RMIT University Review 2026: Rankings, Fees & Admission
- Dec 30, 2025
- 5 min read
Introduction
Are you a creative soul or a tech enthusiast looking for a university that ditches tradition for innovation? RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) is Australia's global university of design and technology.
Ranked #125 globally (QS 2026) and consistently #1 in Australia for Art & Design, RMIT is the dream destination for students who want to be architects, fashion designers, or software engineers. Located in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, the campus is the city. There are no walls—just cool laneways, cafes, and high-tech labs.
In this guide, we break down the 2026 admission process, fees, and why RMIT is the top choice for students who value employability over prestige.
Highlights: RMIT University at a Glance
Feature | Details |
University Name | RMIT University |
Location | Melbourne CBD, Brunswick, Bundoora (Victoria) |
QS World Rank (2026) | #125 (Global) |
Art & Design Rank | #1 in Australia |
Intakes | February (Sem 1) & July (Sem 2) |
Acceptance Rate | ~45% (Moderately Selective) |
Top Scholarship | Future Leaders Scholarship (20% Tuition Waiver) |
Top Courses | Architecture, Computer Science, Fashion Design |
What is RMIT University?
RMIT is a "dual-sector" university, meaning it offers both TAFE (Vocational) and Higher Education degrees. This makes it incredibly practical. You don't just learn theory; you do things.
For Indian students, RMIT is the best alternative to the expensive "Group of Eight" universities. It offers industry-ready degrees at a lower cost. If you walk into an architecture firm or IT company in Melbourne, you will likely find more RMIT grads than Melbourne Uni grads because they are trained to be "job-ready" from day one.
The "Hands-On" Advantage
RMIT's engineering and design students have access to some of the most advanced facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Precinct and the RMIT Design Hub.
Important Dates (2026 Intake)
RMIT follows the standard Australian academic calendar.
Intake | Application Deadline (Recommended) | Classes Start |
Semester 1 (February) | early March 2026 (Rolling) | March 2, 2026 |
Semester 2 (July) | Late May 2026 | Mid-July 2026 |
Pro Tip: Design, Fashion, and Architecture courses often require a portfolio or "selection task." These take time to prepare and assess. Apply at least 4 months in advance to avoid missing out.
Eligibility Criteria
RMIT is flexible and accepts a wide range of academic backgrounds.
1. Undergraduate Eligibility
12th Board Marks (CBSE / ICSE / ISC):
Design / Arts: 65% – 70%
Business / IT: 65% – 75%
Engineering (Honours): 70% – 75%
State Boards: Students from State Boards typically need 75% – 85%.
Prerequisites: Mathematics is required for Engineering/Science. A Portfolio is mandatory for creative courses.
2. Postgraduate Eligibility
Bachelor’s Degree: A 3 or 4-year degree from a recognized Indian university.
Minimum GPA:
Tier 1 Universities (Section 1): 55% – 60%
Tier 2/3 Universities (Section 2/3): 60% – 65%
Backlogs: RMIT is very lenient compared to Go8 unis. They often accept up to 8-10 backlogs if the degree was completed within the standard time and the student has a genuine reason.
Admission / Application Process
Follow this step-by-step guide to apply to RMIT University for 2026:
Choose Your Course: Use the "Study with Us" tool on the RMIT website.
Prepare Selection Tasks: Check if your course needs a portfolio, folio, or personal statement.
Apply Online: Submit your application via the RMIT International Application System or an authorized agent.
Pay Application Fee: AUD 100 (often waived if you apply via an authorized agent).
Submit Documents: Upload transcripts, passport, and English scores.
Receive Offer: Processing takes 2–5 weeks.
Accept & Pay: Pay the deposit and OSHC to get your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment).
Visa Application: Apply for the Subclass 500 visa.
Fees (2026 Estimates)
RMIT offers excellent value for money, especially for tech and design degrees compared to other top-ranked universities.
Course Level | 2026 Annual Tuition Fee (Approx.) |
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) | AUD 46,000 – AUD 48,000 |
Bachelor of Design | AUD 42,000 – AUD 46,000 |
Master of Data Science | AUD 41,280 – AUD 44,160 |
Master of Architecture | AUD 48,000 – AUD 52,000 |
Cost of Living: Melbourne CBD is expensive, but you can live in cheaper suburbs like Brunswick or Footscray and take a tram to class. Budget AUD 28,000 – 32,000 (₹15-17 Lakhs) per year.
Cutoff (Academic & English)
1. English Proficiency Cutoff
Test | Minimum Score (UG & PG) |
IELTS Academic | 6.5 (No band less than 6.0) |
TOEFL iBT | 79 (Writing 21, Others 13-18) |
PTE Academic | 58 (No skill below 50) |
Note: Education (Teaching) and Nursing require IELTS 7.0.
2. Academic Cutoff (Indian Boards)
Course | CBSE / ICSE Cutoff | State Board Cutoff |
Engineering | 70% | 80% |
Computer Science | 65% | 75% |
Business | 65% | 75% |
Documents Required
Valid Passport: Front and back pages.
Academic Transcripts: Class 10, 12, and Bachelors (Semester-wise).
English Test Score: IELTS / PTE / TOEFL.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): Mandatory for the Genuine Student (GS) assessment.
Portfolio: Critical for Design/Architecture. (Ask us for a portfolio guide).
Resume/CV: Required for Masters applicants.
Tips / Strategy for 2026
Scholarship Hack: The Future Leaders Scholarship offers a 20% tuition fee reduction for the entire duration of your degree. It is automatically assessed for students from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh with high grades (e.g., 70-75%+).
Portfolio is King: For Design courses, your portfolio matters more than your marks. RMIT looks for "creative potential," not just technical skill. Include sketches, rough work, and final renders.
The "Job Shop": RMIT has a dedicated "Job Shop" on campus that helps you write resumes and find casual jobs. Use it!
FAQs
Q1. Is RMIT good for IT/Computer Science?
Ans: Yes! RMIT's IT courses are very hands-on. They have huge labs (like the VXLab for VR/AR) and partnerships with Microsoft and Amazon. It is often preferred over Go8 unis by students who want to be coders/developers rather than researchers.
Q2. What is the acceptance rate for RMIT?
Ans: The acceptance rate is around 45%. It is moderately selective but very welcoming to international students.
Q3. Does RMIT require GRE/GMAT?
Ans: No. GRE/GMAT is not required for any course at RMIT.
Q4. Can I work part-time in Melbourne?
Ans: Yes, you can work 48 hours per fortnight. Since the campus is in the CBD, you are walking distance from hundreds of cafes, restaurants, and retail stores hiring students.
Q5. Is RMIT recognized in India?
Ans: Yes, RMIT is a public university recognized by the Australian Government. Its degrees are valid in India and globally.
Conclusion
RMIT University is the place to be if you want to create, build, and innovate. It’s vibrant, urban, and diverse. You won’t get a "Harry Potter" campus here; you get a city that is your classroom. For Design and Tech, it is arguably the best ROI in Australia.
Ready to get creative in Melbourne?
Start Your Application Now
🔗 Official Link: RMIT University Website
Check out our main site for further info.
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