The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship (OMAC), Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) offer scholarships to suitable applicants enrolled in the Diploma of Interpreting at RMIT University. Scholarship recipients receive $2,000 to help cover the cost of course fees for a Government-funded place in the course.

Applications open in October and close in December each year. Applications for 2012 have now closed.

The target languages for the Interpreter Scholarship Program change each year. The following languages were targeted in 2012:

• Dinka
• Kirundi
• Nepali
• Oromo
• Somali
• Tedim (Chin)

Graduates who complete the course with a grade of 70 percent or higher become eligible for National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) paraprofessional accreditation. OMAC will cover the costs associated with obtaining NAATI accreditation.

Applicants should be fluent in English and one of the target languages. Applicants should also be interested in working as an interpreter, be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency. Applicants must also have good communication and interpersonal skills and be involved in the community.

The RMIT courses are approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. Students who complete the course with a grade of 70 percent or higher can obtain NAATI paraprofessional accreditation. NAATI is the agency responsible for setting professional standards for interpreting and translating in Australia. NAATI accreditation is the only qualification officially accepted for interpreters.

Regional Interpreter Training

Partnership with Monash University