Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Tech at RMIT

Associate Degree Industrial Design Full Time

Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology

at RMIT University · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

074685J

CRICOS provider code

00122A

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$76,800 total

Per year

A$38,400/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology at RMIT University focuses on the practical and technical side of fashion, providing hands-on skills in garment construction, patternmaking, textile selection, and digital design. Over two years of full-time study in Melbourne, students explore the complete process of fashion creation, from conceptual development through to manufacture. Teaching is delivered through classes and project-based units, backed by access to industry-standard studios and technology on campus.

Australian associate degrees like this one are structured as two-year programs, usually consisting of around 16 units of study and a set number of credit points. Assessment emphasises practical skills, with students building a professional portfolio that highlights their abilities in both design and technical production. RMIT has strong industry connections, offering opportunities for work-integrated learning, industry brief projects, or placements, which deepen real-world understanding and help students grow their networks.

This course suits creative individuals who want to move quickly into the fashion sector with both design flair and technical capability. Students can expect to finish with a strong grasp of garment production, digital patternmaking software, and the workings of the local and global fashion industry. The Associate Degree is also a recognised pathway into a bachelor’s degree in fashion for those looking to continue their studies.

Fashion in Australia benefits from local industry hubs in cities like Melbourne, valued for their creative sectors and close links to both established brands and independent labels. International students are welcomed, provided they meet the university’s English language entry standards. While studying, students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and graduates may be eligible for post-study work rights under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). For admission requirements and application details, check the official RMIT course page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Fashion design assistant
Product developer
Patternmaker
Production assistant
Fashion studio assistant
Technical support roles in clothing and textile companies
Roles in Melbourne’s fashion and apparel industries, as well as wider Australian fashion businesses

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology at RMIT University?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$76,800 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Fashion design assistantProduct developerPatternmakerProduction assistantFashion studio assistantTechnical support roles in clothing and textile companiesRoles in Melbourne’s fashion and apparel industries, as well as wider Australian fashion businesses

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