International Students

Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) 

A three-year undergraduate degree focused on studio-based learning across a range of disciplines including ceramics, drawing, painting, photomedia, printmaking and sculpture. 

Academic Requirements 

Equivalent to successful completion of Australian Year 12 or other recognised qualifications. 

English Language Requirement 

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no band lower than 6.0 

Portfolio and Interview 

Admission to NAS is based on a competitive selection process that includes portfolio assessment and interview. 

Applicants are required to prepare: 

• A portfolio of recent artworks 
• Supporting material such as sketchbooks, visual diaries, or maquettes 
• A personal statement outlining artistic interests, influences, and reasons for applying 

Applicants may be interviewed: 

• In person on campus, or  
• Online, which provides flexible access for students located overseas 

Interviews are conducted by academic staff and provide an opportunity for applicants to discuss their work, artistic interests, and study goals. 

Application Guidelines.

A one-year full-time studio-based degree for students who have completed a BFA or equivalent, designed to further develop independent studio practice and introduce students to a research-focused environment. 

Academic Requirements 

A recognised Bachelor of Fine Art degree or other relevant undergraduate degree, with a 75% weighted average mark, or significant professional experience. 

English Language Requirement 

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no band lower than 6.0  

All applicants must also provide 

• a written Project Proposal; 
• examples of previous work, such as a portfolio of artworks or an academic writing sample; 
• evidence of academic record and professional achievements, such as an Academic transcript and/​​or a professional CV. 

Application Guidelines.

Doctor of Fine Art (DFA) 

A doctoral degree for established artists undertaking independent, practice-led studio research at the highest academic level. 

Academic Requirements 

Master of Fine Art degree, or equivalent postgraduate degree, with a 75% weighted average mark or Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) degree with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours, Division I, or equivalent or significant professional experience 

English Language Requirement 

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no band lower than 6.0 

All applicants must also provide 

• a project proposal/​​research intention statement, evidencing their ability to conduct independent research to an HDR level; 
• examples of previous work, such as a portfolio of artworks or an academic writing sample; 
• evidence of academic record and professional achievements, such as an Academic transcript or a professional CV. 

. Applicants may be interviewed: 

• In person on campus, or  
• Online, which provides flexible access for students located overseas 

Application Guidelines.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is insurance for international students to help them with the costs of medical and hospital care they may require while they are in Australia. OSHC does not cover dental treatment. 

The Australian Government requires all international students on a student visa and their dependants to purchase an approved policy from an Australian registered health fund for the duration of their visas. OSHC is not included in tuition fees. 

To find out more, visit Pri​vate​Health​.gov​.au. 

During your stay in Australia, you are permitted to work for up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods, and unlimited hours outside teaching periods. Certain categories of voluntary, unpaid work is included in this total, and work undertaken as part of your course is not included. You should not rely on working to fund your tuition or living expenses while in Australia as work cannot be guaranteed and spending excessive amounts of time working may adversely affect your studies. Applications for work visas can only be submitted after you have arrived in Australia and started your classes. The Department of Home Affairs determines work entitlement for students. 

To find out more about working while studying in Australia, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website. 

It is a requirement of the Department of Home Affairs that prospective international students can demonstrate that they have sufficient funds while living in Australia. 

Living costs include items such as: 

• Accommodation (including rental bond) 
• Electricity and/​​ or gas 
• Entertainment 
• Food 
• Personal and household items 
• Telephone and internet bills 
• Transport (bus/​​ train) 

To find out more about living expenses in Australia, visit the Australian Government’s Study Australia website.

Our Student Services office can provide advice and assistance to students on a range of enquiries regarding admission, progression, course withdrawals, fees, student cards, exhibitions, assessment, results and graduation. 

At NAS, student wellbeing is a priority. Our Wellbeing team offers free and confidential support to help you navigate challenges that may impact your studies, mental health, emotional or physical wellbeing. Services include counselling for study stress, time management, relationships, and health concerns, as well as referrals to external resources. 

Our Student Wellbeing Officer is available for guidance on a wide range of issues. Whether you need someone to talk to or help accessing support. 

NAS offers free, confidential, short-term counselling for all current students. 

The School counsellor can also provide referrals and information about services if needed. If a referral is necessary, the counsellor has information about relevant community resources and government agencies. 

Student Support Policy.

The Australian Government’s Study Australia website is useful resource and provides further information on planning for studying in Australia. 

Study Australia