Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre) at The University of Melbourne (UniMelb)

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre) (CRICOS course code 094860M) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) over 3 years. This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international education. As one of Australia’s leading universities, UniMelb offers this program at its Southbank campus, immersing students in Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, HeadStart Academy helps you navigate your study options in Australia. This page provides indicative fees, entry requirements, and visa guidance for international students considering this theatre program. The course focuses on Drama and Theatre Studies within the Creative Arts field, preparing graduates for careers in performance, direction, and production. Melbourne is home to a thriving theatre district and numerous performance venues, offering excellent opportunities for practical experience. All information is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, and you should verify current details with the provider.

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Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026)
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Course overview

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre) (CRICOS course code 094860M) is a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) within the field of Drama and Theatre Studies (100103). It is delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb), a government university (CRICOS 00116K) at its Southbank campus in Melbourne, Victoria. This CRICOS-registered course ensures international students receive an education that meets Australian standards. The program is designed to develop creative and critical skills in theatre practice, with a curriculum blending theoretical study and practical performance work. As part of Australia’s Group of Eight universities, UniMelb offers a globally recognized qualification.

What you'll study

This Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) in Drama and Theatre Studies covers performance techniques, theatre history, script analysis, and production skills. Students typically develop critical thinking, creative expression, and collaboration abilities. The curriculum combines practical workshops with theoretical study, preparing graduates for the performing arts industry. Graduates may pursue careers as actors, directors, playwrights, or theatre producers. The course also fosters transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, valued across many sectors.

Duration and study mode

3 years (156 weeks on the CRICOS register). Language of instruction: English. Single qualification (not dual). No foundation studies component. Study is full-time on campus. No work component is included, but student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks.

Fees (indicative — set by The University of Melbourne)

The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$130,636, with non-tuition fees of A$150, making an estimated total of A$130,786. This excludes Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change — always confirm directly with The University of Melbourne before applying. For current fee details, visit the provider's website.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

International students typically need an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5-6.0. Prior qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 12 or higher are expected. The University of Melbourne offers foundation and pathway options through Trinity College or the Melbourne Foundation Program for students who need additional preparation. Entry requirements are set by the institution — always check the provider's website for the most up-to-date criteria.

Work component

No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, student visa holders (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions.

Delivery locations

The course is delivered at 234 St. Kilda Road, Southbank (Southbank campus) — Southbank, VIC. This location is in Melbourne's arts precinct, close to public transport (trains, trams, buses) and the CBD. Southbank is a vibrant cultural hub with galleries, theatres, and dining options.

Student visa

International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Conditions include maintaining enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate financial capacity. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protects your rights. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent — consult a MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs for visa advice.

How to apply

Three steps to apply for Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre) at The University of Melbourne (UniMelb): 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers (use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city). 2. Apply directly to The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) — meet entry requirements, submit English test scores, adhere to application deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). For detailed guidance, visit the provider’s website.

Studying in Melbourne

Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, with a large international student population (over 250,000). The city has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering a range of courses. Typical living costs (indicative): rent A$200-400/week, groceries A$80-150/week, transport A$40-60/week with myki. The Southbank campus is near Flinders Street Station and tram lines. Melbourne’s theatre scene includes the Arts Centre, Malthouse Theatre, and many independent venues, providing rich opportunities for practical experience. ESOS protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.

Research and apply for this course through the provider's website.

Other courses at The University of Melbourne (UniMelb)

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Source-backed course facts

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Melbourne (UniMelb). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
CRICOS course code
094860M
Provider
The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) (00116K)
Course level
Bachelor Degree
Field of education
10 - Creative Arts
Duration
156 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$130,636
Estimated total (indicative)
A$130,786
Delivery locations
Southbank
Work component
No

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative tuition fee is A$130,636, with non-tuition fees of A$150, totaling an estimated A$130,786. This excludes OSHC, living costs, and the visa application charge. Fees are indicative and subject to change — always confirm with the provider.
The course duration is 3 years (156 weeks) according to the CRICOS register. It is a full-time Bachelor Degree level program.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5-6.0. Prior qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 12 are expected. Foundation pathways are available through Trinity College or the Melbourne Foundation Program.
The course is delivered at The University of Melbourne’s Southbank campus, located at 234 St. Kilda Road, Southbank, Victoria. This is in Melbourne’s arts precinct, easily accessible by public transport.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$130,786 for Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre) (tuition A$130,636). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 094860M, offered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) (provider code 00116K). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.