Build your professional portfolio in the visual arts.
This qualification has been superseded on the National Register. As a result, there may be changes to the structure, duration, content and fees of the qualification.
Please see the Apply page for key deadlines for Semester 1, 2026.
This diploma is taught by practicing artists in real studio environments. All our staff are practitioners with national and international reputation in the arts. This enables them to connect you to work on projects with industry, other practicing artists, and galleries.
This 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.
On completion of the first year, you can transition to the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts. This is also a one-year qualification, which allows you to further investigate your creative practice with a more specialised focus.
A major focus 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 sound 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.
Focus on producing of 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 specialised studios specifically designed for 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.
The advanced diploma is a more specialised qualification that will give you more complex skills and knowledge. It also requires a higher level of personal accountability.
Facilities/equipment include:
This qualification also offers strong links to the arts industry, gallery tours and exhibitions, guest speakers and visiting arts practitioners.
Assessment for both qualifications is folio based, with major emphasis on the production of a 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 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.
Visual arts have close links with industry and gives students opportunity 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 practice.
You will have the opportunity to attend talks, workshops and exhibitions by international artists through our International Artists In Residence (iAIR) program.
The School of Art Galleries supports the iAIR program and you are encouraged to become actively involved in order to gain a greater understanding of the industry.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through overseas work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
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:
Students who have completed their Diploma of Visual Arts at another institution still apply for the diploma qualification but move directly into the advanced diploma.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
1 year full-time
1 year full-time
Please note: You will be admitted to the diploma level of the training package and upon successful completion you can apply to study the next qualification, the advanced diploma.
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 project and commission-based work and as artists in residence. Artists may work in private studios or collective artist run spaces. There are commercial opportunities available across the design, illustration and tattoo industries.
As a graduate of this course, you can choose to pursue further study in higher education or undertake work in a multitude of arts-related industries, such as gallery or museum work, 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.
All applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
All 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 program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
If you are applying via VTAC, selection tasks should be submitted by the following dates to be considered for timely selection in each VTAC round:
| VTAC offer round | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| November round (non-Year 12 applicants only) | 9 November 2025 |
| December round (current Year 12 applicants only) | 15 December 2025 |
| January rounds (if places are available) | 4 January 2026 |
| February rounds (all applicants if places are available) | 28 January 2026 |
If you are applying direct to RMIT, 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 |
|---|---|
| All applications | 6 February 2026 |
Applicants are required to answer the following questions (maximum 150 words per question):
A folio consisting of a minimum of 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.
Upload your folio as:
OR
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 applications | TBC |
Selection task details and submission dates will be available closer to the intake.
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.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore pathway options.
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 244kb) 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 for Academic Purposes (EAP) 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.
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 programs.
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, 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.
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
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 2026 is $373.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.
Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (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.
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.
It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date.
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.
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 2026 is $373.
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.
For an Indigenous visual art/fine art undergraduate student who can demonstrate artistic merit and circumstance/s impacting their education; worth up to $30,000.
For Indigenous Vocational Education students who can demonstrate circumstances impacting their education; worth up to $20,000.
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.
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