Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation

Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation - 22710VIC

VOCATIONAL

Prepare for university and take pathway to further education for those who haven't studied for some time.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

Gain the confidence you need for further study.

The Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation is designed as a pathway for school leavers who did not attain the required skill level for university, or for those who have not studied for some years.

Whether you've missed out on your first study preference or you feel like you need some extra time to prepare before university, you'll gain the academic skills you need to undertake vocational or university studies.

You'll explore specialised business, engineering, health and science streams designed to give you an introduction to the area of your future studies. You will develop the academic skills, knowledge and confidence required to participate in higher-level qualifications and enhance your future career opportunities.

Completion of this certificate provides a guaranteed pathway into many other RMIT courses, if certain criteria are met.

Why study tertiary preparation at RMIT?

Expert support

Develop with the help of a dedicated team, offering a variety of learning approaches.

Specialised study

Pick from engineering, science, health or business to prepare yourself for the type of study you want to pursue.

Development pathways

Graduate with a guaranteed pathway to further study at RMIT (when certain criteria are met).

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

Learning and teaching

How you will learn

At RMIT, you'll be studying at an institution with expert teachers, passionate researchers and strong connections to industry.

You will have the opportunity to take part in career and further education planning so you can explore your study options and develop a pathway for the future.

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches, including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations and group discussions.

How you are assessed

Assessment in the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation will take different forms based on the subjects you select. These may include:

  • Tests or exams
  • Assignments, essays and reports
  • Assessed tutorials
  • Simulated activities
  • Practical assessments
  • Oral presentations.

Your assessments provide the opportunity for your teachers to provide feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of your work, allowing you to improve your skills and develop as a lifelong learner.

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:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

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.

Course structure and plan

What you will study

You will complete 5 core units, plus 5 units from one of the following specialist streams:

  • engineering
  • science
  • health
  • business.

Please note: For the science and engineering streams, having maths to at least Year 10 level (or equivalent) will enhance the likelihood of successfully completing the maths component of this certificate. If your maths skills are below a Year 10 level, consider the Certificate III in Science before undertaking this course.

Learning outcomes

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.

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

Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
Program code: C4443
National curriculum code: 22710VIC

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
City Campus
Full-time 6 Months
C4443BUS
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full-time 6 Months
Plan code
C4443BUS
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
City Campus
Full-time 6 Months, Part-time 1 Years
C4443ENG
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full-time 6 Months, Part-time 1 Years
Plan code
C4443ENG
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
City Campus
Full-time 6 Months, Part-time 1 Years
C4443SCI
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full-time 6 Months, Part-time 1 Years
Plan code
C4443SCI
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
City Campus
Full-time 6 Months
C4443HLT
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full-time 6 Months
Plan code
C4443HLT
CRICOS

Please note: this certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

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.

Career

Upon completion of this certificate, you will be prepared to pursue further tertiary study.

Entry requirements and admissions

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. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.

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

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

Important:

If you are currently studying, or have recently completed, secondary schooling, please note that this course is not a substitute for Year 12 study. Typically, students who have recently left secondary school will have completed Year 11 and have completed or partly completed Year 12 or its equivalent in Australia.

If English is your second language and you have not completed Year 12 or equivalent in Australia, we recommend that you complete at least a Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study) before undertaking this course.

Pathways and further study

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.

Pathways into the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation

Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer formal pathways into this course. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Further study

The Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study, depending on which stream you complete.

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.

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.

Fees

1 Course plan

Choose the specific course plan to see relevant fee information:

Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Business)
Plan code: C4443BUS
Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Engineering)
Plan code: C4443ENG
Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Health)
Plan code: C4443HLT
Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Science)
Plan code: C4443SCI

2Fee Type

The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.

If you are not eligible for a government subsidised place, you are considered a full fee paying student.

Government-subsidised training for citizens, permanent residents and some visa holders.

Tuition fees fully covered for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students and Youth Justice referrals in a government subsidised place..

Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.

Full fee fee summary

Course nameCertificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Business)
Plan codeC4443BUS
National Curriculum code 22710VIC
Duration0.5year(s)
Nominal hours550Nominal hours tooltip

Fees shown are indicative only based on 2026 commencement, and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

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.

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
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
$7,370.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$286.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$7,656.00

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).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
$4,180.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$286.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$4,466.00

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: $8.25 per nominal hour ($4,537.50 total).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$836.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$55.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$891.00

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: $12.51 per nominal hour ($6,880.50 total).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
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)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$0.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
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: $8.25 per nominal hour ($4,537.50 total).

Generated on 25 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information

Course nameCertificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Engineering)
Plan codeC4443ENG
National Curriculum code 22710VIC
Duration0.5year(s)
Nominal hours500Nominal hours tooltip

Fees shown are indicative only based on 2026 commencement, and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

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.

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
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
$6,700.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$260.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$6,960.00

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).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
$3,800.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$260.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$4,060.00

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: $8.25 per nominal hour ($4,125.00 total).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$760.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$50.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$810.00

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: $12.51 per nominal hour ($6,255.00 total).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
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)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$0.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
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: $8.25 per nominal hour ($4,125.00 total).

Generated on 25 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information

Course nameCertificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Health)
Plan codeC4443HLT
National Curriculum code 22710VIC
Duration0.5year(s)
Nominal hours570Nominal hours tooltip

Fees shown are indicative only based on 2026 commencement, and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

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.

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
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
$7,638.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$296.40
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$7,934.40

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).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
$4,332.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$296.40
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$4,628.40

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: $8.25 per nominal hour ($4,702.50 total).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$866.40
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$57.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$923.40

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: $12.51 per nominal hour ($7,130.70 total).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
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)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$0.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
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: $8.25 per nominal hour ($4,702.50 total).

Generated on 25 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information

Course nameCertificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Science)
Plan codeC4443SCI
National Curriculum code 22710VIC
Duration0.5year(s)
Nominal hours550Nominal hours tooltip

Fees shown are indicative only based on 2026 commencement, and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

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.

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
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
$7,370.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$286.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$7,656.00

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).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
$4,180.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$286.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$4,466.00

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: $8.25 per nominal hour ($4,537.50 total).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$836.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$55.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
$891.00

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: $12.51 per nominal hour ($6,880.50 total).

Fee details table
Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
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)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
$0.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
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: $8.25 per nominal hour ($4,537.50 total).

Generated on 25 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information

If eligible, you may be able to defer your tuition fees for this course through a VET Student Loan (VSL)

VET Student Loan cap for Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Business) (C4443BUS): $

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

Scholarships

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

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

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

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

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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