Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation) creative application requirements

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation) has additional requirements used as part of the selection process. Find out everything you need to know about the creative tasks and interview process.

To be considered for selection into the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), you need to submit a course application and prepare a creative task that includes a visual sequence and a short story. If you are shortlisted, you will then need to prepare and submit a folio and attend an interview.

You must read the How to Apply information on the course page, as well as these creative tasks and interview requirements.

Start year intake 2027 timeline

Before August 2026

Review the entry requirements and how to apply information on the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation) course page.

3 August 2026

Applications open.

By 28 September 2026

Domestic students and international students studying in Australia, submit your course application through VTAC.


International students studying outside Australia, submit your course application direct to The University of Melbourne or via an authorised education agent.


All applicants upload your creative tasks via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom).

17–20 November 2026

Shortlisted applicants will be required to submit an additional folio and attend an interview.

What to prepare

You’re required to submit two different stories, with one produced as a visual sequence and the other as a written short story.

Visual sequence

The visual sequence assesses your ability to tell a story suitable for screen production through an original and effective visual sequence of images.

Create a visual sequence that conveys a story or concept. You can determine the visual content and style. We want to see how you communicate an idea visually, so don't use any text that advances the story, explains anything, or uses any speech bubbles. Only nine images in total. Assessors will look for a visual sequence that is distinctive and engaging.

Please note that artificial intelligence (AI) is strictly prohibited in the creation of the visual sequence.

The images can be digital sketches, hand drawings, or animation. The images can be drawn on paper and scanned, done digitally, or photographed.

It is recommended that stock images are not used.

Short story

Write an original, engaging short story (600 words) that would be suitable to develop into an animation. Write it in prose with the screen in mind. The style is up to you, be it comic, naturalistic, or dramatic. You can include dialogue but avoid internal monologues and make the focus of the story about the setting, the characters, and what they do through action.

Please note that artificial intelligence (AI) is strictly prohibited in the creation of the short story.

Pitch you ideas

Briefly outline two ideas for short productions you envisage making if offered a place in the course (200 words each). You may be asked to discuss your ideas in detail if shortlisted for an interview.

If you are shortlisted based on your creative task submission, you will be invited to prepare and submit an additional folio and attend an interview.

The interview will run for approximately 30 minutes and will be conducted online via Zoom.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to:

  • Submit a folio of their creative work before the interview
  • Discuss the recent examples of their creative work
  • Discuss two original screen story ideas that may be developed during their studies.

Inclusivity and accessibility

The University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychological abilities. Should you be required to attend an interview, you will be asked if you have any accessibility requirements during the interview booking stage.

How to submit your selection tasks

Your creative tasks must be uploaded and submitted via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom). There is a small fee associated with submitting your tasks which must be paid at the time of application unless you are eligible for a waiver. We recommend allowing plenty of time to prepare and submit your creative tasks. Applications after the published closing day cannot be accepted.

How you'll be assessed

All applicants will be ranked according to the outlined criteria, up to the capacity of places in the course.

The creative task will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Visual sequence

  • Ability to tell a complete visual story in sequence
  • Visual art skills
  • Basic design skills
  • Unique artistic style

Short story

  • Demonstrated potential for development as an engaging story writer/storyteller
  • Originality of themes and ideas
  • Ability to structure a short story
  • English writing skills

The folio will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Visual art skills
  • Visual storytelling ability

The interview will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Career aspirations
  • Interest in animation
  • Potential for development
  • Clarity of communication

Additional information

Conditions of enrolment

Successful applicants will be required to hold a current Working with Children Check (Volunteer), and this must remain valid for the duration of the course.

Terms and conditions

As part of your supplementary application submission, you will be required to read and accept the Terms and Conditions on which the offer of a place is made.