Certificate III in Science

Certificate III in Science - 22441VIC

VOCATIONAL

Are you interested in studying science but didn't complete VCE? This is your pathway into a tertiary science course.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

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

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

Interested in further science study but didn't complete VCE?

This program is designed for those looking for an alternate pathway to a tertiary science program.

The Certificate III in Science covers core skills across a range of scientific fields including mathematics, biology and chemistry as well as covering general scientific skills such as laboratory practices and interpreting scientific literature.

Classes are held in our industry-standard laboratories and intentionally kept small to maximise your one-on-one time with teachers. 

Studying in a real-world environment allows you to easily transfer your skills to the workforce when you graduate.

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.

Why study science at RMIT?

High-end facilities

Build core skills with practical work in our industry-standard laboratories.

Extended learning

Gain scientific communication skills as well as completing core subjects, building a future foundation.

Pathway to university

Learn all the basics you need to commence a tertiary science program with us.

Details

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

You'll have access to online resources.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Learning at RMIT

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.

As part of your studies, you’ll carry out practical work in industry-standard laboratories that provide a simulated experience of an industry setting.

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.

As well as completing core science subjects (mathematics, biology, chemistry, computing), you'll learn scientific communication skills, including scientific writing and how to read and interpret scientific literature.

You will need to complete six core courses plus five elective courses.

Course structure

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

Certificate III in Science
Program code: C3399
National curriculum code: 22441VIC
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate III in Science
City Campus
One semester full time study or 2 semesters part-time study
C3399
Location
City Campus
Duration
One semester full time study or 2 semesters part-time study
Plan code
C3399
CRICOS
View plan

Career

This certificate is a foundation program for further study. Further study options include continuing with the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (science stream).

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 program.

Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements for this program.

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

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

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

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.

Explore the pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

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.

Successful completion of the Cert III in Science provides guaranteed entry to the following programs:

Fees

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2023 fees

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.

  • 2023 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$800.00* per annum
  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$4,000* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$7,500* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

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.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**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

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

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 2023 is $326. 

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.

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The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$XX,XXX.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$XX,XXX.

In 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.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

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.

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.

Sorry, this program 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.

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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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
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