Mature Study

RMIT University is one of Australia’s leading educational institutions, producing some of Australia’s most employable graduates. RMIT University began as the Working Men's College in La Trobe Street, Melbourne in 1887 and has grown to become one of the largest education providers in the country. RMIT has an international reputation for excellence in work-relevant education and high quality research. More than 57,000 students study at RMIT campuses in Melbourne, in Vietnam, online, by distance education, and at 100 partner institutions throughout the world. More than 200 higher education and vocational education programs are offered across a broad range of fields. Many specialist programs are regarded as among the best of their type in Australia

To be eligible to attend RMIT applicants must meet at least one of the minimum admission requirements and be selected for enrolment in competition with other applicants.  Program intakes are determined by the number of places available and the number of eligible applicants seeking entry to those programs. Entry into undergraduate courses at RMIT is divided into two categories: year 12 and non year 12 applicants.

Non-year 12 applicants must be 21 years and are not required to meet the minimum tertiary entrance requirements. Non-year 12 applicants are generally required to be employed in work that is related to the program they are applying, or to have evidence and/or the ability to meet the demands of the program. However, where programs specify prerequisites in mathematics and/or sciences, these requirements may still apply. To confirm the non-year 12 requirements for a particular program, contact the Office for Prospective Students on (03) 9925 2260 or e-mail study@rmit.edu.au

For further information refer to the VTAC Course Guide that explains undergraduate pathways into RMIT courses.

RMIT recognises formal and non formal qualifications as well as personal attributes in the application process. Mature age applicants can apply for RMIT courses if they are employed in work that is related to the program they are applying for, or to have evidence and/or the ability to meet the demands of the program. Mature age applicants follow the same application procedures as year 12 students, but may be asked to supply extra information. RMIT also offers formal pathways into university study through TAFE courses. Refer to the RMIT website for further information on how to transfer from TAFE to university study.

RMIT understands that people's backgrounds and circumstances can affect their access to education and training. RMIT has a series of equity admission schemes that allow applicants to explain the circumstances that have adversely affected their education, and to demonstrate their capacity for future academic success. Applicants that fall into the categories listed below are encouraged to submit a Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) (only for VTAC applications) or an Alternative Category Equity Selection Scheme (ACESS) application form. The SEAS and ACESS eligibility categories are for local applicants applying for TAFE and undergraduate programs at RMIT. Equity applicants need to follow the application procedures and any extra requirements specified in the VTAC Guide, individual program web pages or course brochures. The SEAS and ACCESS schemes cover the following categories of students:

• Mature age (students currently enrolled in the Diploma of Further Education only)
• Non-English speaking background
• Indigenous Australian
• Difficult family circumstances
• Disadvantaged socio-economic background
• RMIT SNAP Scheme Rural or isolated applicants
• Disability or long-term medical condition

If you feel unsure about your ability to undertake a program you're interested in straight away, you might consider the Diploma of Further Education a program specially designed for people returning to study. This course is run by RMIT and offers mature age people an alternate pathway into tertiary education. The Diploma of Further Education is a state-wide accredited program designed for adults returning to study who wish to move into TAFE or Higher Education. Applicants must be over 16 years who want to develop their confidence and ability to study at TAFE or University with the support of a teacher/mentor. The course is particularly useful for adults who have left school before the completion of Year 12. For further information contact the Program Director on (03) 9925 4488.

RMIT Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) provides services to students with disabilities studying at RMIT. The DLU works together with students and staff to facilitate accessible and equitable learning experiences. Examples of the services provided by RMIT DLU includes:

• provision of  lecture notes
• negotiations with staff
• alternative formatting of course materials
• assessment support
• adaptive technology
• access
• alternative assessment

For further information contact the DLU on (03) 9925 1089.

RMIT provides a range of scholarships to support commencing and continuing students fund the cost of their studies. RMIT also offers students the opportunity to apply for Commonwealth Government Learning Scholarships to assist rural and regional, low income and indigenous students with the costs of higher education. Applications for the Commonwealth Education Costs and Accommodation Scholarships are processed by the university. For further information on the range of scholarships offered by RMIT refer to its scholarships webpage.

Interest free student loans are available to assist RMIT students meet the cost of unforeseen expenses. The scheme is designed to assist students cover basic living and education costs such as accommodation, medical expenses, utility bills, program and expenses car repairs. The maximum amount of $1000,00 is available. Further information can be obtained from the RMIT website.

Short term Emergency loans are also available for students who need a small amount of cash in an emergency situation such as the theft or misplacement of their wallet. During such occurrences, students can find themselves stranded without the means to pay for transport or even food for the day. A loan of up to $10 is available for students in such situations, with two weeks granted to repay the loan .

Refer to Worksheet 6 - Financial planning (worksheet 6 as text 27 KB or worksheet 6 as PDF 79KB) to assist you budget for tertiary education.