Established in 1887 and situated in Oz’s second largest city, this university attracts 8,700 international students and offers 450 professional and job-oriented academic programmes

Situated in the heart of Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne, RMIT University enjoys a formidable reputation in Oz and across the world for excellence in vocational and technical education, as well as research and development. RMIT (formerly the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology), offers more than 450 professional and job-oriented academic programmes at several levels including pre-university (foundation), certificate, diploma, bachelors, graduate diploma, Master’s and doctoral research. Its programmes in the fields of applied sciences, engineering and business are particularly well reputed for providing industry-ready and highly employable graduates with specialised skills and knowledge. RMIT also offers over 200 TAFE (technical and further education) and vocational education and training (VET) programmes.

Established in 1887, RMIT currently has more than 57,000 students, 3,000 academics and 8,700 international students on its rolls. With its three campuses in Melbourne, one in Vietnam, two regional sites in Victoria, RMIT offers study programmes in collaboration with over 190 partner institutions around the world. The university is a member of the Australian Technology Network, a powerful coalition of five front-rank Australian technology institutes which share “a heritage of working with industry and a united vision to provide career-driven education for tomorrow’s leaders”. Moreover RMIT is a promoter-member of the Global University Alliance, a partnership of eight international varsities dedicated to sharing resources to provide online education throughout Asia.

“Expert teachers, a wide range of facilities and latest technologies assist students to reach their potential. From diploma to doctoral studies, our programmes link theory with practice. Work placement or research in industry-linked projects is an integral part of the RMIT experience,” says a university spokes-person.

After 95 years as Australia’s leading technology educator, and having offered degree courses for over 30 years, RMIT was granted formal university status under the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Act 1992. Now formally known as RMIT University, this highly acclaimed institute has been variously known as the Working Men’s College (1887), Melbourne Technical College (1934), Royal Melbourne Technical College (1954), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (1960). 

Melbourne. Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne (pop.3.5 million) is a bustling seaport, industrial and commercial centre. Built on two waterways, the Yarra river and Port Philip Bay, it boasts scenic parks and gardens perfect for walks, picnics and relaxation with the city skyline as a backdrop. It is home to immigrants from over 100 countries, has an enviable public transport system and numerous shopping centres. 

Within an hour’s drive of Melbourne are some of the most scenic regions of Oz — beaches, rainforest, mountains and lakes. For those interested in the arts, Melbourne offers world-class theatre, concerts and galleries. Exciting nightlife abounds in sophisticated restaurants, cafes, clubs and opulent theatres. Sports lovers have numerous opportunities to witness world-class sporting events such as the Grand Prix, the Australian Tennis Open and the Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne enjoys a mild climate round the year. Summers can be dry and hot, with the average daytime temperature reaching 28oC while winters are usually cool and wet with daytime temperatures dropping to an average of 14oC.

Campus facilities. RMIT has three campuses in Melbourne: the City campus, Bundoora and Brunswick campuses and two sites in Victoria — Point Cook and RMIT Hamilton. The City campus was founded in 1887 as the Working Men’s College and spreads across several blocks with other sites scattered throughout the city. Most of the popular TAFE courses are offered in the Carlton South precinct of the City campus bounded by Swanston, Victoria, Queensberry and Lygon Streets, the latter known as one of Melbourne’s most prominent café and restaurant streets.

The Bundoora campus is a vibrant centre of learning set in a tranquil, semi-rural setting and offers study programmes in applied sciences, education, language and community services, life sciences and engineering. Situated just 5 km from the city centre, Brunwick campus came into existence following the amalgamation of the Melbourne School of Printing and Melbourne Institute of Textiles.

Students enrolled in any of RMIT’s five campuses have access to the university library as well as the State Library of Victoria, research centres, computer laboratories, and enjoy free internet and e-mail access. Sports and recreational facilities include access to over 30 sports clubs, theatre productions, art exhibitions and free movies, excursions to regional Victoria, central Australia and Queensland.

RMIT also has an international campus in Vietnam and offers study programmes in collaboration with more than 190 partner institutions around the world as well.

Admission. All programmes offered by RMIT University have entry requirements prerequisites) students must meet before their admission applications are considered. For admission into TAFE and bachelor study programmes, the general eligibility criterion is successful completion of Plus Two and proficiency in the English language (IELTS scores need to be submitted). Visit www.rmit.edu.au for a complete list of entry requirements.

Most RMIT programmes have two semesters. The first semester is from February to June and semester two is from July to November. For more information write to Office for Prospective Students, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476V, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia; Phone: (+61 3) 9925 2260; Fax: (+61 3) 9925 3070; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.rmit.edu.au.

Accommodation. RMIT University does not offer on-campus housing facilities. However it provides a housing advisory service, housing database and arrival services to help international students find permanent accommodation. Most RMIT students choose to rent or share an apartment, flat or house for 12 months. Rents include food, telephone calls, gas, and/ or electricity. Students may need to buy furniture and other household goods. Weekly rents vary between A$120-250 (Rs.4,000-8,000). Private hostels offer furnished bedrooms and shared bathrooms and living areas. Some hostels provide meals, and others kitchen facilities. Homestay options are also available (A$170-200). 

Degree programmes. RMIT offers programmes at the pre-university, TAFE (certificate, diploma, advanced diploma), bachelor, Masters and doctorate levels. Twenty-eight schools across three academic portfolios — business, design and social context, science, engineering and technology — offer more than 450 specialist degrees and diplomas. Its vocational and work oriented study programmes in engineering, business, fashion and information technology are particularly well reputed.

Scholastic options at RMIT

RMIT University offers study programmes in 28 schools across three academic 
portfolios. Programmes are offered at pre-university, TAFE (certificate, diploma, advanced diploma), bachelor degree, double degree, honours, graduate diploma, masters by coursework, by research, by project, and doctorate by research.

Business. Accounting and law, business information technology, TAFE business school, economics and finance, management, graduate school of business, marketing

Design and Social Context. Applied communication, architecture and design, art and culture, built environment, creative media, education, fashion and textiles, International Centre of Graphic Technology, international and community studies, property, construction and project management, social sciences and planning

Science, Engineering and Technology. Aerospace, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, applied sciences, civil and chemical engineering, computer science and information technology, electrical and computer engineering, health sciences, infrastructure, electro technology and building services, life and physical sciences, mathematical and geospatial sciences, medical sciences

Tuition fee (annual) ranges from A$6,720-19,680 (Rs.2.25-6.59 lakh)

Living expenses (annual) AUS $

Establishment costs 1,400
Rent 5,200
Health cover 312
Food, telephone, gas, electricity, water 3,640
Travel 1,144
Books & stationery 2,580

Total 14,276

N.B. Aus $ = Rs.33.58

Summiya Yasmeen