World-class people, leading edge resources and a multi-disciplinary approach are the trademarks of research at RMIT University. We recruit outstanding researchers to create a vibrant research culture, strengthen our research focus and further support the development of our postgraduate research candidates.

Our research programs are compliant with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), tailored to your needs and provide opportunities to work with innovative researchers. RMIT research training gives our candidates the skills they need to conduct research which aims to solve critical global problems affecting communities and the environment.

We facilitate and support collaborative research, providing opportunities for postgraduate research candidates.

Diverse research methodology training has long been a feature of the RMIT PhD and Masters by Research degrees. As a postgraduate research candidate at RMIT, you will be part of an active research community and have access to invaluable workshops and scholarships to help develop your research skills to generate research outcomes that meet the highest standards.

RMIT will provide you with the support of a group of experienced and trained research supervisors who will help you to develop the research skills and knowledge needed to maximise your potential.

Our postgraduate research programs assure the quality of your research training experience in all disciplines and modes of research, whether you conduct your research as a full-time or part-time candidate, in Australia or overseas.

Through the RMIT postgraduate research degree you will have access to innovative and distinctive research training at a global, urban and connected university.

This information will assist you to review your eligibility and to prepare your application for Masters by Research or PhD at the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University.

Research programs are offered at two levels: masters and doctorate. The duration to complete a doctorate is 4 years full time and masters by research is 2 years full time on average (or the equivalent part-time).

We also offer a range of tuition fee and stipend scholarships to support you through to the completion of your Graduate Research Degree.

Master by Research

Applicants for masters by research programs must have completed one of the following from a recognised higher education institution:

• a four year bachelor degree with at least a credit average in the final undergraduate year;

or

• another recognised award deemed to be equivalent in character and standard to a four year undergraduate degree, with at least a credit average in the final undergraduate year.

Alternatively applicants may provide evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and experience that satisfies the Dean of the School of Graduate Research or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

Doctor of Philosophy

Applicants for doctor of philosophy programs must have completed one of the following from a recognised higher education institution:

• a masters by research degree;

or

• a masters by coursework degree which includes research courses or a research project with a duration of at least 25% of a full-time (or equivalent part-time) academic year and an overall distinction average;

or

• a four year bachelor honours degree (with a minimum H2A achieved across the four years);

or

• a three year bachelor degree and a one year bachelor honours degree program (with a minimum H2A achieved in the honours year);

or

• another award deemed to be equivalent in character and standard to the above degrees.

Alternatives

Applicants for masters by research programs must have completed one of the following from a recognised higher education institution:

• a four year bachelor degree with at least a credit average in the final undergraduate year;

or

• equivalent in character and standard to a four year undergraduate degree, with at least a credit average in the final undergraduate year.

Alternatively applicants may provide evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and experience that satisfies the Dean of the School of Graduate Research or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

Time spent on research

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal. You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

You will undertake the PhD program under the supervision of an appointed research supervisor. The PhD program is structured to enable you to:

• complete a compulsory research methods course
• receive training in research integrity and ethics
• select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques
• complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your original contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex or original research for peers and the community to an international standard.

Upon graduation you will have developed:

• high-level skills in research processes
• analysis and synthesis of knowledge related to specific disciplines
• high-level communication skills. All candidates are required to complete:

Research Techniques

Electives in qualitative or quantitative research techniques once data collection has begun. You can use your own data to explore different research analysis techniques. Your supervisor will help you decide when you should take these electives.

Co-curricular Activities

You are encouraged to participate in activities offered by the university, college and school according to your needs and interests.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis by publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s prior to application.

Time spent on research

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal. You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four year Bachelor and Honours degrees, Postgraduate and Masters by Research programs.

Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time). Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

• Fees information for international candidates studying at RMIT’s Melbourne campuses
• Master by research and PhD fees for international candidates studying offshore

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT research scholarships.

Information past this point has not been populated since it con

Your application will go through the admission to candidature and/or scholarship selection process once submitted.

Program applications are accepted all year round. It is however important to note that scholarship application closing dates still apply.

Applicants seeking admission to candidature only can expect to receive an outcome on their application within SIX weeks of receipt of application by School of Graduate Re- search.

Transferring from another university

If you would like to transfer to RMIT from another university you will be required to follow the standard application process. Once you have applied, the School of Graduate Research (SGR) will contact your previous university to determine the length of time of your previous enrolment, and the status of your candidature, in order to determine your remaining period of candidature at RMIT. Transfers with remaining periods of candidature of less than 12 months are only approved in extraordinary circumstances.

You will be asked to complete RMIT Confirmation of Candidature or the Mid-Candidature Review, unless you can provide evidence of completion of these milestones at your previous university to be exempted.

Identify your research topic from the GUSS HDR Projects list (PDF 1.51MB).

RMIT admits applicants on the basis of their demonstrated capacity to conduct independent research. Places are competitive and subject to academic supervisor availability and suitability of proposed research.

The School of Global, Urban and Social Studies has a pre-application process which take two to five weeks to complete.

Before you complete, this form please read the following:

This pre-application form is an additional step to your formal application process to RMIT listed at Apply for admission and scholarship. You must complete both processes.

• The requested information will assist the School to liaise with supervisors and assess their availability in your nominated commencement semester.
• Due to the high number of applications received please allow sufficient time for processing. Generally we will advise supervisor availability within 2-5 weeks after which you can make your formal application to RMIT.
• The School may close its pre-application process three weeks prior to the RMIT Scholarship application deadline. After this time, you are advised to make a formal application directly to RMIT to be consider for a program place and /or scholarship.
• To apply for a RMIT scholarship you must complete a separate application form in addition to this pre-application form and the RMIT application form.

Local/domestic students need to formally apply for a Higher Degree by Research place via the School of Graduate Research.

You can access the form here.

Please ensure all requested documents are sent together in one email as separate attachments in PDF or DOC format, labelled with your name and document type.

If you previously submitted only some of the requested information, resend with the rest of the documents required.

Documents received too close to the official scholarship deadline may not be able to be assessed by the School in time to assist with your formal application to RMIT.

You must be able to arrive at the university to enrol before the beginning of the semester in which you wish to commence, as you will need to start the compulsory Research Strate- gies course in your first semester.

You must then find a supervisory team to support your application. Once you have identified an appropriate topic and school it is recommend that you email the GUSS HDR Coordinators via guss.research@rmit.edu.au to inquire whether this academic is able to assist you to find a supervisor.

You may also contact approach potential supervisors directly to see if they are willing to supervise you during your degree. Email is an appropriate way to make contact.

You must nominate at least two supervisors on your application who have agreed to supervise you. Your nominated supervisors can be either joint senior supervisors or a senior and associate supervisor.

See CUR’s list of supervisors

After finding a potential supervisory team, you must develop a research proposal.

Research Proposal

The research proposal is a key part of the process by which we select applicants for admission to our programs because it demonstrates that your proposed research is worth doing and that you are the person to do it.

The proposal is a key part of the process where applicants must demonstrate the value of their research and their suitability for program selection.

All applicants for a postgraduate research program at RMIT University should have a proposed research topic that is aligned with at least one of RMIT’s identified research strengths. Your discussion with the academic staff in your proposed school will assist you to identify whether your research proposal will be an appropriate fit for RMIT’s research strengths.

Your proposal should be a two to five page overview of your research divided under the following headings:

• Title and topic
• Research questions you plan to investigate in the context of existing research/literature in the area
• Significance and impact of the research
• Methodology/research tasks required to undertake the research
• Any particular needs, if applicable (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program).

A good way to start your proposal is to think about your potential audience.

• Who is your academic audience and how might this work affect their understanding of the field?
• Is there an audience beyond academics, such as practitioners or the general public, who might care about your work? Why should they care?

In most cases it is sufficient to demonstrate that there is academic interest, but identifying the potential broader interest in your findings can be a way to help you find the most relevant and pressing problems.

Unsuccessful proposals tend to suffer from a number of common problems. The most common is that the researcher is not really asking a genuine research question, but seeking supporting evidence for a preconceived idea. Ask yourself: are you seeking new knowledge or trying to prove something you think you know?

Sometimes, especially in creative practice based research questions do not easily present themselves. Some research is ’iterative’: the researcher must test their assumptions through field work or creative project work before the questions come into focus. In these cases it is important to focus on what your research has to offer others beyond your own personal and professional development.

The research proposal can be a difficult document to write. If you are already in contact with potential supervisors they may read over early drafts and provide advice.

These books might also be helpful in understanding research degrees and how to write a research proposal:

• Evans and Gruba (2002), How to write a better thesis, Melbourne University Press.
• Denholm and Evans (ed) (2006), Doctorates Downunder, ACER Press.
• Booth, Colomb and Williams (2003), The craft of research, University of Chicago Press.
• Dunleavy, P (2003), Authoring a PhD, Palgrave Macmillan.
• Rugg and Petre (2004), The unwritten rules of PhD research, Open University Press.

Some programs require more lengthy proposals with additional elements or additional selection tasks, such as the presentation of a portfolio. These are detailed in Program Overviews.

The potential supervisor(s) will read and comment on your proposal, and indicate if they are willing to supervise you before you submit your application.

Once you have secured a supervisory team to support your proposal you can apply. Our application process asks you for evidence of your ability to complete a research degree and details of your previous professional experience and formal qualifications so that your application can be properly assessed.

• Professional experience: Provide details (including duration) of any professional experience, previous and current, relevant to your application. You can also include details of relevant professional development such as workshops and conferences.
• Publication details and/or folio: If you have authored, exhibited or produced works relevant to your application please provide full details of the publication or exhibition including level of authorship, extent of involvement and whether the work was refereed, assessed or judged. Attach the front page for text publications or the relevant page of an exhibition catalogue or program.
• Research experience: Please provide details of any research experience relevant to your application. Research experience can include involvement in other forms of original work, authorship and creativity. If any of the qualifications you list involve research please provide specific details.

Ensure that you include the required certified copies of all supporting documents, your research proposal and any additional documentation requested (i.e. selection tasks etc) before your submit your application.

Scholarships

RMIT offers a variety of research scholarships to support candidates to pursue excellence in their research while furthering their academic and career goals.

Applications for current end of year scholarship round close at 5pm AEDST on Tuesday 31 October 2017. Applicants will be considered for the scholarships listed below and will be notified of the outcome of their application by mid-December.

• RTP Stipend Scholarship
• RTP International Tuition Fee Scholarship
• RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship
• RMIT Research International Tuition Fee Scholarship
• Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship

All domestic applications must be received or postmarked by the application closing date to be considered for scholarship. International applicants must have an offer from RMIT and met English language requirements by the application closing date to be considered for scholarship. To be considered for scholarship you must hold, or be currently completing:

• a Master by research
• a Master by coursework with a significant research component graded as high distinction, or equivalent • a Honours degree achieving first class honours
• a 4 year bachelor degree achieving a GPA of 4 or equivalent (80% or above).

If you do not hold one of the above qualifications, you will only be considered for scholarship if you have previous peer reviewed publications or significant research experience. Please make sure that you check the individual eligibility requirements of these scholarships prior to submitting your application.

It is also important to note that the scholarship rounds are highly competitive and satisfying the eligibility requirements does not guarantee a successful outcome. When a scholar- ship round closes all applications are received are ranked in order of merit. This process takes five to six weeks to complete. Applicants are typically advised of the outcome of a scholarship round five to six weeks after the round closes for applications.

Current research candidates

Current research candidates are eligible to apply for scholarship if they:

• have more than 24 months remaining (full time equivalent) of PhD candidature as at 1 January 2018
• have more than 12 months remaining (full time equivalent) of Master by research candidature as at 1 January 2018 Domestic applicants

Domestic applicants

To apply for scholarship, please complete the admission and scholarship application form which is available on our How to Apply page.

When completing the application form, please ensure you indicate in the relevant box if you are applying for both admission and scholarship, or applying for scholarship as a current candidate. Please note, applications for scholarship will only be accepted within the official scholarship round dates.

Domestic applicants intending to apply for the VCPS scholarship will be required to complete a supplementary application form which is located under the method of application section of our How to Apply page.

See the Research Scholarship Terms and Conditions (PDF 279KB 10p) for more information.

Congratulations on receiving an offer to study at RMIT University. Follow these steps to accept your offer.

When to accept

You need to accept your offer, arrive and enrol, before the last day to enrol in your program.

Most commencing international students will also need to register before they can enrol. Visit the Registration and enrolment section to check whether you need to register and check the registration and enrolment dates.

If you do not accept or defer your offer by the last day to enrol in your program, RMIT will cancel your offer and you will need to make a new application. If you are a sponsored student or a scholarship recipient see How to accept for sponsored students.

Accept your offer through iApply

We recommend using Google Chrome to access iApply.

• Log in to iApply with the email address used on your RMIT application. Your RMIT agent cannot accept the offer on your behalf.
• Go to the ‘submitted’ tab
• Select ‘Edit program(s)
• Accept the terms and conditions
• Select the program(s) you want to accept
• Pay your deposit, (includes tuition deposit and if applicable, OSHC and ELICOS enrolment fee).
• If you need to change the email address, or have any questions about using iApply, get in touch through the Admissions Helpdesk.

Payment methods

Your acceptance will not be processed until you have made full payment of your deposit. The deposit should include your tuition deposit, and if applicable, your OSHC and ELICOS enrolment fee.

There are three options to pay your deposit:

• Credit Card
• Telegraphic transfer. If paying by Telegraphic transfer you will need to upload your receipt in iApply.
• EFTPOS or credit card in person at Info Corner in Melbourne.

After you accept your offer

You will receive an email notification to let you know we have received your acceptance.The CoE will be available through iApply once your acceptance is processed. This can take up to five working days.You will receive a notification when your CoE is available in iApply.

Depending on your situation you may need to submit additional documents to receive your CoE.

If you have a conditional offer, you will need to meet all the conditions listed on your offer letter before we can issue a CoE. You can submit the additional documents required through iApply.

Are you in Melbourne?

Visit us at Info Corner to receive a CoE on the spot.

Next steps

Find out about Registration and Enrolment and Moving to Melbourne.

I cannot attend registration

RMIT strongly recommends that students attend registration on time. However, we understand that there may be circumstances outside your control that prevent you from attending registration on time.

If you are unable to attend registration on time, you may have the option to attend a late registration session. To request late registration, you need to:

• Fill in the request for late registration (form will be made available closer to the date)
• Attach relevant documentation with your request
• Submit your request.

Your request for late registration will be processed by our International Admissions team and you will receive a response within THREE business days.

It is important to note that some programs have restrictions on late registration and enrolment. If your program has late restrictions, you will need to register before the last date to enrol for your program.

If you are attending late registration you may not be able to choose your preferred course timetable and will have to accept the options available at the time.

Your application will go through the admission to candidature and/or scholarship selection process once submitted.

Application dates

Program applications are accepted all year round. It is however important to note that scholarship application closing dates still apply.

Applicants seeking admission to candidature only can expect to receive an outcome on their application within SIX weeks of receipt of application by School of Graduate Re- search.

Transferring from another university

If you would like to transfer to RMIT from another university you will be required to follow the standard application process. Once you have applied, the School of Graduate Research (SGR) will contact your previous university to determine the length of time of your previous enrolment, and the status of your candidature, in order to determine your remaining period of candidature at RMIT.

Transfers with remaining periods of candidature of less than 12 months are only approved in extraordinary circumstances.

You will be asked to complete RMIT Confirmation of Candidature or the Mid-Candidature Review, unless you can provide evidence of completion of these milestones at your previous university to be exempted.

Identify your research topic from the GUSS HDR Projects list (PDF 1.51MB).

RMIT admits applicants on the basis of their demonstrated capacity to conduct independent research. Places are competitive and subject to academic supervisor availability and suitability of proposed research.

Check that you qualify for the program’s entry requirements including:

• English language requirements
• academic entry requirement (see equivalent entry requirements by country)
• pre-requisites
• selection tasks.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for your preferred program, you can consider a range of programs that may provide pathways to your preferred program. The School of Global, Urban and Social Studies also has a pre-application process which take two to five weeks to complete.

Before you complete, this form please read the following:

• This pre-application form is an additional step to your formal application process to RMIT listed at Apply for admission and scholarship. You must complete both processes.
• The requested information will assist the School to liaise with supervisors and assess their availability in your nominated commencement semester.
• Due to the high number of applications received please allow sufficient time for processing. Generally we will advise supervisor availability within 2-5 weeks after which you can make your formal application to RMIT.
• The School may close it’s pre-application process three weeks prior to the RMIT Scholarship application deadline. After this time, you are advised to make a formal application directly to RMIT to be consider for a program place and /or scholarship.
• To apply for a RMIT scholarship you must complete a separate application form in addition to this pre-application form and the RMIT application form.

International applicants must also meet the minimum English language requirement.

RMIT University is subject to Australian sanctions laws that may affect your eligibility to enrol in particular programs. Applicants from sanctioned countries (external link) are encouraged to apply early to allow additional time for your application to be reviewed.

For more information about Australian sanctions laws, including how they are implemented and enforced and the countries affected, please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

You must then find a supervisory team to support your application. Once you have identified an appropriate topic and school it is recommend that you email the GUSS HDR Coordinators via guss.research@rmit.edu.au to inquire whether this academic is able to assist you to find a supervisor.

You may also contact approach potential supervisors directly to see if they are willing to supervise you during your degree. Email is an appropriate way to make contact.

You must nominate at least two supervisors on your application who have agreed to supervise you. Your nominated supervisors can be either joint senior supervisors or a senior and associate supervisor.

See CUR’s list of supervisors

After finding a potential supervisory team, you must develop a research proposal.

Research Proposal

The research proposal is a key part of the process by which we select applicants for admission to our programs because it demonstrates that your proposed research is worth doing and that you are the person to do it.

The proposal is a key part of the process where applicants must demonstrate the value of their research and their suitability for program selection.

All applicants for a postgraduate research program at RMIT University should have a proposed research topic that is aligned with at least one of RMIT’s identified research strengths. Your discussion with the academic staff in your proposed school will assist you to identify whether your research proposal will be an appropriate fit for RMIT’s research strengths.

Your proposal should be a two to five page overview of your research divided under the following headings:

• Title and topic
• Research questions you plan to investigate in the context of existing research/literature in the area
• Significance and impact of the research
• Methodology/research tasks required to undertake the research
• Any particular needs, if applicable (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program). A good way to start your proposal is to think about your potential audience.

In most cases it is sufficient to demonstrate that there is academic interest, but identifying the potential broader interest in your findings can be a way to help you find the most relevant and pressing problems.

Unsuccessful proposals tend to suffer from a number of common problems. The most common is that the researcher is not really asking a genuine research question, but seeking supporting evidence for a preconceived idea. Ask yourself: are you seeking new knowledge or trying to prove something you think you know?

Sometimes, especially in creative practice based research questions do not easily present themselves. Some research is ’iterative’: the researcher must test their assumptions through field work or creative project work before the questions come into focus. In these cases it is important to focus on what your research has to offer others beyond your own personal and professional development.

The research proposal can be a difficult document to write. If you are already in contact with potential supervisors they may read over early drafts and provide advice.

These books might also be helpful in understanding research degrees and how to write a research proposal:

• Evans and Gruba (2002), How to write a better thesis, Melbourne University Press.
• Denholm and Evans (ed) (2006), Doctorates Downunder, ACER Press.
• Booth, Colomb and Williams (2003), The craft of research, University of Chicago Press.
• Dunleavy, P (2003), Authoring a PhD, Palgrave Macmillan.
• Rugg and Petre (2004), The unwritten rules of PhD research, Open University Press.

Some programs require more lengthy proposals with additional elements or additional selection tasks, such as the presentation of a portfolio. These are detailed in Program Overviews.

The potential supervisor(s) will read and comment on your proposal, and indicate if they are willing to supervise you before you submit your application.

To avoid delays in admission processing, upload via iApply a complete set of supporting documents including:

• passport
• certified copies of academic transcripts (not required for current RMIT students applying to another RMIT program)
• certified copies of all graduation certificates in both the original language and English (not required for current RMIT students applying to another RMIT program)
• evidence of English language proficiency (not required for current RMIT students applying to another RMIT program)
• any documentation relating to selection tasks (pre-selection kits, folios etc.)
• CV, work reference letter, referee report etc if applicable
• research proposal, two research supervisor names, resumé or curriculum vitae (CV) and a list of publications (if applicable) for Master by research and PhD program applications only

Uploading files

• Each file should be no more than 10 MB. Larger files may time out while uploading and be corrupted.
• File sharing websites such as Drop Box or Google are not recommended as access can be a problem.
• If you are providing videos, we recommend you upload them to a site like YouTube or Vimeo and provide us with the link.

Compulsory attachments

• Certified copies of academic transcripts from all qualifications undertaken (must list subjects undertaken and grades achieved on official paper/letterhead of the institution)
• Certified copies of all graduation certificates in both original language and in English – official award stating the full title of qualification, date of completion and name of graduate on official paper/letterhead of the institution
• Evidence of English language level (where necessary) – English language proficiency test scores. View a list of accepted English language proficiency tests.

Other attachments (if applicable)

• Copy of your passport if available
• English translations of all documents
• Syllabus (if applying for credit)
• Resumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement
• References from employers
• Letter from scholarship provider
• Folio (check program entry requirements for details).
• Pre-selection Kit (check program entry requirements for details)
• Research proposal with two research supervisors names and list of prior research publications (for Master by research and PhD program applications only)
• Notarised Documents may be required for some students applying from China (we will advise you after we receive your application if we require notarised copies of any documents)

What are Certified documents?

A certified copy is one that has been verified to be a true copy by a witness after they have sighted the original. The person certifying the photocopy must sight the original document and include the following details on all pages that contain information:

• stamp or write, ‘This is a true copy of the document sighted by me’
• sign, date and provide contact details (name, address and telephone number)
• the official stamp or seal of their organisation or their profession and organisation name.

Who can certify my documents

RMIT will accept photocopies certified by anyone who is currently employed as:

• a registered RMIT representative
• an authorised officer from the institution that originally issued the documents
• an Australian Justice of the Peace
• an Australian overseas diplomatic mission or any Australian Education International
• an Australian accountant (they must be a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants, or the National Institute of Accountants, or the Association of Taxation and Management Accountants or Registered Tax Agents).
• an Australian bank manager, but not a manager of a bank travel centre
• an Australian barrister, solicitor or patent attorney
• an Australian credit union branch manager
• an Australian commissioner for declarations
• an Australian medical practitioner (doctor)
• an Australian police officer in charge of a police station, or of the rank of sergeant and above
• an Australian postal manager
• an Australian pharmacist
• an Australian principal of an Australian secondary college, high school or primary school.

Notarised documents

Notarised Documents may be required for some students applying from China. We will advise you after we receive your application if we require notarised copies of any documents.

Need help?

If you need assistance please contact one of RMIT’s appointed representatives (agents).

Once you have secured a supervisory team to support your proposal you can apply.

Our application process asks you for evidence of your ability to complete a research degree and details of your previous professional experience and formal qualifications so that your application can be properly assessed.

• Professional experience: Provide details (including duration) of any professional experience, previous and current, relevant to your application. You can also include details of relevant professional development such as workshops and conferences.
• Publication details and/or folio: If you have authored, exhibited or produced works relevant to your application please provide full details of the publication or exhibition including level of authorship, extent of involvement and whether the work was refereed, assessed or judged. Attach the front page for text publications or the relevant page of an exhibition catalogue or program.
• Research experience: Please provide details of any research experience relevant to your application. Research experience can include involvement in other forms of original work, authorship and creativity. If any of the qualifications you list involve research please provide specific details.

Ensure that you include the required certified copies of all supporting documents, your research proposal and any additional documentation requested (i.e. selection tasks etc) before your submit your application.

Scholarships

RMIT offers a variety of research scholarships to support candidates to pursue excellence in their research while furthering their academic and career goals.

Applications for current end of year scholarship round close at 5pm AEDST on Tuesday 31 October 2017. Applicants will be considered for the scholarships listed below and will be notified of the outcome of their application by mid-December.

• RTP Stipend Scholarship
• RTP International Tuition Fee Scholarship
• RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship
• RMIT Research International Tuition Fee Scholarship
• International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS)
• RMIT PhD International Scholarship (RPIS)
• Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship (VCPS)
• Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship

International applicants must have an offer from RMIT and met English language requirements by the application closing date to be considered for scholarship. To be considered for scholarship you must hold, or be currently completing:

• a Master by research
• a Master by coursework with a significant research component graded as high distinction, or equivalent • a Honours degree achieving first class honours
• a 4 year bachelor degree achieving a GPA of 4 or equivalent (80% or above).

If you do not hold one of the above qualifications, you will only be considered for scholarship if you have previous peer reviewed publications or significant research experience. Please make sure that you check the individual eligibility requirements of these scholarships prior to submitting your application.

It is also important to note that the scholarship rounds are highly competitive and satisfying the eligibility requirements does not guarantee a successful outcome. When a scholar- ship round closes all applications are received are ranked in order of merit. This process takes five to six weeks to complete. Applicants are typically advised of the outcome of a scholarship round five to six weeks after the round closes for applications.

It is also important to note that the scholarship rounds are highly competitive and satisfying the eligibility requirements does not guarantee a successful outcome. When a scholar- ship round closes all applications are received are ranked in order of merit. This process takes five to six weeks to complete. Applicants are typically advised of the outcome of a scholarship round five to six weeks after the round closes for applications.

Congratulations on receiving an offer to study at RMIT University. Follow these steps to accept your offer.

When to accept

You need to accept your offer, arrive and enrol, before the last day to enrol in your program.

Most commencing international students will also need to register before they can enrol. Visit the Registration and enrolment section to check whether you need to register and check the registration and enrolment dates.

If you do not accept or defer your offer by the last day to enrol in your program, RMIT will cancel your offer and you will need to make a new application. If you are a sponsored student or a scholarship recipient see How to accept for sponsored students.

Accept your offer through iApply

We recommend using Google Chrome to access iApply.

• Log in to iApply with the email address used on your RMIT application. Your RMIT agent cannot accept the offer on your behalf.
• Go to the ‘submitted’ tab
• Select ‘Edit program(s)
• Accept the terms and conditions
• Select the program(s) you want to accept
• Pay your deposit, (includes tuition deposit and if applicable, OSHC and ELICOS enrolment fee).
• If you need to change the email address, or have any questions about using iApply, get in touch through the Admissions Helpdesk.

Payment methods

Your acceptance will not be processed until you have made full payment of your deposit. The deposit should include your tuition deposit, and if applicable, your OSHC and ELICOS enrolment fee.

There are three options to pay your deposit:

• Credit Card
• Telegraphic transfer. If paying by Telegraphic transfer you will need to upload your receipt in iApply.
• EFTPOS or credit card in person at Info Corner in Melbourne.

After you accept your offer

You will receive an email notification to let you know we have received your acceptance.The CoE will be available through iApply once your acceptance is processed. This can take up to five working days.You will receive a notification when your CoE is available in iApply.
Depending on your situation you may need to submit additional documents to receive your CoE.

If you have a conditional offer, you will need to meet all the conditions listed on your offer letter before we can issue a CoE. You can submit the additional documents required through iApply.

Are you in Melbourne?

Visit us at Info Corner to receive a CoE on the spot.

Next steps

Find out about Registration and Enrolment and Moving to Melbourne.

I cannot attend registration

RMIT strongly recommends that students attend registration on time. However, we understand that there may be circumstances outside your control that prevent you from attending registration on time.

If you are unable to attend registration on time, you may have the option to attend a late registration session. To request late registration, you need to:

• Fill in the request for late registration (form will be made available closer to the date)
• Attach relevant documentation with your request
• Submit your request.

Your request for late registration will be processed by our International Admissions team and you will receive a response within THREE business days.

It is important to note that some programs have restrictions on late registration and enrolment. If your program has late restrictions, you will need to register before the last date to enrol for your program.

If you are attending late registration you may not be able to choose your preferred course timetable and will have to accept the options available at the time.

Tuition fees for international students are listed in the fees section of each program on the RMIT website.

You can also use the Programs, intakes and tuition fees database to search for international student programs and courses tuition fees.

• The program and fees information applies to students commencing programs between 1 January and 31 December of the selected academic year.
• All fees are quoted in Australian dollars ($AUD) and apply to RMIT University’s Australian campuses only.
• Fees are held constant for each calendar year.

Tuition fee increases

• RMIT University may adjust program tuition fees at the beginning of each calendar year.
• RMIT may increase the fees by no more than 7.5% each year.
• Because fee increases are applied at the beginning of each calendar year, students commencing later in the year will find that the total cost of their program will be

Additional expenses

Program tuition fees do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), material and administrative fees, books, equipment and other materials required to undertake the program or compulsory activities where relevant, such as fieldwork, excursions or laboratory practicals. See the Other expenses – materials and administrative fees page for more information.

Invoices

Fees are invoiced on a semester basis based on the enrolled load for that particular semester except for the following two sectors:

• RMIT English Worldwide student’s fees are charged at a weekly rate.
• Foundation Studies and Victorian Certificate of Education students are charged a flat semester fee.

Some organisations and government agencies provide funding students to finance their study at RMIT University. Sponsorship programs enhance RMIT’s social and cultural diversity.

RMIT currently has over 1000 sponsored students, sponsored by more than 70 organisations from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, UAE, Kuwait, and Vietnam. They are enrolled in a wide range programs in all study levels.

Definition of a sponsored student

RMIT classifies a sponsored student as:

• Tuition fees are paid by an external organisation (not an individual), such as a government agency, large organisation or overseas university
• RMIT invoices the sponsor organisation for tuition fees, OSHC and administration fees
• The sponsor provides an individual Financial Guarantee to RMIT for each student, forming a contract for the payment of fees
• RMIT’s Sponsorship Development Team provide academic monitoring reports to the Sponsor for each study period

Application process

There are some important requirements for sponsored students to be aware of. Sponsored students follow the same process to Apply to RMIT as other International students.

To accept your offer:

1. Log-in to iApply to download your Offer response form. Sponsored students can not accept online. For more information and help with using iApply visit the Accept your offer page. Please indicate on the Offer response form:
   • whether you or your sponsor will pay for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
   • whether you would like Single or Family cover to be arranged. If your sponsor only covers Single cover and you want Family cover, you will be required to pay the difference.
2. Attach a letter from your Sponsor confirming that they will pay your tuition fees to RMIT University. The Financial Guarantee should be on the sponsoring organisation’s letterhead and should include:
   • University’s name (i.e. RMIT University)
   • Student’s name (and preferably student number)
   • Program name
   • Duration of sponsorship
   • Details of entitlements (i.e. tuition fees, Student Services and Amenities fees (SSAF) and Overseas Student Health Cover (single or family)
   • Name and contact details for invoicing
   • Name and contact details for academic reports (if different)
   • Signed and dated by an authorised representative
3. Submit the Offer Acceptance Form and a Financial Guarantee from your Sponsor to ISscholarships@rmit.edu.au.
4. Make sure you are aware of our refunds policy

Payment of fees

Sponsors are only invoiced for tuition fees, Student Services and Amenities fees (SSAF) and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Students will need to pay fees for materials, fines, late enrolment or excursions.

Invoices are sent directly to the sponsor twice a year, in April and September. Sponsors will pay RMIT University directly.

Students should note that if their sponsorship does not cover the full amount of tuition fees they will be required to pay any ‘gap payment’.

Some sponsors provide funds directly to students. If you are receiving funds directly from your sponsor towards your tuition fees, you will need to inform ISscholarships@rmit.edu. au and pay your fees on receipt of an invoice from RMIT.

Academic performance requirements

Sponsored students are required to meet certain academic standards during their studies. Not meeting these standards can affect your student visa. RMIT reports on your aca- demic progress to your sponsor.

The Sponsorships Development Team can help you to access tutorial assistance to help you maintain academic progress. Some sponsors (including DFAT) will help pay for tutorial assistance.

To find out more see the Academic performance requirements web page.

Making changes to your study

Changes to your studies can affect your student visa and your sponsorship. As a sponsored student you need to inform and seek your sponsor’s approval to:

• change programs
• take a leave of absence
• request an extension and renew your student visa if you do not complete your program by the original date
• cancel your enrolment at RMIT and transfer to another education provider

For more information visit the Visa conditions webpage or contact the Sponsorship Development Team.

How to apply for a refund as a commencing or newly enrolled international student

RMIT International assesses all refund applications for international students in their first semester of a new program or for a future program. The refund decision is based on the RMIT Refund policy, Enrolment: Student refunds – RMIT Australia instruction.

We won’t be able to tell you the exact amount of your refund until after we have received and assessed your application.

If your application for a refund is successful:

• Any fines, outstanding debt and administrative fees will be deducted prior to a refund being paid.
• We can transfer your refund into an overseas account. Transfers can take up to 6 weeks to reach your bank.

Refunds of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

If you have not yet arrived in Australia and you have requested and paid for OSHC through RMIT then we will arrange your OSHC refund on your behalf.

If you have arrived in Australia, or were in Australia at the time of accepting your offer, then you will need to contact Medibank directly to arrange a refund of your OSHC. For more details please visit the Medibank website.