International Students

Set in the creative hub of Darlinghurst, the NAS campus is within walking distance to the CBD and Sydney Harbour, and a short bus ride to iconic Bondi Beach. Sydney is rated in the top five safest cities in the world and boasts world-class museums, public art galleries and commercial galleries, a multicultural and dynamic food scene, and an exciting calendar of cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Our heritage-listed campus is housed within the beautiful sandstone grounds of the former Darlinghurst Goal. Find out more about the campus studios and facilities here.

How to apply as an international student

• Lodge a completed application form with certified copies of photographic identification, proof of residency status, and academic qualifications as evidence of meeting academic entry requirements with NAS Student Services by the due date. In addition to the certified evidence, the form must also include/be accompanied by:
• Evidence of meeting the English Proficiency requirement (if applicable) i.e English Proficiency Test Scores
• A Studio Proposal (500 -1,000 words). See below for Studio Project Proposal Guidelines.
• 12 examples of own works in digital format (PDF format only) on a USB, readable by both Mac and PC
• Provide 2 academic referees

The National Art School is registered under The Australian Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) to provide courses to non-Australian citizens studying in Australia on student visas. NAS award courses are internationally recognised qualifications.

CRICOS Provider Code: 03197B

CRICOS Course Codes:

• Bachelor of Fine Art                        071450G
• Graduate Diploma of Fine Art      089847F
• Master of Fine Art                            089848E
• Doctor of Fine Art                            096460M

For information on studying in Australia visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

For commencing and continuing international students please contact Student Services directly for enquiries regarding enrolment, program and COE administration.

A number of specialist student accommodation providers are located within walking distance to the campus (there is no onsite accommodation).

See the NSW Study Assist site for more information.

The National Art School offers dedicated counselling services to students, contributing to their ongoing development and success in studies.

Support includes managing exam anxiety, balancing study and work, family and relationship concerns, health matters and general lifestyle and vocational goals.

Orientation

All International Students are required to attend Orientation Week, which outlines all services and programme information to students. International Students who miss orientation are given an individual orientation from the Registrar and relevant programme co-ordinator.

Student Services

The office assists International Students with enquiries regarding all aspects of student life including visas, admission, progression, OSHC, course withdrawals, fees, student cards, scholarships, prizes, exchange programs, exhibitions, assessment, results and graduation. The Student Services office is currently located on the ground floor of Building 3 (entrance adjacent to the Cafeteria).

All staff in Student Services are experienced in responding to queries from International Students. For more specific welfare matters, International Students are referred to the School Counsellor. For more specific academic matters, International Students are referred to their relevant programme co-ordinator.

The Main International Student Contact (MISC) Officer is currently:

Ben Griffin, Registrar, National Art School

02 9339 8762

[email protected]

The Student Services Officer, Student Services Administrator and are both ‘Key Contacts’ for International Students.

Critical Incidents

A ‘Critical Incident’ as it relates to Overseas Students is a traumatic event, or threat of such (within or outside of Australia), which causes extreme stress.

Where a Critical Incident involves an Overseas Student the Main International Student Contact (MISC) must be notified immediately.

The MISC will (where considered appropriate):

• Establish contact with the student and offer appropriate support
• Inform relevant staff within the School (relevant Co-ordinator/Department Head)
• The Department of Home Affairs
• The relevant consulate
• Communicate with next of kin living abroad, (including use of interpreters where needed) offering appropriate support

Reporting a critical incident

An overseas student who is, or is at risk of, experiencing a traumatic event can seek support and/or report from NAS by contacting the MISC listed above or:

Student Services
National Art School
02 9339 8613
[email protected]

Counselling Services

The role of the Counsellor is to contribute to the development of the School’s students and their successful study, whether International or Domestic.

The counsellor can provide support and direction in the following areas:

• study skills including exam anxiety and time management
• stress management – balancing study, work and other commitments
• family and relationship concerns
• health matters – lifestyle
• vocational goals

If a referral is necessary the Counsellor has information about relevant community resources and government agencies, the service is free and confidential.

Program Coordinators

The School’s program coordinators are all senior Academics whose role is to provide academic administrative co-ordination across the varying discipline departments and to provide pastoral support to students within the program.

We have collated an extensive list of support services and websites here.

Education Services for Overseas Students

Australia provides rigorous protection for international students through the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and related legislation, which protects and enhances Australia’s reputation for quality education, provides tuition protection and supports the integrity of the student visa program.

Further details can be found at https://www.education.gov.au/esos-framework

Tuition Protection Service

Overseas Students are protected by the Tuition Protection Service (TPS). The TPS provides protection for students in the event of a provider closure or if a provider is no longer able to offer your enrolled course of study.

Further details can be found at https://www.education.gov.au/tps

Living in Australia

Study Australia is a great resource for information about living in Australia and to help with understanding the cost of living while you’re studying. Visit Study Australia here. Use the Study Australia cost of living calculator here.

Working in Australia

Many students work part-time while completing their studies at NAS and our inner-city location offers many opportunities to live and work close to campus.

Under the current Subclass 500 Student Visa, students can work unlimited hours while studying in Australia. Please refer to the home affairs website for updates on these arrangements.

To help international students prepare for work, the Work Readiness Program is freely available online before and during their studies. The program guides students on how to write job applications, prepare for interviews and successfully find work in the Australian employment market.

The certificate generated from this program is an Australian Government endorsed micro-credential.

Please click here to download the current Academic Calendar for 2024.

The NAS Academic year normally starts in late February with Orientation and ends in early December with our Graduate Exhibition.

NAS has trained over 10,000 artists since it originated in 1843, including many of Australia’s most celebrated and internationally renowned practitioners. NAS alumni have represented Australia at the Venice Biennale, had retrospectives at major galleries and museums, and won major prizes national and internationally. The annual Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW is Australia’s most famous portraiture prize, and since it began in 1921 one in five winners have been National Art School graduates.

Find out more about our prestigious Alumni here.