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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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Final call! This is your last chance to apply for our BFA degree for 2026.

Applications close 29 January.

Apply now 🔗 in bio.

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Jan 12

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Final call! This is your last chance to apply for our BFA degree for 2026. Applications close 29 January. Apply now 🔗 in bio.

Join us from 6–9pm on Thursday 22 January for the opening of SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art.

Featuring Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau & TAVEN

RSVP 🔗 in bio.

Presented as part of @sydney_festival.

—
Sidney Nolan, ‘Untitled’, 1983, spray can enamel on canvas, Nolan Collection, managed by Canberra Museum and Gallery on behalf of the Australian Government

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Jan 9

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Join us from 6–9pm on Thursday 22 January for the opening of SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art. Featuring Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau & TAVEN RSVP 🔗 in bio. Presented as part of @sydney_festival. — Sidney Nolan, ‘Untitled’, 1983, spray can enamel on canvas, Nolan Collection, managed by Canberra Museum and Gallery on behalf of the Australian Government

Marking 20 years of the National Art School Gallery, we are thrilled to share this year`s program of ambitious group and solo exhibitions that foster critical appreciation and innovative art practice.

SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art
17 January – 11 April
Opening: Thurs 22 January, 6pm
Bringing together over thirty of Australia`s most dynamic artists united by one charged medium: spray paint, presented as part of @sydney_festival.

QUEER CONTEMPORARY
Liz Bradshaw: I didn`t expect to live this long
13 February – 7 March
Opening: Thurs 12 February, 6pm
Experience a large-scale sculpture and installation by NAS alum Liz Bradshaw as part of @sydneymardigras.

Mitch Cairns: Artist`s Mouth
1 May – 11 July
Opening: Thurs 30 April, 6pm
Presented with the @instituteofmodernart, the largest and most comprehensive exhibition by Sydney-based artist and NAS alum Mitch Cairns.

Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste
31 July – 25 October
Opening: Thurs 30 July, 6pm
Celebrating the legacy of NAS alum and one of Australia`s most beloved painters, Margaret Olley AC.

The Postgrad Show
6–15 November

The Grad Show
4–13 December

Full program 🔗 in bio.

—
Howard Arkley, `Triple fronted`, 1987, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mollie and Jim Gowing Bequest Fund 2014 © The Estate of Howard Arkley, courtesy Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales

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Jan 8

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Marking 20 years of the National Art School Gallery, we are thrilled to share this year's program of ambitious group and solo exhibitions that foster critical appreciation and innovative art practice. SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art 17 January – 11 April Opening: Thurs 22 January, 6pm Bringing together over thirty of Australia's most dynamic artists united by one charged medium: spray paint, presented as part of @sydney_festival. QUEER CONTEMPORARY Liz Bradshaw: I didn't expect to live this long 13 February – 7 March Opening: Thurs 12 February, 6pm Experience a large-scale sculpture and installation by NAS alum Liz Bradshaw as part of @sydneymardigras. Mitch Cairns: Artist's Mouth 1 May – 11 July Opening: Thurs 30 April, 6pm Presented with the @instituteofmodernart, the largest and most comprehensive exhibition by Sydney-based artist and NAS alum Mitch Cairns. Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste 31 July – 25 October Opening: Thurs 30 July, 6pm Celebrating the legacy of NAS alum and one of Australia's most beloved painters, Margaret Olley AC. The Postgrad Show 6–15 November The Grad Show 4–13 December Full program 🔗 in bio. — Howard Arkley, 'Triple fronted', 1987, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mollie and Jim Gowing Bequest Fund 2014 © The Estate of Howard Arkley, courtesy Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales
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