Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) combines two highly respected degrees to give you a unique, broad grounding across both areas.

This degree will increase your knowledge and understanding of human development, and how such factors interact within individual, group, organisational, community and policy contexts. You will be prepared to think critically about the social world and to influence change through your practice, advocacy, or research. Social workers and psychologists often work side-by-side in organisations where a balancing act of expertise in both areas is required.

You will be prepared for employment in general social work practice and settings requiring an understanding of psychology. You will be equipped to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to address complex social problems.

This social work and psychology double degree combines the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).

Details

Expand all sections

How you will learn

Along with being recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), this degree provides opportunities to gain important vocational skills that are transferable across many areas of employment.

Such skills include communication, policy development, research and management.

This degree uses a variety of teaching and learning approaches including:

interactive coursework
seminars
online components
case studies
reflective techniques
individual and group presentation
group-based learning
discussions

All subjects are delivered in English. You will have access to online resources through the student portal.

Assessment will include:

written exercises
exams
class exercises
oral presentations
workshop and seminar facilitation
online activities

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

Field education forms a large component of the social work degree.

You'll learn through workplacements and work under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.

You will undertake a 70-day field education placement in the second semester of the third and fifth years of the degree.

The third-year placement focuses on direct practice with individuals, families and small groups. The fifth year integrates theory and macro-level practice.

As well as gaining practical experience, field education allows you to develop networks and career opportunities.

Placements may be arranged locally and interstate. Overseas opportunities may be available for the final placement.

You may find work placements in organisations such as:

ASRC (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre)
Anglicare
Department of Human Services
Foundations for Survivors of Torture
Oxfam Australia
Brotherhood of St Laurence
Department of Education
Salvation Army Crisis Services
Centrelink

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

International opportunities

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.

Explore global 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

This double degree has its foundation in social sciences, psychology and social work. The core subjects of politics, sociology, social theory and economics are shared with students from other degrees such as Global Studies and Planning.

Year 2

You will develop a solid grounding in the theory and practice of social work as well as cognitive and developmental psychology.

Year 3

Expand on the knowledge from previous years in the areas of biological psychology, mental health and public policy. You will also undertake a 70-day field education placement.

Year 4

Acquire a legal understanding of social work practice and working with violence and abuse, and study advanced subjects on psychological assessment and psychopathology. You will also have the opportunity to take an elective subject.

Year 5

Develop skills in program management and evaluation, influencing social policy and research. You will also undertake a 70-day field education placement and have the opportunity to take an elective subject.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

Program code: BH106

Title

Location

Duration

Plan code

CRICOS

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) /Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

City Campus

5 years full-time/10 years part-time

BH106SOSDD

079592G

Location

City Campus

Duration

5 years full-time/10 years part-time

Plan code

BH106SOSDD

CRICOS

079592G

View plan

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) /Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

City Campus

5 years full-time

BH106SOSDD

079592G

Location

City Campus

Duration

5 years full-time

Plan code

BH106SOSDD

CRICOS

079592G

View plan

Contact hours and study load

Full- or part-time study is determined by how many credit points you are enrolled in during the semester. An undergraduate study load is considered part-time if you are enrolled in 24 credit points or fewer (approximately two subjects).

Once you are enrolled into this degree you can choose to switch to a part-time study load. This may impact your program duration and tuition fees. Please discuss your study options with your program manager prior to enrolment.

VTAC Code

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

Plan BH106SOSDD - 3200333351

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 VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.

Plan BH106SOSDD - 3200333353

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

Find RMIT on VTAC

Career

Graduates are highly employable in human services organisations, community-based agencies, various levels of government and increasingly in corporate and private enterprise.

Graduates are prepared to work in direct practice with individuals and families, in community development contexts, and in social policy, advocacy, and research roles. There are ample opportunities to pursue different specialisations and interests.

With your working knowledge of social science, psychology and social work, you'll be eligible for a wide range of human services or community jobs in areas such as:

mental health
child protection
dispute mediation and industrial relations
health services and hospitals
human resource management
policy and advocacy work
community development projects
disability services
program and organisational development
immigration advice and referral centres
federal and state government departments (Centrelink, Department of Human Services)
youth and family services.

Careers include:

social worker
psychologist
counsellor advocate
case manager
local area co-ordinator
child protection officer
human resource manager
social policy officer
policy adviser
community worker
community development manager
mediator.

Expand all sections

Professional recognition and accreditation

This degree is an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). Graduates are eligible for membership of this professional association.

This degree is accredited by the professional accreditation body for tertiary psychology courses, the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Successful completion of an APAC-accredited psychology specialisation is a partial requirement for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Admissions

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

Prerequisites

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

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program is competitive. 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

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

Expand all sections

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 35 in English (EAL) equals 2 aggregate points per study.
A study score of 30 in English other than EAL equals 2 aggregate points per study.

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

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:

your reasons for wanting to study this program
your intended career path
the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
details of any related work or voluntary experience

If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.

Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.

Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.

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 successfully completed at least two courses (subjects) in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses (subjects) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent. You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:

your reasons for wanting to study this program
your intended career path
the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
details of any related work or voluntary experience

If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.

Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.

Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.

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.

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.

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:

your reasons for wanting to study this program
your intended career path
the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
details of any related work or voluntary experience

If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.

Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.

Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.

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 35 in English (EAL) equals 2 aggregate points per study.
A study score of 30 in English other than EAL equals 2 aggregate points per study.

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.

Additional information

Expand all sections

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.

Working With Children Check*

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.

Note: For placements undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.

NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.

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 70% (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

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

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 7.0)
TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum of 24 in Reading, 24 in Listening, 23 in Speaking and 27 in Writing)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
C1 Advanced: minimum of 185 with no less than 185 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

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.

Working With Children Check*

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.

Note: For placements undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.

NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry. For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Explore pathway finder

Expand all sections

Pathway options

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

Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options

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.

Expand all sections

Pathway options

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

Coming from a partner institution?

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

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

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

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

Credit 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

Expand all sections

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

Expand all sections

Fee summary

The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$32,640.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$163,200.

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.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions