As well as meeting the academic admission criteria, to get into the Bachelor of Visual Arts at the Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) you’ll need to submit a portfolio of your artwork.

(The same applies for the Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies!)

Click here for our portfolio guidelines.

Short answer: Yes, if you are a domestic student, currently undertaking a recognised Year 12 qualification in Australia.

Under the Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme (CASAS) domestic applicants undertaking a current recognised high school (Year 12) qualification and applying via UAC may not need to wait for their final ATAR results to receive an unconditional offer for the Bachelor of Visual Arts.

We can offer you a place based on your Year 11 and 12 results alongside a successful portfolio submission.

Short answer: A lot.

First year: You’ll begin by looking at art practice in two dimensions (painting, printmedia); three dimensions (sculpture, glass, ceramics and jewellery) and four dimensions (photography, screen arts) of creative practice.

Second year: You’ll select one area to focus on through project work. This is where you’ll start to explore your own ideas and artistic voice.

As well as tailored, hands-on workshops you’ll also develop your ability to research and contextualise your creative practice through studying art history.

Third year: This is where everything you've learned comes together and you create a final artwork for the graduate exhibition.

Short answer: They’re really new and they’re really good. We’re one of the best-equipped art schools in the Southern Hemisphere.

We’re located on the main university campus in Camperdown. Classes take place in the historic Old Teachers’ College, which has undergone an extensive redesign and refurbishment.

The new building has heaps of room – we have brand new studios for painting, photography, ceramics, jewellery and everything in between, as well as a gallery, student studio spaces and spaces that house next-gen tech including virtual reality units.

Click here to explore the full list of our facilities.

Short answer: Up to two.

In addition to your primary major, you’ll complete either a second major or a minor from our Shared Pool.

(Btw: If you study the Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies, you must take a second major from the shared pool). 

What's the difference between a major and a minor? Check out this handy page.

Our degrees provide you with the training and knowledge to thrive not only in a contemporary art environment but the broader workforce.

Our grads are employed across a wide range of careers and roles, including artist, arts journalist, commercial art director, craftsperson, creative director, cultural officer or program manager, curator, digital producer, educator (with further tertiary qualifications!), film producer or filmmaker, innovation manager, web and interaction designer.

See where a Visual Arts degree has taken some of our grads.

At Sydney College of the Arts, we teach people how to become artists, curators, art writers, contemporary filmmakers and many more who are active in national and international visual culture. Our academic staff believe studio-based learning is integral to any visual arts degree and understand the importance of working with practising artists, designers and craft specialists. Staff maintain professional profiles in their field with many exhibiting nationally and internationally.

Taught primarily at Sydney College of the Arts, you will have access to our modern art studios, production spaces, practical expertise and vibrant contemporary arts community.