The Bachelor of Journalism and New Media (CRICOS course code 114780H) is a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) delivered by Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03392K), a private higher education provider based in Melbourne, Victoria. This two-year, full-time program is designed for international students seeking a career in journalism, digital media, and content creation. With a strong focus on practical skills and new media technologies, the course prepares graduates for roles in newsrooms, digital publishing, and multimedia storytelling. The indicative tuition fee is A$87,240, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, students benefit from the protections of the ESOS Act and can access Australia's student visa framework. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (1 April 2026). Whether you're passionate about investigative reporting or digital content strategy, this degree offers a pathway to a dynamic industry in one of Australia's most vibrant cities.
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The Bachelor of Journalism and New Media (CRICOS 114780H) is a full-time Bachelor Degree at AQF Level 7, offered by Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd (trading as Collarts). The course spans 104 weeks (2 years) and is taught entirely in English. It belongs to the field of education 100703 - Journalism, within the broader Creative Arts and Communication and Media Studies category. This is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study options. The course includes a compulsory work component of 6 weeks (60 hours total) to provide students with real-world industry experience. Delivery locations are in Melbourne's inner suburbs: Collingwood, Fitzroy, and South Melbourne, offering access to Melbourne's thriving media and arts scene. As an international student, you will study alongside domestic students in a creative, hands-on learning environment.
Students in this program develop core journalism skills including news writing, feature writing, investigative reporting, and digital storytelling. The curriculum also covers new media technologies such as social media management, podcasting, video production, and data journalism. At AQF Level 7, graduates are expected to demonstrate broad theoretical and technical knowledge, critical thinking, and the ability to apply skills in a professional context. The course emphasises real-world practice through the integrated work component and industry-connected projects. While the specific subjects are set by the provider, typical learning outcomes include the ability to research, analyse, and communicate information across multiple platforms, as well as an understanding of media ethics and law.
According to the CRICOS register, the Bachelor of Journalism and New Media has a duration of 104 weeks (2 years) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course; there is no dual qualification or embedded foundation studies. Students are expected to commit to approximately 20-25 hours of class time per week, plus independent study and assignments. The course is delivered on-campus at Collarts' Melbourne campuses (see delivery locations below). Full-time study is a requirement for international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500).
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$87,240, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register. This brings the estimated total to A$87,240. Please note that these fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, and are subject to change by the provider. The figure does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. For current fees, always check directly with Australian College of the Arts at www.collarts.edu.au. As a guide, international students in Melbourne should budget approximately A$500-700 per week for accommodation, food, and transport. OSHC costs around A$500-600 per year for a single student. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel.
While specific entry requirements are set by the provider, international students typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5-6.0. Other accepted tests may include TOEFL or PTE Academic. For academic qualifications, completion of Australian Year 12 (or equivalent overseas secondary schooling) is usually required. Some students may need to complete a foundation program if they do not meet direct entry criteria — please check with Collarts for pathway options. Additional requirements may include a portfolio or interview for creative arts courses. Always verify entry requirements directly with the institution and factor in any prerequisite subjects.
This course includes a mandatory work component totalling 60 hours (6 weeks at 10 hours per week). This is a work-integrated learning placement, typically an industry internship or project-based experience with a media organisation. It allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a real journalism or new media environment, build professional networks, and strengthen their portfolio. Placements may be arranged by the provider or sourced independently, subject to approval. International students on a Student visa can undertake this placement as part of their course requirements, provided it does not exceed visa work limitations. The work component is credit-bearing and must be completed to graduate.
The Bachelor of Journalism and New Media is delivered across four locations in Melbourne, Victoria: 208 Wellington Street, Collingwood; 209 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy; 67-69 Cromwell Street, Collingwood; and Level 2, 156 George Street, Fitzroy. All campuses are in the inner-north of Melbourne, an area known for its creative industries, cafes, and public transport connections. Collingwood and Fitzroy are well-served by trams and trains, making them accessible from most parts of Melbourne. Melbourne, as a major student city, hosts over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. Living costs in Melbourne are slightly lower than Sydney but still require careful budgeting — rent for a shared room averages A$250-350 per week, groceries A$100-150, and a monthly myki pass around A$150. Studying in these vibrant suburbs offers proximity to media hubs and networking opportunities.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and travel. Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for CRICOS course 114780H is required for the visa application. Note: HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice. For visa queries, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au). All CRICOS-registered courses carry ESOS Act protections, including tuition fee protection and access to the Tuition Protection Service (TPS).
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Journalism and New Media at Australian College of the Arts: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers — use HeadStart Academy to explore courses like this one, filter by level, field, and location. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (03392K). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution — visit Collarts' website (www.collarts.edu.au) to check entry requirements, submit your application, and provide evidence of English proficiency and academic qualifications. Deadlines vary, so apply early. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) — once accepted, the institution issues a CoE for course 114780H. Then lodge your visa application online, including OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement. HeadStart Academy is a free resource to help you navigate this process, but always confirm with the provider and official sources.
Victoria, and specifically Melbourne, is Australia's leading destination for arts and media education. With over 400,000 international students, Melbourne offers a multicultural environment, world-class universities, and a thriving creative sector. The state is home to major media organisations including the ABC, News Corp, and Fairfax, providing excellent internship and employment opportunities for journalism graduates. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, and the city consistently ranks among the most liveable in the world. However, consider your preference for city life versus regional settings — Victoria also has campuses in Geelong and Ballarat. For journalism students, the proximity to newsrooms and digital agencies in Melbourne's inner suburbs (like Fitzroy and Collingwood) is a significant advantage. Make sure to factor in climate, transport, and lifestyle when choosing your study destination.
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Bachelor of Journalism and New Media is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd. 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.