Master of Fine Art (CRICOS course code 071452F) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by National Art School over 1 year 10 months (~96 weeks). This course is ideal for international students seeking advanced research skills in visual arts and crafts within Australia's vibrant creative sector. National Art School is a private CRICOS-registered provider (03197B) based in Darlinghurst, NSW, offering a focused studio-based learning environment. As a HeadStart Academy resource, we provide indicative fees of A$72,592 total tuition, sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. All listed institutions are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you have the legal protections of the ESOS Act. Whether you aim to develop a professional art practice, pursue academic research, or teach at tertiary level, this degree builds expertise in Fine Arts (Field 100301). Read on for details on fees, delivery location, entry requirements, and how to apply.
Master of Fine Art (CRICOS course code 071452F) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by National Art School over 1 year 10 months (~96 weeks). The course is classified under Field of Education 10 - Creative Arts, specifically 1003 - Visual Arts and Crafts (100301 - Fine Arts). It is a single qualification (no dual or embedded awards), with English as the language of instruction. No foundation studies or work component are included. National Art School is a private higher education provider registered on CRICOS (03197B), located in Darlinghurst, an inner-city suburb of Sydney. Sydney is Australia's largest city with over 200,000 international students and more than 100 CRICOS-registered providers offering fine arts courses. The city boasts world-class galleries, museums, and a thriving arts scene, making it an ideal location for studio-based research. As an ESOS-protected course, you are guaranteed certain rights including access to the Tuition Protection Service if the provider ceases operation. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — HeadStart Academy is a free, independent resource with no referral fees.
This Masters Degree (Research) is focused on Fine Arts, a field that encompasses the creation and critical analysis of visual art forms such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, and drawing. Graduates at this level typically develop advanced skills in independent research, studio practice, and conceptual development. You will be expected to produce a substantial body of original artwork accompanied by a written thesis that contextualises your practice within contemporary art discourse. The program emphasises critical thinking, artistic innovation, and mastery of techniques. Learning outcomes include the ability to formulate and execute a sustained research project, demonstrate advanced technical proficiency, and contribute to knowledge in the field of fine arts. While the specific curriculum is set by National Art School, common themes include studio-based research methods, art theory and history, professional practice, and exhibition preparation.
The duration of Master of Fine Art is 1 year 10 months (~96 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This reflects the expected full-time study load for an international student on a Student visa (Subclass 500). The course is delivered in English and is a single qualification — no dual or nested awards. Study is likely to be on-campus, studio-based, with supervision from academic staff. Part-time options are generally not available for international students due to visa conditions requiring full-time enrolment. The intensive research focus means you will spend significant time in the studio and library. Sydney's public transport system (trains, buses, light rail) provides easy access to the Darlinghurst campus from all over the city. Typical living costs for a single person in Sydney are around A$1,500–2,000 per month for rent, groceries, and transport — always budget for living expenses in addition to tuition and health cover.
Course fees shown are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change — always confirm directly with the provider before applying. For Master of Fine Art (071452F) at National Art School: tuition fee is A$72,592 for the full program, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0. Estimated total cost is A$72,592. This amount does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students (approx A$600–800 per year for single cover), nor does it include living costs or the visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Sydney living costs (rent, food, transport) can add A$20,000–30,000 per year. Always check the provider's official website (www.nas.edu.au) for the most current fee schedule and payment options. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees — our data is free and transparent.
Entry requirements for Master of Fine Art are set by National Art School and may include a bachelor's degree in fine arts or a related field, a portfolio of work, and evidence of research capability. For international students, English language proficiency is required — typical requirements for a Masters Degree (Research) range from IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) to 7.0 overall depending on the provider. Equivalent tests such as TOEFL or PTE are also accepted. Always check with the provider for specific prerequisites and whether foundation or pathway programs are available if you do not meet the direct entry criteria. Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds must provide test results. Note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission — places are competitive. Consult the National Art School website for detailed entry criteria and application deadlines.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. This work must not interfere with your studies. Practical training or internships are not built into the curriculum, but you may seek voluntary or paid work in the arts sector independently. Always comply with your visa work conditions — the Department of Home Affairs monitors compliance closely.
Master of Fine Art is delivered at National Art School (Higher Education) — Darlinghurst, NSW. Darlinghurst is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, known for its art galleries, cafes, and proximity to the Sydney CBD. The campus is well-served by public transport (bus and train). Sydney, as Australia's most populous city, hosts over 200,000 international students and offers a rich cultural environment for fine arts study. The city has more than 100 CRICOS-registered providers offering creative arts courses. Living costs in Sydney are among the highest in Australia; indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$600–800, with groceries and transport adding A$200–300 per week. Always budget accordingly.
International students studying Master of Fine Art at National Art School will typically apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to live, study, and work in Australia for the duration of your course. You must maintain genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, meet financial capacity requirements (tuition + living costs + OSHC + travel), and have adequate health insurance (OSHC). Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Upon graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet requirements. For visa guidance, consult the Australian Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Applying for Master of Fine Art at National Art School involves three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to explore courses and providers. Filter by course level (Masters Degree Research), field (Fine Arts), and location (NSW). Confirm that National Art School (CRICOS 03197B) is registered to deliver this course.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the National Art School website (www.nas.edu.au) for application deadlines, entry requirements (portfolio, academic transcripts, English test results), and the application form. Submit all required documents before the deadline.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): After acceptance, the school will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online via ImmiAccount. Include proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Wait for visa grant before travelling to Australia.
Start your application for Master of Fine Art at National Art School. Research CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy and apply directly today.
Master of Fine Art is a CRICOS-registered programme at National Art School. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.