National Art School
Admission criteria and entry schemes
To be offered a place in a course you must meet the course entrance requirements and be selected in competition with other eligible applicants. Admission into the Bachelor of Fine Art is competitive, with selection based on an interview process and portfolio assessment. Also refer to UAC’s general information about university admission criteria.
Undergraduate applicants
Australian Year 12 students
If you are a 2022 or 2023 Australian Year 12 student you will be assessed through a competitive interview process and subsequent successful completion of the NSW Higher School Certificate (or equivalent).
Criteria that may apply in addition to the ATAR
All eligible applicants to the National Art School take part in a competitive selection process to rank applicants. The selection process comprises a short interview and portfolio presentation. The portfolio should include a minimum of 12 recently completed works including at least two drawings and relevant support material such as other drawings, maquettes, sketchbooks and visual diaries. Students unable to attend an interview may apply using slides, CD ROM, transcripts of results of previous training and photographic documentation.
Other admission options
Schools Recommendation Scheme
NAS participates in the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS), which is processed centrally through UAC. SRS allows current Year 12 students to receive early offers of admission using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR.
Applicants with a Certificate IV in Fine Art or a diploma in any area of education are eligible to apply and will be assessed through the competitive interview process. Applicants with a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Fine Art may apply for advanced standing into the second year of the course. Places for advanced standing are limited and will be assessed through the competitive interview process.
Current and former National Art School students
Due to the limited spaces available, former students wishing to seek re-entry into the course will be assessed as part of the competitive interview process.
Completed enabling courses
Applicants will be eligible to apply if they have completed one of the following approved higher education preparation courses:
- University Preparation
- courses at the University of Sydney
- University Preparation Program and Foundation Studies at UNSW
- NSW TAFE Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation.
Previous Australian secondary studies
If you have previously completed Year 12 in Australia you will be assessed through a competitive interview process.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Applicants who are not current school leavers and do not have suitable qualifications for entry to the National Art School may sit the multiple choice Special Tertiary Admissions Test.
Applicants over 21 years of age
Consideration for entry to the Bachelor of Fine Art is given to post-school entrants. Applicants will be considered eligible to apply if they have completed one of the following:
- the Leaving Certificate (1955–66)
- the NSW Higher School Certificate (1967–present) or equivalent
- a Diploma or Advanced Diploma at TAFE or other accredited tertiary institution
- an approved tertiary preparation course.
There are commonly accepted overseas secondary qualifications that NAS may take into consideration. Check your qualification. Contact the National Art School to discuss eligibility for admission before submitting an application to UAC.
English language proficiency
If you have qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.
General information for National Art School
Location
National Art School
Cnr Forbes St &, Burton St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010