RMIT University vs Monash University: A 2025 Guide for International Students

Both Monash and RMIT are globally recognised, but Monash generally ranks higher in international league tables: 

Monash University  

Monash University is consistently among the world’s top 50-60 universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, Monash is ranked #37 globally. It is also placed 58th worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 rankings.  

Monash is a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities; a coalition of leading research-intensive universities known for academic excellence. This underscores Monash’s strong reputation for research and teaching quality. 

RMIT University 

RMIT University is a highly regarded institution, especially in technology and design fields. RMIT has been rising in global rankings in recent years; for example, the QS World Rankings 2025 placed RMIT at #123 globally (marking a significant jump up the charts from #190 in 2023). In the World Rankings, RMIT is listed between 251^st-300th position worldwide. 

While RMIT is not part of the Go8, it enjoys a strong international reputation for practical, industry-oriented education. Notably, RMIT’s Art and Design programs are world-renowned being ranked #1 in Australia and #18 globally in their field according to QS university rankings, highlighting the university’s niche strengths. 

Ranking comparison of RMIT vs. Monash 

Monash’s Go8 status and top 60 global ranking reflects its high academic prestige, extensive research output, and strong employer reputation. RMIT, meanwhile, is recognised as a global leader in applied education, especially in creative and tech disciplines, and has made impressive ranking gains in recent years.   

Both universities have a significant international presence and are well-regarded by employers and academia worldwide.

Both institutions are based in Melbourne (ranked among the world’s most liveable and student-friendly cities), but offer different campus experiences: 

Monash University campus locations 

Monash has multiple campuses across Melbourne and beyond, including Clayton, Caulfield, Peninsula, and Parkville. 

Monash’s largest campus is in Clayton, a suburban about 20 km from Melbourne’s city centre. It’s an expansive campus with on-site housing, libraries, research centres, and plenty of green space, giving students a true “campus town” feel.   

Caulfield offers a bustling urban atmosphere, while the Peninsula campus has a more tranquil environment and Parkville close-knit atmosphere in a vibrant urban setting. 

RMIT University campus locations 

RMIT provides a dynamic city-campus experience with its main campus embedded in Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). Locals sometimes call this part of the city the “RMIT Quarter”. Surrounded by cafes, shops, galleries, and the vibrancy of city life, the campus is adjacent to landmarks like the State Library of Victoria and is well-served by public transport, making city exploration easy.  

Additionally, RMIT has a suburban campus in Bundoora (north-east Melbourne) set in parklands, and a smaller campus in Brunswick known for its creative arts scene.  

Overall, RMIT’s city location offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle allowing students to enjoy Melbourne’s cultural events, food, and nightlife just steps from their classrooms. The trade-off is a more urban, commuter-style experience, as RMIT doesn’t offer a self-contained suburban campus like Monash Clayton.  

Nonetheless, student life at RMIT is rich and engaging, with the campus’s proximity to city amenities providing an exciting backdrop to one’s studies. 

Student life at Monash University 

Monash campuses are known for their active student communities. There are hundreds of student-run clubs and societies that cater to nearly every interest. From academic clubs and cultural associations to hobby groups (everything from anime and chess to outdoors and performing arts), these clubs organise fun activities, trips, and social events, ensuring that international students can make friends and feel at home.  

Monash also has on-campus sports facilities and participates enthusiastically in inter-university competitions (over 600 Monash students compete in the Australian University Games each year). From libraries, innovative learning spaces, and labs, to student lounges, the campus facilities at Monash are modern.  

At Clayton, many students live on campus in residence halls, fostering a strong residential community. Between classes, Monash students can relax at campus cafeterias, enjoy the green spaces, and join the vibrant orientation week activities and various festivals.  

In short, Monash offers a traditional college atmosphere with a diverse, inclusive student body — ideal for those seeking full campus immersion. 

Student life at RMIT University 

As an urban university, RMIT’s student life is closely connected to the city of Melbourne. Despite this, RMIT still cultivates a strong campus community by hosting numerous clubs, student associations, and events. You’ll find everything from design showcases and startup incubator meetups (reflecting RMIT’s tech and design focus) to sports clubs and international student societies. 

The campus features cutting-edge facilities like the RMIT Design Hub and media labs, as well as student hangout spots amid the city campus buildings. While many RMIT students live off-campus or commute, the University’s central location encourages socialising in nearby cafes, parks, and popular city spots.   

In essence, RMIT offers a fast-paced, urban student experience that’s ideal if you enjoy city living and want to immerse yourself in Melbourne’s professional and cultural opportunities alongside your studies.  

If you prefer a quieter environment, RMIT’s Bundoora campus provides a more traditional setting with sports fields and a green campus feel.

Explore guide to living in Melbourne

Both Monash and RMIT offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, they each have distinct academic strengths and specialisations, especially in popular fields like Business, IT, Engineering, and Design.

Business and Management Courses 

Monash University’s Business School is one of the largest in Australia and is internationally accredited (including the coveted AACSB and EQUIS accreditations).  

Monash offers a full suite of business programs from undergraduate commerce degrees to specialised postgraduate degrees (e.g., Master of Business, MBA, finance and marketing). It emphasises a combination of theory and practical case studies and benefits from Monash’s global alumni network in business.  

RMIT also has a strong Business School (within its College of Business and Law) known for industry-focused programs. RMIT’s business degrees often include practical projects and internships with companies.  

While Monash’s business faculty has a more research-intensive profile (being a Go8 university), RMIT’s business programs are highly applied, catering to current industry needs. Both universities are popular among international students for business studies, offering specialties like international business, accounting, supply chain, and more.  

Monash may appeal to you if you’re looking for a more traditional academic approach in business, while RMIT would suit you if you’re seeking practical skills and industry connections during your business studies.

Information Technology and Computer Science 

In IT, both schools shine but in different ways. Monash’s Faculty of Information Technology offers degrees in computer science, data science, cybersecurity, AI, etc., backed by strong research (Monash is involved in cutting-edge research in AI, data analytics and has extensive computing facilities). Monash IT graduates benefit from the university’s general reputation and often engage in research projects.   

RMIT’s School of Computing Technologies is known for its hands-on approach with courses in software engineering, information systems, and computer science at RMIT are developed with input from tech companies. In fact, RMIT courses are often co-designed with leading businesses to ensure practical skills and workplace relevance. RMIT is also well-regarded for its computer science & IT programs globally by QS, frequently ranking in the top 100 worldwide in related subjects.

Both universities offer internship opportunities; Monash offers industry placement programs, while RMIT emphasises Work Integrated Learning (WIL) where IT students may do client projects or placements as part of their degree. If you prioritise research or a broad theoretical foundation, Monash is strong; if you want tech industry immersion, RMIT excels.

Engineering  

Engineering is a standout faculty at Monash, they offer a comprehensive range of engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, aerospace, and more) with well-equipped labs and research centres. Monash engineering has a strong research orientation with Monash researchers having contributed to innovations in sustainable engineering and materials science. The faculty is large and undergraduate engineering at Monash typically involves a common first year, opportunities for specialisation, and honours research projects. 

RMIT’s engineering programs are equally comprehensive (covering major fields like civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace and biomedical to name a few) and are known for their practical training. RMIT originated as a technical institute, so its engineering courses maintain a tradition of hands-on experience and industry partnerships. Many RMIT engineering degrees include mandatory industry placements or real-world projects. RMIT’s city location enables collaboration with urban infrastructure projects and tech companies.  

Both schools produce highly employable engineers, but Monash might be seen as more research-focused (with options for students to engage in research or pursue higher degrees in engineering), whereas RMIT is seen as more practice-focused, preparing students to jump directly into industry roles. Notably, both Monash and RMIT rank among the world’s top 100-200 in various engineering subjects each year, so you’re in good hands with either.

Design, Architecture, and Creative Arts 

This is where the two universities differ more significantly. RMIT is world-famous for its art, design, and architecture programs. It consistently ranks among the global leaders in Art & Design, holding the #1 spot in Australia and #18 globally for Art and Design subjects. The university offers cutting-edge programs in graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, architecture, animation, and gaming, many of which are housed in the impressive RMIT Design Hub and other creative precincts on campus.  

RMIT’s design students benefit from mentorship by industry practitioners and often showcase their work in exhibitions and fashion shows. If you’re interested in creative fields or architecture, RMIT’s reputation and specialised facilities are a huge draw.  

Monash University also has strong offerings in design and arts (through its Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture) with its Industrial Design and Fine Arts being particularly well-regarded.

Other course areas 

While in terms of global prominence, RMIT has the edge in creative disciplines, Monash excels in areas like Medicine and Pharmacy—areas not offered at the undergraduate level by RMIT. With dedicated schools for both, Monash is considered a world leader in pharmaceutical and medicinal sciences.  

Additionally, for fields like Law, Arts/Humanities, or Sciences, Monash typically has a wider array of programs (owing to its size and research-university status) compared to RMIT. This is due to RMIT’s focus on professional and technical subjects which leads to a narrower scope of degrees offered.

Monash Vs. RMIT: Who has the better academic programs? 

In summary, both universities cover the popular study areas of Business, IT, Engineering, and Design, but their approach and renown in each area differ. Monash provides broad academic depth and research opportunities across most disciplines with standout prestige in fields like business, medicine, engineering, and science. RMIT provides an innovative, industry-engaged curriculum, especially shining in technology, design/creative arts, and applied engineering.  

Your choice might depend on your intended major and desired career and how well each university caters to those needs.

As highlighted by their high international student enrolment numbers, both Monash and RMIT are very supportive of international students. Below is a comparison of the range of services offered by RMIT and Monash to ensure you adjust well academically, socially, and personally.

Orientation and Transition 

Each university runs orientation programs tailored for international students. These include welcome sessions that introduce you to the campus, local culture, and support resources. Monash has dedicated international student orientation and buddy programs where new students are paired with current students. RMIT similarly offers orientation events and city tours for newcomers, often through its student union and global office.

Academic Support 

At Monash, libraries and learning centres provide study guides, online tutorials, and library guides to help students with academic skills. Monash’s language and learning services assist students (including those from non-English speaking backgrounds) with skills like essay writing, research, and exam preparation.  

RMIT provides extensive academic support, including peer tutoring, study skill workshops, and English language development. Additionally, RMIT offers free English language classes and academic support specifically for international students to help those who want to improve their language proficiency alongside their studies.  

Both universities have accessible faculty and tutors and encourage students to seek help early if they face academic difficulties.

Personal and Social Support 

Monash and RMIT each have an International Student Support unit. These offices can assist with practical matters like visas, health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover), accommodation, and adjusting to life in Melbourne. Counselling services are available on both campuses to support mental health and well-being, typically free of charge for students.   

Monash, being a larger residential university, also has support for on-campus living, whereas RMIT’s support has a greater focus on helping students find housing in the city through partnerships with student accommodation providers. 

Both universities host multicultural events, mentoring programs, and social integration activities to help international students feel at home. For example, Monash has international student associations and country-specific clubs that celebrate cultural festivals on campus. RMIT offers initiatives like a mentorship app that connects international students with peers or alumni for guidance, along with events such as Global Nights, where students share their culture.

Who offers the better support services? 

In short, both universities are student-focused and supportive. The environment at Monash is very community-oriented and you’ll find a wide range of student services and a proactive approach to student welfare (from academic advising to health services). RMIT also prides itself on a supportive and welcoming community, ensuring international students have access to mentors, language support, and all the guidance needed to succeed.  

No matter which university you choose, you can be confident that there are systems in place to help you adapt to university life and thrive during your studies.

Tuition Fees 

As an international student, tuition fees are a significant factor. Both Monash and RMIT are public Australian universities, and their international tuition fees are broadly similar in range, though exact amounts vary by program and level. According to IDP’s comprehensive course data, here are the median degree costs in AUD$ of Monash and RMIT. 

Undergraduate Courses

International students at Monash can expect tuition roughly in the range of AUD$35,000 to AUD$45,000 per year for most standard degrees (some programs, like Medicine, are significantly higher).  

At RMIT, undergraduate fees for international students also typically range from AUD$35,000 to AUD$45,000 per year, depending on the course. For example, a Bachelor of Business or IT may cost in the low AUD$30,000s per year, whereas specialised courses like Aviation or Architecture could be higher.  

Monash’s undergraduate courses (like Engineering or Commerce) often cluster in the high AUD$30k to low AUD$40k range per year. 

Postgraduate Courses 

Postgraduate programs fees are comparable with a typical master’s degree at Monash ranging from AUD$40,000 to AUD$55,000 per year. RMIT’s postgraduate degrees generally range from about AUD$35,000 up to AUD$50,000 per year (with MBA programs or specialised technical master’s on the higher end).  

It’s worth noting that fees can vary not only by field (e.g., humanities programs might be cheaper than lab-based science programs) but also by course length (some master’s are 1 year, others 2 years).  

Discover more course costs using our course finder or talk to our expert counsellors for free advice: 

Get free course advice  

Scholarships 

The good news is that both Monash and RMIT offer scholarships to international students to help offset the cost of studying abroad. Some scholarships are merit-based (for academic excellence), while others are need-based or target students from specific countries or courses. 

Monash University Scholarships 

Monash has a variety of scholarships for international students at both undergrad and postgrad levels. A prominent one is the Monash International Merit Scholarship, which offers high-achieving international students up to AUD$10,000 per year (applied towards fees). Even more generous is the Monash International Leadership Scholarship, which can cover 100% of tuition fees for the duration of your course (a very competitive scholarship for top performers).  

In addition, Monash offers faculty-specific scholarships (e.g., Engineering scholarships, IT scholarships) and research scholarships for those pursuing graduate research (PhD/MPhil). There are also country-specific grants and external scholarships (like Australia Awards) that Monash participates in.  

Many Monash scholarships consider not just grades but also factors like extracurricular achievements or a statement of purpose. 

Australia Scholarships for International Students 

RMIT University Scholarships 

RMIT also provides a range of scholarships for international students. This includes the International Excellence Scholarships, which offers a percentage reduction in tuition for excellent students.  

There are also region-specific scholarships for students from regions like Asia and Latin America, to promote diversity. Like Monash, RMIT is also part of the Australia Awards Scholarships program by the Australian Government. 

At the postgraduate level, RMIT offers research scholarships like the RTP (Research Training Program) scholarships and RMIT Research Stipend scholarships for those pursuing master’s by research or PhDs. Additionally, some external organisations (companies, foundations) fund partial scholarships for RMIT students in particular fields.

Australia Scholarship for International Students

Gaining admission to either Monash or RMIT will require you to meet certain academic and English language proficiency requirements.  

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate studies 

Both universities require applicants to have completed a recognised undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s) in a relevant field for the master's program you’re applying to.  

Typically, for coursework master’s, you need at least a credit average in your bachelor’s which is roughly 60-65% or around a GPA of 2.7-3.0 on a 4.0 scale (though competitive programs may require higher). 

Monash is somewhat strict with prerequisites meaning they may require you to take additional foundation units or a graduate certificate first if you don’t meet the direct entry requirements. Monash often offers pathway options like graduate certificates or diplomas (which, upon good performance, can lead into the master’s program). 

RMIT may be a bit more flexible for some coursework master’s, especially if you have relevant work experience or a portfolio for relevant programs. It also has pathway programs. RMIT prides itself on accessibility, so certain programs may allow entry with a lower GPA if other aspects of your application are strong. 

Entry Requirements for Undergraduate studies 

For undergraduate entry, requirements differ by country and curriculum. Monash generally has higher entry scores for undergrad programs than RMIT, given Monash’s position in the Go8 and its high demand. However, both accept international foundation year qualifications or pathway college diplomas if you don’t directly meet the requirements. 

English Language Proficiency 

Since courses are in English, both universities require proof of English proficiency for international applicants (unless you studied in a recognised English-speaking country or program).  

The standard requirement for most postgraduate and undergraduate programs at both Monash and RMIT is an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 overall, with no individual band less than 6.0; they also accept equivalent scores in other tests too. 

Some programs that involve communication skills heavily (like Education, Law, Journalism, or Nursing) may require a higher English score. Always check the specific requirement for your course. 

Both Monash and RMIT also offer English pathway programs if you fall slightly short of the language requirement. You could take an intensive English course (such as Monash English Bridging or RMIT English Worldwide) to meet the entry criteria without retaking IELTS.

Overall comparison of entry requirements 

In summary, getting into Monash or RMIT as an international student will typically require a solid academic background and good English test proficiency levels. While Monash generally has slightly higher requirements for some courses (reflecting its rank and demand), RMIT also maintains good standards.  

If you are unsure about your eligibility, speak with an IDP counsellor, they can evaluate your transcripts and advise on the best pathway (direct entry or via a pathway course). 

A key question for international students is: How will these universities help me get a job or advance my career? Both Monash and RMIT perform strongly in graduate outcomes and have extensive industry connections, but they do have different approaches due to their histories.

Graduate Employment Outcomes  

The good news is that graduates from both Monash and RMIT are highly employable which is a testament to how valued their degrees are. Monash was ranked 54th globally in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, while RMIT held the 74th position. The difference in those rankings reflects Monash’s stronger global brand, but RMIT’s performance is impressive, often exceeding some research universities when it comes to producing job-ready grads.

Industry Connections and Internships  

RMIT’s slogan could well be “industry, industry, industry.” It has a long tradition of integrating practical experience into the curriculum. Many RMIT courses include internships or industry projects by design. The university has partnerships with countless companies in Australia and overseas. This is highlighted by RMIT’s ranking within the top 50 globally for the “partnerships with employers” indicator. 

Programs such as the RMIT Activator and participation in New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) support students to work on start-up ideas, network with industry mentors, and access co-working spaces to start their own businesses. 

In engineering and IT, RMIT’s strong links often lead to capstone projects where companies pose real-world problems for student teams to solve. All these experiences mean RMIT students build practical skills and professional networks before they graduate, which often translates into job offers. It’s no surprise RMIT has a reputation for producing graduates who can “hit the ground running” in the workplace. 

Monash University, being a research-intensive institution, also values industry connections, though it balances that with academic depth. Monash hosts numerous career fairs and employer networking events on campus and has an extensive alumni network which it leverages for mentoring programs and industry panels.  

Monash’s size and prestige attract big-name employers to its events with companies often recruiting directly from graduate programs. They also have dedicated units like Monash Industry Team Initiative (MITI), which places students into paid short-term projects to encourage industry-based learning via internships or cooperative education.  

While Monash’s curriculum may be slightly more theoretical than RMIT’s, Monash ensures that students have opportunities to gain workplace experience, and their reputation can give graduates a slight edge in some competitive fields. 

Career Services and Support 

Both institutions offer strong career services with Monash’s Career Connect and RMIT’s Career Centre providing one-on-one career counselling, job listings, and skill-building workshops. They also help international students with understanding Australian workplace culture and even visa pathways if you aim to work in Australia after graduating. Many international students at both Monash and RMIT do land jobs in Australia or with Australian firms abroad, thanks to these support systems. 

Networking & Alumni 

RMIT has a global alumni community of over 520,000—slightly larger than Monash’s (500,000)—partly because it includes many vocational graduates. Both networks are extensive and include leaders across various global sectors.  

Networking events and alumni mentorship programs at both universities help students connect with graduates in their industries. Monash’s alumni include notable figures like business leaders, scientists, and even a Prime Minister or two, while RMIT’s alumni include well-known architects, designers, and entrepreneurs. This means whichever university you pick, you’ll join a far-reaching network of graduates that can act as an invaluable resource throughout your career. 

Reputation with Employers  

In employer surveys, Monash tends to have a slight advantage due to its Go8 status and strong international reputation. Monash’s name on a resume is associated with academic rigour and research. RMIT’s name is associated with innovation and practical skills and employers value that its grads have done real-world tasks during their studies.   

For cutting-edge fields like design or media, employers may actively seek RMIT grads. For fields like banking or consulting, Monash’s strong business school reputation may shine. Both universities are highly respected, with strong reputations in the industries related to the degrees they offer. If you look at Melbourne’s local job market, you’ll find Monash and RMIT graduates working side by side in many companies. Employers often recruit from both, appreciating Monash grads’ strong theoretical foundation and RMIT grads’ work-ready skills. 

Overall comparison of graduate outcomes 

In conclusion, when it comes to employability, you really can’t go wrong with either university. Monash and RMIT both equip their students with not just knowledge, but also opportunities to gain experience and network. The choice here may boil down to your personal learning style—if you want a curriculum heavily infused with practical placements, RMIT is often the better option; if you value a mix of research and practice, Monash provides that.  

What’s most important is taking advantage of the resources available during your studies. Attending career fairs, joining mentoring programs, and seeking internships during your studies will help maximise your chances of landing your dream role. Overall, both universities will support you in launching a successful career, and many international graduates indeed land excellent jobs or PhD positions after finishing at Monash or RMIT. 

Choosing between RMIT University and Monash University is a challenge, not because one is clearly better than the other, but because both are excellent in their own ways. They are located just 20-30 km apart in the greater Melbourne area, yet they offer distinct experiences and strengths.  

Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on your personal and professional goals. International students should consider factors like desired course content, campus environment, class sizes, research vs practical focus, and even where you see yourself living (a tranquil campus or the middle of a city). It may help to speak with current students or alumni of each university (IDP can often connect you or provide testimonials). 

What’s reassuring is that both Monash and RMIT offer high-quality education and supportive communities for international students. Melbourne itself is an amazing place to study being multicultural, safe, and full of opportunities, so either way, you’ll benefit from all the city has to offer. Whether you choose Monash or RMIT, you will be joining a top university in Australia that will challenge you, support you, and help you grow academically and professionally. 

Good luck with your decision, and remember that no matter which university you pick, you’ll be in a great position to achieve your study abroad dreams in Australia! If you need more personalised advice on applications or visas, IDP’s counsellors are always here to guide you through the next steps of your international education journey!