Designed to build practical and highly transferrable skills across a range of industry contexts, including drawing, painting, installation, printmaking, digital media, sculpture, web design, photography, business and exhibition, this qualification will teach you to:
As a graduate of this advanced diploma, you will have a sound theoretical and practical knowledge base, and the skills to use a range of specialised and technical skills to plan, execute and evaluate your artistic career.
Develop your aesthetic approach and creative practice under the guidance of industry practitioners with knowledge of new technologies and visual arts techniques.
Access networking opportunities with industry and alumni to help guide you in gaining employment upon graduation.
Build specialised and highly transferrable skills that will take your career across a range of industry contexts.
You will learn through hands-on practice in studios, workshops and labs.
Theory subjects are taught in a lecture format. All classes are taught by industry practitioners who have current knowledge of new technologies and visual arts techniques.
Study areas include drawing, painting, installation, digital media, web design, printmaking, sculpture, photography, business, and exhibition spaces. You also have access to the highly sought after shared art studio for the year. You will learn from teachers who are working arts practitioners, focused on developing each students’ own individual aesthetic approach and creative practice.
Our staff, as industry practitioners, can support networking opportunities with industry and alumni to help guide you in gaining employment upon graduation. As part of the curriculum, you will not only learn creativity and theory but also the business skills you need to start your career.
Flexible study options are available for those who currently work or are aiming to work in the industry while studying.
Throughout this advanced diploma, you will be assessed via folios, printed and digital output, written documentation, reports, online quizzes and exhibitions. While some projects are team oriented, most work is individual.
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.
The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with vocational practice.
All teaching staff are practicing arts professionals with extensive industry experience, which will enrich your learning.
The Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts also offers strong links to the arts industry through gallery tours and exhibitions, guest speakers and visiting arts practitioners.
These practices ensure you are exposed to current developments in the arts.
This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.
In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.
The advanced diploma course plan is designed to reflect the role of individuals working as arts practitioners.
You will learn to apply a broad range of practical and conceptual skills in:
You will also select 2 of the following specialist areas:
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Many of our graduates gain employment soon after they complete their studies and often win local, national and international awards.
Our graduates go on to establish and run successful, independent practices due to their strong business and problem-solving skills, and their 'can do' attitude.
Possible job outcomes include:
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this course. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.
Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.
All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.
All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.
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 course, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
Successful completion of the Diploma of Visual Arts or equivalent qualification.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
Selection task is only required for applicants applying for direct entry on the basis of industry experience.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.
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 Language Pathways (Academic English) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.
This course has pathways available.
The Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.
You are guaranteed entry into the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts when you successfully complete the Diploma of Visual Arts.
You are guaranteed entry into the following programs when you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts:
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT undergraduate study courses.
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.
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.
The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.
Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
$15,500.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$373.00 |
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$15,873.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
$10,250.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$373.00 |
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$10,623.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($5,898.75 total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
$0.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$0.00 |
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$0.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($5,898.75 total).
Generated on 25 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information
VET Student Loan cap for Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts (C6192): $0
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSL|
$0
|
|||||
|
|||||
$ per nominal hour ($ total).
Choose the specific course plan to see relevant fee information:
VET Student Loan cap for (): $
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSLIn 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.
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.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
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.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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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