RMIT University

About RMIT University

• RMIT stands for Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, an Australian public university based primarily in Melbourne, Victoria.

• Its positioning: “a global university of technology, design and enterprise” with a focus on applied learning, industry-relevance, and global reach.

• It has a long history: Founded in 1887 (as a working men’s college) and evolved into university status in 1992.

• Scale & scope: More than ~90,000 students and 11,000+ staff globally.

What this means for you as an international student:

• A well-established institution with global visibility and solid infrastructure.

• Strong focus on technology, design, enterprise — so good if you aim for fields like engineering, IT, design, business, media.

• Global campuses/partnerships mean more flexibility and international exposure.

Why Choose RMIT University

Here are some of the key strengths:

• Industry-relevant education: RMIT emphasizes “work-ready” learning and practical skills, which means your studies are more aligned with what employers look for. (General insight, supported by many sources)

• Strong global reputation: The university is improving its rankings and subject strengths (see below).

• Multiple campuses and global reach: You will have the option of studying in Melbourne and/or one of its international campus/partnership locations (see section on campuses).

• Flexible study modes: There are on-campus, blended and online options (see section on mode of learning) making it easier to fit your situation.

• Scholarship and support options for international students: RMIT offers a broad range of scholarships for international students (more on this later) and specific support services for international student life.

• Living in Melbourne + vibrant student life: Being in one of Australia’s major cities gives you access to culture, transport, events and a vibrant student community.

For many international students, these factors combine to make RMIT an attractive choice when balancing cost, reputation, flexibility and campus experience.

University Ranking & Reputation

Here are some of the latest ranking facts:

• According to QS World University Rankings 2026, RMIT is ranked #125 globally and among the top 10 in Australia.

• In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, RMIT is placed in the 251-300 global band.

• In subject-specific strengths: for example, in QS Subject Rankings 2025 RMIT is ranked #26 globally for Art & Design, and #21 for Architecture/Built Environment.

• In THE Impact Rankings (which measure universities on UN Sustainable Development Goals) RMIT ranks #56 globally, and #5 for “Reduced Inequalities”.

What this means for you:

• RMIT has a solid global reputation, especially in its specialized fields (design, architecture, technology).

• If you enter a subject area where RMIT is strong, your qualification may carry extra weight.

• Rankings are one of many factors, but they help confirm RMIT is internationally competitive.

Campus Locations

Australia (Melbourne):

• Melbourne City Campus – in the heart of Melbourne CBD, with close access to transport, eateries, culture.

• Bundoora Campus – in Melbourne’s north-east suburbs; more spacious, park-land environment.

• Brunswick Campus – close to inner Melbourne (specialist in design/fashion/textiles).

• In addition: there are regional sites and special training centres.

International / Overseas:

• Two campuses in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City & Hanoi) under “RMIT Vietnam”.

• Collaboration/centre in Spain (Barcelona) acting as research/industry hub.

• Partnerships in China, Indonesia, Singapore and across Asia & Europe for joint programs.

Why this is useful for you:

• If you prefer studying in Australia, you have multiple campuses in Melbourne with different vibes (urban city, suburb, design-focus).

• If you prefer closer to home (Asia) or want a transnational study path, the Vietnam campus might be relevant.

• The international footprint means you may find more flexible options (studying some part in your home region, then transferring) depending on program.

Types of Courses (Study Levels) & Number of Programs

Study levels offered:

• Vocational Education & Training (certificate, diploma) and Foundation Studies (pathways) – for students who may need to build up to a degree.

• Undergraduate (Bachelor degrees) – many disciplines: design, engineering, business, IT, health etc.

• Postgraduate (Master’s by coursework, Graduate Diploma/Certificate) – for specialization or professional advancement.

• Research Degrees (Master by research, PhD) – for students who wish to go into research / advanced academia.

Modes of learning:

• On-campus / full time face-to-face.

• 100% online study available for certain postgraduate programs (for international students) — e.g., RMIT offers Australian master’s degrees fully online with same qualification.

• Blended learning (combination of face-to-face + online) – especially useful for international students or those needing flexibility.

Number of programs / scale:

• RMIT mentions over 450 internationally recognised qualifications across certificate, diploma, bachelor, master, research levels.

• Another source mentions “nearly 292 courses at UG & graduate level” for international students in key fields.

• From key statistics: in 2024 the total Bachelor enrolments were ~55,579; Other undergraduate ~12,906 etc.

What you should note as an international student:

• You’ll find a wide range of study levels and disciplines — which gives you flexibility in choosing what fits your background.

• International students can choose online (if available) or face-to-face depending on country, visa, etc.

• When choosing a program, check whether your preferred discipline is available online/blended or fully on-campus.

• Also check whether the campus you pick has the program you want (some programs may only be on specific campuses or overseas sites).

Highlights & Latest Updates

Some of the recent key highlights for RMIT you should know:

• RMIT has for the first time “broken into the top 100 in the world for research citations per faculty”, ranking at #96 in that metric.

• The QS Sustainability Rankings 2024 placed RMIT = 80 globally overall, and strong in governance and social impact (e.g., social impact = 54 globally).

• RMIT continues to invest in industry-facing facilities, research, global partnerships, and digital/blended education modes — all of which are advantageous for international students.

• On the student numbers side: In recent years RMIT has reported large enrollments (e.g., Bachelor level ~55,579 in 2024) meaning a sizeable student community.

• RMIT’s international outlook remains strong: campuses/partnerships across Asia & Europe (e.g., Vietnam, Spain) which means global mobility options.

Scholarship

A. Scholarships for commencing international students (undergraduate, postgraduate coursework)

• RMIT “Funded Scholarships” for international students – partial tuition fee reductions, merit-based, region-based, discipline-based.

• Region-specific scholarships (for example: Southeast Asia, Indian Subcontinent) such as:

  • The “Academic Merit Scholarship – Southeast Asia” for students from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam. Value: 20 % tuition fee reduction for duration of eligible program.

  • “Future Leaders Scholarship” for students from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal or Pakistan for Bachelor or Master by Coursework at RMIT Melbourne. Value: 20 % tuition fee reduction.

• Foundation Studies (“pre-degree / pathway”) scholarships: For example the Foundation Academic Scholarships for international students commencing RMIT’s Foundation Studies program.

• At RMIT’s Vietnam campus: International Excellence Scholarships at RMIT Vietnam. Value: 25 % or 50% of tuition fees for eligible international students at RMIT Vietnam.

B. Scholarships for research / higher degree by research (HDR) international students

• “International Tuition Fee Scholarships” for international applicants enrolling in research degrees (MPhil/PhD) at RMIT in Australia. Cover tuition fees (and perhaps other support) subject to eligibility.

• The RMIT website also emphasises that HDR scholarships are competitive and have specific rules (see “International Tuition Fee Scholarships – eligibility” page) for international students.

C. Bursaries / special awards / English-language course bursaries

• RMIT also offers bursaries for students taking English language (ELICOS) or pathway courses: e.g., “RMIT English Language Bursary for Asia” and “Bursary for Latin American students” are referenced.

• Also external sponsorship / government scholarships may be listed via RMIT’s “External Scholarships (Sponsorship)” page.

Key eligibility criteria & requirements

Here are the most important eligibility and application rules you must check. Note: each scholarship has its own terms, so you should always check the scholarship-specific page.

General requirements

• You must be an international student, i.e., you are not an Australian citizen or eligible domestic student; usually you must hold (or plan to apply for) a valid student visa. Eg: “an international student holding a valid student visa or plan to apply for a student visa prior to program commencement”.

• You must enrol full-time in your program (for most scholarships) at RMIT (unless exceptional circumstances apply). From the “International Scholarships Terms and Conditions” page: to receive a scholarship you must be enrolled full?time in a program of study at RMIT.

• You must meet entry requirements for the program you are being offered (offer letter) – many scholarships require you to have an unconditional or conditional offer by scholarship closing date. Eg: for research scholarships: “you must have been offered a program place that is not conditional on meeting English language requirements … or you must provide evidence of English language proficiency … before the application closing date of the scholarship round.”

• English language proficiency: International students must meet the English language requirement of the program, and in many cases by the scholarship application closing date.

• Academic merit: Many scholarships specify minimum grades, GPA or equivalent performance in previous studies. Eg: The Academic Merit Scholarship (SE Asia) requires an Australian equivalent GPA of 2.5 or 70 % average or ATAR 75 in the qualifying qualification.

Specific eligibility examples

Here are two detailed examples:

• Academic Merit Scholarship – Southeast Asia: Eligibility:

  • Citizen of Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam

  • Applying offshore from those countries

  • International student visa or plan to apply

  • Offer letter (full or conditional) to commence specified programs (Vocational Education, Associate Degree, Bachelor’s, Graduate Certificate/Diploma or Masters by Coursework)

  • Not an existing RMIT student at same level (ELICOS or Foundation may qualify after completion)

  • Minimum grade: GPA equivalent 2.5 or 70% average or ATAR 75.

• Future Leaders Scholarship (Indian subcontinent): Eligibility:

  • Citizen of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal or Pakistan (incl. dual citizenship holding those passports)

  • International student holding/planning student visa before program commencement

  • Offer letter to commence from 2025 intakes in Bachelor or Masters by Coursework program at RMIT Melbourne.

Research Scholarships (HDR) eligibility highlights

• For the “International Tuition Fee Scholarships” (research level):

  • You must not already hold a PhD or equivalent if applying for a PhD, or a Master by Research if applying for that.

  • Applicant must meet English-language requirements by closing date.

  • Full-time enrolment is expected (unless special circumstances) and scholarship cannot be deferred in most cases.

Conditions of award & continuing eligibility

• You must maintain active enrolment and full-time status (unless formally approved for reduced load) to continue to receive the scholarship. If you reduce your study load without approval your scholarship may be terminated or suspended.

• If you defer the commencement beyond the scholarship start period, you may lose eligibility (or may need to re-apply next year).

• Usually the scholarship applies for the duration of the eligible program(s) as stated in your offer letter. Changing program or withdrawing may affect the award. For example the Academic Merit Scholarship – Southeast Asia states the 20% tuition reduction is for the “duration of eligible program(s)* as outlined in your offer letter”.

How to apply & important steps

Here’s a general application-process summary for international student scholarships at RMIT:

1. Choose your program at RMIT: Apply for the course (Foundation, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, or Research) you are interested in at RMIT. You’ll need to receive an offer (full or conditional) in many cases.

2. Check if your program qualifies for the scholarship: Some scholarships only apply to certain levels or courses (e.g., Bachelor, Master by Coursework, not Master by Research) or to certain nationalities/regions.

3. Check the scholarship page for application process & deadlines: Some are automatic (i.e., you don’t need a separate application; the scholarship is awarded based on your admission and timing) — for example the Academic Merit Scholarship – Southeast Asia says “No scholarship application is required”. RMIT University Others require you to submit a separate expression of interest (EOI) or application form (for example Foundation Academic Scholarship).

4. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before the closing date: This includes academic performance, nationality/residency, visa status, English proficiency, study load.

5. Accept the offer and pay deposit: Some scholarships require you to accept your RMIT offer and pay a deposit within a certain timeframe. Example: Academic Merit Scholarship – Southeast Asia: “you must accept your offer and make a deposit payment within 14 days from the date of offer letter”.

6. Maintain enrolment and performance: Once awarded, you must continue to meet the conditions (full-time study, program duration, academic progression) through your study.

7. Check the terms & conditions: Always read the specific scholarship’s Terms & Conditions page, which governs things like deferral, program change, study load, outside funding, etc.

What to watch out for / tips for you

• Deadlines matter: Some scholarships are first-come, first served. For example the Academic Merit Scholarship states “limited availability and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis”. RMIT University So it’s best to apply as early as possible.

• Offer letter must often accompany scholarship eligibility: Make sure you have applied for your course and received (or will receive) your offer by the scholarship closing date.

• Check whether you need a separate application or if it is automatic: Some scholarships require you to submit an Expression of Interest; others might be automatic if you meet criteria.

• Study load & program change issues: If you reduce your study load, defer your intake, or change your program level materially, you may lose your scholarship. Always check the T&Cs

• English language requirement: Some scholarships require you to have satisfied the English language requirement by the scholarship’s closing date (especially for research scholarships).

• Nationality/region restrictions: Several scholarships are region-specific (for example Southeast Asia, Indian Subcontinent). If you’re from a different region/country you’ll need to check what’s available.

• Program level/disciplines matter: Some scholarships exclude certain programs (for example the Academic Merit Scholarship – Southeast Asia excludes Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots) and Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training)).

• Integrate the scholarship into your planning: If you receive a scholarship (say a 20% tuition reduction), you’ll still need to plan for the remaining tuition, living costs, visa, OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) and other expenses.

• Keep up online: Scholarships may open/close each year; values and criteria may change. Always refer to the official RMIT website for the latest details.

• Explore research scholarships early: If you’re considering a Master by Research or PhD, these tend to be more competitive — prepare your research proposal and academic record in advance.