Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) (CRICOS course code 119493H) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by National Art School over 36 weeks (~8 months). This intensive program is designed for visual arts graduates seeking advanced studio practice and critical theory. Delivered at the National Art School campus in Darlinghurst, Sydney, the course allows students to develop a major body of work and deepen their conceptual skills. With a strong focus on studio-based learning and a 5-week work component, graduates emerge with a portfolio ready for professional practice or further research at AQF Level 8. National Art School is CRICOS-registered (03197B) and subject to ESOS Act protections, ensuring your rights as an international student. This page covers indicative fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and visa guidance for Subclass 500. HeadStart Academy provides free, independent information sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
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Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) (CRICOS course code 119493H) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by National Art School over 36 weeks (~8 months). This AQF Level 8 program belongs to the field of Fine Arts (100301), part of the Creative Arts cluster. It is designed for students who have completed a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts or equivalent, offering advanced studio and research training. The course is delivered full-time at the National Art School campus in Darlinghurst, a vibrant arts hub in Sydney's inner east. Students produce a substantial body of work and a written exegesis, supported by critiques, seminars, and studio visits. This is a single qualification with no embedded foundation studies. National Art School is a private higher education provider with a strong reputation in visual arts education, registered on CRICOS since 2010. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students benefit from ESOS Act protections.
This Honours program deepens your understanding of contemporary fine arts practice. You will engage in advanced studio research, critical theory, and professional practices specific to visual arts and crafts. The curriculum typically includes independent studio projects, a written thesis or exegesis, and seminars on art history and theory. You will refine technical skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, or other media, depending on your specialization. Graduates emerge with a sophisticated portfolio and critical thinking abilities suitable for gallery work, curatorial roles, or further academic study. The course emphasizes experimentation and conceptual development, preparing students for leadership in creative industries. Note that this is a general description of what Honours-level study involves; for specific syllabus details, consult National Art School directly.
The course is 36 weeks (~8 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register (36 weeks). It is delivered full-time with English as the language of instruction. This is a single qualification (no dual award). The intensive structure suits students who have already completed a relevant Bachelor degree and wish to complete an additional Honours year quickly. There are no foundation studies or VET components (VET national code N/A). Classes are held at the National Art School campus in Darlinghurst, with access to studios, galleries, and library resources.
Tuition fee: A$44,160. Non-tuition fees: A$0. Estimated total: A$44,160. These are indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. They are subject to change—always confirm with National Art School before applying. The tuition covers the full 36-week program. Note that additional costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included. International students should budget for the Department of Home Affairs cost-of-living requirement, which for a single student in Sydney is approximately A$29,710 per year (as of 2025, updated regularly). OSHC costs vary by provider and duration. For the most current fee schedule, visit the National Art School website at www.nas.edu.au.
Entry requirements for Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) typically include completion of a relevant Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in Fine Arts or a closely related field, with a minimum grade point average as set by National Art School. English language proficiency is required: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (no band below 5.5–6.0) or equivalent test. You may also need to submit a portfolio and attend an interview. Foundation or pathway programs are not offered for this Honours level; applicants are expected to have a bachelor's degree. Always check the provider's website for precise requirements, as these are set by the institution and may change. For visa purposes, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and demonstrate financial capacity.
Yes, this course includes a work-integrated learning component: 5 weeks, 7 hours per week (approximately 35 total hours). This may involve an industry placement, internship, or studio-based project with external partners. Work-integrated learning enhances your practical skills and professional networks in the visual arts sector. You might assist in a gallery, work with a practising artist, or contribute to a public art project. The specific arrangement is determined by National Art School. International students on a Subclass 500 visa can undertake work as part of their course, provided it does not exceed 48 hours per fortnight during term time (unlimited during scheduled breaks). Always check your visa conditions.
This course is delivered at National Art School (Higher Education) in Darlinghurst, New South Wales (NSW). Darlinghurst is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, close to the CBD and known for its creative and cultural scene. The campus is easily accessible by public transport, including trains to Kings Cross Station and buses along Oxford Street. Sydney is home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. The city has a large student population, with a cost of living that is relatively high. Indicative weekly expenses for a single student: rent A$350–600, groceries A$80–150, and public transport A$30–50. For more local context, see our NSW state guide.
Sydney is a dynamic hub for the arts, with world-class galleries, museums, and festivals. Studying fine arts here offers exposure to contemporary practice and networking opportunities. The city has multiple institutions offering visual arts programs, but National Art School is one of the few dedicated fine arts schools. Darlinghurst's location puts you near the Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art, and numerous commercial galleries. Living in Sydney can be expensive, but the creative environment and industry connections can be invaluable. Consider your budget, accommodation options (often share houses or student housing), and transport access. HeadStart Academy lists all CRICOS-registered courses in Sydney; you can filter by field and level to compare options.
Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) qualifies you to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). To apply, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from National Art School. You must also meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements, have sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). As of current regulations, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You must maintain enrolment and satisfactory attendance. For detailed visa guidance, refer to the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) at National Art School: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses like this one by level, field, and location. Ensure the provider (National Art School, CRICOS 03197B) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution. Visit the National Art School website (www.nas.edu.au) to check entry requirements, submit your portfolio, and meet English language or academic prerequisites. Deadlines may vary. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once you accept the offer and pay fees, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including proof of OSHC and financial capacity.
Ready to apply? Start by researching CRICOS-registered providers and then apply directly to National Art School.
Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) 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.