Bachelor of Fine Art
The Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) is a three-year full-time course designed to develop the creative independence, knowledge, and experience required for a successful career as a practicing artist or arts sector professional.
In first year, all students undertake core study in Observational and Experimental Drawing, and Studio Foundations, which introduces all key Studio Specialisations: Ceramics, Painting, Photomedia, Printmaking, and Sculpture. From second year, students specialise in one of these areas, undertaking focused studio-based study.
Core studies in Art History & Theory and Professional Studies are embedded across all three years, ensuring students’ studio practice is informed by historical, theoretical, and professional contexts. Throughout the course, contemporary art practice is contextualised through Australian First Peoples’ knowledge and culture, as well as national and international perspectives.
NAS prioritises high course contact hours and small class sizes to ensure students receive individualised guidance and support.
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I always feel that I can be comfortable at NAS and that there are people to help me if I have an issue… The scholarship has made me realise that some people see something in me and my skill which is very encouraging for my career aspirations.
The BFA comprises three interrelated areas of study: Studio, Professional Studies, and Art History & Theory. Study and practice in these key subject areas continues throughout the degree.
Studio-centred learning sits at the heart of the NAS teaching model. From the outset, students are immersed in dedicated studio environments that support experimentation, making, and critical inquiry. These spaces function as both workplaces and communities, where ideas are tested, skills are developed, and individual practices begin to take shape.
Through sustained access to studios, students build strong technical and conceptual foundations while learning to manage time, materials, and processes central to professional artistic practice. Studio-based learning is complemented by peer exchange, staff mentorship, and regular critique, fostering a culture of collaboration, reflection, and independent thinking that prepares students for life as arts professionals.
Led by Dr Michael Hill, The Art History & Theory curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of visual and material traditions from antiquity to the contemporary era. Beginning with ancient to early modern art in the first year, students study painting, sculpture, architecture, and ceramics within their social, political, and spiritual contexts, developing foundational skills in visual literacy and critical interpretation.
In second year, students study the development of Modernism, exploring its emergence from industrialisation through various interrelated movements, and the later critiques and global adaptations of Modernist principles. In third year, students engage with contemporary art over the last 50 years, examining key themes such as identity, authorship, materiality, and globalisation.
Throughout the AHT curriculum, students build and refine skills in formal analysis, academic writing, research synthesis, and theoretical engagement, preparing them for deeper critical inquiry in the visual arts.
The Professional Studies program is designed to equip students with the academic, practical, and professional skills necessary for a career in the arts, beginning with an extended orientation into the cultural and institutional environment of the National Art School.
Emphasising First Nations perspectives and community engagement, the first-year unit builds foundational knowledge in academic integrity, critique, wellbeing, sustainable practices, and research skills to equip students for fine art study at a tertiary level. In second year, students explore material thinking and contemporary art concepts across disciplines, gaining exposure to diverse methodologies and practices. This is followed by an examination of contemporary art world structures, including galleries, curators, markets, and the politics of display.
In the final year, the focus shifts to professional readiness, with students learning exhibition development, grant writing, legal and financial skills, and portfolio preparation. Professional Studies culminates in the creation of industry-ready materials supporting the graduate exhibition, integrating creative, critical, and professional capabilities.
Specialisations
From the second year, students at NAS select their disciplinary specialisation from Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photomedia, Printmaking and Sculpture, with further opportunities for inter-disciplinary and expanded practices.
The Ceramics specialisation offers an intensive, hands-on learning experience that equips students with a broad range of technical and conceptual skills, spanning traditional and contemporary ceramic practices. Led by Dr Louise Boscacci, the Ceramics specialisation is taught by experienced, practicing artists in small, collaborative classes that foster both peer-learning and independent exploration. Emphasising both technical proficiency and creative development, the curriculum encourages students to engage with ceramics as a dynamic contemporary art form.
Facilities include kilns (gas, electric, and Raku kilns), glaze lab with extraction units, blunger and ball mill facilities for wet mixing, wheel-studio, hand-building studio, wet clay processing facilities, and cutting and grinding equipment.
Led by Dr Chelsea Lehmann, our comprehensive and innovative course spans the studio conventions of observational and life drawing, through to expanded ideas of drawing that challenge traditional boundaries. Explorations range through figuration, abstraction, installation and performance to new media and animation.
All BFA students study Core Drawing in their first year. Students are guided in a broad range of contemporary and traditional ideas and skills to support and develop their personal visual language.
From 2027, Drawing is offered as a Studio Specialisation, where student-initiated studio practice is supported by our dynamic team of artists and drawing specialists.
Acting Head of Department Dr Elizabeth Pulie, leads the Painting specialisation offers an immersive, studio-based education that combines traditional painting foundations with contemporary innovation, guiding students to develop their own artistic voice.
In the first year of the BFA, students gain core skills in materials, techniques, colour, tone, and composition, before specialising in Painting from second year with intensive face-to-face teaching. The curriculum encourages technical expertise across media and genres, while fostering independent conceptual development, critical analysis, and professional practice.
Facilities include well-ventilated studio spaces with easels, boards, tables, storage, and dedicated solvent cabinets in each studio area for safe disposal of oil-based liquids.
The Photomedia specialisation offers students comprehensive training in both traditional and contemporary photographic practices, from analogue darkroom techniques to advanced digital imaging.
Taught by practicing artists and led by Dr Alex Kershaw, the course blends technical instruction with theoretical exploration, encouraging students to develop their own artistic identity through experimentation, critical analysis, and creative inquiry. With small classes and hands-on, face-to-face teaching, Photomedia at NAS fosters a vibrant environment for emerging artists to build confidence, refine their practice, and engage with the evolving landscape of Photomedia.
Facilities include extensive darkrooms, digital labs, computers equipped with Adobe Creative suite, studio access to medium format inkjet printers and photo scanners, lighting studio equipped with high-intensity flash and LED studio lighting, multi-format digital and analogue cameras and equipment, analogue darkrooms, film-processing facilities, and professional digital print service offering large-format fine art printing.
Dr Carolyn Mackenzie-Craig leads the Printmaking department at NAS, collaborating with skilled practicing artists and expert technical staff in the school’s expansive, professionally outfitted print studios.
The Printmaking specialisation offers students a comprehensive education in both traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques, spanning relief, intaglio, screen printing, lithography, digital processes, and artist book production. Grounded in the rich history of the medium – from Japanese woodblock prints to the digital age – the curriculum combines technical proficiency with conceptual development, guiding students to explore personal expression and contemporary visual art practices.
Facilities include intaglio printmaking facilities (copper and zinc etching plates), relief printmaking facilities (wood and linoleum), screen print studio (photographic resists and stencil techniques), lithography facilities (direct print process for both stone and plate lithography), bookbinding and letterpress facilities, resources for photographic printmaking including digital print and heat transfer.
Led by Dr Jacqueline Bradley and Dave Horton as Acting Co-Heads, the Sculpture specialisation combines strong technical training with contemporary art practices. Students learn skills such as modelling, carving, mould making, casting, and welding, using materials like steel, timber, clay, and fabric, while also exploring installation art and site-responsive practices.
The Sculpture faculty comprises accomplished practicing artists who actively support and challenge students throughout their studies. Students are encouraged to collaborate, share research, and experiment across disciplines, developing both practical skills and conceptual understanding for a successful career as a practicing artist.
Facilities include a dedicated plaster room for mould making and casting, metal workshop with welding bays and metal fabrication equipment, separate woodwork space, access to 3D printers, sewing machines, and digital imaging technologies.
Graduate Pathways
In addition to working as artists and curators, graduates pursue careers in related fields such as arts administration, museums and galleries, arts marketing and communications, arts policy and consultancy, and a wide range of technical and arts production roles.
Many BFA graduates also continue into further study such as a BFA(Hons) or MFA degree, or pursue a career in fine art teaching.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for BFA admission, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Completion of a secondary education qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC), including national and international equivalents, or;
- Completion of higher education studies, including approved preparation courses, or;
- Completion of TAFE CERT IV in Fine Art or equivalent. Applicants with a Diploma or Advanced Diploma may apply for advanced standing into the second year of the Bachelor of Fine Art.
Applicants who do not meet the required educational qualifications listed for acceptance into the BFA are encouraged to complete the UAC STAT test or a TAFE Diploma in Fine Art or TAFE matriculation program prior to applying to NAS the following year.
Application Process
Domestic Applicants
All domestic/local applications to the BFA must be lodged with the University Admission Centre (UAC).
Portfolios are not required for the initial UAC application process.
Upon submitting your application to UAC and provided you meet the stated educational requirements for admission, you will be contacted by NAS Student Services at a later date with an invitation to participate in the BFA selection process.
International Applicants
International applicants with an International Baccalaureate, or a qualification equivalent to the Australian High School Certificate can apply for the BFA via UAC as well. All other applicants must complete and submit an application form online.
International applicants will be subject to the same eligibility requirements and selection process as local/domestic students. International students will also be required to meet the English Language requirements.
Eligible applicants who have submitted UAC applications will be contacted by Student Services with an invitation to participate in the BFA selection process. Applicants will be asked to prepare a portfolio of recent works, a written personal statement and attend an interview with NAS academics. Please refer to the Application Guidelines for the portfolio and personal statement requirements.
Entry into the BFA is competitive and places are limited. Meeting the Eligibility Requirements does not guarantee etry into the course. Applications are marked against standardised selection criteria which includes academic achievements, commitment to study, the quality of portfolio artworks, and written and verbal communication skills as demonstrated by the applicant’s interview and personal statement.
Successful applicants will receive an Offer of Place. To accept an offer, applicants must complete the online acceptance with UAC by the deadline specified in their offer notification.
Key Dates
BFA Applications are closed for 2026.
Key dates for future admissions rounds will be updated shortly.
Fee Schedule
Domestic Student Fees 2026*
Bachelor of Fine Art $16, 740 per year (full time)
International Student Fees 2026*
Bachelor of Fine Art $44, 160 per year (full time)
*Fees are subject to change year-on-year
FEE-HELP is a loan from the Australian Government for eligible higher education students to pay tuition fees.
The Australian Government pays the amount of a student’s loan directly to NAS. Students repay their loan through the tax system once their income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment. Government loans come with additional loan fees. Currently, FEE-HELP attracts a 20% loan fee (for undergraduate courses) and is also subject to annual indexation.
Students are eligible for a FEE-HELP loan if you are either:
- an Australian Citizen, or:
- an eligible New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) holder and will live in Australia for the entire course, or;
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will live in Australia for the entire course.
The following students are not eligible for a FEE-HELP loan:
- New Zealand Citizens (with the exception listed above)
- Permanent residents (other than holders of a permanent humanitarian visa)
- Overseas students.
Please note that NAS does not offer HECS-HELP as we do not offer Commonwealth supported places.
Scholarships
BFA applicants are able to apply for scholarships, including the NAS First Peoples Scholarship, PIMCO BFA First Peoples Scholarship and Hawkesbury Art Prize Scholarship. For more information about scholarships including eligibility criteria and the application process, please visit Scholarships & Opportunities.
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