Bachelor of Creative Arts (CRICOS course code 084346A) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 3 years. This program falls under the field of Creative Arts (Broad Field 10) and is designed for international students seeking a broad foundation in creative practice. The course is offered at ACU campuses in Brisbane (Banyo), Melbourne (Fitzroy), and Sydney (Strathfield). As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the requirements for a Student visa (Subclass 500) and is protected under the ESOS Act. The indicative total tuition fee is A$106,872, plus additional costs for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa fees. Explore this page to learn about entry requirements, duration, work-integrated learning, and how to apply.
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Bachelor of Creative Arts (CRICOS course code 084346A) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 3 years. The program is classified under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7 and falls within the field of education code 109999 (Creative Arts, n.e.c.). This degree is designed to equip students with a diverse set of creative skills, including visual arts, digital media, writing, and performance. Graduates typically develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities applicable to roles in the creative industries. The course is taught in English and is open to international students. Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a government-funded university with CRICOS provider code 00004G. All international students are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
The Bachelor of Creative Arts provides a broad education in creative disciplines. While the exact curriculum is set by ACU, typical Bachelor Degree programs in Creative Arts cover theoretical foundations, practical studio work, and interdisciplinary projects. Students may explore subjects such as art history, visual culture, digital design, creative writing, and collaborative arts practice. The degree emphasises creativity, innovation, and professional skills. Graduates are prepared for careers in arts management, community arts, gallery work, education, or further study in specialised creative fields. As with all AQF Level 7 qualifications, the program requires a depth of learning that builds on prior higher education or equivalent experience.
According to the CRICOS register, the Bachelor of Creative Arts has a duration of 3 years, which equates to 156 weeks. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — there is no dual degree or foundation studies component. Students are expected to study full-time on campus at one of ACU's delivery locations. The standard academic year in Australia typically involves two semesters, with breaks between. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as a condition of their Student visa (Subclass 500). ACU may offer flexible study options; please check their website for the most current information.
Tuition: A$106,872 (indicative total for 3 years). Non-tuition fees: A$0. Estimated total: A$106,872. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the institution. Important: This estimate does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students on a Student visa and typically costs between A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs vary by city: for example, weekly rent in Brisbane ranges from A$200–A$400, in Melbourne from A$250–$500, and in Sydney from A$300–$600. Groceries and transport add approximately A$150–$300 per week. Always confirm current fees with ACU via www.acu.edu.au.
International students must meet English language proficiency requirements. The indicative IELTS requirement is 6.0–6.5 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0 (equivalent tests such as TOEFL or PTE are also accepted). Additionally, applicants must hold prior qualifications equivalent to an Australian Year 12 certificate or have completed a recognised foundation program. ACU may also consider previous tertiary study or work experience. Some courses may require a portfolio or audition. Since entry requirements can vary, applicants should check ACU's website for precise details. For students who do not meet direct entry, ACU offers pathway programs through partner colleges. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for visa advice, consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
This course includes a compulsory work component: 6 weeks of placement at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) provides students with practical experience in real-world creative settings, such as galleries, community arts organisations, media companies, or festivals. Placements are arranged by the university and are designed to complement academic learning. International students on a Student visa are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The work component is not counted as employment for visa purposes but is a formal part of the course. Ensure OSHC covers any placement-related incidents.
The Bachelor of Creative Arts is delivered at three ACU campuses: Australian Catholic University-Brisbane Campus in Banyo, Queensland; Australian Catholic University-Melbourne Campus in Fitzroy, Victoria; and Strathfield Campus in Strathfield, New South Wales. Each location offers unique lifestyle and cost-of-living considerations. Brisbane has a subtropical climate and relatively lower living costs, with over 50 CRICOS-registered providers in the city. Melbourne is known for its vibrant arts scene and cultural diversity, with over 100 providers and higher living costs. Sydney is Australia's largest city with a dynamic creative industry, but rent is the highest among the three. All campuses are accessible via public transport. Students should consider their personal preferences and budget when choosing a campus.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Visa conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, achieving satisfactory course progress, and having valid OSHC. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to current government policy). Applicants must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intentions and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, travel, and dependents if applicable. The visa application charge is currently A$710 (subject to change). Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for updates. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for assistance.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Creative Arts at Australian Catholic University: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers — use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution — meet entry requirements, provide English test scores, and submit required documents by the application deadline. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Once you have your CoE and OSHC, lodge your visa application online. Ensure you have all financial documents ready to demonstrate capacity.
Ready to start your creative journey? Explore the Bachelor of Creative Arts at ACU — check the latest fees and entry requirements on ACU's website or use HeadStart Academy to compare other CRICOS-registered courses.
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Bachelor of Creative Arts is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Catholic University Limited. 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.