When you think of studying in Australia, your mind may go to science and business courses. However, Australia also has universities with film, screen production, and media-related study options for international students.
Film-related programs in Australia vary by university: some emphasize hands-on screen production, while others focus on film history, theory, criticism, and research. Many universities also offer scholarships, and some programs include internships, placements, or industry projects. In this article, we highlight five top film schools and university study options in Australia, along with current degree levels and indicative tuition information.
Top Film Schools in Australia
1. University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne offers film and television study through the Victorian College of the Arts. Its Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television is a three-year, full-time, on-campus program at Southbank, while its Master of Film and Television is a two-year, full-time, on-campus program with specializations in Filmmaking and Screen Producing.
Admission to these programs is selective. Bachelor’s applicants are required to submit creative application materials such as a visual sequence, a short story, and a short film or video sample. Master’s applicants need an undergraduate degree or relevant professional experience, a portfolio, and an interview if shortlisted.
In EduRank’s 2026 cinematography ranking, the University of Melbourne is ranked 11th in the world and first in Oceania. EduRank notes that its subject rankings are based on research performance, so students should also check the official university program pages before choosing a course.
For international students commencing in 2026, the indicative first-year tuition fee for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television is AUD 39,936 to AUD 40,548, while the Master of Film and Television is listed at AUD 46,976 for the first year. Fees are subject to annual review and can vary by study load. Both programs list February as the intake, so applicants should check current key dates before applying.
2. University of Sydney
Another recommended Australian university offering film studies is the University of Sydney. It was founded in 1850 and offers film-related study from undergraduate to research degree level, including Film Studies as an undergraduate major, minor, and honors option, as well as postgraduate research pathways. The university also offers the Master of Film and Screen Arts.
In EduRank’s 2026 cinematography ranking, the University of Sydney is ranked 16th in the world and second in Oceania. Students interested in applying should check the relevant course page for current admission requirements, as entry requirements vary by program and level.
According to the university’s latest international guide, the 2027 indicative first-year tuition fee is AUD 55,100 for the Bachelor of Arts and AUD 52,200 for the Master of Film and Screen Arts. Fees are reviewed annually and may change. Film Studies students can benefit from access to film collections and links to local and international film festivals, lectures, conferences, and related cultural events.
3. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
The screen and media options at RMIT University are offered through the university’s media and communication study area. RMIT is a strong option for students looking for screen, media, communication, and production pathways rather than one single traditional film degree.
Students can choose from vocational, associate degree, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research options, including the Associate Degree in Screen and Media Production, Bachelor of Communication in Media, Master of Media, and Ph.D. in Media and Communication. These programs combine media practice, production work, industry tools, and professional networks, depending on the specific course selected.
In EduRank’s 2026 cinematography ranking, RMIT is ranked 20th in the world and third in Oceania. In RMIT’s 2026 international course guide, annual tuition fees include AUD 35,520 for the Associate Degree in Screen and Media Production, AUD 39,360 for the three-year Bachelor of Communication in Media, and AUD 42,240 for the Master of Media.
4. University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers film-related study through its School of the Arts and Media. Its Film Studies and Screen Production courses combine critical analysis with hands-on areas such as project development, post-production, and screenwriting.
Students interested in an undergraduate pathway can consider Film Studies within the Bachelor of Arts or screen and cinema-related specializations within the Bachelor of Media, including Cinema Studies and Screen Production. Rather than relying on unofficial acceptance-rate estimates, applicants should check current program pages and entry requirements before applying.
For 2026, international first-year tuition is listed at AUD 51,000 for the Bachelor of Arts and AUD 49,000 for the Bachelor of Media. These are indicative fees for comparison and are subject to annual review. UNSW also has film and screen research activity at postgraduate level, with academic and postgraduate research work in film theory, history, and practice.
In EduRank’s 2026 cinematography ranking, UNSW is ranked 62nd in the world and seventh in Oceania.
5. University of Queensland
The University of Queensland offers Film and Television Studies through the School of Communication and Arts. The major is available within the Bachelor of Arts and introduces students to the history, theory, and criticism of film and television.
This program is best understood as a film and television studies pathway rather than a production-focused filmmaking, visual effects, or screenwriting degree. Students explore the commerce and aesthetics of film and television across cultures and history, analyze film and television style, and examine new industry and artistic trends shaped by digital media.
For international students in 2026, UQ lists the Bachelor of Arts fee at AUD 45,792, with the program offered at St Lucia over three years and intakes in Semester 1 and Semester 2. Students interested in research can continue through honors or higher degree research, as the School of Communication and Arts lists Film and Television Studies among its research fields, with MPhil and Ph.D. options available.
In EduRank’s 2026 cinematography ranking, the University of Queensland is ranked 67th in the world and ninth in Oceania.
In conclusion, film studies in Australia can be a strong option for students who want to build creative, critical, and research skills in film, screen, and media. Before applying, always check the current program page, tuition fee page, scholarship page, and admission requirements for your chosen university.
We hope that this article on the best film schools in Australia was helpful. You can also visit the Study in Australia Guide for more articles about studying in Australia and the Available Programs for International Students!
