AU · Master's
RMIT University
Master of Fine Art
RMIT University
Course Overview
RMIT's School of Art is ranked #10 globally for Art and Design in QS World Rankings by Subject — Australia's #1 art school. The 2-year Master of Fine Art is a studio-based research degree with dedicated studio space at the Brunswick or City campus. Students work across painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, printmaking, sound, installation and expanded practice. The MFA is supervised by practising artists exhibiting at the National Gallery of Victoria, MONA, the Venice Biennale, and Documenta. Final-year exhibition is held at RMIT Gallery, with curator visits from NGV, MCA Sydney and Heide.
Sri Lankan applicants — including graduates of the University of the Visual & Performing Arts (UVPA) Colombo, AOD, and self-taught practitioners with established exhibition records — choose RMIT for the combination of studio space, exhibition pipeline, and Australia's relatively accessible post-study work visa. Recent Sri Lankan / South Asian MFA alumni show at Sydney Contemporary, Melbourne Now and the Colombo Art Biennale. The MFA is also a feeder to PhD by practice and tenure-track Lecturer posts at UVPA, AOD and AU university art schools.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree in Fine Art, Visual Arts, or a related discipline — minimum Credit average (2:2 / GPA 2.8+); equivalent professional practice considered for non-cognate degrees.
- check_circle Portfolio of 10-15 recent works (digital submission via SlideRoom or equivalent).
- check_circle Research proposal (1,500-2,000 words) outlining the studio enquiry, methodology, and intended outcomes.
- check_circle Personal statement plus CV listing exhibitions, residencies, prizes.
- check_circle Interview (online for international applicants).
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 6.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 79 Overall (min 13 Reading, 12 Listening, 21 Writing, 18 Speaking).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 58 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AUD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | AUD 42,000 | Rs. 8,820,000 |
| OSHC Health Cover (per year) | AUD 700 | Rs. 147,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Melbourne) | AUD 29,710 | Rs. 6,239,100 |
| Materials & Studio Fees (per year) | AUD 2,500 | Rs. 525,000 |
| Student Visa & Setup | AUD 1,800 | Rs. 378,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AUD 76,710 | Rs. 16,109,100 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (2-3 years for Master's by research). RMIT MFA grads exhibit at NGV, MCA Sydney, Heide, Buxton Contemporary, plus international galleries. Career paths: full-time practising artist with gallery representation; arts educator (University Lecturer pathways via PhD); curatorial roles (NGV, ACCA, Buxton); residencies (Asialink, Gertrude Contemporary); Sri Lankan returnees take Senior Lecturer posts at UVPA / AOD or open private studios.
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