Are you looking to deepen your fine art practice? The Graduate Diploma of Fine Art (CRICOS course code 089847F) is a Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8) delivered by National Art School (CRICOS 03197B) in Darlinghurst, NSW. This 30-week program is designed for graduates who want to refine their technical and conceptual skills in fine arts. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian standards for international student enrolment. National Art School is one of Australia’s leading independent art schools, offering a studio-based learning environment. In this guide, we cover fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and visa information to help you make an informed decision. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
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Graduate Diploma of Fine Art (CRICOS course code 089847F) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by National Art School over 30 weeks (~7 months). This program sits at AQF Level 8, equivalent to a graduate diploma, and focuses on advanced visual arts and crafts, specifically fine arts (Field of Education 100301). As a CRICOS-registered course, it is approved for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act, providing quality assurance and legal protections. National Art School is a private higher education provider with CRICOS code 03197B, based in Sydney’s vibrant Darlinghurst area. The course is offered only at its main campus, with no other delivery locations.
The Graduate Diploma of Fine Art falls under the broad field of 10 - Creative Arts, specifically 1003 - Visual Arts and Crafts, and 100301 - Fine Arts. At this graduate level, students typically engage in advanced studio practice, critical theory, and professional development. While the exact curriculum is set by the provider, graduates often develop a body of work suitable for exhibition, gain skills in art criticism and history, and learn to articulate their artistic vision. The program is designed to bridge undergraduate study and professional practice or further research. For a detailed syllabus, refer to National Art School’s website.
The Graduate Diploma of Fine Art has a duration of 30 weeks (~7 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program delivered in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The course is a single, standalone graduate diploma. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions.
Tuition fees for the Graduate Diploma of Fine Art are indicative at A$42,891 for the entire program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, giving an estimated total of A$42,891. Please note that fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge, which are not included. For the most current fee information, always check the provider’s website at www.nas.edu.au. As a guide, living costs in Sydney are approximately AUD 20,000–25,000 per year for a single student, plus OSHC (around AUD 600–800 per year).
Entry requirements for graduate diplomas in fine arts typically include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, a portfolio of work, and English language proficiency. For this course, a minimum IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall is recommended (other equivalent tests may be accepted). Applicants should check with National Art School for specific academic criteria and portfolio submission guidelines. Foundation or pathway options are not part of this program; students who do not meet entry requirements may need to complete a lower-level qualification first. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa.
This course has no work component. It does not include a mandatory internship, placement, or work experience. Students may seek part-time employment independently, subject to student visa work conditions (see Student visa section).
The Graduate Diploma of Fine Art is delivered at National Art School’s campus in Darlinghurst, NSW. Darlinghurst is an inner-city suburb of Sydney, close to the CBD and well-served by public transport (trains, buses, and light rail). Sydney is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a rich education environment. Students can enjoy the city’s vibrant arts scene, galleries like the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and a diverse community. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average; typical weekly rent for a shared apartment is around AUD 300–400, groceries AUD 80–150, and public transport AUD 40–60.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from National Art School, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and dependents, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Always check the Department of Home Affairs for current policies. Note: HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA agent for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Graduate Diploma of Fine Art at National Art School:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Verify that National Art School (CRICOS 03197B) is registered to enrol international students for course 089847F. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit National Art School’s website (www.nas.edu.au) to find application forms, entry requirements (including English tests), portfolio submission guidelines, and application deadlines. Submit all required documents. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, the school will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and meet financial capacity requirements.
Sydney is Australia’s largest city, with a population over 5 million, including a vibrant international student community. It boasts world-class cultural institutions, beaches, and a temperate climate. For fine arts students, Sydney offers galleries, studios, and creative networks. However, the cost of living is high—budget for around AUD 20,000–25,000 per year beyond tuition. Public transport is extensive but can be costly. If you prefer a quieter or cheaper location, consider other Australian cities. Use HeadStart Academy to explore graduate diploma courses in other states. Always weigh personal preferences and financial capacity.
Ready to take the next step? Browse more graduate diploma courses in fine arts on HeadStart Academy, or contact National Art School directly for application details.
Graduate Diploma 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.