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Application information

What you need to know to apply for our visual arts program.

Interview application

Calling all aspiring and practising artists and designers. Whether you are a school leaver or mature-age applicant; or a local, interstate or international applicant, applying to our visual arts is a process that has two parts.

Applying: Key dates for 2025

Application dates

Applications open:

  • August 2024

Applications close:

  • Early bird: October 2024
  • Applications close: December 2024
  • Late applications close: January 2025

Entry to the Arts Academy visual arts program is a two-part process. Ensure you complete both parts to be eligible for entry, whether you are a school leaver or a direct applicant. Please read the Application process below and download our guide to applying (pdf, 290KB).

Folio preparation

Our Folio Development Workshop (TBA) is designed for prospective students. It is designed to assist you with planning and developing a quality folio of artwork to present at an interview for entry into a tertiary creative arts program. It is advisable to attend a Folio Development Workshop prior to attending an interview as it displays a clear intent to study creative arts.

Interviews

Interviews provide you the opportunity to present your art.

Early bird interviews: October 2024
October interviews are reserved for applications received prior to 1 October 2024.
All October interviews will be conducted virtually.

December interviews: December 2024
December interviews are reserved for applications received prior to 1 December 2024.

Late applications must be received prior to January 30 2025.
Interviews for late applicants will be scheduled in February 2025.

Application process

There is a two-part application process. Please ensure you complete both parts to be eligible for an interview, whether you are a school leaver or a direct applicant.

School leavers

This includes interstate school leavers.

Part one: Apply for the program through VTAC
Part two: Complete and submit an additional application form to attend an interview

When completing the additional application form, applicants will be required to upload the following documents;

  • Upload a single combined PDF file that contains multiple images (up to 10 images) which may include 2D or 3D artworks or pages from your journal/sketchbook
  • One example of your best writing (either academic or creative)
  • Your CV (optional)

All other applicants

Part one: Apply for the program directly with Federation University
Part two: Complete and submit an additional application form to attend an interview

When completing the additional application form, applicants will be required to upload the following document/s;

  • Upload a single combined PDF file that contains multiple images (up to 10 images) which may include 2D or 3D artworks or pages from your journal/sketchbook
  • One example of your best writing (either academic or creative)
  • Your CV (optional)

Download our How to Apply guide (pdf, 290KB)

Interview

Applicants to our visual art program attend an interview of approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Interviews will be conducted in Ballarat or online.

In the interview, you are asked to present a comprehensive folio of your work in a variety of media. The selection panel is interested to hear about your intentions/motivations for studying in your chosen field, and see a range of creative work that demonstrates your ability to explore ideas in depth.

Your folio work should be representative of your creative ideas and abilities. Qualities of importance are originality, innovation, imagination, experimentation and competence in the basic skills associated with visual arts. Include evidence of your drawing skills in your folio, along with any journals of relevant material. In general, you are advised to submit selected samples of completed works and relevant sketchbook materials.

As the program is based on art practice, it is important for staff to speak with you and view your creative artwork. If you are unable to attend your scheduled interview, it may be possible to reschedule depending on staff availability. An electronic portfolio of your work may be acceptable in place of an interview in some cases.