Comparison
La Trobe University vs RMIT University
Neither La Trobe University nor RMIT University is in the Group of Eight, so both tend to be more affordable and more teaching-focused than the sandstone universities. The choice is mostly about city, the specific program, and cost.
On the lowest tuition on record, La Trobe University (from A$36,000 a year) is the more affordable, below RMIT University (from A$40,000). Tuition varies widely by course, so price your specific program.
Both are in Melbourne, so cost of living is roughly the same. The comparison is really about the universities themselves.
| La Trobe University | RMIT University | |
|---|---|---|
| City | Melbourne | Melbourne |
| Group of Eight | No | No |
| Regional (migration) | No | No |
| International tuition | from A$36,000/yr | from A$40,000/yr |
| First-year budget | A$71,000 to A$82,000 | A$75,000 to A$86,000 |
| English (IELTS) | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Application fee | None | None |
| Intakes | February, March, May, July, September, November | February, July |
| Selectivity | Competitive | Competitive |
Choose La Trobe University if
- Lower tuition matters (from A$36,000 vs A$40,000)
Who La Trobe University suits
La Trobe suits students in the life sciences, ecology, health, and the humanities who want a large Melbourne university with a green, self-contained main campus. Its Bundoora site sits next to a wildlife reserve used directly in teaching. It is less selective than the Group of Eight, which makes it accessible, and it has regional campuses in Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga that carry migration advantages.
Who RMIT University suits
RMIT is the pick for design, architecture, media, and applied technology, with a distinctly practical, studio-based culture and a central Melbourne campus in the heart of the city. It suits students who want industry connection and a creative or technical focus rather than a traditional liberal-arts degree. Being in the CBD means higher living costs but excellent transport and part-time work options.
La Trobe University vs RMIT University: common questions
Is La Trobe University or RMIT University cheaper for international students?
La Trobe University is generally cheaper, from A$36,000 a year against A$40,000. Add cost of living: both are in the same city, so that part is a wash.
Which is harder to get into, La Trobe University or RMIT University?
They are broadly similar on selectivity. Entry depends far more on the specific course than on the university, so check the requirements for the program you want.
Which is better for permanent residence, La Trobe University or RMIT University?
Neither has a structural advantage. Neither is regional, so neither earns the regional study points. PR depends on your occupation, points, and the invitation rounds, not the university.
Which is more prestigious, La Trobe University or RMIT University?
Both sit in a similar tier. Prestige is not a strong tie-breaker here; look at rankings in your specific field and where you want to work afterward.
Can I apply to both La Trobe University and RMIT University?
Yes. Australian universities assess applications independently and many charge international students no application fee, so applying to both and comparing your offers is normal.
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Tuition figures are approximate and drawn from this site’s database, and selectivity is a band, not an official rate. This is general information, not admissions advice.