RMIT University

Key facts

Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 6 November 2026.

About RMIT University

RMIT began as the Working Men’s College, founded by Francis Ormond and opened as a night school on 4 June 1887. It later became the Melbourne Technical College, the Royal Melbourne Technical College and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (1960). On 1 July 1992 it merged with the Phillip Institute of Technology and became RMIT University under the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Act 1992.^[1]

The City campus lies on the northern edge of Melbourne’s central grid.^[1] RMIT’s other Australian sites are Bundoora and Brunswick; offshore it has sites in Vietnam (Saigon South, Hanoi, Hoa Lac and Da Nang) and in Barcelona.^[2] It has four colleges: Business and Law, Design and Social Context, STEM and Vocational Education.^[2] It is a dual-sector institution: its 2024 students include 78,228 in higher education and 16,926 in vocational education.^[2]

How is RMIT University ranked?

In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published in June 2026, RMIT is equal 119th in the world and 10th in Australia. RMIT calls it its best result in 20 years and its highest QS position since 2006. Five years ago it was 14th in Australia and 206th in the world.^[3]

The university also reports that it entered the world top 200 for academic reputation for the first time in 15 years (189th), is 93rd for citations per faculty and first in Australia for attracting international academics.^[3] A national media list for the same edition shows RMIT at 10th in Australia with a global rank of 119, between UTS (9th, 87) and Macquarie University (11th, 126).^[8] Rankings differ by publisher and year, so treat one position as one view. How we compile rankings.

What can you study at RMIT University?

RMIT teaches at several levels, from vocational certificates and diplomas to bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees. Examples from its international fee guide are the Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) (Honours), Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing), Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Education, the Master of Business Administration, Master of Finance, Master of Physiotherapy and the Diploma of Nursing.^[4]

RMIT reports first place in Australia in three 2026 QS subject areas: Architecture and Built Environment, Art and Design, and Library and Information Management.^[3] Check the course page of your programme for its entry requirements, which can include a portfolio, audition or interview.^[9]

How much does RMIT University cost for international students in 2026?

RMIT labels all of these 2026 indicative figures. Most fees are calculated per credit point, not per year; vocational courses are charged per hour and shown as a total for the course.^[4] The page’s text gives a general bachelor’s range of roughly A$36,000 to A$50,000 a year, while its own examples stop at A$47,040; use the course page for your programme.^[4]

How fees change

Fees are invoiced per semester according to the load you enrol in, and higher education tuition is rounded up to the nearest A$10 per credit point. RMIT may raise fees at the start of each calendar year by no more than 7.5%, subject to rounding, and fees stay the same for the whole calendar year.^[7]

Other costs

The Student Services and Amenities Fee is capped at A$373 for 2026. RMIT lists single Overseas Student Health Cover at A$590 to A$750 a year and Melbourne living costs of A$30,000 to A$45,000 a year.^[4] See the Study in Australia guide and the Australia overview.

How do you apply to RMIT University?

International applicants apply directly through RMIT’s Application Portal or through an RMIT-authorised agent; applicants with an Australian Year 12 or an International Baccalaureate completed in Australia or New Zealand apply through VTAC.^[9] RMIT says some applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee and strongly encourages applying through an authorised agent.^[9]

• Documents: academic transcripts, graduation certificates, evidence of English and your passport, plus course-specific items such as a portfolio.^[9]
• Offer: you accept the offer, arrange Overseas Student Health Cover and pay a deposit; RMIT may then issue the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).^[9]
• Visa: most international students need a student visa (subclass 500), applied for with the CoE.^[9]

We give no deadlines here because they change every year. Check your course page for the intake. RMIT’s Foundation Studies programs can help if you do not yet meet a course’s entry requirements.^[9]

Which English level do you need?

For undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees RMIT asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Equivalents are TOEFL iBT 79 (writing 21), PTE Academic 58 (no communication band below 50), Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 176 (no component below 169) and Duolingo English Test 120 (no skill below 110).^[5]

Some programmes ask for more: the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) needs IELTS 7.0 with no band below 6.5, the Master of Physiotherapy 7.5 with no band below 7.0 and the Master of Teaching Practice (Primary and Secondary) 7.5. IELTS General is not accepted, and tests are valid for two years from the test date. These scores are listed for the 2027 intake.^[5]

More about studying in Australia

• Australia: best universities
• Study in Australia: complete guide
• Cost of Studying Abroad
• International Student Scholarships
• University Ranking Methodology

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