Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting) creative application requirements

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

To be considered for selection into the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), you need to submit a course application and prepare a creative task. If shortlisted, applicants will be required to attend an interview.

You must read the How to Apply information on the course page, as well as the creative task 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 (Screenwriting) course page.

3 August 2026

Applications open.

28 September 2026

Applications close.

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 task via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom).

16–20 November 2026

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.

What to prepare

Short story

Applicants are required to submit a written short story (maximum 800 words) in response to a provided prompt.

The short story assesses an applicant's ability to create an original and engaging story that would be suitable to develop into a screenplay for a five- to ten-minute screen production. We are looking for stories that, although written in prose, are imagined with the screen in mind, and are therefore driven by action. Devise distinctive characters, settings, and action to engage an audience. The style of the story is up to you, be it comic, naturalistic, or dramatic. You may include dialogue, but bear in mind that film is a visual medium that benefits from action.

Please note that the creative prompts will be available in the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom) once applications have opened.

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

Pitch your ideas

Briefly write two original story ideas you have for short productions (200 words each). Please tell the story of your idea, not just the concept. This may include its world, characters, theme, action, etc. Begin at the start, outline its main story beats, and end at its conclusion. If you are shortlisted for an interview, we will ask you to discuss your story ideas.

The interview will run for approximately 25 minutes and will be conducted online via Zoom. Due to time restrictions, the panel will not read scripts or writing samples during or after the interview.

Shortlisted applicants should prepare to discuss:

  • Two original screen 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 task must be uploaded and submitted via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom). There is a small fee associated with submitting your task 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 task. 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:

  • Written storytelling ability
  • Coherence of story

The interview will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Potential to engage with feedback
  • Interest in screen story and production
  • Interest in reading and writing
  • 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.