The best Visual Arts degree in Australia depends on your specialisation and goals. Leading options include the Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Victorian College of the Arts, UNSW Arts & Design and Architecture, RMIT School of Art, ANU School of Art and Design, and QUT Creative Industries. Compare studio facilities, industry links, and exhibition opportunities.
Shortlist programs that match your discipline such as painting, sculpture, photography, new media, or art history. Look for paid internships, artist residencies, strong alumni networks, and access to galleries or industry mentors. RMIT and UNSW often rank highly for art and design, while VCA and ANU have strong fine art studio traditions.
How to Choose the Best Fit for You
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What kind of art do you want to focus on?
- Traditional fine arts (painting, sculpture) → VCA, RMIT, ANU
- Digital & new media arts → RMIT, UNSW, QCA
- Animation or design features → QCA, RMIT
2. Do you want a university research environment or a studio-intensive art school?
- Traditional university → UNSW, ANU, Melbourne
- Studio art focus → VCA, RMIT
3. How important is global reputation?
- VCA & RMIT are known internationally for art/design, and Melbourne overall is one of Australia’s highest ranked universities.
Tip: If you want broad recognition, strong teaching, and artistic networks in Australia, VCA (University of Melbourne) and RMIT University are often considered among the top visual arts degree options — with UNSW Art & Design and ANU also excellent depending on your focus area
International students study on the Student Visa Subclass 500 with work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. Graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485. A bachelor degree usually gives two years of post-study work rights, with possible regional extensions. Explore creative pathways and related programs at Pathway to Aus courses or architecture courses in Australia.
