Master of Fine Arts (Visual Art) | University of Melbourne

Master's Degree Fine Arts Full Time

Master of Fine Arts (Visual Art)

at University of Melbourne · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

093581D

CRICOS provider code

00116K

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$77,802 total

Per year

A$38,901/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Master of Fine Arts (Visual Art) at the University of Melbourne is a rigorous, two-year postgraduate programme designed for emerging and established visual artists seeking to strengthen their artistic practice within a supportive, research-led environment. The course offers a blend of independent studio work, critical theory, and intensive mentorship by practising artists and academics. Students engage with a wide variety of mediums and techniques, pushing the boundaries of their creative exploration while reflecting on contemporary art’s role in Australian and global contexts.

Structured across four semesters, the programme comprises a series of advanced units of study that cover studio-based practice, art history, critical analysis, and professional practice. Students are required to accumulate a set number of credit points as outlined by the University of Melbourne, culminating in a capstone project. This major artistic project showcases students’ independent vision, supported by critical feedback and peer review. Collaborative and cross-disciplinary opportunities are also encouraged, fostering skills relevant to the dynamic Australian arts scene.

Throughout the course, students hone practical and conceptual abilities, including advanced visual literacy, research methods in fine arts, critical thinking, exhibition planning, and art writing. The curriculum is ideally suited to those with a foundational background in visual arts who are intent on advancing their practice, preparing for careers in the cultural sector, or pursuing academic and curatorial pathways.

Located in Melbourne, a culturally vibrant city known for its thriving arts ecosystem, the programme benefits from close ties with leading Australian galleries, museums, and creative organisations. This provides students with invaluable professional networks, opportunities for industry exhibitions, and platforms to engage with contemporary discourse. International students should note English language requirements and are advised to check the official university and CRICOS web pages for admission and English proficiency details.

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 visual artist
Gallery and museum curator
Arts educator or lecturer
Exhibition coordinator or manager
Arts project manager
Arts writer or critic
Community arts facilitator
Arts administrator in public and private sectors
Creative consultant for Australian cultural and arts organisations

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Fine Arts (Visual Art) at University of Melbourne?

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

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$77,802 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Professional visual artistGallery and museum curatorArts educator or lecturerExhibition coordinator or managerArts project managerArts writer or criticCommunity arts facilitatorArts administrator in public and private sectorsCreative consultant for Australian cultural and arts or...

Apply View university