Arts is a diverse field and students can choose to specialise in a wide selection of fields making them career ready for multiple domains.
Students can also choose to combine majors and minors in the different fields to cater to their own needs.
This provides a really good opportunity for students to obtain interdisciplinary knowledge and obtain success in the rapidly changing environment. Several top-ranked universities of Australia offer programs in arts.
Courses are taught by internationally renowned faculties and universities provide experiential learning opportunities through internships, volunteer works, placements, etc.
Top Arts Universities in Australia
Rank (QS 2022) |
University |
27 |
The Australian National University |
37 |
The University of Melbourne |
38 |
The University of Sydney |
43 |
The University of New South Wales |
47 |
The University of Queensland |
58 |
Monash University |
93 |
The University of Western Australia |
108 |
The University of Adelaide |
193 |
University of Wollongong |
194 |
Curtin University |
200 |
Macquarie University |
283 |
Deakin University |
290 |
Griffith University |
326 |
University of South Australia |
Top Arts Universities in Australia: Bachelor of Arts
An undergraduate program in arts is generally offered as a Bachelor of Arts program and the course duration is 3 years.
The tuition fee for the program ranges from A$26,000 to A$ 43,000 per year. A wide selection of majors and minors are available for specialisation in any field.
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
The Australian National University |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
The University of Melbourne |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
The University of Sydney |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
The University of New South Wales |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
The University of Queensland |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
Monash University |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
The University of Western Australia |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
The University of Adelaide |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
University of Wollongong |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
Curtin University |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
Macquarie University |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
Deakin University |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
Griffith University |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
University of South Australia |
Bachelor of Arts |
3 years |
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants with relevant work experience or who have completed some of the courses can apply for RPL. An additional application or a statement may be required for this. Upon approval, the applicant receives a credit transfer to the undergraduate program.
Common Majors and Minors for Bachelor of Arts:
- Art history
- Classics
- Asian History
- Criminology
- Economics
- English language
- Design
- Communication
- Geography
- History
- English literature
- Psychology
- Politics
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Environmental Study
- Anthropology
- Latin History
- Digital Media
Entry Requirement:
Academic Requirement:
- Completion of grade 12 equivalent to the year 12 of Australia
- A minimum score of 70 to 85% is required for entry into the program depending upon the board of study.
- Some universities may not recognize the higher secondary education board of some countries in which case an SAT score of 1130 to 1320 or an ACT score of 23 to 28 can be used for supplementation.
English Language Requirement:
- An IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band
- A TOEFL score of 79 to 90 overall with a minimum score of 13 to 22 in reading and listening 18 to 22 in speaking, and 20 to 23 in writing.
- A PTE score of 58 to 64 overall and a minimum score of 50 to 54 in each section.
Top Arts University in Australia: Bachelor of Arts Fees
University |
Tuition Fee Per Year |
The Australian National University |
A$42,560 |
The University of Melbourne |
A$35,200 – A$40,216 |
The University of Sydney |
A$45,000 |
The University of New South Wales |
A$39,368 |
The University of Queensland |
A$34,960 |
Monash University |
A$34,700 |
The University of Western Australia |
A$34,200 |
The University of Adelaide |
A$36,000 |
University of Wollongong |
A$26,592 |
Curtin University |
A$29,100 |
Macquarie University |
A$34,800 |
Deakin University |
A$30,200 |
Griffith University |
A$30,500 |
University of South Australia |
A$28,000 |
Top Arts University in Australia: Master of Arts
Several course-based, thesis, and research-based master's programs are available for a Master of Arts program. The typical course duration for a master's program is 1 to 2 years.
The tuition fee per year of the program ranges from A$27,000 to A$44,000 per year.
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
The Australian National University |
Master of Arts (Advanced) |
2 years |
The University of Melbourne |
Master of Arts (Thesis only) |
2 years |
The University of Sydney |
Master of Arts (Research) |
1 – 2 years |
The University of New South Wales |
Master of Arts & Social Sciences |
2 years |
Monash University |
Master of Arts |
2 years |
The University of Western Australia |
Master of Arts |
2 years |
The University of Adelaide |
Master of Arts |
2 years |
University of Wollongong |
Master of Philosophy (Arts) |
2 years |
Curtin University |
Master of Arts |
2 years |
Entry Requirement:
The entry requirements for a research-based master's program are generally more demanding compared to a course-based master's program. The English language requirement is also higher for such a program.
Academic Requirement:
- A bachelor's degree in a related field with a score of 70 to 75% or equivalent GPA.
- For a master's degree in research, the intended field of research must be related to the field of study in a bachelor's degree.
- At least 25% of the bachelor's degree must be research-based work to apply for a master's with the research program.
Approval of Supervisor
For entry into a thesis-based or research-based master's program, approval from a supervisor must be obtained.
Research proposal:
A brief proposal for the intended field of research must be submitted along with the application for admission for a research-based master's program. The decision of approval is made by the concerned supervisor based on the research proposal, interview, etc.
English Language Requirement:
The English language requirement for a graduate program is generally higher than that for an undergraduate program. The minimum scores are given in a range based on the requirement of multiple universities. Generally, for research-based or thesis-based programs, the requirement for the writing section is in the upper range.
- An IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall and no less than 6 in each component.
- A TOEFL score of 80 to 90 overall and at least 13 to 18 in reading, speaking, and listening and 20 to 27 in writing.
- A PTE score of 61 to 64 overall with a component score of no less than 54.
Top Arts University in Australia: Master of Arts Fees
University |
Tuition Fee Per Year |
The Australian National University |
A$36,720 |
The University of Melbourne |
A$39,488 |
The University of Sydney |
A$44,000 |
The University of New South Wales |
A$27,725 |
Monash University |
A$35,800 |
The University of Western Australia |
A$35,000 |
The University of Adelaide |
A$38,000 |
University of Wollongong |
A$28,272 |
Curtin University |
A$30,000 |
Top Arts University in Australia: Doctoral Program
Several universities in Australia also offer doctoral programs in different domains of Arts. The duration of such a program is 3 to 4 years. The range of tuition fees is similar to that of a master's program however, students of a doctoral program are more likely to receive grants, fellowships, scholarships, etc. as financial aid.
University |
Program |
Tuition Fee Per Year |
The Australian National University |
Doctor of Philosophy, Research School of Social Sciences |
A$42,560 |
The University of Melbourne |
Doctor of Philosophy - Arts |
A$39,488 |
The University of Sydney |
Doctor of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences) |
A$44,000 |
The University of Western Australia |
Doctor of Philosophy |
A$48,000 |
University of Wollongong |
Doctor of Philosophy (Arts) |
A$28250 |
Entry Requirement:
Academic Requirement:
- A bachelor's degree with honors in a related field with an overall grade of 75 - 80% and 80% in the research component or,
- A master's degree by research with an overall score of 75%.
English language Requirement:
- An IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall and no less than 6 in each component.
- A TOEFL score of 80 to 90 overall and at least 18 to 20 in reading, speaking, and listening and 20 to 27 in writing.
- A PTE score of 61 to 64 overall with a component score of no less than 54.
Research Proposal:
Aspirant students of the doctoral program are required to submit a research proposal briefly outlining the intended research along with the motivation for conducting the research.
Portfolio Submission:
For entry into doctoral programs of creative fields such as creative writing, arts, music, design, etc. a portfolio of creative works must be submitted along with the application.
Document Checklist:
- Academic transcripts
- Resume
- Documents for identification
- Research Proposal
- References
Top Arts University in Australia: Scholarships
Several merit-based scholarships are awarded to international students in Australia. Students with high academic standing may receive up to a 50% tuition fee waiver. Besides the below-mentioned awards, research students receive several other grants, travel allowances, etc.
University |
Scholarships |
Amount |
The Australian National University |
A&A Masters Higher Degree Research Award |
A$1000 per annum |
ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship |
Tuition fee waiver of 25% or 50% |
|
ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences Honours Scholarship |
A$5000 per annum |
|
The University of Sydney |
Dr. Helen Marchant-Pritchard Memorial Scholarship |
A$8000 |
The Khyentse Foundation Scholarship |
A$25000 per annum |
|
Australia Awards Scholarships |
Full Tuition fee and other benefits |
|
The University of New South Wales |
UNSW Scholarships for International Students |
A$5000 |
Berk Family Scholarship |
A$5000 |
|
The University of Queensland |
Howard and Gladys Sleath Scholarships |
Varies |
The University of Adelaide |
Adelaide Sarawak Alumni Scholarship |
A$5000 |
Adelaide Summer Research Scholarships |
Varies |
Top Arts University in Australia: Job Scope
Arts is a diverse field and students can choose to specialize in a wide range of fields. Due to this diversity in course selection, graduates of an arts program are fit for roles in several different domains. The average salary of a Bachelor of Arts in Australia is A$70,000 per year and that with a master of Arts is A$74,000 per year.
Role |
Range of Salary |
Average Salary |
Graphic Designer |
A$44,000 – A$74,000 |
A$56,900 |
Executive Assistant |
A$55,000 – A$88,000 |
A$70,855 |
Operations Manager |
A$48,000 – A$120,000 |
A$73,633 |
Secondary School Teacher |
A$55,000 – A$96,000 |
A$75,819 |
Communications Manager |
A$49,000 – A$75,000 |
A$60,315 |
Recruitment Consultant |
A$47,000 – A$76,000 |
A$58,747 |
Communications Coordinator |
A$45,000 – A$73,000 |
A$57,336 |
Content Writer |
A$42,000 – A$70,000 |
A$53,745 |
Creative Director |
A$73,000 – A$172,000 |
A$111,428 |
Social Media Manager |
A$45,000 – A$96,000 |
A$65,894 |
Copywriter |
A$42,000 – A$90,000 |
A$58,560 |