Unlike theoretical subjects like mathematics and psychology, art is a broad field of creativity and expression. Art students often look for universities in culturally vibrant cities with strong creative communities. Australia offers opportunities for students to pursue artistic interests in areas such as painting, sculpture, photography, contemporary digital art, design, and media.
Studying art is about engaging with creativity, heritage, and professional practice. Here are some leading art institutions in Australia where students can find inspiration, facilities, and opportunities for growth.
Top Art Schools in Australia
1. RMIT University
Located in Melbourne, Australia, RMIT University is one of the strongest choices in Australia for art and design. RMIT is ranked #1 in Australia and #19 in the world for Art and Design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
The university is known for industry-connected education across disciplines for local and international students. RMIT’s art courses include areas such as fine and visual art, photography, and arts management. In its School of Design, disciplines include communication design, industrial design, and digital design.
RMIT provides professional-grade creative studios, workshops, and facilities, with opportunities to explore both traditional and contemporary art and design practices. Students can also benefit from Melbourne’s active cultural and creative scene.
2. University of Melbourne
The globally recognized University of Melbourne is home to the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, which includes the Victorian College of the Arts and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. The faculty supports study in areas such as dance, design, film and television, music, theatre, and visual arts. The university itself was established in 1853 and is the oldest university in Victoria and the second-oldest in Australia.
Despite being competitive, international students with the right qualifications and educational background can apply to study at the University of Melbourne. The university offers scholarships, prizes, bursaries, and grants for current and commencing students.
3. University of New South Wales
UNSW Sydney is an excellent art school in Australia for students who want to develop a practice in contemporary art, design, and media. UNSW School of Art & Design offers undergraduate and honors degrees in Visual Arts, Design, Animation & Moving Image, and Art Theory, as well as postgraduate and research programs in Fine Arts, Design, Curating & Cultural Leadership, Animation & Visual Effects, and Simulation & Immersive Technologies.
UNSW Art & Design is ranked #5 in Australia and #93 globally for Art and Design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Students can access specialist facilities, including museum-standard galleries, workshops, studios, private workspaces, research labs, and digital labs.
4. Monash University
Based in Melbourne, Victoria, Monash University was established in 1958 and has Australian campuses as well as international locations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Italy, China, and India. Monash Art, Design and Architecture is ranked in the top 1% in the world for Art, Design, and Architecture, and Monash is ranked #4 in Australia for Art and Design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
Monash Art, Design and Architecture offers undergraduate, graduate coursework, graduate research, and professional development options in areas such as fine art, design, architecture, and related creative fields. Students can also explore double-degree options that combine art, design, or architecture with another area of study.
The university offers direct applications for international students, provided they meet the relevant course requirements. Monash College also offers a Diploma of Art and Design pathway; international students who successfully complete the diploma and meet the required academic scores and prerequisites can receive entry into the second year of selected Monash University degrees.
5. Queensland University of Technology
Located in Brisbane, the Queensland University of Technology offers creative arts study through its Kelvin Grove campus and Creative Industries Precinct. QUT’s Creative Industries Precinct includes facilities such as visual art, music and performance studios, a digital fabrication workshop, galleries and exhibition spaces, professional music recording studios, animation and virtual reality computing labs, film and television studios, and post-production suites.
The Bachelor of Creative Arts is a flexible degree with more than 100 study options. Students can choose from first majors in animation, creative writing, drama, film and screen, music, and visual arts, while the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting) is offered separately and requires auditions.
Through project-based learning, students collaborate across disciplines and work on real-world projects with external partners and clients. In the final year, they complete real-world, public-facing projects and can build portfolios through work-integrated learning, internships, public performances, and exhibitions.
FAQs: Arts Studies in Australia
Why Study Art in Australia?
Australia has a rich and diverse artistic history that stretches far beyond two centuries. First Nations rock art is a major part of Australia’s cultural heritage, with Australian rock art dated to around 30,000 years ago and First Nations peoples continuing to create and care for these traditions today. The country is also home to prominent galleries, including the National Gallery of Australia, whose collection includes Jackson Pollock’s Blue poles. There are also museums such as the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Melbourne Museum for students who are passionate about history and culture.
Not only does the art world in Australia reflect local and First Nations cultures, but the country’s diverse communities also give students exposure to a range of cultural heritages.
Australia has several significant institutions that offer a vibrant and diverse landscape for students pursuing art education. As some of the best art schools in Australia, these universities have demonstrated strengths in creative teaching, studio practice, facilities, and global recognition. The facilities available at these universities provide a nurturing environment for aspiring artists across many fields.
Hopefully, this article on the best art schools in Australia was helpful. Please visit the Study in Australia and Available Programs for International Students pages for more articles about studying in Australia!
