Prepare for university and take pathway to further education for those who haven't studied for some time.
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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, 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 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.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
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.
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.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
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.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
View the learning outcomes for each stream:
You’ll organise and monitor your own learning over the course of the five core modules and five electives from your selected specialist stream (engineering, science, or business).
You'll explore different tertiary options and develop an individual pathway to prepare yourself for further study.
You will select one (1) of the following specialist streams:
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 the Certificate IV in Preparation – Science stream.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Upon completion of this certificate, you will be prepared to pursue further tertiary study.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum entry requirements.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
If you are currently studying, or have recently completed, secondary schooling please note that this program 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.
We recommend that if English is your second language and you have not completed year 12 or equivalent in Australia, you complete at least a Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study) before undertaking the program.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR (including any adjustment factors).
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
If you are applying to RMIT via 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.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
There are pathways into the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Science).
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.
* Students must have successfully completed the program and the unit MATH7081/VU22074 Use a range of techniques to solve mathematical problems to be eligible for guaranteed entry into the Associate Degree in Applied Science.
** For the Diploma of Nursing pathway, specific English language requirements apply. Please refer to the program page for further details.
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.
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 2022* is $315.
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.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).
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.
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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
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.