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Doctor of Fine Art

The three year full-time or six year part-time degree is a practice-based professional doctorate that will provide the completion of an academic pathway to students. It will be delivered on the National Art School’s historic campus, where full-time students are provided with dedicated studio facilities.

The DFA provides a platform for integrating professional expertise and scholarly enquiry within the visual arts, whereupon graduates will have acquired an in-depth understanding of the technical and theoretical skills expected of a professional practitioner in the visual arts. The attainment of extended cognitive, research, technical, and creative skills will not only enable graduates to lead the contribution of knowledge within their fields of professional practice, but the exportable currency of such skills will also enhance their marketability within the wider arts-related industry.

Program Structure

The DFA requires the successful completion and presentation of a significant body of art work that represents an original contribution to knowledge and professional expertise in the field of visual art studio practice and an accompanying text of 20,000-40,000 words that critically contextualises the studio work within the project’s field of research and knowledge. Regular symposia and seminars complement the individual’s practice-based studio research and offer an environment for critical reflection and scholarly engagement with the field of knowledge.

How to Apply

Applications for the DFA are made directly to National Art School.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: MONDAY 19 JUNE 2023

Admission to the Doctor of Fine Art is based on academic merit, portfolio and interview. For standard admission, the applicant must have a Master’s degree qualification in Fine Art or international equivalent.

Download the Application Guidelines here

Download DFA Application Form here

Download more information about the DFA here

Download the schedule of fees here

The DFA has been accredited by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

CONTACT

Future Student Advisor+61 2 9339 8741[email protected]

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We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Prudence MacLeod Prize.

The Prudence MacLeod Prize, which will continue for a further three years, supports a recent National Art School graduate to undertake a six-month residency at @acme.art, London.

Supported by the Lansdowne Foundation, the Prize provides an emerging artist with an opportunity to step forward into an expanded, international context at a vital time in their career. The artist will live and work in London, one of the world`s great art cities, in a supportive artist community. This important opportunity will enable the artist to forge professional international contacts, explore London`s art world and rich cultural resources, and produce a new body of work.

The recipient of this Prize will receive:
– Return travel to London. To be arranged for the artist by NAS.
– Studio accommodation and workspace at Acme Studios for 6 months.
– Living stipend of $AUD3,500 per month for 6 months. Total $AUD21,000.

Application deadline: Sunday 1 February 2026, 11.59pm
Residency: Monday 6 July – Friday 18 December 2026

The Prudence MacLeod Prize is open to eligible NAS alumni who have graduated within the past five years and meet the selection criteria.

Learn more 🔗 in bio.

—
Acme Fire Station, 30 Gillender Street, 1999 © Acme Archive

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Dec 11

Open post by nas_au with ID 17852100045598290
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Prudence MacLeod Prize. The Prudence MacLeod Prize, which will continue for a further three years, supports a recent National Art School graduate to undertake a six-month residency at @acme.art, London. Supported by the Lansdowne Foundation, the Prize provides an emerging artist with an opportunity to step forward into an expanded, international context at a vital time in their career. The artist will live and work in London, one of the world's great art cities, in a supportive artist community. This important opportunity will enable the artist to forge professional international contacts, explore London's art world and rich cultural resources, and produce a new body of work. The recipient of this Prize will receive: – Return travel to London. To be arranged for the artist by NAS. – Studio accommodation and workspace at Acme Studios for 6 months. – Living stipend of $AUD3,500 per month for 6 months. Total $AUD21,000. Application deadline: Sunday 1 February 2026, 11.59pm Residency: Monday 6 July – Friday 18 December 2026 The Prudence MacLeod Prize is open to eligible NAS alumni who have graduated within the past five years and meet the selection criteria. Learn more 🔗 in bio. — Acme Fire Station, 30 Gillender Street, 1999 © Acme Archive

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the opening of The Grad Show!

Find works by this year`s cohort exhibited throughout the NAS campus until 14 December. Open daily from 11am — 5pm and until 9pm on Fridays.

View online via 🔗 in bio.

—
Video: Tim Connolly

View Instagram post by nas_au

Dec 5

Open post by nas_au with ID 18085817414025392
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the opening of The Grad Show! Find works by this year's cohort exhibited throughout the NAS campus until 14 December. Open daily from 11am — 5pm and until 9pm on Fridays. View online via 🔗 in bio. — Video: Tim Connolly
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