Vocational study

Vocational study

Prepare for your next opportunity with a course you can complete in as little as six months.  Study a certificate, diploma or associate degree at RMIT. 

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Expand your skillset with vocational study

Vocational education, also known as TAFE (Technical and Further Education), offers hands-on training to help land your first job, upskill, change careers or transition into university. As a dual-sector university, our certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas provide the skills and knowledge to seamlessly pathway into your dream degree or graduate with an internationally recognised, career-ready qualification.

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Upskill or retrain with Free TAFE

Secure your place in a Free TAFE course and train for a new career or reskill into a high-demand career, without the cost.

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Make RMIT your first preference

You've got the dreams. RMIT's got your back. Get personalised support and access our services available during the Change of Preference period.

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Why study a vocational course at RMIT?

RMIT is ranked #10 in Australia and among the top 130 universities globally*.

Our vocational courses are co-designed with industry partners including Adobe and the Australian Computer Society.

Balance study with other commitments and upskill to get job-ready in as little as six months.

Is vocational study the same as TAFE?

Yes, vocational study and TAFE refer to the same nationally accredited courses within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. These skills-based qualifications focus on preparing students for employment or further study. They include apprenticeships, certificates and diplomas, each tailored to different career goals. 

Learn about the types of qualifications and their differences below:

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Apprenticeships and traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training and employment, normally over three to four years. Learn on the job and earn money while studying.

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Certificates

Start gaining practical knowledge in your field and pick up job-specific skills with these technical qualifications.

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Diplomas and advanced diplomas

Get the specialised knowledge you need to work in skilled or paraprofessional areas. These programs normally take one to two years of full-time study.

Get ready to apply for vocational study

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Application dates for semester intakes

Learn key dates for submitting your application to study with RMIT.
Explore application dates
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Learn how to apply

From certificates to advanced diplomas, our useful guide will help you with getting started on your application.
Learn the steps to apply
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Transferring to RMIT

Students who are studying at another university or institution can apply to study at RMIT and may be eligible to receive credit for previous study. 
Learn how to transfer to RMIT

Vocational study pathways

There’s more than one way into university. Study pathways offer opportunities to transfer between RMIT courses and even allow you to gain an additional qualification on your journey toward your dream degree.

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Understanding pathways

RMIT's flexible pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for.
Learn about pathways
Pathways Finder

Pathways Finder

With RMIT’s pathway options, you could study a diploma, certificate or associate degree as a gateway into your dream degree. You’ll even pick up an additional qualification along the way.
Find your pathway
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Guaranteed pathway packages

Secure a place in your dream career with guaranteed pathways that let you preference pathway packages when you apply to RMIT.
More about guaranteed pathways
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How is vocational study different to a degree?

RMIT has a course for everyone, and as the biggest dual sector university in Australia we offer both vocational and higher education options. But what's the difference between them and what's right for you?

Learn about university versus TAFE

More information about vocational study

Credit and recognition

RMIT recognises prior learning, so if you want to improve your current knowledge or skill level, you don’t necessarily have to start at certificate to finally walk away with an advanced diploma. Being acknowledged for previous study may reduce the duration of your course and save you money.

Fee finder

So you’ve picked the course you want to study but want to find out how much you’ll pay to get started? Get an estimate of fees for your vocational education program.

Fee assistance

Australia’s VET Student Loans and Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) provides loans to students studying approved courses. They allow students to defer the costs of tuition until their taxable income reaches a certain level.

*QS World University Ranking 2025

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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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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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