Gain vital skills in micro-organisms, pathology and genetic processes when you train to become a lab technician.
Using the latest industry-standard equipment, you’ll build the knowledge and skills required to work under supervision to:
You will also benefit from the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Upon completion of this certificate, you may go on to work in food and materials testing, diagnostic or educational laboratories. Alternatively, you could pursue the Diploma of Laboratory Technology or other further study.
Learn on the latest industry-standard equipment in our cutting-edge laboratories.
Enjoy strong connections to private and hospital pathology laboratories, biotechnology, educational and research laboratories.
Study in groups of up to 30 students, maximising your interaction with staff members.
Discover a rewarding career and seize your opportunities for professional development with a qualification from RMIT.
Your classes will be small groups of up to 30 students to maximise interaction between students and staff.
Our labs have the latest industry standard equipment and there's ample opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches, including face-to-face tutorials, practical laboratories, presentations and group discussions. You'll have access to online resources through the student portal.
You will be expected to purchase a laboratory coat, safety glasses, powder-free nitrile gloves, permanent marker and a scientific calculator. These items are available from the RMIT shop or other suppliers.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes tests, presentations, group projects, laboratory reports and demonstration of laboratory skills.
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.
This certificate has strong links with industry (including private and hospital pathology laboratories, biotechnology and research laboratories).
It features student/staff visits to laboratories and comprehensive input from the Industry Advisory Committee.
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.
This one-year qualification provides you with a foundation in chemistry, maths, biology, scientific communication, computing, biochemistry and occupational health and safety. You will also learn general laboratory skills such as microscopy, aseptic techniques, chemistry techniques and the use of laboratory instruments.
As a laboratory assistant/technician you will conduct routine laboratory tests in pathology, food, environmental, veterinarian, biotechnology and research laboratories. Working under supervision you will process and prepare samples for testing. You may perform chemical and biological analyses of human and environmental samples. You may also assist in performing experiments for research into biochemical or genetic processes.
In this certificate, you will complete four core subjects and 12 electives that will build strong foundational skills in laboratory techniques.
You'll develop core knowledge in:
In your electives, you'll undertake a broad range of study that will cover topics such as using laboratory application software and performing microscopic examinations, biological procedures, tissue cultures, food, histological and chemical tests.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Graduates work as laboratory assistants or technicians in laboratories and provide technical support for scientists working in:
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.
It is recommended that participants have some prior experience in Chemistry or Biology.
This qualification may experience high demand with limited places. Therefore, applications will be assessed in the order they are received for each available intake until all places are filled.
For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
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.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course 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.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English Language Pathways (Academic English) Advanced at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
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 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.
You can gain entry to this certificate from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study courses.
When you successfully complete the Certificate IV of Laboratory Techniques, you are guaranteed entry
to one of the following RMIT programs:
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate study courses.
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 | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
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
|
$17,250.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$373.00 |
| Material fees
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
Includes all fees listed above |
$17,623.00 |
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 | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
$6,000.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$373.00 |
| Material fees
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
Includes all fees listed above |
$6,373.00 |
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: $11.55 per nominal hour ($13,167.00 total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Concession rate applied
|
Concession rate applied
|
$1,200.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
|
Concession rate applied
|
$114.00 |
| Material fees
|
N/A
|
|
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$1,314.00 |
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: $14.75 per nominal hour ($16,815.00 total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
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)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$0.00 |
| Material fees
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
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: $11.55 per nominal hour ($13,167.00 total).
Generated on 25 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information
VET Student Loan cap for Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (C4433): $
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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$0
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$ 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 VSLIn addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
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.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
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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