Build your professional portfolio in the visual arts.
This diploma is taught by practicing artists in real studio environments. All our staff are art practitioners with impressive national and international reputations. This can enable them to connect you to industry with other practicing artists, and galleries.
The diploma offers both practical and theoretical subjects, which have been developed in conjunction with the arts industry. It is designed to prepare you for a career in the visual arts or other related creative fields.
A major focus of the diploma is the production of a professional folio of work that reflects your personal creativity. The folio will display a sequential development, with emphasis on the acquisition of skills and the adaptation of those skills to the production of artworks with a well-communicated personal philosophical base.
This diploma has a strong focus on exhibition practice and providing practical experience in the arts industry. You will undertake independent studio practice and develop a wide-range of highly specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills and knowledge.
On successful completion of the Diploma of Visual Arts at RMIT, you can apply to the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts. This is also a one-year qualification, which allows you to further develop your creative practice with a more adept skillset in two specialisations, following on from the Diploma year.
Focus on producing a professional folio of work that reflects your personal creativity.
Gain practical experience in the arts industry through work on community-based projects and exhibitions.
Access a broad range of studios and workshops for printmaking, painting, sculpture, photography and drawing.
You will learn in industry-aligned art studios which are designed to support best practice and the needs of each of the specialisation areas.
You will be taught by professional practising artists and educators who have a wide range of industry knowledge and experience.
Facilities/equipment include:
This qualification also offers strong links to the arts industry, with online and face-to-face gallery tours and exhibitions, guest speakers and visiting arts practitioners.
Assessment is folio based, with major emphasis on the production of a folio of work that reflects your personal creativity. The folio will display sequential development, with emphasis on the acquisition of skills and the adaptation of those skills to the production of artworks with a sound personal philosophical base.
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.
Our visual arts programs have close links with industry and give students' opportunities to work on community-based projects and exhibitions.
In addition, this diploma makes regular use of industry connections such as guest speakers and gallery visits, to 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.
In your diploma year, you will learn the skills necessary to be competent in working to a brief and producing works of art. You will also learn more about the arts industry in general.
The core subjects in this year are:
You must also select 3 studio specialisations from:
Only students who have successfully completed the Diploma of Visual Arts at RMIT can apply to the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts. Note that the advanced diploma is highly sought-after, and there is a selection task that is required as part of the application process.
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.
You will have the knowledge and confidence to shape your future as a self-employed art practitioner, as a paid employee in the visual art and crafts industry, or as a high-level support staff member in an arts-related industry.
Artists can be employed in a number of areas, including self-employment, project-based work, in schools, councils and government organisations, public projects and commission-based work and as artists-in-residence. Artists may work in private studios or collective-run art spaces. There are also commercial opportunities available across the design, illustration, and tattoo industries.
As a graduate of this program, you can choose to pursue further study or undertake work in a multitude of arts-related industries, such as gallery or museum work, in community arts or as an art practitioner.
You will graduate with the knowledge and confidence to make appropriate decisions regarding your future in arts roles such as:
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.
All applicants must submit the selection task.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
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.
The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.
| Application type | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| All applications | 10 July 2026 |
Answer the following questions (maximum 150 words per question):
Provide a folio consisting of a minimum of six (6) images showing a variety of visual artwork you have created using different mediums. These works should demonstrate your interests and creative thinking.
Examples of art works to consider for inclusion in your folio include, but are not limited to, drawings, paintings, printmakings, photographs, sculptures, video and visual diary extracts.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course 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.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 199KB) along with your application.
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) Advanced 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.
Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer formal pathways into this course. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
The Diploma of Visual Arts provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.
You can gain entry to this diploma from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study courses.
You are guaranteed entry into the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts when you successfully complete the Diploma of Visual Arts.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or 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
|
$19,500.00 |
| 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 |
$19,873.00 |
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
|
$12,750.00 |
| 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 |
$13,123.00 |
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 ($8,151.00 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 ($8,151.00 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 Diploma of Visual Arts (C5448): $0
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSL|
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$ 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.
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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
