Learn to communicate across a range of contexts and gain the skills needed to pursue a career in Auslan across various sectors.
Your studies in this diploma will explore how to communicate across a range of subjects, including health and education, incorporating relevant cultural contexts and standards of ethical practice.
You will learn to interpret both independently and as part of a team. With the knowledge developed in this diploma, you will be able to pursue fulfilling roles in the community services sector, including education, welfare, government, and more.
Please note: this diploma 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.
Throughout this diploma you will have the opportunity to develop and apply your knowledge and skills.
Your learning will take the form of scenarios, simulations and role plays, case studies, online practice, group discussions, practical demonstrations, reflective journals. You may also engage in interactive online learning, independent reading and practice, and both online and library research.
Your assessment in this diploma may take the form of quizzes, role plays and demonstrations, and written work spanning questions and answers, reports, and self-reflections.
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.
Throughout your learning in the Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan), you will engage with industry in either practical or simulated contexts.
This offers you the opportunity to apply and demonstrate your knowledge in professional contexts. Several of your subjects will feature real or simulated interpreting assignments, and you will receive feedback on your performance according to industry standards.
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.
To graduate from this diploma, you must undertake and successfully complete five core subjects and seven elective subjects.
Your core subjects will span codes and standards of ethical practice, how to manage interactions in general settings, and the use of routine subject area terminology.
Your elective subjects will cover health and education terminology, demonstrating language proficiency in different subjects and cultural contexts, interpreting as part of a team, sight translating, and more.
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.
Upon successful completion of this diploma, you will have the skills and knowledge necessary to offer interpreting services in a range of settings.
You may work in community services, education, welfare, government, or other sectors in which Auslan interpreting is required.
The Diploma is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). The Diploma meets the training prerequisite for interpreters who wish to sit the Certified Provisional Interpreter test with NAATI.
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.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in both English and Auslan.
All applicants must submit the selection task.
All applicants must meet both the English language requirements and the Auslan skills assessment requirements specified below.
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent) or a Certificate IV qualification or higher where the language of instruction was English, and the qualification was from one of the RMIT recognised English speaking countries.
OR
Successful completion of an approved English proficiency test within the last two years, achieving:
OR
If you do not have any of the test results above or are unable to provide supporting documentation to meet the English language requirements, 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 Selection Task. RMIT will contact you to arrange the test.
You must have formal study or life experience in Auslan. Eligible applicants will be contacted by the end of 2025 to undertake a skills assessment in Auslan and English.
The skills assessment will be held in January 2026. It will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and will test receptive (sight) comprehension skills, and appropriate sign production and articulation skills in Auslan.
All applicants must submit the selection task.
Entry into this program 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 program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.
| Applicant type | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| Direct applicants | 9 January 2026 |
The Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan) selection task requires that applicants demonstrate proficiency in English and in Australian Sign Language (Auslan).
Can you provide supporting documentation to meet one of the English language requirements?
If yes, please upload a copy of your official award or English proficiency test results.
If no, RMIT will arrange for you to complete the Versant English Placement Test at no cost (maximum one test sitting per applicant per intake).
Are you proficient in Auslan either through formal study or life experience?
If yes, you will be invited to undertake a skills assessment in person to be held in January 2026. The date, time, location and further information will be provided to you by the end of 2025. Please be advised that you will not receive an outcome to your application until after the skills assessment has taken place.
If no, please be advised that applicants with limited or no experience in Auslan are not eligible for this program.
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 program 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 65% (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 course 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 for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus 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.
Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below. Credit may apply which will reduce the total duration of the destination course. See destination course page pathways for full details on entry and credit.
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February, July
On campus
Melbourne City
February, July
On campus
Melbourne City
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.
The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.
Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.
If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.
If you are eligible, Free TAFE for priority courses pays the tuition fees for your whole course. However there are still some additional expenses that you will be required to pay including the Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF), any material fees and any other non-tuition costs associated with your course.
The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.
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 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 Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
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 2026 is $373.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.
Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.
It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date.
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.
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 2026 is $373.
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.
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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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