International tuition for art and design degrees usually ranges from 25,000 to 45,000 Australian dollars per year. Studio-intensive programs can be higher due to facilities. Domestic students in Commonwealth supported places pay a government set student contribution and can defer fees with HECS-HELP.
International student fees are significantly higher because there’s no government subsidy.
Typical Annual Tuition Fees:
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Undergraduate art degrees: approximately AU$25,000–AU$45,000 per year at many universities.
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Example at Monash: ~AU$33,800 per year for a Bachelor of Arts / Fine Art.
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Example at the National Art School: ~AU$44,160 per year (2026).
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Some specialised institutions (like NIDA) can cost around AU$36,720/yr (~AU$110,000 total for 3 years) for fine arts programs.
Estimated total cost (3–4 years)
AU$75,000–AU$180,000+ overall — depending on university, program, and duration.
Whether domestic or international, you should expect additional costs beyond tuition, such as:
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Student Services & Amenities Fees (SSAF) (~$300–$400 per year)
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Study materials, art supplies, field trips (vary by course)
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Living expenses (rent, food, transport, health insurance for international students) – often significant but not included in tuition figures.
Factor in materials, equipment, printing, exhibition costs, and the Student Services and Amenities Fee. International students need Overseas Student Health Cover and sufficient funds to meet the financial capacity settings for the Student Visa Subclass 500.
Compare fees and inclusions at compare degree fees and inclusions in Australia and see related creative pathways like architecture degrees with design studios and costs.
