Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art) creative application requirements

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art) has additional requirements used as part of the selection process. Find out everything you need to know about the folio submission and interview process.

To be considered for selection into the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), you need to submit a course application, prepare a folio and attend an interview.

You must read the How to Apply information on the course page, as well as these folio 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 (Visual Art) 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 folio to the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom).

18–25 November 2026

Applicants will be required to attend an interview.

What to prepare

Folio

Applicants are required to submit up to 20 individual files or ‘works’ for the panel’s consideration. We recommend you are prepared to identify what you perceive as your strongest and most relevant works that would best reflect your current practice and artistic trajectory.

Please refer to the specific folio requirements for your chosen specialisation:

Drawing and Printmaking

A folio of works demonstrating an engagement in drawing and/or printmaking. Your folio should include observational and general drawings, sketchbooks, and/or any other relevant work, such as paintings, photographs, journals, three-dimensional objects, and new media works, which indicate the broader aspects of your creative practice.

Painting

A folio of paintings that may include a range of oil, acrylic, and/or watercolour paintings. Please also include drawings, sketchbooks, notebooks, and other visual materials which may include digital prints, collages, photos, sculptures, documentation of installation work, and any other relevant materials that may indicate broader aspects of your practice and your creative interests.

Photography

A folio of works that demonstrates an exploration and expression of ideas with an emphasis on lens-based making, including photographic prints, videos, films, and other digital media. The folio should include visual diaries and any other relevant artwork, including painting, drawing, and three-dimensional objects that indicate broader aspects of your practice and creative interests.

Sculpture

A folio of works that demonstrates an interest in Sculpture and Installation. Please include drawings, sketchbooks, notebooks, and other visual work, which may include painting, photography, performance and digital-based works, and any other relevant materials that may indicate your broader creative interests.

Visual diary

Applicants are also required to submit a sample of a visual diary (up to 10 images) that shows their progress and art process.

Applicants will be asked to discuss their folio of works according to their chosen specialisation. We recommend that you be prepared to identify what you perceive as your strongest and most relevant works that would best reflect your current practice and artistic trajectory to discuss with the panel. Sketchbooks and journals showing work ideas and development are an essential addition to the folio. Please bear in mind that we have a limited time to look at and discuss your folio.

For applicants who are applying for more than one specialisation, there is only one interview per applicant which will cover all specialisations applied for.

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 folio 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 folio will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Technical and practical competence
  • Imaginative and creative capacity
  • Technical and artistic skills and potential for development

The interview will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Discussion of the folio
  • Clarity of communication
  • Ability to communicate technical and creative ideas
  • Understanding of contemporary art and its significance and relation to other arts activities
  • Level of maturity and self-motivation required for the course