Doctor of Fine Art
The Doctor of Fine Art (DFA) is a three-year (full-time) or six-year (part-time) professional doctorate for practicing artists who wish to pursue specific research interests that focus on studio practice. DFA graduates contribute significant and new knowledge in the context of professional practice and have substantial experience of research principles and methodologies relevant to contemporary art practice.
The DFA includes structured learning activities and independent supervised study. DFA supervision and assessment is designed to develop a sustained research practice and the ability to confidently engage in critical dialogue within contemporary fine art, academic, and professional contexts.
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My supervisors have been extraordinary, consistently generous with their time, feedback, and encouragement. I’ve also received incredible assistance from the workshop staff.
The DFA is a three-year, full-time course (or part-time equivalent) of practice-based studio research supported by individual research supervision and regular research symposia.
In the first year of the DFA, full-time candidates undertake a Research Methodologies unit which introduces advanced critical and methodological frameworks to support the development of your research project. At the completion of the first year, the Candidature Confirmation Review asks candidates to submit a Doctoral Thesis Proposal, Research Symposium oral presentation and a presentation of studio practice as a formal hurdle for progression to the next phase of doctoral study.
Throughout your candidature you will be enrolled in Studio Research as the practice-based research component in first year, and a synthesised research project in second and third years.
Candidates are supposed by two supervisors based on the research interests and will participate in quarterly symposia intensives with your postgraduate cohort, NAS academics and guest contributors.
At the completion of the course, you will:
- Present a professionally executed, public-facing Doctoral Exhibition of resolved work.
- Submit a Dissertation of 20,000−40,000 words that critically contextualises your studio work within the project’s field of research and knowledge.
- Submit an accompanying Studio Research Catalogue with documentation of works from throughout the DFA research project.
- Participate in viva voce with an appointed examination panel, in which the candidate will critically discuss the Exhibition, Dissertation, and Catalogue.
Graduate Pathways
This qualification, DFA, provides research training to established artists and creative practitioners seeking to expand their practices within a scholarly context. NAS places an emphasis on studio-based research as a highly desirable skill for contemporary practitioners.
Graduates of the DFA may also pursue academic, curatorial, or cultural leadership roles, or contribute significantly to advanced studio research, interdisciplinary discourse, and professional practice within the arts sector.
Fine art research is relevant to a wide range of careers and employment opportunities, instilling transferable skills to work creatively and flexibly; independently and collaboratively; think critically and engage in dialogue about complex issues; and share their expertise and knowledge in a range of audience contexts.
Eligibility Requirements
Admission eligibility to the Doctor of Fine Art is dependent on meeting one of the following entry criteria:
- AQF Level 9 Masters qualification in Fine Arts, or a postgraduate degree in a cognate discipline;
- Overseas tertiary qualifications in Fine Art considered equivalent to Australian studies, or;
- Meet the requirements of an alternative entry scheme, based on professional experience hat includes an established record of production and presentation of art works through industry/professional bodies. Applicants intending to apply under the DFA alternative entry scheme, must discuss their application with the Future Students team before submitting their application.
Application Process
All applicants must complete and submit an application form online, directly to the National Art School website.
All DFA applicants are required to submit a Research Proposal, digital portfolio of recent artworks, professional CV, and a sample of academic writing.
A selection panel will review all complete applications received by the deadline. If you meet the eligibility requirements, and your application is assessed as competitive within the applicant pool by demonstrating a level of merit and preparedness for Doctoral-level study, you will be contacted by NAS Student Services shortly after applications close to schedule an interview. The interview will be convened by NAS academics and discuss your proposal, portfolio, professional experience, and goals for further study.
Further information about the proposal and portfolio requirements can be found in the Application Guidelines.
Entry into the DFA is competitive and places are limited. Meeting the Eligibility Requirements does not guarantee entry 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 project proposal.
Successful applicants will receive an Offer of Place email from Student Services. To accept an offer, applicants must complete the online process by the deadline specified in their offer notification.
Key Dates
DFA Applications are closed for 2026.
Key dates for future admissions rounds will be updated shortly.
Fee Schedule
Domestic Student Fees 2026*
Doctor of Fine Art $16,740 per year (full-time) / $ 8,370 per year (part-time)
International Student Fees 2026*
Doctor 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.
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