RMIT University
A hands-on, industry-facing university woven into Melbourne's city centre, strong in design, engineering and technology.
- Students
- 99,004
- Tuition
- A$45,120
- From · 2027
- Founded
- 1887
- QS World Ranking
- #119
- 2027 edition
About RMIT
RMIT began in 1887 as the Working Men's College of Melbourne and is now one of Australia's largest universities, with 99,004 students across higher education, vocational education and pathway programs in 2024. It is a dual-sector institution, teaching both degrees and vocational (TAFE-level) qualifications, and its main City campus is built into Melbourne's CBD along Swanston Street, with further campuses in Brunswick and Bundoora and a large branch campus in Vietnam.
Academically, RMIT is organised into the STEM College, the College of Design and Social Context, the College of Business and Law and the College of Vocational Education. It is known for practical, industry-connected degrees in engineering, computing, design, fashion, media, architecture and business, and for pathways that let students move from a diploma or foundation program into a bachelor's degree.
Entry is based on ATAR or an equivalent international average, with portfolios or other selection tasks for many creative courses. RMIT suits students who want a city-centre campus, hands-on projects and strong ties to industry, and who are comfortable with a large, busy university.
Perita manus, mens exculta
“A skilled hand, a cultivated mind” — university motto
Why students choose RMIT
The City campus sits in Melbourne's CBD, so classes, studios, internships and city life are all within walking distance.
Many bachelor's degrees accept international students in both February and July, and some courses also have a third intake between September and November.
International tuition increases are capped at 7.5% per calendar year, although rounding to the nearest $10 per credit point can take the increase slightly higher.
Academic Merit Scholarships give a 20% tuition fee reduction for eligible programs to students from regions such as South East Asia with a 70% average or ATAR 75.
Admissions
2027 intakes (higher education Semester 1 classes begin 1 March 2027, Semester 2 on 19 July 2027)
Selectivity
RMIT does not publish an overall offer rate. Each course lists an entry score: the lowest selection rank offered to recent Year 12 applicants, e.g. ATAR 80.25 for Aerospace Engineering (Honours), 80.05 for Mechanical Engineering (Honours), 75.10 for Computer Science, 70.25 for Cyber Security, and a 2027 guaranteed ATAR of 70.00 for the Bachelor of Business.
Typical entry requirements
| ATAR (Australian Year 12, via VTAC) | Aerospace Engineering (Honours) 80.25; Mechanical Engineering (Honours) 80.05; Computer Science 75.10; Cyber Security 70.25; Business guaranteed ATAR 70.00 (2027) |
|---|---|
| International qualifications | VCE-equivalent average set per course, e.g. minimum 65% for Aerospace Engineering (Honours); use the course entry score calculator or country equivalency tables |
| Prerequisites (VCE or equivalent) | E.g. Engineering requires a study score of at least 25 in English (27 in EAL) and 20 in a VCE mathematics subject, or equivalents |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 79 Typical undergraduate requirement (e.g. Aerospace Engineering): IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0; TOEFL iBT 79 with at least 13 Reading, 12 Listening, 18 Speaking and 21 Writing; PTE Academic 58 with no band below 50. Some courses set higher levels. |
Deadlines
- Applications open (VTAC and direct) for Semester 1, 2027 Non-binding PassedOpened 3 August 2026
Most courses are assessed on a rolling basis until places fill; some have earlier 'timely close' dates, and VTAC has its own key dates.
- Semester 1, 2027 classes begin (higher education) Non-binding Next deadline · In ~5 months1 March 2027
Orientation week runs 22-26 February 2027.
- International applications: latest recommended timing Non-bindingAt least 4 weeks before course start
RMIT advises international students needing a visa to apply and accept an offer a minimum of 4 weeks before the course starts.
- Semester 2 (midyear) 2027 Non-bindingApplications open March 2027
Higher education Semester 2 classes begin 19 July 2027 (orientation 12-16 July). Not all courses have a July intake.
RMIT uses rolling admission for international students rather than a single deadline, but selection-task deadlines apply to portfolio courses and places can fill. Semester 1 classes start in March; Semester 2 in July; Semester 3 (select courses for international students) in September to November.
How to apply
International students apply directly to RMIT through the online international application portal (or via an education agent); international students completing Year 12 in Australia can apply through VTAC with their ATAR. Domestic students apply through VTAC for Semester 1 or directly for some courses and for midyear entry. Some courses add a portfolio, interview or other selection task.
What admissions looks for
- Academic achievement: eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit, based on ATAR plus any adjustment factors or an equivalent average.
- Course prerequisites such as English and mathematics study scores.
- For creative programs, the quality of your folio, folio presentation or interview.
- RMIT says it admits students based on their demonstrated capacity to succeed.
Tips for applying to RMIT
- 1 Use the entry score calculator on the course page to translate your country's grades into RMIT's VCE-equivalent average.
- 2 If you are applying for a design, fashion or media course, check the selection task and its deadline early: portfolio and folio requirements differ by course.
- 3 If you need a student visa, apply and accept your offer at least four weeks before your course start date.
- 4 Apply early to be automatically considered for merit scholarships, such as the 20% Academic Merit Scholarship for South East Asia.
Costs & financial aid
2027 · figures in AUD
Domestic students in bachelor's degrees are typically in Commonwealth Supported Places, with fees set by government contribution bands. International students can receive merit scholarships such as the Academic Merit Scholarships, which give a 20% tuition fee reduction for eligible programs with a 70% average, GPA 2.5 or ATAR 75, plus regional scholarships for students from India and the subcontinent and from China.
- 20% tuition fee reduction
- Academic Merit Scholarship (e.g. South East Asia)
- 7.5% (rounding can take it slightly higher)
- Maximum annual international fee increase
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (March and July), plus a Semester 3 intake for select international courses
Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours)
ATAR 80.25, February and July intakes, and a 2027 international fee of AU$48,960.
Bachelor of Computer Science
Three years on the City campus, ATAR 75.10, with an industry advisory committee shaping the curriculum.
Bachelor of Cyber Security
ATAR 70.25 and a 2027 international fee of AU$45,120.
Bachelor of Business
Guaranteed ATAR of 70.00 for 2027 and an extra October intake for international students.
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours)
ATAR 80.05, February and July intakes, and a 2027 international fee of AU$48,960.
Research
- RMIT is a founding member of the Australian Technology Network of universities.
- RMIT operates a branch campus in Vietnam, with 15,212 higher education students enrolled there in 2024.
- The STEM College enrolled 25,831 students across onshore and offshore locations in 2024.
Schools & faculties
- STEM College
- College of Design and Social Context
- College of Business and Law
- College of Vocational Education
Student life
RMIT's City campus has no fences or quads in the traditional sense: its buildings line Swanston Street and nearby blocks in Melbourne's CBD, so student life blends into the city's cafes, laneways and cultural venues. Students also study at the Brunswick and Bundoora campuses. A distinctive tradition is the graduation parade, a town-and-gown procession from the City campus down Swanston Street to Federation Square, escorted by the Royal Australian Air Force band.
- Graduation parade from the City campus down Swanston Street to Federation Square.
- Campuses in Melbourne's CBD, Brunswick and Bundoora, plus RMIT Vietnam.
- RMITV, a student television production company broadcasting since 1987.
- A large international community drawn to Melbourne.
Location
Melbourne is Victoria's capital and one of Australia's two largest cities, known for its arts, food, sport and laneway culture. RMIT's main City campus sits in the CBD along Swanston Street, served by trams and surrounded by shops and cultural venues, while the Brunswick and Bundoora campuses are in the city's northern suburbs.
Nearest airport: Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Notable alumni
- JW James WanFilm director and writer, co-creator of the Saw franchise; BA in media (1999)
- LL Lydia LassilaWinter Olympic gold medallist in aerial skiing; Applied Science (Human Movement) graduate
- RM Rove McManusComedian and television host; took RMITV production classes
- JD Judith DurhamSinger with The Seekers; studied at RMIT
- JT James TomkinsThree-time Olympic gold medallist in rowing; BBus
- GF Greig FraserAcademy Award-winning cinematographer; studied at RMIT
- JS John SafranDocumentary maker and writer; studied journalism at RMIT
Frequently asked questions
What ATAR do you need for RMIT?
It depends on the course: recent entry scores include ATAR 80.25 for Aerospace Engineering (Honours), 75.10 for Computer Science and 70.25 for Cyber Security, and the Bachelor of Business has a guaranteed ATAR of 70.00 for 2027.
How much are RMIT fees for international students?
For students starting in 2027, annual tuition is AU$45,120 for Computer Science and Cyber Security, AU$47,040 for Business and AU$48,960 for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (Honours). Increases are capped at 7.5% a year, though rounding can add slightly more.
When are the RMIT intakes for 2027?
Higher education Semester 1 classes begin on 1 March 2027 and Semester 2 on 19 July 2027; a few in-demand courses also have a Semester 3 intake for international students between September and November.
What IELTS score does RMIT require?
Most undergraduate courses, such as Aerospace Engineering, require IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or TOEFL iBT 79 with minimum section scores. Some courses ask for more.
How do international students apply to RMIT?
Apply directly online through RMIT's international application portal or an education agent. International students completing Year 12 in Australia can apply via VTAC with their ATAR.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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