Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Art in Australia
Australia is an internationally renowned site for studying the field of art. It is also a seedbed for established and emerging artists that want to create careers in photography, filmmaking, sculpting, drawing, dance, music, fashion, theatre, etc. Whatsmore, Australian universities are known for instilling sustainable confidence in the next generation and have a long history of producing photographers, artists, and craftspeople who have succeeded greatly in the art industry.
Reasons to Study Art in Australia
Plenty of Choices in Art Courses
Whether you have a passion for photography, painting, graphic design, or other art-related fields - courses in Australian universities cover them all. One of the best universities to study art in Australia is RMIT. This university is ranked number one in Australia and number 15 in world rankings for Art and Design. On top of that, you will receive an education of high quality and come out with the best preparations for your future art career.
Lively and multicultural lifestyle
What makes Australia even better is the diverse, kind, and friendly population that live in the country and make each international student feel welcome. Your experience in Australia will include meeting people of different backgrounds and cultures, enjoying food festivals, and experiencing the bustling city life. As Aussies are some of the most welcoming people you will have the chance to make life lasting friendships.
Plenty of Places to Visit
Studying in Australia is great especially because you get to visit a lot of places. Considering that the visual arts have a long history in Australia you will have plenty of sites to see - starting from the rock paintings, cave art to the numerous national galleries that are located in the country. In addition to these, you can also visit the natural beauties that Australia has to offer including the mesmerizing beaches, forests, and Australian wildlife.
Top Universities to Study Art in Australia
Some of the best universities in Australia for Art are:
- University of Sydney
- University of Melbourne
- Australian National University
- Macquarie University
- University of Queensland Australia
- Monash University
- University of New South Wales
- La Trobe University
- Western Sydney University
- University of Western Australia
Requirements
Admission to art courses in Australia is subject to meeting all the essential requirements set by your university. One of the most important requirements is meeting the university’s English language requirements considering that the language of instruction in Australian universities is English. Apart from meeting the language criteria, other essential requirements include submission of academic transcripts and qualifications and a portfolio of all your work.
You may also be required to submit a personal statement of why you wish to study art in Australia, a CV, proof of work experience, and proof of financial stability. As an international student, you should also obtain a study visa in order to study in Australia (unless you come from New Zealand). Note that all the documents you submit must be in the English language. In case they have not been originally issued in English, you must submit their certified translation.
Application Process
To apply for an art degree in Australia take the following steps:
- Choose your degree
- Choose your university
- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for admission to your chosen art course
- Prepare your application (fill out the application form and prepare all the supporting documents)
- Do not submit original documents since you might not get your documents back
- Pay the application fees
- Apply before the deadline (you are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible so you can allow time for visa and travel arrangements).
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Art in Australia?
The duration of an art degree in Australia mainly depends on which one of the art fields you decide to study. It also depends on which level of study you plan to undertake, for example, if you are interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in art then you should be prepared to dedicate at least 3 years of full-time study to your degree.
If you are planning to pursue a postgraduate degree, again depending on your chosen art field, it can take you from 1 to 2 years of full-time study to complete your degree. A Ph.D. on the other hand takes longer than a Master’s degree to complete - it usually takes at least 3 years of full-time study.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Art in Australia?
One thing that often concerns international students is the cost of tuition at their chosen university. These costs usually include tuition fees and occasionally cover the cost of study materials and application fees. Annually, international students that study the field of art in Australia pay around AU47,000 (US$34,105) per year.
However, considering how broad the art field is, tuition fees are not the same for all art courses delivered in Australia. Some factors that impact the cost of tuition include the reputation of your chosen university and the body which governs the university (public or private). Furthermore, as an international student, you should also consider the living costs once you move to Australia.
Art Career Prospects in Australia
Even though for some the art field is not an industry that guarantees career progression, many find true happiness in creating something every day. In addition to this, many artists choose to make only a small fraction of their income from their art profession. However, there are many more that choose to work in the field of art full-time and earn enough to make a good living.
In Australia, art graduates usually work in the fields of education, film, fashion, gallery, culture, and the like. They can also work in museums, theatres, and other creative industries. Considering the broad range of job opportunities in the field of art, it is difficult to determine a fixed salary for art graduates in Australia. However, on average, an art graduate in Australia can earn around AU$78,000 (US$57,375) per year.
