RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) is one of the leading universities in Australia providing higher education and vocational training. It is globally recognized for workplace innovation, creativity, and learning. Furthermore, its rich history and reputation across the globe have made RMIT an appealing choice for students all over the world. So, this article will discuss RMIT University’s history, ranking and recognition, notable alumni, and sub-campuses.

1. History of RMIT University

RMIT University, founded as the Working Men’s College of Melbourne, has its roots in practical education to meet the demands of a growing industrial workforce. Founded in 1887 by politician and philanthropist Francis Ormond, the institution aimed at offering an affordable and accessible education to working-class men. The small college has grown over time into one of the premier universities in Australia, particularly in innovation, technology, and creativity.

Early Years (1887–1910s)

The Working Men’s College officially opened its doors in 1887 with just over 320 students and courses tailored to the demands of Melbourne’s burgeoning industries. Also, the curriculum included practical subjects such as mechanics, bookkeeping, and technical drawing, designed to support the industrial and economic growth of the city. The emphasis was on vocational training, with a strong commitment to fostering social mobility.

By the beginning of the 20th century, the college was recognized as one of the finest institutions for technical education. In addition, new courses in electrical engineering, architecture, and applied sciences were introduced, reflecting the rapid pace of technological development.

Expansion and Transition (1920s–1950s)

In the decades following World War I, the college expanded its offerings to include more advanced technical and professional training. During World War II, RMIT-as it would later become known, then still referred to as Melbourne Technical College-played a critical role in supporting the war effort by training military personnel along with the production of munitions and aeronautical equipment.

After the war, the institution geared its focus toward meeting the needs of a rebuilding economy. So, programs in engineering, textiles, and industrial design were added to place the college at the forefront of applied sciences and technology.

Becoming RMIT (1960s–1990s)

The college was renamed the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, RMIT, in 1960 in recognition of its contribution to education and industry. Moreover, it was the start of transforming into a multidisciplinary institution.

During the 1970s and the 1980s, RMIT broadened its academic portfolio from the mainstream technical education base to encompass business, the arts, and social sciences. Furthermore, it fostered contacts with industries and government departments to ensure a practical skills base in students for their employability within the market.

In 1992, RMIT achieved university status, officially becoming RMIT University. This transition allowed it to confer degrees across a broad range of disciplines while retaining its focus on vocational education.

Globalization and Innovation (2000s–Present)

In the 21st century, RMIT’s reputation grew internationally with its heavy investments in research, innovation, and global collaboration. In addition, the university established campuses in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi, and Barcelona, Spain, developing partnerships with institutions across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

RMIT also took the lead in design and technology education, ranking consistently among the best universities globally in areas such as architecture, art, and design. Its Melbourne City campus was fully modernized, integrating heritage-listed buildings with state-of-the-art facilities.

Today, RMIT University is synonymous with creativity, applied learning, and industry engagement, making it a global leader in higher education.

2. Rankings and Recognitions

It is true to say that RMIT University has maintained a position in the top institutions in Australia and globally through academic excellence, research innovation, and industry partnerships.

International Rankings:

RMIT features consistently in the top 1% of universities in the world according to QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education. It is considered one of the best places for Art and Design; ranking within the top 20 globally for these subjects.

Subject-specific excellence:
RMIT’s architecture, engineering, and communication studies programs also enjoy high rankings on the global scale. Also, the university leads in technology and creative industries, acquiring numerous awards due to its forward-thinking curriculum.

Industry Recognition:
Recognized for its strong relations with industry, RMIT has been acknowledged for the highly employable graduates that it produces. Also, QS Graduate Employability Rankings often emphasize RMIT as a university that sets up students to take on the challenges of the real world.

Sustainability and Innovation:
RMIT has gained recognition on issues of sustainability, ranking in the top position among all green universities globally. At the same time, through its commitment to innovation, its research impact has considerably developed, especially in subjects such as renewable energy and urban planning.

3. RMIT University Alumni

RMIT boasts an illustrious alumni network, featuring individuals who have achieved remarkable success in diverse fields such as arts, business, science, and public service. Below are 10 prominent graduates who exemplify the university’s impact:

1. James Wan

James Wan, a renowned filmmaker and producer, is a graduate of RMIT’s Media Arts program. Also, he gained international acclaim as the co-creator of the Saw franchise, which redefined the horror genre. Moreover, his other noted works include The Conjuring Universe and Aquaman, with the latter grossing over $1 billion worldwide. With his innovative storytelling and masterful suspense-building, Wan has become one of Hollywood’s most influential directors. Also, his career highlights RMIT’s ability to nurture creative talent and equip students with the skills to succeed in highly competitive industries.

2. Hugh Evans

Hugh Evans is an internationally recognized humanitarian and social entrepreneur who graduated from RMIT with a degree in Law and International Relations. He founded the Global Citizen movement, which fights extreme poverty by mobilizing citizens, businesses, and governments to create meaningful change. Furthermore, Evans’ influential work has seen him named Young Australian of the Year and a member of Forbes’ 30 Under 30. Also, his success is a testament to RMIT’s commitment to creating socially responsible graduates who are determined to make a difference around the world.

3. Liane Moriarty

One of RMIT’s most celebrated alumni, bestseller Liane Moriarty, has written big-hitting novels such as Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers and has had her work transformed into critically acclaimed television series. With a sharp wit that cuts deep to the core of human emotions, Moriarty has captured the interest of millions of readers. She studied at RMIT’s Professional Writing and Editing and credited this university with helping polish the craft of a writer who gives one the ability to appreciate outstanding literary talent.

4. Robyn Archer

Robyn Archer is an iconic Australian singer, writer, and advocate of the arts who had her training at RMIT. With her theatrical performances, Archer has made unique contributions to the music and literary worlds, with a strong advocacy for Australian arts to the rest of the world. Also, Archer has been a performer, an artistic director, and a cultural ambassador. Moreover, her time at RMIT gave her a good grounding in creative expression one example of the way the university supports multi-disciplinary artists and innovators.

5. Nathan Jurevicius

Nathan Jurevicius is an internationally renowned illustrator and designer, best known for creating Scarygirl, a multi-platform franchise that spans comics, animation, and toys. In addition, a graduate of RMIT in graphic design, Jurevicius has worked with global brands and won numerous awards for his imaginative and visually striking creations. Moreover, his work exemplifies RMIT’s reputation for producing forward-thinking designers who push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

6. Hamish McLennan

Hamish McLennan graduated from RMIT and went on to become one of Australia’s most influential business leaders. The former CEO of Network Ten and current Chairman of Rugby Australia, McLennan has risen to the top in corporate leadership. Moreover, his ability to drive growth and innovation within large organizations underscores the value of the skills he developed at RMIT. McLennan’s success thus reflects the university’s role in preparing students for leadership roles in global business.

7. Billie Pleffer

Billie Pleffer is an award-winning screenwriter and director who graduated from RMIT’s media program. Her work, such as Deadlock and Bump, has received international acclaim. Pleffer’s storytelling often handles complex social issues with nuance and creativity. Her career illustrates RMIT’s strength in fostering media professionals who combine technical expertise with artistic vision.

8. Leanne Marshall

Leanne Marshall has been a pioneer in the field of sustainable fashion after graduating from RMIT’s fashion program. Known for her eco-conscious designs with innovative use of materials, Marshall’s work has traveled the globe, including within Project Runway. Commitment to ethical practices in addition to environmental responsibility certainly reflects RMIT’s emphases on sustainability and innovation across creative industries.

9. Tim Entwisle

Tim Entwisle studied at RMIT before becoming one of the world’s most recognized botanists and environmentalists, holding the title of Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Also, he is a strong advocate for plant science and biodiversity. Entwisle has made a great contribution to environmental education and conservation. His achievements underscore RMIT’s reputation for producing graduates dedicated to addressing global ecological challenges.

10. Julian Assange

Julian Assange, the notorious founder of WikiLeaks, did his programming and mathematics studies at RMIT. Advocating for transparency and freedom of information, Assange has had a huge impact on journalism and world politics. While his work remains controversial, it represents RMIT’s role in providing students with the means to break conventional boundaries and stir debates across the world.

4. Sub-Campuses of RMIT University

RMIT has grown into a globally connected institution with campuses and partnerships extending beyond its home in Melbourne, Australia. Also, the sub-campuses demonstrate RMIT’s commitment to providing high-quality, industry-based education in various locations. Such campuses are hubs for specialized programs, cutting-edge research, and cultural exchange; hence, they reflect the RMIT ethos of practical and impactful education.

1. Melbourne City Campus

The Melbourne City Campus is the primary campus for RMIT, nestled right in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling central business district. Moreover, it’s the flagship campus with its eclectic mix of heritage-listed buildings blended with modern architectural marvels and provides a stimulating academic and cultural environment.

The City Campus offers programs across various faculties such as:

• Art and Design
• Business and Management
• Engineering and Technology
• Media and Communication

Students benefit from proximity to Melbourne’s thriving industries, providing unparalleled opportunities for internships, networking, and employment. The City Campus also features state-of-the-art facilities, including creative studios, laboratories, and innovation hubs, making it a leader in applied learning.

2. Bundoora Campus

Located in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Bundoora Campus has a particular emphasis on health, biomedical sciences, and engineering. Also, it’s a green campus that welcomes students with all its modern facilities for making studies comfortable and effective.

Faculties present on the Bundoora campus include:

• Health and Biomedical Sciences
• Engineering

The campus contains state-of-the-art facilities such as health sciences simulation labs and advanced workshops in engineering. It also fosters a supportive research culture into health innovations and sustainable technologies. This campus is ideal for students interested in health and STEM hands-on practice.

3. Brunswick Campus

Brunswick Campus is the creative heart of RMIT, dedicated to fashion and textile education. Moreover, situated in Melbourne’s inner north, the campus is at the center of Australia’s fashion industry, offering students access to leading designers and brands.

Programs offered include:

• Fashion and Textiles Design
• Sustainable Practices in Fashion

The campus boasts state-of-the-art textile laboratories, design studios, and production facilities that are at an industry standard. Also, it serves as a hub for innovative ideas in sustainable fashion-a reflection of RMIT’s commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious design. So, students at Brunswick develop practical skills and industry exposure to launch dynamic careers in fashion.

4. Vietnam Campuses (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi)

RMIT’s Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi campuses in Vietnam reflect the University’s commitment to the Southeast Asia region. Since 2001, these campuses have provided thousands of students with an international education that combines both Australian and Vietnamese qualifications.

Key faculties include:

• Business and Management
• Communication and Digital Media
• Information Technology

The Vietnam campuses emphasize global education, blending RMIT’s Australian standards with local cultural contexts. Also, students benefit from modern facilities, industry partnerships, and opportunities to transfer to RMIT’s Melbourne campuses. These campuses also play a vital role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

6. International Partnerships and Online Learning

In addition, RMIT expands beyond the physical campuses through international partnerships and online learning platforms. Various collaborations with institutions in Singapore, China, and India further provide avenues for students to pursue RMIT’s programs.

Online education also forms a key part of RMIT’s strategy. That offers flexible, high-quality programs in areas such as business, technology, and design. These initiatives ensure that RMIT’s impact transcends borders, making its education accessible to a global audience.

Read more:

Part 1; RMIT University, Australia 

Part 2; RMIT University, Australia – it’s Sub Campuses 

Part  3; RMIT Vietnam Campuses (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi)