Master of Design (CRICOS course code 116947G) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd over 2 years. This course falls under the Creative Arts field (10 - Other Creative Arts) and is designed for students seeking advanced knowledge and skills in design. As a CRICOS-registered program, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. Australian College of the Arts (trading as Collarts) is a private higher education provider with CRICOS code 03392K. HeadStart Academy sources all course data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring you receive accurate and up-to-date information. Whether you are an aspiring designer or a professional looking to deepen your expertise, this Master's degree offers a pathway to creative leadership in Australia's vibrant design industry. Please note: course fees are indicative and subject to change; always verify with the provider.
The Master of Design focuses on advanced creative practice and theoretical knowledge in design. Students typically explore areas such as design thinking, visual communication, user experience, and design management. At the Masters Degree (Coursework) level, graduates are expected to demonstrate high-level critical analysis, independent research, and the ability to solve complex design problems. While specific subjects vary, the program aims to prepare students for leadership roles in the creative industries. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is part of a growing number of postgraduate options in the creative arts. Collarts, located in Melbourne's arts precincts, provides access to industry networks and real-world projects. The field of education (109999 - Creative Arts, n.e.c.) encompasses a broad range of creative disciplines, allowing for interdisciplinary learning.
The Master of Design has a duration of 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and the course is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program). Full-time study is typically required to meet visa conditions for international students. With campuses in Collingwood and Fitzroy, Melbourne, students benefit from a dynamic urban learning environment. The course structure is designed for flexibility, but international students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. No work component is included, meaning the program is purely academic without mandatory internship or placement. For more details on study modes and timetables, refer to the provider's website.
Indicative tuition fees for the Master of Design are A$43,620 for the full program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, bringing the estimated total to A$43,620. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd. Please note: fees are indicative only and subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students on a Student visa; typical costs range from A$500 to A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Melbourne (student population over 400,000) vary: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$200–A$350, groceries A$70–A$120, and public transport A$30–A$50. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider before applying.
International applicants typically need an IELTS overall score of 6.5 to 7.0 (or equivalent English language test). For a Masters Degree (Coursework), prior qualifications at Bachelor level or higher are usually required, often in a related field such as design, creative arts, or a cognate discipline. Some providers may also consider professional experience. Foundation or pathway programs are not indicated for this course; however, applicants who do not meet English requirements may explore pathway options offered by the institution. Since HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent, we recommend verifying entry requirements on the Collarts website or contacting their admissions team. All CRICOS-registered providers must meet Australian Standards for admission, and ESOS Act protections apply to all international students.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. The Master of Design is a coursework-based program focused on academic study without required internship, placement, or work experience. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (subject to visa conditions). This can provide valuable industry exposure and supplement living costs. Melbourne offers a thriving design scene with opportunities for part-time work in creative agencies, studios, and related fields. Always check your visa conditions and do not rely on work to cover tuition or living expenses.
The Master of Design is delivered at four locations in Victoria, all in the inner suburbs of Melbourne: 208 Wellington Street, Collingwood; 209 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy (South Melbourne campus); 67-69 Cromwell Street, Collingwood; and Level 2, 156 George Street, Fitzroy. Collingwood and Fitzroy are vibrant, culturally rich neighborhoods with easy access to public transport (trains, trams, buses). Melbourne has over 70 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses at all levels, making it a top destination for international students. The city's creative arts scene is world-renowned, with galleries, design studios, and festivals year-round. Living costs in Melbourne are manageable, and student support services are widely available. Each campus provides modern facilities for design study, including studios, computer labs, and collaborative spaces.
International students enrolling in the Master of Design will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to maintain full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, OSHC, and living costs, and meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. OSHC must be arranged before visa grant. Work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks. The Department of Home Affairs provides detailed information on visa conditions. As HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent, we recommend consulting a registered MARA agent for personalised advice. ESOS Act protections ensure you receive refunds and support if your provider fails to deliver the course. All data on this page is from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Design at Australian College of the Arts (Collarts):
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm that Master of Design (116947G) meets your interests and visa requirements.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the Collarts website to check entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English proficiency evidence (e.g., IELTS 6.5-7.0), and a portfolio if required. Submit your application online.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Collarts will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, proof of funds, and meet GTE requirements. For visa help, consult a MARA agent.
View the full Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd profile →
Master of Design 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.