Bachelor of Creative Writing (CRICOS course code 114795A) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd (trading as Collarts) over 3 years. This program is designed for international students who want to develop professional writing skills across fiction, non-fiction, scriptwriting, and digital content. As a CRICOS-registered course (03392K), it meets the standards required for student visa applications. Collarts offers this degree at multiple locations in Melbourne, including Collingwood and Fitzroy, putting you in the heart of Australia's creative capital. With a strong focus on work-integrated learning, you'll gain real-world experience through a compulsory placement component. Whether you aspire to be a novelist, screenwriter, or content creator, this course provides the foundation for a career in the creative industries. As with all courses on HeadStart Academy, this information is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026—your trusted guide to studying in Australia.
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Bachelor of Creative Writing (114795A) is a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) offered by Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (03392K). The course falls under the field of Written Communication (100705) within Creative Arts. Over three years (156 weeks), you'll study writing techniques, narrative structures, and industry practices. The program is delivered in English and is a single qualification, not combined with any other course or foundation studies. It includes a mandatory work component of 6 weeks at 10 hours per week (~60 total hours), giving you practical exposure through placements or internships. This course is ideal for students seeking a balance of theory and hands-on experience in a supportive, arts-focused environment. All data on this page comes directly from the CRICOS register—your guarantee of accuracy.
This creative writing degree covers core areas of written communication, including narrative techniques, genre writing, editing, and publishing. You'll explore creative non-fiction, scriptwriting, and digital storytelling, building a versatile portfolio. As a Level 7 Bachelor Degree, the course develops critical thinking, research, and professional writing skills essential for careers in media, publishing, and content creation. Collarts emphasises experiential learning, so you'll produce original works and receive feedback from industry practitioners. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for the evolving demands of the creative sector, with a focus on both traditional and emerging platforms. While specific subjects are determined by the provider, graduates typically leave with a strong command of language, storytelling, and audience engagement.
The Bachelor of Creative Writing is a full-time program lasting 3 years (156 weeks on the CRICOS register). All instruction is in English, and the course is a single qualification—no dual or combined awards. There is no foundation studies component; you must meet the entry requirements directly. The standard full-time load is typically 20 contact hours per week, plus independent study. If you need to extend your duration due to academic progress issues, you must discuss options with your provider. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, your enrolment and attendance will be monitored to comply with student visa conditions. For international students, it's important to maintain a valid CoE and adhere to the course duration specified.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire course is A$87,240, with no non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$87,240. Please note: this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, nor living costs (approximately A$21,041 per year in Melbourne for a single student, as per Department of Home Affairs guidelines) or the visa application charge. Fees are set by the provider and subject to change—always confirm the current fees on the Collarts website before applying. HeadStart Academy displays indicative fees as a guide only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5-6.0, or equivalent English language test results (e.g., TOEFL, PTE). You must also have completed a qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12 or higher. Specific academic prerequisites may apply; check with Collarts for details. If you don't meet the direct entry requirements, the provider may offer pathway options—contact them directly. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, you must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status for your student visa. Always consult the provider for the most current entry criteria.
This course includes a compulsory work-integrated learning component: 6 weeks at 10 hours per week (approximately 60 total hours). This can take the form of an industry placement, internship, or project-based work with a creative organisation. The aim is to apply your writing skills in a real-world setting, build professional networks, and enhance your employability. Collarts may assist in finding placements, but you should proactively seek opportunities. Work experience is an integral part of the degree and is reflected in your academic progress. International students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks—this placement may fall within those limits.
The Bachelor of Creative Writing is delivered at 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 are within the inner-north arts precinct, near public transport (trams, trains, buses) and student-friendly amenities. Melbourne is home to over 250,000 international students and offers a vibrant cultural scene. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$400-600 per week, with groceries costing about A$80-150. Living costs vary, so plan accordingly. Studying in Melbourne means access to Australia's leading literary festivals, publishers, and creative communities.
To study this course, you'll need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for Bachelor of Creative Writing will support your application. Key requirements include: (1) Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion—demonstrate your intention to stay temporarily for study; (2) Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa; (3) sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year), and travel. While on a student visa, you can work 48 hours per fortnight during course time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent—consult a registered MARA agent for advice.
Follow these three steps to enrol in the Bachelor of Creative Writing at Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Bachelor Degree), field (Written Communication), and city (Melbourne). Compare providers and ensure they are CRICOS-registered (03392K). 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Submit your application to Collarts with required documents (transcripts, English test results, passport copy). Check application deadlines—Collarts typically has multiple intakes per year. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, Collarts issues a CoE, which you need to lodge your visa application. Complete the online form, pay the fee, and book your biometrics and health examination. Refer to the Department of Home Affairs for detailed instructions.
Ready to start your creative writing journey? Follow the three steps above to apply.
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Bachelor of Creative Writing 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.