Course Overview

About This Course

The Associate Degree in Applied Science provides an entry point to the biomedical science and biotechnology industries, where technological changes are creating new opportunities. This hands-on program boasts a significant amount of time spent in laboratory classes. You will be in small practical groups that support more interaction with your teachers and classmates, building a team-based working environment.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne City Campus, RMIT University, Melbourne VICMelbourne

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent qualification
VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in English other than EAL; or a study score of at least 23 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or equivalent studies
VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics or equivalent studies
Entry is competitive; eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on academic achievement plus any adjustment factors
VET applicants are assigned a selection rank based on highest completed qualification: Advanced Diploma (81), Diploma (72), Certificate IV (54)
Higher Education applicants must have satisfactorily completed at least four graded courses (0.5 EFTSL) at Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent)
Applicants may satisfy academic requirements via STAT multiple choice (valid for 2 years prior to commencement); must be 19+ years of age as of 1 January in the year of study commencement and not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years
Prior to undertaking professional placement, a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check is required
A successful Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check must be presented prior to undertaking clinical components

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

On completion, graduates are qualified for employment at a technical or paraprofessional level in a range of public and private laboratories. This degree provides broad-based training for a technical career in diagnostics, medical research, veterinary, biological research, biotechnology or chemical and food testing laboratories. Industry advisory committees include representatives from Austin Health, Monash Health, Royal Women's Hospital and Western Health.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What academic pathways or further study options are available after completing the Associate Degree in Applied Science?

The Associate Degree in Applied Science provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study. Packaged pathways include the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours), Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Food Technology and Nutrition — all via the Associate Degree in Applied Science.

What specialisations or study options can I choose within the Associate Degree in Applied Science?

Before commencing studies, students choose between two academic pathway options: Science or Biomedicine. The Science option builds a foundation in biology, chemistry, data analysis, anatomy and physiology, and mathematics, leading to careers in biological sciences or biotechnology. The Biomedicine option covers human anatomy and physiology, medical sciences and biosciences, leading to careers in biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical science, laboratory medicine and pharmacy. Students who wish to study pharmacy must include chemistry as one of their subjects.

What professional accreditations or memberships are available to students and graduates of this program?

Students enrolled in the program are eligible for student membership of the Australian Society for Microbiology and the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists. Upon graduation, students become eligible for associate membership of both organisations.

What kind of facilities and equipment will I have access to during this program?

The program features world-class facilities including a fully equipped chemistry laboratory with specialised chromatography and spectrophotometry equipment, a touch screen analyser for point-of-care blood testing, and an autoanalyser capable of performing a wide range of biochemical tests. There is also a PC2 containment laboratory used for microbiology, tissue culture and molecular biology work, three biosafety cabinets, equipment for isolation, purification and manipulation of DNA, and a digital fluorescence imaging system for examination of cells and tissues.

What is the cost of the Associate Degree in Applied Science for international students in 2026?

For international students, the annual tuition fee for the Associate Degree in Applied Science is AU$36,480 for 2026. The program is delivered on campus at the Melbourne City Campus with a full-time duration of 2 years, with February intake.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $50,000 to $65,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $65,000 to $80,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $80,000 to $100,000 per year

Career Paths

Medical Laboratory TechnicianPathology AssistantBiomedical Laboratory OfficerScience TechnicianLife Science Technician

Key Skills

Laboratory safety, procedures, and compliance with Australian standardsScientific method design, experimental setup, and hypothesis testingBiological specimen collection, preparation, and analysisChemical analysis and quality control techniquesMicrobiology and cell culture laboratory techniques

Full Course Overview

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