RMIT University: Rankings, Admissions, Tuition & Scholarships Guide for International Students

RMIT University, founded in 1887 as the Working Men's College, is a large public university in Melbourne, Australia, best known for design, engineering, information technology, business, and applied research. Its main campus sits in the heart of Melbourne's city centre, with further campuses at Brunswick and Bundoora, and it is a founding member of the Australian Technology Network. A note on the name: this guide covers RMIT's Australian campuses, and RMIT also runs separate campuses in Vietnam that have their own fees and rules. This guide covers exactly what RMIT University international students need to know: current QS rankings, admission requirements, tuition costs, scholarships, campus life, and Australia's post-study work visa.

Quick facts snapshot

• Founded: 1887, as the Working Men's College
• Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, with city, Brunswick, and Bundoora campuses
• Setting: A city-centre main campus integrated into Melbourne's streets and laneways
• Total enrollment: reported at about 91,500 students in 2023, with a large international share; check current figures
• Membership: founding member of the Australian Technology Network of universities
• Acceptance rate: not officially published
• Primary intakes: Semester 1 (February/March) and Semester 2 (July), with additional starts for some programs
• QS World University Ranking 2027: #119 globally

Rankings and global reputation

RMIT ranks #119 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing it inside the global top 150 and among Australia's better-ranked universities, though it is not part of the Group of Eight. Its reputation is strongest in design, architecture, fashion, engineering, computer science, and business, and in industry-linked, applied research. Melbourne itself has been ranked among the world's top student cities in QS Best Student Cities. Applicants comparing RMIT University tuition fees and ranking with Group of Eight universities should note that RMIT offers a similar or better QS position in some tables with a more practical, industry-focused profile.

Academics and signature programs

RMIT teaches across design and social context, business and law, science, engineering and health, and vocational and higher education programs that link to industry. Degrees emphasise practice: studio work, laboratories, placements, and industry projects are common, and many programs offer work-integrated learning. The university also runs pathway and foundation programs for students who need preparation before a degree. All teaching is in English.

Admissions and international eligibility

RMIT does not publish an acceptance rate, so applicants should focus on the entry requirements for their exact course, assessed against equivalency to the Australian secondary school system. Design, architecture, and some other courses require a portfolio or interview.

English language requirements

• Standard requirement: IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5, with higher scores for some courses
• Other recognised English tests are accepted at published equivalents
• Some professional courses, such as nursing and education, set higher requirements
• RMIT's pathway and English programs are available for students who need preparation

Application checklist

Applicants submit certified transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and identity documents, plus a portfolio where required, and then apply for an Australian student visa with Overseas Student Health Cover. SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT scores are not typically required for standard entry.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Third-party summaries put international undergraduate tuition for programs such as business and engineering at roughly AUD 43,200 to AUD 50,880 per year, though other sites quote a much wider range that mixes per-unit prices, short programs, and different levels. RMIT's own fee pages should be treated as the authority, and fees are reviewed each year, so confirm the figure for your course.

Estimated living costs in Melbourne

• Melbourne is generally somewhat cheaper than Sydney, but housing near the city centre is still expensive
• Australian student visa applicants must show funds to cover living costs
• The city's tram network is free in the central zone and offers student concession fares beyond
• Part-time work is permitted within current student visa limits
• Many students share flats in inner suburbs to reduce rent

Scholarships for international students

RMIT lists several scholarships for commencing international students. The Academic Merit Scholarship for South East Asia and the Future Leaders Scholarship for students from India and the subcontinent each give a 20% tuition reduction, with eligibility such as a 70% average or ATAR 75 for the Southeast Asia award, and each requires a separate application. A Pathway Scholarship for China also offers 20% for eligible students packaged with English or foundation programs. The Medibank Excellence Scholarship of AUD 12,000 and High Achiever International Scholarship of AUD 20,000 are aimed at international students completing Australian Year 12 or the IB in Australia. RMIT says many awards are assessed automatically on application, while others need a separate application, so check each one.

Campus life and student support

RMIT's city campus is woven into Melbourne's streets, with distinctive buildings and easy access to cafes, galleries, and transport. The university offers international student support, orientation, and welfare services, and its size means a wide range of clubs and events. Melbourne is known for arts, coffee, sport, and live music, and Australia maintains strong public safety standards.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

RMIT's industry links, placements, and work-integrated learning help students build experience in design, technology, engineering, and business, and its careers service supports internships and graduate recruitment. Ask which employers recruit from your course and how outcomes are measured.

Australia's Temporary Graduate visa

International graduates of an Australian bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are generally eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows them to remain in Australia to work and gain experience for a period depending on their qualification. It can be a pathway toward skilled migration, but conditions change frequently, so confirm current rules with the Department of Home Affairs.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students must hold Overseas Student Health Cover for the length of their visa and should budget for the visa fee, flights, and initial accommodation. Prepare documents for the genuine student assessment, and arrange housing before arrival, since demand peaks near each semester start.

What to expect in your first months

Australian universities expect students to take responsibility for their own learning, with lectures supported by tutorials, studios, readings, and assessments spread across the semester. The first weeks involve orientation, enrolment, and finding housing, and RMIT's applied approach means group projects and industry briefs may start early. Melbourne's changeable weather is part of the city's character.

A realistic three-year budget

At the third-party range of AUD 43,200 to AUD 50,880 per year, tuition for a three-year degree comes to about AUD 129,600 to AUD 152,640 before scholarships. A 20% scholarship would reduce that by about AUD 25,900 to AUD 30,500 over three years, but only if you qualify. Add living costs, health cover, and visa fees when you plan.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the exact tuition for my course and the total for the whole degree?
• Which scholarship applies to me, and is it automatic or by separate application?
• Does my course include a placement or industry project, and how does it fit my visa?
• Is my course accredited by a professional body relevant to my career?
• What accommodation is available near my campus, and when should I apply?
• Would a pathway or foundation program help me meet the entry requirements?

Who RMIT suits best

RMIT suits students who want a practical, industry-linked degree in design, engineering, IT, or business, in a vibrant city-centre campus. It may suit less well students who want a Group of Eight brand, a green suburban campus, or lower living costs than Melbourne offers.

Weighing RMIT against Melbourne's other universities

Melbourne has several major universities, including the University of Melbourne, Monash, and Deakin. RMIT is distinctive for its design and technology focus, city location, and applied approach, while the older universities carry longer research reputations. The better question is which university has the strongest course in your field, at a fee and location you can manage.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your course and check any portfolio or interview requirements.
2. Confirm the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply online with certified transcripts and identity documents.
4. Accept your offer and pay any required deposit.
5. Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover and apply for your student visa.
6. Book accommodation and complete orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English test results, your passport, and financial evidence several months before your intake, and prepare a portfolio early if your course requires one. Visa processing can take longer than first-time applicants expect.

Design, architecture, and portfolio preparation

Applicants to design, architecture, fashion, and some media courses are usually asked for a portfolio or interview, and preparing one takes time. Start early, follow RMIT's specific guidance for your program, and present a small number of strong pieces with short explanations of your process rather than a large volume of work. If your portfolio is not yet strong, ask about pathway and foundation programs that can build the skills needed for direct entry.

Frequently asked questions