Associate degrees

What is an associate degree?

An associate degree is a two-year, undergraduate program that provides a shorter path to gaining professional skills for a specific industry, such as business, IT, health sciences, or design.

It can offer a direct entry into the workforce, or it can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree.

Why choose an associate degree?

Fast-track qualifications

Complete an undergraduate course in two years, gaining professional skills and knowledge.

Lower entry requirements

Missed the cut-off for a bachelor? Start your studies here instead.

Standalone or pathway

Apply to study an associate degree on its own merits, or as the first step to a bachelor.

Eligibility for an associate degree

To see if you’re eligible for an associate degree, check out the ‘Entry requirements and admissions’ section of the relevant course page. 

Generally speaking, you’ll need to have successfully completed the VCE (or equivalent). Some courses also require minimum subject scores and/or selection tasks.  

Explore associate degrees

Filters
Filter by study area

No courses match your current filters

Try adjusting them or reset all filters to see more options

Associate Degree in Applied Science

  • atar ATAR Various*
  • next intake February
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years

Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots)

  • atar Point Cook campus: ATAR 66.05*, Bendigo campus: ATAR 65.45*
  • next intake February
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Point Cook, Bendigo
  • duration Full-time 2 years

Associate Degree in Business

Guaranteed ATAR
  • atar 2026 Guaranteed ATAR 40.00, ATAR 40.00*
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years

Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)

  • atar Range of criteria*
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years

Associate Degree in Engineering Technology

Guaranteed ATAR
  • atar 2026 Guaranteed ATAR 40.00, ATAR Various*
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years

Associate Degree in Fashion

  • atar ATAR Not published*
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Brunswick
  • duration Full-time 2 years

Associate Degree in Graphic Design

  • atar Range of criteria*
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Brunswick
  • duration Full-time 2 years

Associate Degree in Health Sciences

Guaranteed ATAR
  • atar 2026 Guaranteed ATAR 40.00, ATAR 40.30*
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years, or part-time equivalent

Associate Degree in Information Technology

Guaranteed ATAR
  • atar 2026 Guaranteed ATAR 40.00, ATAR 40.00*
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years

Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design

  • atar Range of criteria*
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years

Associate Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal)

Guaranteed ATAR
  • atar 2026 Guaranteed ATAR 40.00, ATAR 40.00*
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years, Part-time may be available

Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing

  • atar Range of criteria*
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years

Associate Degree in Screen and Media Production

  • atar Range of criteria*
  • next intake February
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years

Haven’t found what you are looking for?

With over 350 courses on offer at RMIT, find a course to suit you and start studying now.  

Students in discussion

Get Commonwealth assistance through HELP loans

A Commonwealth assistance loan can help eligible students to pay tuition fees, the student services and amenities fee, or to meet overseas study travel expenses.

Have more questions?

Our friendly staff at Study@RMIT are available five days a week to assist you.

If you are a current RMIT student, please contact RMIT Student Connect.

aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures