Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital, home to a vibrant creative scene and 166 CRICOS-registered Creative Arts courses across 19 providers. Whether you're drawn to fine arts, fashion, music, or digital media, Melbourne offers world-class training in a city that lives and breathes creativity. At HeadStart Academy, we help you navigate the CRICOS register to find the perfect course and provider for your goals. All data below is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Counted from the official register for Melbourne: 166 non-expired CRICOS courses across 19 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Creative Arts in Melbourne on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-06). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology is a government CRICOS provider with 62 active courses matched to Creative Arts in Melbourne. Indicative course totals on register from A$20,826.5 to A$189,652. Common levels include Bachelor Honours Degree, Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00122A, Government, 62 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The Australian Institute of Music Limited
The Australian Institute of Music Limited is a private CRICOS provider with 24 active courses matched to Creative Arts in Melbourne. Indicative course totals on register from A$11,550 to A$85,680. Common levels include Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00665C, Private, 24 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Academy of Interactive Technology
Academy of Interactive Technology is a private CRICOS provider with 22 active courses matched to Creative Arts in Melbourne. Indicative course totals on register from A$8,350 to A$63,800. Common levels include Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02155J, Private, 22 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Torrens University Australia Limited
Torrens University Australia Limited is a private CRICOS provider with 21 active courses matched to Creative Arts in Melbourne. Indicative course totals on register from A$17,800 to A$112,500. Common levels include Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03389E, Private, 21 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Young Rabbit Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 9 active courses matched to Creative Arts in Melbourne. Indicative course totals on register from A$7,200 to A$19,600. Common levels include Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Certificate III.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01331F, Private, 9 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
WHITEHOUSE INSTITUTE PTY LTD is a private CRICOS provider with 5 active courses matched to Creative Arts in Melbourne. Indicative course totals on register from A$6,441 to A$127,596. Common levels include Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02863C, Private, 5 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Box Hill Institute is a government CRICOS provider with 4 active courses matched to Creative Arts in Melbourne. Indicative course totals on register from A$21,180 to A$65,430. Common levels include Diploma, Bachelor Degree, Associate Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02411J, Government, 4 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Victoria University is a government CRICOS provider with 3 active courses matched to Creative Arts in Melbourne. Indicative course totals on register from A$17,500 to A$71,677. Common levels include Graduate Certificate, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00124K, Government, 3 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian Online Institute Pty Ltd
Australian Online Institute Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 3 active courses matched to Creative Arts in Melbourne. Indicative course totals on register from A$10,890 to A$12,390. Common levels include Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02679C, Private, 3 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Melbourne City Institute Pty Ltd
Melbourne City Institute Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 3 active courses matched to Creative Arts in Melbourne. Indicative course totals on register from A$13,900 to A$20,300. Common levels include Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03684J, Private, 3 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-06).
| Course | Level | Institution | Duration | Indicative Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Sports Media (119494G) | Bachelor Degree | Holmesglen Institute | 3 years | A$65,850 |
| Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Honours) (006591A) | Bachelor Honours Degree | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology | 1 year | A$42,240 |
| Bachelor of Arts (Photography) (006593K) | Bachelor Degree | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology | 3 years | A$132,480 |
| Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) (0100706) | Bachelor Honours Degree | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology | 1 year | A$47,040 |
| Master of Fashion (Design) (0100990) | Masters Degree (Coursework) | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology | 2 years | A$90,240 |
Melbourne boasts 166 Creative Arts courses (ASCED 10) delivered by 19 CRICOS-registered providers. This includes government universities like RMIT and Box Hill Institute, as well as private institutions such as the Australian Institute of Music and the Academy of Interactive Technology. The range covers certificates, diplomas, bachelor degrees, honours, and master's programs, reflecting Melbourne's diverse educational ecosystem. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers nationally offering more than 26,000 courses, Melbourne's Creative Arts offering stands out for its depth and industry connections.
Melbourne is recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature and a hub for fashion, film, music, and design. The city hosts major events like Melbourne Fashion Week, the Melbourne International Film Festival, and the Melbourne Art Fair. Industry clusters include the Collingwood arts precinct, Southbank cultural district, and the burgeoning digital media scene in the CBD. Career outcomes (general guidance): graduates may find roles in design studios, galleries, advertising agencies, film production companies, or as freelance artists. Outcomes depend on the individual, course, and labour market. Compared to Sydney, Melbourne offers a lower cost of living (indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment: A$250–A$400 vs Sydney's A$350–A$500) and a more concentrated arts community. Public transport is extensive, with free tram zones in the city centre connecting campuses.
The table below shows a selection of Creative Arts courses available in Melbourne, with CRICOS course codes, durations, and indicative tuition fees.
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) (CRICOS 00122A) is a government university offering 62 Creative Arts courses, from bachelor degrees in photography to master's in fashion design. Known for its strong industry partnerships and state-of-the-art facilities. The Australian Institute of Music Limited (00665C) offers 24 courses focused on music performance, composition, and audio production. Academy of Interactive Technology (02155J) provides 22 courses in game design, animation, and digital media. Torrens University Australia (03389E) has 21 courses blending creativity with entrepreneurship. Young Rabbit Pty Ltd (01331F) offers 9 courses in graphic design and visual arts. Whitehouse Institute (02863C) specialises in design, with 5 courses. Box Hill Institute (02411J) and Victoria University (00124K) provide government TAFE and university options with 4 and 3 courses respectively.
Creative Arts courses in Melbourne are offered at multiple levels: Certificate I–IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and Masters Degree (Coursework and Research). This allows students to start at a foundation level and progress to advanced qualifications.
Graduates of Creative Arts in Melbourne may pursue roles such as graphic designer, fashion designer, fine artist, musician, art director, animator, photographer, or creative producer. Sectors include advertising, media, publishing, fashion, film, and the arts. Many graduates also work as freelancers or start their own studios. Please note: career outcomes are general guidance only — actual results depend on the student's skills, networking, and market conditions. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting professional associations for current industry trends.
Before enrolling, consider the cost (tuition fees range from A$20,000 to A$132,000 depending on level and provider), course duration (1–4 years), entry requirements (English language tests like IELTS, academic transcripts, sometimes a portfolio), and whether the course includes a work placement or internship. Post-study pathways: after graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) to gain work experience in Australia. Always check CRICOS registration and ESOS Act protections. Living costs in Melbourne (indicative): shared accommodation A$250–A$400 per week, groceries A$60–A$80, transport A$30–A$50. These are estimates only.
Follow these three steps to start your study journey in Melbourne: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter Creative Arts courses by level, duration, and tuition. Verify CRICOS status at cricos.teqsa.gov.au. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Prepare your academic documents, English test scores (e.g., IELTS 6.5 typically for bachelor's), and any portfolio required. Check application deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa – Once you have your CoE, lodge a Subclass 500 visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent – for visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent.
Ready to find your Creative Arts course in Melbourne? Use HeadStart Academy's CRICOS search to explore all 166 courses across 19 providers. Start your journey today.
Showing 80 CRICOS-registered Creative Arts courses from 5 providers with delivery in Melbourne.