Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art)

Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art)

UNDERGRADUATE

Immerse yourself in a creative environment and hone your artistic practice with studio specialisations at a world-leading art school.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Range of criteria*

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$39,360 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Immerse yourself in a creative environment and hone your artistic practice with studio specialisations at a world-leading art and design school.

Taught in intensive studio format, the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) allows you to find your niche and hone your practice.

Through your studies you will develop your capacity to address conceptual, technical, perceptual, formal and aesthetic concerns within the fine art space.

RMIT’s teaching style is centred around you as an individual. You’ll receive personal mentoring that challenges and pushes you to discover and form your own art practice or specialisation. 

Our teaching staff are active industry experts who are highly involved within the field of contemporary art. Studios are taught by high-profile practising artists who exhibit locally and internationally, so you can connect with what’s happening in the art world. 

Studios are complemented by studies in art history, theories and cultures, and in the professional skills you’ll need to succeed in the arts and creative industries.

This degree is also delivered in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong Art School.

[4:29 pm] Lucas Beck Close-up shot of hands on desk, with art piece in focus, of silhouette characters reaching up

Learn fine art by making it

At RMIT you’ll spend most of your time immersed in studios. This means more face-to-face time with teachers and more time to work on your art. 

Why study fine art at RMIT?

Intensive studio format

Experiment in a studio environment, developing your individual fine art practice.

Active industry experts

Learn from high-profile practising artists who exhibit locally and internationally.

Build a global network

Connect with art students in the Hong Kong Art School program and through international study tours.

Our studio specialisations

Fine art studio subjects are the backbone of the learning experience, enabling you to develop an individual fine art practice.

Studio options are focused on a specific studio specialisation, allowing a variety of ways for you to discover and develop your own individual art practice.

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Student in Ceramics workshop

The focus of the ceramics studio is immersive and experiential, transforming clay through conceptualising, designing and crafting objects. Embedded in this are links with historical narratives and contemporary ideas that engage students in a range of creative working processes. They act as ways to explore, expand, transform and deepen a personal approach to making, while developing the aesthetic and conceptual considerations that are necessary in contemporary ceramic art practice.

The drawing studio offers individual workspaces for each student to explore and develop their vision and art practice in a supportive environment, encouraging a broad and inclusive approach to creative thinking. In addition to some of the finest drawing studio facilities in Australia for life drawing, exhibition and group critique experiences, the drawing studio enhances students' skill-based workshop tuition and industry standard professional work integrated learning with critical development of their emerging practices, mentored by a range of nationally established lecturers and academics.

Students in the gold and silversmithing studio engage in the making of jewellery, silversmithing and objects, to explore new approaches to traditional and contemporary metal and material technologies. Students work under the tuition of contemporary artists, jewellery makers and craftspeople to explore personal ways of making that challenge conventions of wearability and the human scale object. The gold and silversmithing studio is extensively equipped for the application of metal fabrication techniques that include soldering, enamelling, 3D printing, laser welding and silversmithing.

Painting of wales by Kate Gorrie

The painting studio equips students with essential technical and conceptual skills and encourages critical and analytical thinking. This studio provides experience in a diverse range of creative visual expression in the expanded field of painting. Studies include investigation of historic and contemporary processes and concepts which are inclusive of image, object, installation and the performative. The painting studio encourages an individual approach to independent studio practice, self-motivation, sustainable studio working methods and highlights diverse approaches to problem solving and ways to expand and extend ideas, techniques and skills in a supportive environment.

�Make art not war � Test pilot� by Ying Huang, Etching and screen printing on steel of a person with short hair with bunches of pink and white flowers in their eyes and red lips, whirring a green army cap with a red star, superimposed against a background of wonder woman characters.

The print studio offers students a holistic approach to art making through reproductive technologies from traditional analogue presses to contemporary digital printers. With individual studios and communal workshops, students access industry-level facilities to research and experiment with concepts and processes facilitated by renowned print practitioners. Studies include artist books, digital imaging, intaglio-etching, dry point and engraving, relief printing, lithography, analogue and digital photographic technologies, print-based installation and screen printing.

The sculpture studio fosters an experiential and transformational approach to art practice in which students develop critical thinking and technical skills through the process of ‘thinking through making’. Studies in this major include object construction, modelling and mould making, installation, life casting, fabrication in wood and steel, experimental material practices, soft sculpture and bronze casting. Sculpture facilities include a series of workshops, including an industry standard foundry, equipped to allow students to work with both traditional and contemporary materials. Students are taught by practicing artists who approach sculpture as an expanded medium and work with students to develop individual creative practices according to their interests.

Wrapped furniture - Sculpture, Sound and Spatial Practice - by Boslem Luke, shown at 2014 Graduate Exhibition - Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art)

The video and sound studio includes the study of works that use duration and/or the manipulation of time as an essential element such as video, animation, sound art, web-art, live art, installation and performance. This studio features a wide range of specialist equipment and facilities for lighting, recording, editing and processing. Students are encouraged to develop a hybrid and interdisciplinary practice, experimenting with genres and concepts across fine art, experimental film and digital cultures.

Text And Media Video

Tour our art facilities

Join our student host Elizabeth to visit our historic art studios and explore the specialist workshop spaces that our art school offers in the heart of Melbourne.

Details

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Learning and teaching

The degree is designed so that the majority of your time at RMIT is spent in immersive studio experiences that relate to the creative practices and expertise of teaching staff and visiting artists. These six-hour blocks of intensified face-to-face learning allow you focused time to create and exhibit personal works. 

Dedicated studio spaces with after-hours access facilitate your practice alongside other artists and encourage you to share ideas and be exposed to a wide range of approaches. 

Workshop subjects will further develop your technical skills using both traditional and state-of-the-art equipment, materials and technology relating to your craft.

Staff, alumni and industry professionals contribute quality online content about contemporary and historical art practices, theories, cultures and contexts that you can access via the online RMIT Art School platform. 

Assessment methods

In the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art), your assessment will include a combination of folio presentation, project responses, written reflections and critical theory essays.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT operates multiple public galleries and exhibition spaces that provide formal opportunities for you to integrate hands-on experience into your studies. 

In your final year Art Enterprise Workshop, you’ll be introduced to employment practices, enterprise formation opportunities and arts industry networks to establish yourself as an independent art practitioner. 

As a result of RMIT’s international connections, students have access to study tours to New York, China, Germany and Europe. International academics and artists feature as guest lecturers and artists-in-residence throughout the year.

The School manages INTERSECT – six creative projects that together form a dynamic program of exhibitions, residencies, creative laboratories, talks and events. These projects consider and use contemporary art as a means of intersecting with and enriching our university community, as well as our broader local and global ones. They are PROJECT SPACE, SPARE ROOM, SITUATE, SITE EIGHT, the LIGHTSCAPES and SPEAKER.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

Artists no longer work in single mediums.

RMIT has a structure that allows breadth through multidisciplinary studio access, but also allows you to focus on a particular craft. 

Studio specialisations include:

  • ceramics
  • gold and silversmithing
  • sculpture
  • video, sound and time-based art
  • drawing
  • painting
  • print (including screen printing and digital imaging).

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

In the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art), full-time students are expected to attend approximately 12 hours of classes and undertake approximately 24 hours of independent study and research weekly. The majority of classes your classes are delivered during the day. 

Fine art studio subjects are the backbone of the learning experience, enabling you to develop an individual fine art practice. You’ll navigate these studios over six semesters to establish a sustained practice.

Multiple studio options are offered each semester. These studio options are thematic and/or focused on a specific studio specialisation, allowing a variety of ways for you to discover and develop your own individual art practice. You will ballot for your first three studio preferences based on your personal interests. 

Year 1

Discover and develop your skills to assist in the investigation of ideas and creative interpretations.

In first semester you’ll participate in an independent introductory studio, to create a smooth transition for first year students. 

In second semester you will enrol in vertical classes that combine first and second year students for studios, workshops and art history, theory and cultures.

Year 2

Experiment within a framework of self-directed projects, supported by subjects designed to further your conceptual, technical and critical thinking skills. Student exchange opportunities are available to students in this year.

Your studio, workshop and art theory subjects will be delivered in vertical classes, alongside first, second or third year students. You’ll have an opportunity to enrol in a University Elective in second semester to add breadth to your study. 

Year 3

Your third year will primarily focus on an advanced capstone studio project, where you’ll consolidate your learning and develop a body of work at a professional level. 

Parallel with your individual studio project, you’ll gain an understanding of professional and business practices that relate to being a contemporary artist through the Art Enterprise Workshop. You’ll be introduced to enterprise formation opportunities and arts industry networks to establish yourself as an independent art practitioner. 

You will also have an opportunity to enrol in an elective subject in second semester.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art)
Program code: BP201
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art)
City Campus
3 years full-time, 6 Semesters
BP201P16
088785A
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time, 6 Semesters
Plan code
BP201P16
CRICOS
088785A
View plan
Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art)
City Campus
3 years full-time
BP201P16
088785A
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years full-time
Plan code
BP201P16
CRICOS
088785A
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Female student resting arm on desk in studio, surrounded by artwork on walls and desk

Your career in the creative industries

Work in diverse and creative roles such as professional artist, arts manager, technician, gallery director and curator.

Art is the tool for innovation that can create real-life impact, and is essential to the new creative economy.

Creativity and innovation are now the core tools in a global economy dependent on growth. The booming art and design industry in Victoria alone confirms this – creative industries contribute around seven billion dollars annually to the state’s economy. 

Progressive, imaginative thinking is in demand across major professional fields, like education, health, and entertainment, and artists are playing important roles in shaping creative endeavour in these areas. RMIT’s Fine Art graduates continue to make significant contributions to contemporary art and culture, nationally and internationally as artists, craftspeople, visual thinkers and cultural managers. 

Many graduates enter careers as:

  • professional artists
  • arts managers, gallery directors or curators
  • creative entrepreneurs
  • arts educators or academics
  • art community and cultural development workers
  • art technicians.

The arts and creative industries continue to grow. Established institutions in Melbourne, including Federation Square, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), and an increasing number of commercial and artist-run spaces, provide exciting opportunities for graduates.

Admissions

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task.

Selection task

You must complete and submit the Fine Art selection task.  

Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, if places are still available. 

For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants

If you are applying via VTAC, you must complete and submit the Fine Art selection task by one of the dates below to be considered for selection in that VTAC round:

VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
November round (Non year 12 applicants only)

29 September 2023 

December/January round 1 (All applicants)

 17 November 2023
January round 2/February rounds (if places are available) Selection tasks are accepted until 9 February 2024 if places are available, and assessed in order of receipt. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to submit a selection task as early as possible.
Selection task dates for direct applicants

You must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants

1 March 2024

Selection task requirements

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Outline what you aspire to learn from the fine art degree (maximum 100 words).

Describe a recent exhibition or art event you have seen. This can include online exhibitions, live events, screenings or festivals (maximum 100 words).

Select up to three studio specialisation majors in order of preference (see available studio specialisations above within the Overview section). You must address each preference in your folio, with work completed in the last two years.

Selection into your studio preference is competitive so admission into your first studio preference is not guaranteed. If successful, applicants will be admitted into one of their studio preferences, and this will be the home studio area they will specialise in at the start of their degree. 

Your folio of work can be a combination of images, video and sound work and should demonstrate creative ability, technical experience, capacity to think conceptually and awareness of art history and/or contemporary practice.

Submission instructions
  • Explain the reasons for your first studio major preference (maximum 100 words). 
  • Provide up to 9 images (maximum file size 2MB), or a URL to your video or sound work on YouTube, Vimeo or SoundCloud (maximum total duration 10 minutes).  
  • If your work is a collaboration, please also detail clearly and precisely your specific role and the role of the collaborator/s (maximum 200 words). 

Upload one image, sound or video work you have completed in the last 2 years. Discuss the ideas, influences and processes that informed the work (maximum 100 words). 

Submission instructions
  • Do not include work you already submitted in your folio above. 
  • Image files must be formatted as JPEG (maximum 2MB) or provide a link to video or sound work on YouTube, Vimeo or SoundCloud (maximum 5 minutes).  
  • If your work is a collaboration, please also detail clearly and precisely your specific role and the role of the collaborator/s (maximum 200 words).

Folio presentation (some applicants)

Some applicants will be selected based on their selection task and will not be required to attend a folio presentation. If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to a folio presentation.

Folio presentations will be held in October (VTAC November round) and November/December (VTAC December/January round 1).

For all subsequent rounds and direct applicants, folio presentations will be arranged after you have submitted your application.

An advisory letter indicating the outcome of your selection task will be sent from November (VTAC November round) and from December (VTAC December/January round 1).

Selection criteria by applicant type

Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.

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You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12

School Network Access Program (SNAP)

  • The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

  • The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

  • The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

You must have successfully completed at least two courses (subjects) in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses (subjects) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent. 

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

  • The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

  • The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

You must have successfully completed one semester in an art, craft or design bachelor degree.

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task.

Selection task

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early 2024 for programs with a midyear intake. 

You must complete and submit the Fine Art selection task.  

Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, if places are still available. 

For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
All applicants

TBC

Selection task requirements

Selection task requirements will be available early 2024 for programs with a midyear intake.

Folio presentation (some applicants)

Some applicants will be selected based on their selection task and will not be required to attend a folio presentation. If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to a folio presentation.

Selection criteria by applicant type

Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.

Expand all sections

If you are in this category, you are not eligible to apply for this program in this intake.

If you are in this category, you are not eligible to apply for this program in this intake.

You must have successfully completed one semester in an art, craft or design bachelor degree.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

  • The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

If you are in this category, you are not eligible to apply for this program in this intake.

Additional information

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Art and Design application tips

View the following videos for some practical application advice:

Female student looking at an art folio

Applying for Art and Design courses

Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.

two students looking at artwork

Art and design selection interviews

Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.

View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.

The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.

*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.

RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

If you are applying for July intake, you must have successfully completed one semester in an art, craft or design bachelor degree within 10 years of the program commencement date.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a selection task for this program. See below for full selection task details.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Selection task

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Semester 1, 2024

If you are applying via VTAC you must complete and submit the Fine Art selection task by the following dates:

Selection task dates

VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by

December/January round 1 (all applicants)

 17 November 2023
January subsequent rounds (if places are available) 18 January 2024

Selection task requirements

You are required to provide the following:

  • a statement outlining what you aspire to learn from the fine art degree (maximum 100 words).
  • a description of a recent exhibition or art event you have seen. This can include online exhibitions, live events, screenings or festivals (maximum 100 words).
  • you to select up to three studio specialisation majors in order of preference (see available studio specialisations above within the Overview section). Selection into your studio preference is competitive so admission into your first studio preference is not guaranteed. At the start of the degree, students specialise in the home studio area for which they have been selected.
  • an explanation of your reasons for your first studio major preference (maximum 100 words).
  • a folio of work that addresses your studio major preferences. You must address each preference in your folio, with work completed in the last two years. Your folio can be a combination of images, video and sound work and should demonstrate creative potential, technical ability, capacity to think conceptually and awareness of art history and/or contemporary practice. You may provide up to 9 images (maximum file size 2MB), or a URL to your video or sound work on YouTube, Vimeo or SoundCloud (maximum total duration 10 minutes).  If your work is a collaboration, please also detail clearly and precisely your specific role and the role of the collaborator/s (maximum 200 words).
  • one additional image, sound or video work, you have completed in the last 2 years. Discuss the ideas, influences and processes that informed the work (maximum 100 words). Image files must be formatted as JPEG (maximum 2MB) or provide a link to video or sound work on YouTube, Vimeo or SoundCloud (maximum 5 minutes). If your work is a collaboration, please also detail clearly and precisely your specific role and the role of the collaborator/s (maximum 200 words). 

Folio presentation (some applicants)

Some applicants will be selected based on their selection task and will not be required to attend a folio presentation.  If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to a folio presentation

Folio presentations will be held in December. 

For all subsequent rounds, folio presentations will be arranged after you have submitted your application.

Advisory letters indicating the outcome of your selection task will be sent from December. 

Semester 1, 2025

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2024. 

Art and Design application tips

View the following videos for some practical application advice:

Female student looking at an art folio

Applying for Art and Design courses

Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.

two students looking at artwork

Art and design selection interviews

Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 182kb) along with your application.

Folio presentation: You may be required to present your folio to a selection panel, either in person or via phone/video call.

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

An Honours year is available following the successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art).

Honours is a pathway to postgraduate research. Eligibility is based on your level of academic achievement during the program.

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You are guaranteed entry into any of the studios offered in the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) with 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points) when you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts.

You are guaranteed entry into the Video studio of the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) when you successfully complete the following RMIT program:

Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.

Fees

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2024 indicative fees

In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

Low completion rates

From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

Mason Family Trust Scholarship

For commencing Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) students who can demonstrate circumstances impacting their education; worth up to $30,000

Gerard Driesen Scholarship to Support Indigenous Students

For Indigenous students enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts, worth up to $10,000.

Gavin Teague Memorial Scholarship

For students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) program who can demonstrate artistic merit and circumstances which impact their study; worth up to $1,300.

Dixon-Ward Indigenous Scholarship for Gold and Silversmithing

For Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students undertaking the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) or Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) (Honours) with their artistic practice in gold or silversmithing; worth up to $7,000 per annum.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$39,360.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$122,880.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information