Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme (CASAS)
The Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme offers talented Year 12 students a chance to receive an early offer to study visual arts based on their portfolio and academic performance in year 11 and 12 so far, prior to getting an ATAR.
Am I eligible to apply?
You must be a domestic student, currently undertaking a recognised Year 12 qualification to apply. All offers will require you to complete your high school qualification. The scheme does not apply to non-recent school leavers.
What visual arts degrees are available under CASAS?
The Bachelor of Visual Arts is the only degree at Sydney College of the Arts available under the admissions scheme.
I am completing the HSC in NSW. How can I apply?
No separate application is needed.
If you are a HSC student in NSW, you must do the following:
- apply to UAC by the relevant UAC round (pdf, 100KB) for September Round 2
- list your chosen degree as your highest eligible preference
- meet portfolio requirements by 31 August 2024
For most NSW Year 12 HSC students, no separate application is required, and your Year 11 and 12 results and predicted ATAR will be obtained automatically through UAC by the Sydney College of the Arts.
What if I am doing a Year 12 qualification other than the HSC?
If you’re undertaking a Year 12 qualification other than the HSC, in addition to the steps above, you will also need to submit your academic results directly to the Sydney College of the Arts through the portfolio portal. You must provide your school ratings, year 11 and 12 reports and meet the portfolio requirements by the relevant deadlines.
- Domestic students undertaking the IB in Australia, are eligible for CASAS.
- Domestic students undertaking a year 12 qualification in states other than NSW are eligible for CASAS.
- International students are not eligible for CASAS.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed on your portfolio, plus your academic results from years 11 and 12 so far. Predicted ATAR scores will be obtained by Sydney College of the Arts through UAC for students sitting the HSC or must be submitted directly if you are an interstate applicant.
What if I do not receive an early offer?
If you are not eligible to receive an early offer, you may still be eligible for an offer in the standard “main round” in December (UAC December Round 2) once your ATAR has been released. Ensure the degree is listed as your first preference in the UAC December Round 2 for another chance to get an offer. All offers will require you to complete Year 12.
When will CASAS offers be made?
From September UAC Round 2.
What if I want to study the Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies?
If you’d like to apply for the Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies, you can wait until UAC December Round 2 (once ATARs have been released) and add this combined degree as your first preference. If you have received a CASAS offer it will remain valid. Alternatively, you can apply during your candidature to transfer from the Bachelor of Visual Arts into the Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies.
What if I have more questions?
Call 1800 SYD UNI (1800 793 864) or +61 2 8627 1444 (outside Australia), 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
