Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

Overview

This selective-entry, research-oriented honours degree is designed for capable and highly-motivated students who want hands-on involvement in research projects.

It prepares you for the compulsory one-year internship that you will need to complete in order to gain Australia-wide registration as a pharmacist.

Once you've successfully completed the degree and the internship, you will be registered to practise in any area of pharmacy in Australia, including community or hospital pharmacy.

Alternatively, this degree provides you with a foundation from which you can progress with further studies, to achieve a range of other career opportunities.

Your career as a pharmacist

Career options include working in both community and hospital pharmacies, for the pharmaceutical industry, or in health policy and administration roles.

As an RMIT pharmacy student you’ll benefit from a supportive academic community with diverse research strengths. You’ll be able to gain real-world experience through work placements in both hospital and community pharmacies.

You’ll develop a sound scientific base in studies that include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biostatistics, physiology, genetics, microbiology and immunology, together with an understanding of the social factors that influence health.

In-depth knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacy practice, pharmaceutics and therapeutics is gained, together with an understanding of drug development, research skills and the option to study business if interested.

Runu Hann, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at RMIT

I first saw the Bundoora campus on Open Day, it was beautiful and the staff were so helpful. Everyone is lovely on campus, it's a really good vibe.”

What you will study

You will gain knowledge of how drugs are formulated into medicines and used in the management of disease. You will learn professional communication skills that will enable you to effectively advise both consumers and health professionals about medicines and healthy behaviours.

Details

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How you will learn

Clinical placement is a key focus throughout this degree.

Teaching labs are equipped with the latest pharmacy facilities. You’ll begin to develop the skills of a pharmacy practitioner in the purpose-built model pharmacy, together with practical work experience in hospital, community and specialist work-integrated learning environments.

You will be taught by experienced professionals skilled in cutting-edge research and sessional staff with current industry experience.

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.

Learn more about blended learning at RMIT

Industry connections

Industry are involved in the delivery of this degree through:

Industry Advisory Committees
Guest lecturing
WIL opportunities

Learning outcomes

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.

Electives and course plan

Year 1

In first year, you’ll study a selection of science subjects, to give you a sound scientific base. Subjects include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology. You’ll also study pharmacy-specific subjects, engaging you in the development of professional skills and an understanding of the social factors that contribute towards health.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll start to specialise in the biomedical sciences that contribute towards the pharmacy profession. As well as being introduced to pharmacology, physiology, and the physical characteristics of dosage forms, you'll study pharmacy-specific professional practice subjects and engage in your first work-integrated learning (WIL) experience in second semester.

Year 3

In third year, you’ll complete in-depth study of therapeutics, supported by more detailed pharmacology, and expand your knowledge and skills in pharmacy practice, with increased emphasis on work-integrated learning activities. You’ll study advanced formulations, learn how to compound medicines for individual patients, and how the quality of medicines is regulated and assured.

Year 4

In your fourth year, you will expand your pharmacy practice and therapeutics proficiency through integrated study and engage in further work-integrated learning (WIL) activities. You’ll learn about recent developments in medicines, and complete a subject preparing you for a research project in your final semester of study.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

Program code: BH102

Title

Location

Duration

Plan code

CRICOS

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

Bundoora Campus

4 years (8 semesters) full-time

BH102

079791M

Location

Bundoora Campus

Duration

4 years (8 semesters) full-time

Plan code

BH102

CRICOS

079791M

View plan

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

Bundoora Campus

4 years (8 semesters) full-time

BH102

079791M

Location

Bundoora Campus

Duration

4 years (8 semesters) full-time

Plan code

BH102

CRICOS

079791M

View plan

VTAC Code

If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.

Plan BH102 - 3200231191

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

VTAC Code

If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.

Plan BH102 - 3200231193

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

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

Find RMIT on VTAC

Career

As a pharmacist, you will:

prepare and dispense medicines in many forms. You will also give individuals advice on how to use their medicines in the safest and most effective way.
advise members of the public and other health professionals about both prescription and over-the counter medicines. You will provide advice regarding the selection of medicines, how much to take, how different medicines interact with each other, and any potential side effects.
work in the research and development of medicines and other health-related products. You can also can manage pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies.
provide public health services, such as vaccinations.

A one-year internship is required in order to gain Australia-wide registration, once your degree is complete.

On successful completion of the degree and your internship year, you will be able to work in:

community pharmacies
hospital pharmacies
the pharmaceutical industry (quality control, sales, marketing, and management)
the bio-pharmaceutical industry
clinical trials administration
drug information agencies
drug regulation for government or private companies
consulting to industry
pharmacy professional organisations
pharmacy academia
medical research and communications.

Graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations, including:

The Royal Melbourne Hospital
The Alfred Hospital
The Austin Hospital
Therapeutic Guidelines.

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Professional recognition and accreditation

Accreditation of the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and Approval by the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA) allows graduates of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) Program to enter an approved intern training program in either Australia or New Zealand. To become registered as a pharmacist, a BPharm graduate must successfully complete an additional year of internship training and a registration examination. Within Victoria, governance is the responsibility of the Victorian Pharmacy Authority (VPA).

Admissions

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

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in Chemistry and units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in any Mathematics, or equivalent studies.

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.

Adjustment factors include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments.

We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.

Selection criteria by applicant type

Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.

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I am an applicant with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)

Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12

School Network Access Program (SNAP)

The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.

Subject adjustments

A study score of 30 in Chemistry or Maths: Further Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study.
A study score of 25 in Agricultural & Horticultural Studies, Biology, Environmental Science, any Information Technology, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics, Outdoor And Environmental Studies, Physics or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 8 points.

Regional adjustments

RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR.
Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.

Equity access schemes

Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult 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.

I am an applicant with Vocational Education and Training study

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).

We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.

You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:

Advanced Diploma: 81
Diploma: 72
Certificate IV: 54

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.

I am an applicant with Higher Education study

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).

We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.

You must have satisfactorily completed at least four courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.

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

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

Personal statement

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

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

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

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult 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.

I am an applicant with Work and Life Experience

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.

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

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

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

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Subject adjustments

A study score of 30 in Chemistry or Maths: Further Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 25 in Agricultural & Horticultural Studies, Biology, Environmental Science, any Information Technology, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics, Outdoor And Environmental Studies, Physics or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 8 points.

Equity access schemes

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

Elite Athlete Program

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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

Additional information

Expand all sections

Immunisation and professional compliance requirements

If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.

Immunisation and vaccination requirements*

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTpa – adult dose), must be this immunisation NOT ADT (Adult Diphtheria/Tetanus – does not contain the pertussis component)
Poliomyelitis: primary course of 3 vaccination doses
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR, 2 vaccination doses AND blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity
Hepatitis A: primary course of 2 vaccination doses OR serology to show immunity to Hep A Ab
Hepatitis B: primary course of 3 vaccination doses AND serology to confirm anti-HBV level is greater than or equal to 10mIU/ml
Varicella: 2 vaccination doses OR blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity OR history of chickenpox
Influenza Vaccination: annual requirement
Tuberculin Screen: Tuberculin Skin Test OR Quantiferon TB Assay blood test (serology) to show immunity. This is an annual requirement for the duration of your study.

Please note: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete, you should contact your medical practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that you will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the university.

Working with Children Check*

You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.

Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.

National police record check*

You will be required to present evidence of a successful National police record check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (this is an annual requirement for the duration of your program). Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and your RMIT issued student email address once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student.

Inherent requirements

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

understand more about the program
determine if you may need support during your studies
make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

View inherent requirements

ATAR profile

View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.

View ATAR profile

Student profile

The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.

View student profile

*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.

RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.

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

Academic requirements

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).

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

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

Entry score calculator

Select a study location*

Select a qualification gained*

Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

Learn about your pathway options

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in Chemistry and Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 25.

Selection tasks

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

English language requirements

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band below 6.5)
TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum of 19 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 24 in Writing)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 58)
C1 Advanced: minimum of 185 with no less than 176 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Additional information

Expand all sections

Immunisation and professional compliance requirements

If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.

Immunisation and vaccination requirements*

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTpa – adult dose), must be this immunisation NOT ADT (Adult Diphtheria/Tetanus – does not contain the pertussis component)
Poliomyelitis: primary course of 3 vaccination doses
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR, 2 vaccination doses AND blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity
Hepatitis A: primary course of 2 vaccination doses OR serology to show immunity to Hep A Ab
Hepatitis B: primary course of 3 vaccination doses AND serology to confirm anti-HBV level is greater than or equal to 10mIU/ml
Varicella: 2 vaccination doses OR blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity OR history of chickenpox
Influenza Vaccination: annual requirement
Tuberculin Screen: Tuberculin Skin Test OR Quantiferon TB Assay blood test (serology) to show immunity. This is an annual requirement for the duration of your study.

Working with Children Check*

You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.

Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.

National police record check*

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student.

Inherent requirements

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

understand more about the program
determine if you may need support during your studies
make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

View inherent requirements

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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Pathway options

This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

View pathway details

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out if you might be eligible

Further study

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

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Pathway options

When you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Applied Science you are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) with one semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 84 credit points). To be eligible, you must also complete the pre-requisite course PHAR1033 Essentials of Health Care Practice as part of your study in the Associate Degree in Applied Science.

Places are limited and will be offered on a competitive basis.

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

Credit and recognition of prior learning

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.

Further study

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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Fee summary

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.

Commonwealth supported places

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

Fee assistance

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.

Additional expenses

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.

Scholarships

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

Explore scholarships

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Fee summary

The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$45,120.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$180,480.

View tuition fees for future years

Other costs

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

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
Some programs incur additional expenses.

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

Important fee information

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.

Scholarships

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

Explore scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

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

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