How to Apply to Computer Science at RMIT University: The Three-Year Bachelor of Computer Science, Its Three Majors and Eight Minors, Gaokao, A-level, IB and Canadian Requirements, English, Fees and Credit Transfer
RMIT’s Bachelor of Computer Science (BP094) is a three-year degree in central Melbourne with February and July intakes. Students choose from three majors (Advanced Computer Science, Cyber Security and Enterprise Systems Development) and eight minors including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and the degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society. International applicants need the equivalent of a 65% Victorian Certificate of Education average plus mathematics; for Chinese students that means a 75% Gao San average. International tuition is AU$45,120 a year in 2027. This guide covers entry, English, pathways, credit and scholarships.
RMIT University is in central Melbourne. Its undergraduate computer science degree is the Bachelor of Computer Science (BP094), taught by the School of Computing Technologies at the City campus. This guide covers 2027 entry, based on RMIT’s official information, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver), and transfer students.
1. The degree
- Length and intakes: three years full-time (student visa holders must study full-time), with February and July intakes; CRICOS 110797J.
- First year: four foundation computer science subjects and RMIT’s Bootcamp2Studio model: up to six weeks of intensive programming bootcamp, then nine weeks of project work in a studio, plus hackathons run with RMIT Activator.
- Years 2 and 3: you choose majors, minors and electives. Three majors: Advanced Computer Science, Cyber Security and Enterprise Systems Development. Eight minors: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Blockchain Technologies, Cloud Computing, Creative Computing, Cyber Assurance, Data Science, Bioinformatics and Data Analysis.
- Capstone: in the final semester you complete a large-scale software project in a simulated industry environment, often with industry mentors. The school’s Industry Advisory Committee also feeds into the curriculum.
- Accreditation: the degree is accredited at Professional level by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) for students who commenced in the period specified by the ACS.
2. Entry: students at high schools in China
RMIT converts qualifications to a Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) average, and this degree requires the equivalent of 65%. There is also a mathematics prerequisite: a study score of 20 in VCE General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics, or equivalent overseas study as assessed by RMIT. No selection task is required. From the China equivalency table:
- Gao San: an overall average of 75%. Gao Er results alone do not give entry to a bachelor degree.
- Gaokao: RMIT publishes a score for Beijing only: 441. Other provinces should contact RMIT International.
- A-levels: at least 7 points from three subjects (A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1), such as CDD.
- IB Diploma: 25, including bonus and penalty points.
- US curriculum: high school diploma with GPA 2.5 plus SAT 1060 or ACT 21. RMIT does not publish how AP results are used; AP students should ask RMIT.
- For reference: the lowest selection rank for Australian applicants in the latest intake was ATAR 75.10.
- If your marks are lower: RMIT Foundation Studies accepts a Gao Er average of 60% or Gao San of 50%; the Fast Track pathway needs Gao Er 75% or Gao San 60%. You can also start with the two-year Associate Degree in Information Technology (AD006); see section 5.
3. Entry: students at Canadian high schools
- BC: apply with the BC Dogwood Diploma at 65%. RMIT does not say which BC courses are averaged or which BC mathematics course meets the prerequisite, so ask RMIT early.
- Ontario: the OSSD also needs 65%, averaged over the best six Grade 12 academic courses (C, M and U).
- Other curricula: IB and A-level students in Canada need the scores above.
4. English
- Tests: IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0; TOEFL iBT (Australia) 79 (Reading 13, Listening 12, Speaking 18, Writing 21); PTE Academic 58 (no band below 50); C1 Advanced 176 (no component below 169).
- TOEFL note: tests taken on or after 21 January 2026 must be the TOEFL iBT Australia version; scores on the 1–6 scale are not accepted. RMIT does not accept home or online editions, and results must be within two years of your start date. Duolingo is not on RMIT’s list.
- Using school qualifications: IB English A (Literature or Language and Literature) at HL or SL grade 4, or English B at HL 4 or SL 5; or a C or better in an A-level subject taught and examined in English (excluding languages, mathematics and music), used only if no English subject was taken.
- Canadian students: Canada (except Quebec) is a recognised English-speaking country. Six years of schooling there, including at least two years of secondary school taught in English, plus the required English result, meets the requirement. Ontario needs ENG4U or ENG4C at 50%+; RMIT does not publish the BC English mark, so confirm with RMIT.
- Not there yet: RMIT’s English Language Pathways (Academic English Advanced) is an option.
5. Pathways, transfer and credit
- Associate Degree in Information Technology (AD006): two years, AU$41,280 a year for international students in 2027, entry at the equivalent of a 50% VCE average (Gao San 70%, Beijing Gaokao 375). Completing it with the prerequisite courses gives guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Computer Science with two semesters (96 credit points) of advanced standing.
- Transferring from another university: tick the credit option when applying and provide detailed course outlines (volume of learning, content, weekly topics, learning objectives, assessment tasks and weightings). Students who have completed a first year at another Australian university can seek credit; overseas courses are assessed case by case.
- Note: credit may limit the majors and minors available to you. Credit applications for Semester 1 2027 are due by 24 February 2027.
6. Fees and scholarships
- Tuition: AU$45,120 a year for international students in 2027. RMIT may review fees each January; the SSAF, Overseas Student Health Cover and course materials are extra.
- The computing scholarships on the course page are not for international students: the RMIT Tech Ignite Scholarship (AU$15,000 a year for up to four years) and the STEM Women in Computing Technologies Scholarship (AU$5,000 a year for up to four years) require Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or a permanent humanitarian visa.
- Pathway Scholarship for China: Chinese citizens (including Hong Kong and Macau) with a bachelor offer starting in 2026 or later, packaged with an RMIT English, foundation, Fast Track, vocational or associate degree program, receive 20% off bachelor tuition. No application is needed, places are limited, and you must accept and pay the deposit within 14 days of the offer letter.
- Direct entry with the Gaokao, A-levels or IB: the China section of RMIT’s international scholarships page shows no general scholarship for direct entrants, and there is none specifically for Canadian students. Check the scholarships page for updates.
7. Timeline (2027 entry)
- Semester 1: undergraduate applications close on 3 March 2027 (all documents by the deadline). RMIT advises student visa applicants to apply and accept at least 4 to 8 weeks before classes start, so apply early.
- Semester 2: starts in July; RMIT has not yet published Semester 2 2027 dates.
- How to apply: directly through RMIT’s application system or through an authorised agent. Students taking an Australian Year 12 (in Australia or overseas) apply through VTAC.
- Application fee: AU$100 only for countries on RMIT’s list, which does not include China or Canada.
Checklist
Students at high schools in China (Gaokao, A-level, IB, AP):
- Gao San 75%, Beijing Gaokao 441, A-level 7 points (CDD) or IB 25, plus equivalent mathematics
- Ask RMIT about other provinces’ Gaokao scores and AP
- IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band); complete documents by 3 March 2027
Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):
- BC Dogwood Diploma at 65% with mathematics; confirm which mathematics course counts
- Six years of schooling in Canada (including two of secondary) plus the required English mark exempts you from a test
Transfer students:
- Request credit when applying and attach course outlines; Semester 1 2027 credit applications are due by 24 February
- If you do not meet direct entry, the Associate Degree in IT gives guaranteed entry with two semesters of credit
Sources: RMIT University, Bachelor of Computer Science (BP094); Associate Degree in Information Technology (AD006); China equivalencies; Canada equivalencies; English proficiency tests; Recognised qualifications; Application dates; Application fee countries; Fees for international students; Pathways and credit transfer; International scholarships; Pathway Scholarship for China; RMIT Tech Ignite Scholarship; STEM Women in Computing Technologies Scholarship; Foundation Studies. Information is for 2027 entry. Check RMIT for the latest details.