Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) (CRICOS course code 118175H) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This course is designed for students seeking advanced knowledge and clinical skills in acupuncture within the broader complementary therapies field (Field of Education 061903). As part of Australia's leading provider of health education, RMIT offers this program at its Bundoora Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. HeadStart Academy provides this detailed overview to help you make an informed decision, using data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Remember, only CRICOS-registered providers can enrol international students, and RMIT is fully registered (CRICOS 00122A).
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The Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) (CRICOS 118175H) is a postgraduate coursework degree at AQF Level 9 (Masters Degree). The course focuses on the principles and practice of acupuncture within a Western biomedical framework, integrating traditional Chinese medicine with evidence-based approaches. Students gain advanced clinical reasoning, diagnostic skills, and hands-on experience through a substantial work-integrated learning component. Graduates are prepared for professional practice in Australia's growing complementary health sector. The course is offered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), a government-owned university with a strong reputation in health sciences. RMIT has been CRICOS-registered since 1997 (provider code 00122A). This page is a free resource from HeadStart Academy – no referral fees, just trusted data sourced from the CRICOS register.
The field of education is Complementary Therapies (0619), specialising in Acupuncture (061903). At the Masters level, students typically explore advanced acupuncture techniques, musculoskeletal assessment, clinical diagnosis, and patient management. The curriculum integrates traditional Chinese medicine theory with contemporary research methods, ethics, and professional practice. Students also develop competencies in clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration. The course includes a mandatory work component of 39 weeks (12 hrs/week) – approximately 468 hours of supervised clinical placement – providing real-world experience in acupuncture clinics and healthcare settings. This hands-on training is a key differentiator, ensuring graduates meet accreditation requirements for professional registration in Australia.
The Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) is a full-time program with a duration of 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. The course is a single qualification (no dual degree) and does not include foundation studies. Delivery is face-to-face at RMIT's Bundoora Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. Students should expect a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical workshops, and clinical placements. While the CRICOS register indicates 78 weeks, the actual academic calendar may vary – always confirm exact start and end dates with RMIT. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions under the Student Visa (Subclass 500).
According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), the indicative tuition fee for the entire course is A$69,120. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$1,119, bringing the estimated total to A$70,239. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Melbourne's cost of living for a single student is approximately A$30,000–A$40,000 per year, covering accommodation, food, transport, and incidental costs. Indicative weekly rent in Melbourne is A$250–A$450 for a share house. Please note: course fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register, and subject to change. Always check RMIT's official website for the most current fees. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not guarantee fee amounts.
International applicants must meet RMIT's English language requirements – typically IELTS 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0) or equivalent. Some programs may require IELTS 7.0 for health-related fields. A completed bachelor degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., health sciences, traditional Chinese medicine) is usually expected. Specific prerequisite subjects or work experience may apply. Foundation or pathway programs are not listed for this course, but RMIT offers English language courses and other preparatory options – refer to the provider for details. All entry requirements are subject to change; confirm directly with RMIT. Note: This information is a guide only. For definitive admission criteria, consult RMIT's admissions office.
Yes, the course includes a mandatory work component: 39 weeks, 12 hours per week, totalling approximately 468 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) typically involves supervised clinical placements in acupuncture clinics, health centres, or hospitals. Students apply their theoretical knowledge in real patient settings under licensed practitioners. The placement develops clinical confidence, professional communication, and practical skills essential for registration. WIL is an integral part of the curriculum and counts toward the degree. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow for this work component; the Student Visa (Subclass 500) permits unlimited work hours when the work is a formal part of the course. Always adhere to visa conditions and consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice.
The course is delivered at RMIT's Bundoora Campus, located at Plenty Road, Bundoora VIC 3083. Bundoora is a suburb in Melbourne's north-eastern growth corridor, approximately 18 km from the city centre. The campus is well-served by public transport (trams and buses), with cycle paths and ample parking. Melbourne is home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses across all levels. The city has a vibrant international student community of over 250,000. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate: weekly rent A$250–A$450 for share accommodation, groceries A$70–A$120, and public transport A$40–A$50 (with student concessions). The ESOS Act protects your tuition fees and provides access to complaint mechanisms. For more on studying in Victoria, see our /states/vic guide.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time in Australia. Key visa conditions include maintaining enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and attendance. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks – but check the specific work component rules (if the work is part of your course, it is not counted toward the 48-hour limit). You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. For detailed visa guidance, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered MARA agent. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy's free database to compare courses and institutions. Filter by course level (Masters Degree (Coursework)), field (Complementary Therapies), and location (Victoria). Confirm that RMIT (CRICOS 00122A) meets your goals.
2. **Apply directly to RMIT** – Review the entry requirements and English language scores. Prepare your academic transcripts, personal statement, and any required supporting documents. Submit your application through RMIT's online portal before the deadline. Check for any additional requirements like prerequisite subjects or interviews.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – If accepted, RMIT will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for the Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, evidence of funds, and a genuine temporary entrant statement. Apply early – processing times vary. For up-to-date visa information, visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Ready to take the next step? Browse all CRICOS-registered courses or contact RMIT directly for admission details. HeadStart Academy is here to support your study journey in Australia.
View the full Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology profile →
Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) 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.