Comparison
RMIT University vs University of Technology Sydney
Neither RMIT University nor University of Technology Sydney 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.
RMIT University is in Melbourne and University of Technology Sydney is in Sydney. That affects your rent and lifestyle more than almost anything else on this page: see the cost-of-living comparison below.
| RMIT University | University of Technology Sydney | |
|---|---|---|
| City | Melbourne | Sydney |
| Group of Eight | No | No |
| Regional (migration) | No | No |
| International tuition | from A$40,000/yr | from A$39,000/yr |
| First-year budget | A$75,000 to A$86,000 | A$76,000 to A$87,000 |
| English (IELTS) | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Application fee | None | A$100 |
| Intakes | February, July | February, July |
| Selectivity | Competitive | Competitive |
Choose RMIT University if
- You would rather not pay an application fee
- You want to live in Melbourne
Choose University of Technology Sydney if
- You want to live in Sydney
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.
Who University of Technology Sydney suits
UTS is a technology-focused university built around practice-based learning studios and strong industry connections, in central Sydney next to the tech and startup precinct. It is strong in engineering, IT, design, and business analytics. It suits students who want an applied, industry-linked degree in the heart of Sydney and who can manage the city's living costs.
RMIT University vs University of Technology Sydney: common questions
Is RMIT University or University of Technology Sydney cheaper for international students?
They are close. The lowest tuition on record is A$39,000 at one and A$40,000 at the other, and course choice moves the number more than the university does.
Which is harder to get into, RMIT University or University of Technology Sydney?
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, RMIT University or University of Technology Sydney?
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, RMIT University or University of Technology Sydney?
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 RMIT University and University of Technology Sydney?
Yes. Australian universities assess applications independently and many charge international students no application fee, so applying to both and comparing your offers is normal.
Go deeper
Other comparisons
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.