Master's Degree Fine Arts Full Time

Master of Fine Art

at RMIT University · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

079690E

CRICOS provider code

00122A

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$78,720 total

Per year

A$39,360/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Fine Art at RMIT University in Melbourne guides artists and creative practitioners as they refine their studio work while engaging with critical theory and art history. The course allows students to deepen their own visual art practice across disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, and digital media. Seminars, critiques, and workshops encourage direct engagement with peers and academics, pushing students to challenge and articulate their artistic vision.

This is a two-year program, structured in semesters, with study units carrying credit points that count towards the degree. Students typically combine practical studio-based learning with research-rich coursework, culminating in a major capstone project or exhibition. Attention is devoted to both the creative process and professional skills relevant to the contemporary art sector.

Melbourne's strong reputation as a hub for the arts, together with RMIT’s links to galleries, museums, and cultural groups, opens up diverse opportunities for students—including industry placements or collaborative community-based projects. The curriculum suits those who already hold a degree in fine or visual arts and are seeking to extend their practice, develop a body of work, or move towards exhibiting at a professional level.

Applicants whose previous studies were not in English must show evidence of proficiency (often IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 or equivalent), in line with both university and visa requirements. International students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, with the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) offering post-study work options. Confirm up-to-date details on the official course page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Professional artist, exhibiting in private and public galleries
Curator or gallery manager in the visual arts sector
Arts educator (additional qualifications may be needed for school teaching roles)
Community arts project leader
Arts administration or arts policy roles in cultural organisations
Independent art studio or creative business operator

Graduates find opportunities in Melbourne's art scene and broader Australian cultural industries, as well as working with festivals, public programmes, and creative start-ups.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Fine Art at RMIT University?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$78,720 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Professional artist, exhibiting in private and public galleriesCurator or gallery manager in the visual arts sectorArts educator (additional qualifications may be needed for school teaching roles)Community arts project leaderArts administration or arts policy roles in cultural or...

Apply View university