leaders like Film Victoria and Channel Seven; writers’ festivals including Melbourne Writers Festival and the Emerging Writers’ Festival; and cutting-edge leaders of the industry including digital publishers and literary journals.

Recent students have collaborated with visiting writers from Singapore on an event at Melbourne Writers Festival; published comics with award-winning Risograph publisher Glom Press; and collaborated with writers from China on publishing projects through emerging mobile technologies. In these studios students learn teamwork, responsiveness and project leadership, helping to develop diverse and flexible careers.

You will have the opportunity to meet and engage with guest lecturers and writers-in-residence, including poets and short story writers, publishers, reviewers and scriptwriters, to gain insight into the world of writing and the diverse possibilities of production and publication.

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

You will have the opportunity to participate in overseas student exchange and volunteer for events that expose you to local and international writing opportunities and industry professionals.

RMIT’s Creative Writing degrees have links with many leading Creative Writing programs in North America and Asia, which students can take advantage of through courses of exchange studies developed with student advisors.

In addition to our ongoing collaborations with literary organisations and universities in Singapore and China, students have the chance to participate in new projects and programs that arise from time to time such as The Jakarta Post through its b/ndL Studios and Writers Immersion Cultural Exchange (WrICE), which helps students as emerging writers build relationships with writers at different stages of practice.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

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

3 years full-time

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

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

3 years full-time

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.

Creative writing studios

Each semester you will be immersed in a new creative writing studio. Across the three years of the degree these studios will take you from the foundations of creative writing practice to the production of a major work in your chosen form of creative writing. Studios enable students to learn and apply the forms of four key genres: poetry, fiction, nonfiction and screen/scriptwriting, in the context of their histories and the work of leading contemporary practitioners.

You will also have the opportunity to experiment with studios in digital media, sovereignty and Indigenous knowledges, comics and book production, editing and publishing, and performance. You will then be able to choose which genres you would like to explore in more detail.

You will apply your writing and professional skills in collaborative and real-world industry contexts, as you develop your own individual career vision.

Contextual studies

In addition to your Creative Writing studios, you can complete a minor specialisation from one of the following areas:

  • Approaches to Popular Culture
  • Asian Media and Culture
  • Cinema Studies
  • Contemporary Politics and Communication
  • Literary Studies.

Electives

Creative writing students can also take advantage of a rich choice of electives offered in the School of Media and Communication, as well as from across the University – complementing and enriching your core studies or broadening your horizons. You can pursue studies in your areas of interest, including screen production, games, journalism, editing, advertising and design, as well as choosing from a range of specialist creative writing electives.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)
Program code: BP257
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)
City Campus
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
BP257
065130G
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Plan code
BP257
CRICOS
065130G
View plan
Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)
City Campus
3 years full-time
BP257
065130G
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time
Plan code
BP257
CRICOS
065130G
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 BP257 - 3200332551

*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 BP257 - 3200332553

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

Career

Typically there are three broad areas of work in the creative writing industry:

  • writing for publication, in print and online media
  • writing for screenplay and script development
  • writing for and about education
  • writing as research.

There are increasing opportunities arising in online and mobile media platforms through interactivity, games and apps as well as emerging opportunities for self-employment through ebooks, ezines and self-publication via the internet. There are also career opportunities resulting from emerging trends such as boutique publishing.

The writing industry is a constantly changing and competitive environment; more and more people want to create their own work and see it published. Local and international projects and events are well supported through government and private funding.

This degree will prepare you for roles such as:

  • writer
  • editor
  • publisher
  • events/festival manager
  • screenwriter
  • scriptwriter
  • screen producer.

There are opportunities to go on to further studies in creative writing and publishing through our highly regarded honours, masters and PhD degrees in the School of Media and Communication. Students can choose to undertake research through creative practice, linked to internationally recognised research groups such as the non/fictionLab and Screen Cultures.

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 32 in any English, 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

You must complete and submit the Creative Writing selection task.

Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the dates below, if places are still available.

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

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants

If you are applying via VTAC, you must complete and submit the Creative Writing selection task by the following dates:

VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
November round (Non year 12 applicants only)

30 September 2022

December/January rounds (All applicants)

 18 November 2022
February rounds (if places are available) 10 February 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
Direct applicants

24 February 2023
Selection task requirements
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Outline your interests and background in creative writing, reading and/or film analysis, and how this has prepared you for this program, including any relevant writing experience in creative writing or a related field. This could include formal work experience or publication, volunteering, formal studies, writing competitions, book reviews, blogging and online communities (400 to 500 words).

Outline your approach to creative writing, which may include reference to ideas and theories, as well as influential authors who inform your practice and future writing ambitions (400 to 500 words).

Prepare three to four different pieces of creative writing. This can be a combination of fiction or non-fiction, prose, poetry, script, essay (maximum 2000 words in total).

Submission instructions

You must collate all of your responses, including the applicant statement and sample writing pieces, in a single PDF.

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

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Art and Design application tips

View the following videos for some practical application advice:

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

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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.

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

If you are applying via VTAC you must complete and submit the Creative Writing selection task by the one of the dates below to be considered for selection in that VTAC round:

VTAC round Register and submit the selection task by

December/January Round 1 (all applicants)

 18 November 2022

January subsequent rounds (if places are available)

 19 January 2023

Selection task requirements

The selection task requires:

  • A statement outlining your interests and background in creative writing, reading and/or film analysis, and how this has prepared you for this program, including any relevant writing experience in creative writing or a related field. This could include formal work experience or publication, volunteering, formal studies, writing competitions, book reviews, blogging and online communities (400 to 500 words).
  • A statement outlining your approach to creative writing, which may include reference to ideas and theories, as well as influential authors who inform your practice and future writing ambitions (400 to 500 words).
  • Three to four different pieces of creative writing. This can be a combination of fiction or non-fiction, prose, poetry, script, essay (maximum 2000 words in total).

You must collate all of your responses, including sample writing pieces, in a single PDF.

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 113kb) along with your application.

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.

Guaranteed Pathways available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed for entry into this degree?

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 in VTAC.

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.

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.

High performing graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) are well placed to take up further study, either to pursue a particular research interest through an Honours year at RMIT - including through creative project - or by taking a postgraduate Masters' qualification, including the Master of Writing and Publishing at RMIT.

These options also offer further pathways to higher study such as a PhD.

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When you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing you are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) with 3 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 144 credit points).

Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

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

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

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

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

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

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

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

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

In 2022, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.

Additional expenses

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

Annual fee adjustment

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

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

Defer your payment

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

Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

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

New government eligibility rules in 2022 - low completion rates

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

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$36,480.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$109,440.

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