RMIT University started its life in 1887 as the Working Men’s College established with the aim of bringing education to the working people of Melbourne. Since that time, RMIT has grown from a technical college in Melbourne providing education in the arts, technology and trades to working men and women, to become a global university of technology, design and enterprise offering postgraduate, undergraduate and vocational programs.

The main successors of the Working Men’s College leading to RMIT were:

• Melbourne Technical College, 1934-1954
• Royal Melbourne Technical College, 1954-1960
• Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), 1960-1992
• RMIT University, 1992-

A number of other colleges, schools and institutes merged with the above over the years, including:

• State College of Victoria (Coburg)
• Preston Institute of Technology
• Phillip Institute of Technology
• Emily McPherson College
• Melbourne College of Printing and Graphic Arts
• Melbourne Institute of Textiles

RMIT University Archives holds records of current and past students and staff of RMIT University and of the above merged institutes and colleges.

There holdings include:

• Photographic collection from 1887
• Prospectus books, calendars and handbooks
• Correspondence and subject files
• Committees and Boards magazines, newsletters and journals
• Staff and student records.

Open by appointment Monday to Friday 9 am-5 pm. Closed on weekends, Christmas to New Year and public holidays.

The RMIT University Archives Collection is open to staff, students and the general public. Some access restrictions may apply.

You may email RMIT Archives with the request particulars and your contact details.

Visits must be arranged with prior notification.

Access to RMIT records is provided in accordance with the RMIT Archives Collection Access Procedure.

Researchers will be required to comply with RMIT Archives Collection Access Requirements (DOCX 19KB, 1p) and complete the RMIT Archives Researcher Registration Form (DOCX 43KB, 1p) prior to or at the time of their visit.

Postal address:
RMIT Archives
PO Box 71 Bundoora Vic 3083