Master language interpreting skills from industry experts.
Globalisation and migration have resulted in increased contact between people from different language backgrounds, so interpreters are more in demand than ever.
If you're interested in working as an interpreter, this course creates a range of opportunities for you to apply your knowledge and skills. You'll gain advanced oral transfer skills for interpreting in specialised settings, use communication media in interpreting, and study and apply ethical principles in a range of professional contexts.
In addition to weekly lectures and tutorials, you'll also have access to one-on-one practice sessions, allowing you to receive personalised feedback on your progress.
Access one-on-one practice sessions and receive feedback from NAATI-certified professional interpreter teaching staff.
Put your skills into practice through role-plays and simulations and prepare for a range of professional contexts.
Graduates will be eligible and well-prepared to sit the external NAATI Certified Interpreter test.
RMIT is the leader in delivering interpreting qualifications that prepare work-ready graduates, with over 40 years of experience delivering interpreting and translating certificates, diplomas and degrees. We're endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) to offer up to 40 languages.
In Semester 1, 2026, the following languages may be offered subject to demand and meeting minimum numbers:
Additional languages may be offered subject to demand.
This advanced diploma is flexible in its delivery and offers many opportunities for you to apply your knowledge and skills.
Note: The course activities will be delivered primarily online, with some in-person classroom sessions held at the City campus.
You will attend weekly lectures and tutorials, as well as one-on-one practice sessions with your teacher. You will participate in learning activities including scenarios, case studies, role play (in dialogue, monologue and sight translation), online practice tools, group discussions and projects, practical demonstrations, reflective journals and simulations of real-life assignments.
Subjects are delivered in English. Some subjects may have bilingual activities and assessment tasks.
Assessments may include written work, quizzes, presentations, interpreting demonstrations, and class observation and peer review.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
Teaching staff are all NAATI-certified professional interpreters who bring a wealth of experience, current knowledge and skills into the classes, ensuring teaching and learning are in line with current industry standards.
You will participate in simulated interpreting activities with students from other discipline areas such as community services, criminal justice, occupational therapy and social work, giving you the opportunity to put your skills into practice.
In addition to the established industry connections within this qualifications, you will also have the opportunity to attend industry events and connect with the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT). You may also be interested in participating in RMIT Mentoring, where you will be matched with an industry professional for networking, professional development, and career advice.
This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.
In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.
The Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language) typically requires 3 days of study per week, and an additional 3 hours of independent study time per subject per week.
You will complete 8 core subjects and 7 elective subjects.
You will prepare to interpret in complex settings by learning:
Through classes, workshops and guided group and individual learning activities, you will practise your interpreting skills and gain an appreciation of professional ethics and industry knowledge.
After completing this course, you will be eligible to sit the external NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter test and Certified Interpreter test.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.
Demand for qualified interpreters is increasing due to high levels of interaction between people and cultures as a result of globalised economies, immigration and humanitarian reasons.
A large number of people also face language barriers due to physical disabilities (such as deafness or impaired hearing) and require language assistance.
Graduates find employment as freelancers and contractors to language services agencies. They also work in public and private sector organisations such as hospitals, courts, businesses, government departments and agencies.
The qualification awarded for this advanced diploma is preferred by many international/multinational organisations and agencies such as NGOs, embassies, private companies and manufacturers.
The Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language) is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Graduates will be eligible to sit the external NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter test and Certified Interpreter test after completing this course.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this course.
All applicants must meet the prerequisites and submit the selection task.
You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date.
The Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language) requires that applicants are already proficient in both English and in their nominated Language Other Than English (LOTE).
Successful completion of an approved English proficiency test within the last two years, achieving:
OR
Successful completion of a post-secondary education equivalent to an Australian Diploma level qualification or higher where the language of instruction was English, and the qualification was from one of the RMIT recognised English speaking countries.
OR
Completing your primary and secondary education equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) at an institution/s where English was the primary language of instruction;
OR
Completing your secondary equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and post-secondary education equivalent to an Australian Certificate IV level qualification at an institution/s where English was the primary language of instruction.
OR
If you are unable to provide evidence for any of the requirements listed, RMIT can arrange for you to complete the Versant English Placement Test at no cost (maximum one test sitting per applicant per intake). To access this online test, please complete and submit your application and RMIT will contact you to arrange the test.
Successful completion of a recognised year 12 qualification equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or higher taught in the LOTE you have nominated to study.
OR
Complete an RMIT administered LOTE test. The LOTE test includes reading, writing, and translating from your second language into your first language (one of them must be English). Please note, you may be contacted for an interview if further information is needed to make a selection decision.
Entry into this course is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, if places are still available.
For your best chance at admission into this course, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
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:
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there is a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities.
Please contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team to discuss any adjustments you may require. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
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 course so that you can participate fully in your studies.
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.
A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.
Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer formal pathways into this course. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
The Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language) provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.
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.
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.
The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.
Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.
| Item Cost (AUD) | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition fee student pays
$8,000.00
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
$8,000.00 |
|
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
$373.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
$373.00 |
|
Material fees
N/A
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
|
Estimated total cost to you
$8,373.00
Includes all fees listed above
|
$8,373.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($5,505.50 total).
| Item Cost (AUD) | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition fee student pays
$10,000.00
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
$10,000.00 |
|
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
$373.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
$373.00 |
|
Material fees
N/A
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
|
Estimated total cost to you
$10,373.00
Includes all fees listed above
|
$10,373.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).
| Item Cost (AUD) | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition fee student pays
$0.00
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
$0.00 |
|
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
$0.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
$0.00 |
|
Material fees
N/A
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
|
Estimated total cost to you
$0.00
Includes all fees listed above
|
$0.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($5,505.50 total).
Generated on 23 July 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information
VET Student Loan cap for Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language) (C6183): $12858
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSL|
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$0
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$0
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$ per nominal hour ($ total).
Choose the specific course plan to see relevant fee information:
VET Student Loan cap for (): $
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSLThe Victorian Government is offering a limited number of scholarships to eligible students who undertake this course in 2026 in the languages listed below.
If you wish to be considered for a scholarship for one of these languages, you must indicate this on your Selection Task.
Please note: There are limited scholarships available in each language. Once allocation is fully exhausted you may be offered a Government funded or fee-paying place depending on your eligibility. Applications for scholarships may close early if all places are allocated.
In 2026, the Victorian Government Interpreter Scholarship Program is available for the following languages:
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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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Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
