Diploma of Graphic Design (CRICOS course code 105817H) is a Diploma delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 1 year. This qualification is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian Government standards for international education. Based at RMIT's Brunswick Campus in Melbourne, Victoria, this course offers international students a pathway into the creative industries. RMIT is a leading government-funded university known for its strong industry connections in design and technology. The Diploma of Graphic Design provides foundational skills in visual communication, typography, digital design, and branding. Designed for students seeking a practical, career-oriented qualification, this course is ideal for those looking to enter the graphic design field or progress to higher-level study. Australia boasts over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students. This page uses data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to give you accurate, trustworthy information. As a free resource, HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees or commissions – our only goal is to help you find the right CRICOS-registered course and provider. All international students in Australia are protected by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which safeguards your tuition fees and ensures quality education.
The Diploma of Graphic Design falls under the field of education '10 - Creative Arts', specifically '1005 - Graphic and Design Studies' and '100501 - Graphic Arts and Design Studies'. At the AQF Level 5 (Diploma) level, students typically develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in graphic design. Graduates learn to use industry-standard software, create visual concepts, design layouts, understand typography, develop branding strategies, and build professional portfolios. This diploma provides a comprehensive foundation for entry-level roles in graphic design or further study at a bachelor's degree level. Please note that this is a general description of what this field of study covers – specific curricula are set by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and may vary. Always refer to RMIT's official course documentation for the exact syllabus.
This Diploma of Graphic Design is delivered over 1 year (52 weeks) on a full-time basis, as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not a dual or packaged award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes and complete assessments on the RMIT timetable. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as a condition of their student visa.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$25,750, with non-tuition fees of A$373, bringing the estimated total to A$26,123. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Please note that fees are indicative only and subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with RMIT on their official website. The following costs are not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the Student visa application charge. For a detailed breakdown of living costs in Melbourne – including indicative weekly rent of A$200–$350, groceries A$80–$150, and public transport A$40–$60 – we recommend the Department of Home Affairs financial capacity requirements.
International students must meet minimum English language proficiency levels. As a general guide, an IELTS overall score of 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent) is typically required for this diploma level. Applicants also need to have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification or an equivalent overseas secondary school certificate. Some prior study in arts or design may be beneficial but is not always mandatory. RMIT may offer pathway or foundation programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. For precise entry criteria, including accepted English tests and prerequisite subjects, consult RMIT's official admissions page. All entry requirements are set by the provider and are subject to change.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. While the Diploma of Graphic Design itself has no required work placement, international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during scheduled study periods and unlimited hours during recognised breaks. If you are seeking a course with a compulsory internship or work experience, please check with RMIT for any optional industry placement opportunities.
The Diploma of Graphic Design is delivered at RMIT's Brunswick Campus, located at 25 Dawson Street, Brunswick, Victoria. Brunswick is a vibrant inner-northern suburb of Melbourne, approximately 5 km from the CBD. The campus is well served by public transport, including trains (Upfield line), trams (routes 19 and 6), and buses. Melbourne has a large international student population, with over 150,000 students from overseas. There are many other CRICOS-registered providers in Victoria, and studying in Melbourne offers access to a thriving creative industry. Indicative living costs in Melbourne: shared accommodation A$200–$350 per week, groceries A$80–$150, and public transport A$40–$60 (or a concession fare for students). These are estimates and vary by lifestyle.
This CRICOS-registered course qualifies international students to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key visa requirements include: (1) Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily for study; (2) Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay; (3) Sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. All CRICOS-registered providers offer ESOS Act protections, including tuition fee safeguards. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent – for personalised visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au).
Follow these three steps to apply for this course: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers – use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Graphic Design), and location (Victoria). Step 2: Apply directly to Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology – meet the entry requirements (including English language proficiency), prepare your academic documents, and submit your application by RMIT's deadline. Step 3: Once accepted, receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to allow time for visa processing (several weeks to months). HeadStart Academy provides free tools and resources to help you at each stage – no referral fees, no commission.
Melbourne is a recognised hub for creative arts in Australia, hosting numerous design studios, advertising agencies, and digital media companies. The city's multicultural environment and strong public transport network make it accessible for international students. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers nationwide, Victoria itself offers a wide range of graphic design courses across universities, TAFEs, and private colleges. The Diploma of Graphic Design at RMIT's Brunswick Campus positions you in a area known for its creative community. When choosing a course, consider location, provider reputation, and career outcomes. HeadStart Academy's database (April 2026) lists 26,433 courses – all from CRICOS-registered providers – so you can compare your options confidently.
Ready to start your journey towards a creative career? Use HeadStart Academy's free tools to research CRICOS-registered courses and compare your options. Apply directly to RMIT and take the first step today.
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Diploma of Graphic Design is a CRICOS-registered programme at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.