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Study Art in Australia

Introduction to studying an art degree in Australia

The art degree curriculum in Australia is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various artistic disciplines. Modules commonly include courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, art history, and contemporary art practices. Additionally, students may be able to explore digital media, photography, and other emerging artistic forms. The emphasis on practical skills and theoretical knowledge allows students to develop a well-rounded foundation in the arts.

Many Australian universities have state-of-the-art facilities and studios and collaborate with local galleries and cultural institutions, providing students real-world exposure to the art industry. International students with an art degree from Australia have promising prospects upon graduation. The skills acquired during the program, including critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and artistic expression, are highly transferable and valued across various industries. Graduates may pursue careers as practising artists, educators, curators, or designers within Australia and internationally. 

According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, 11 universities in Australia were ranked in the top 250 art schools in the world.

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Types of Art Degrees 

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts)

A bachelor of fine/visual arts is a specialist course that helps you develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Australian universities offer studio and workshop facilities to allow you to explore traditional and contemporary media under the supervision of some renowned and experienced artists and educators. 

Through a Bachelor of Arts in Australia, you will obtain knowledge and skills to maintain an independent artistic practice, contemporary art criticism, and aesthetics, culminating in a resolved body of artwork for inclusion in the Graduate Exhibition. For some universities, after completing a bachelor’s, you can apply for a fourth-year honours degree to achieve an intensive mode of study that can create a pathway into advanced graduate study options in acting. 

Master of Fine Arts (Research)

A Master of Arts in Australia aims to provide opportunities with sustainably qualified applicants to develop their research potential, master their field of practice, and contribute to their understanding of contemporary artistic practice. During the course program, students must submit a thesis of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 words comprising a combination of creative work and written components. The written content must be at least 25% (10,000 words) of the final submission. The creative work can be a performance, exhibition, script, film, video, or other medium. The thesis will be assessed at the end of the candidature. 

Ph.D. in Art

The Doctor of Philosophy in Art courses in Australia provide the framework to conduct speculative inquiry in art. You will work with installation, sculpture, ceramics, hybrid, spatial practices, media arts, drawing, photography, object-based practice, etc. You will also access the learning hub and other online and digital resources through the student portal. After completing the coursework, you can get employment in universities, galleries, museums, and non-government organisations. You can also freelance as an artist, curator, and producer. 

Scholarships

Here is the list of some top scholarships applying for art courses in Australia:

Scholarship name

Offered by

Award value

Fiona Myer Award

The University of Melbourne

$1000 - $2000

Lionel Gel Foundation Scholarship

The University of Melbourne

$10,000

Peter and Lena Karmel Honours Scholarship

Australian National University

$5000

Jobs and Careers

Graduates with a degree in art in Australia have various career options to explore, ranging from traditional art-related fields to more contemporary and diverse paths. One common career option is becoming a practising artist; another avenue is art education at either at the primary, secondary, or tertiary level or art curation and museum management in galleries, museums, and cultural institutions.

For those with a strong interest in design, careers in graphic design, illustration, or multimedia design are common choices. With the increasing demand for visual communication in various industries, graduates can find opportunities in advertising agencies, design studios, or freelance designers.

Salary

The average salary of an art graduate in Australia is $92,500 annually. An entry-level position employee with less than three years of experience can make around $77,834 annually. On the other hand, an experienced employee with more than eight years of experience can earn around $135,239 annually. 

Top Universities for Art in Australia

To learn more about the art universities in Australia, find details on the top ranking Art programs in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 below:

Rank

University

Acceptance rate

1

RMIT University

22%

2

University of Technology, Sydney

19%

3

Monash University

40%

4

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

40%

5

The University of Melbourne

70%

6

The University of New South Wales

76%

7

The University of Sydney

30%

8

Swinburne University of Technology

66%

9

Deakin University

75%

10

Griffith University

50%

Study Art in Australia

If you want to pursue an art course in Australia, book a free consultation with SI-Australia today to learn more about the application process and any other important aspects of studying in Australia as an international student.

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FAQ

Is Australia good for pursuing art?

Yes, Australia is one of the best universities for pursuing art and design courses, as the universities are globally recognised, which can broaden your creative and artistic skills. 

How much does it cost to study art in Australia?

The course fees depends on the degree and curriculum. However, a bachelor’s degree course can cost up to $45,000, and a master’s can cost up to $40,700. 

How many universities in Australia provide art courses?

Over 11 Australian universities offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and research courses in various disciplines. Some top universities include RMIT University, University of Technology, Sydney, and Monash University.

Study in Australia Blog

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