Australia · Master's
School of Art, RMIT University
Master of Fine Art
School of Art, RMIT University
Course Overview
RMIT's Master of Fine Art is delivered through the School of Art within the College of Design and Social Context — one of Australia's longest-running and most internationally networked fine-art schools, with alumni who exhibit regularly at the Venice Biennale, the Asia Pacific Triennial, and major commercial galleries across Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and London. The 2-year practice-led MFA is studio-based: students develop a sustained body of work across painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, photography, printmaking, ceramics, or interdisciplinary practice, culminating in a final exhibition and a 15,000-word exegesis. Each student is paired with a primary studio supervisor and a secondary research supervisor. The School of Art runs the SITE Eight gallery for student exhibitions and partners with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) for industry placements.
Sri Lankan applicants typically reach RMIT MFA after a strong Bachelor's in Fine Arts, Visual Arts, or Design from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts Colombo (UVPA), the University of Kelaniya Department of Fine Arts, or after a portfolio-strong career in independent practice. RMIT's tuition at AUD 34,000/yr is competitive with London and well below US MFA programmes (NYU, Yale, Columbia at USD 60,000+/yr). The 2-year Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485) opens both employment and ongoing studio-practice pathways. Sri Lankan returnees route into curatorial and academic roles at UVPA Colombo, the Saskia Fernando Gallery, the Barefoot Gallery, the Theertha International Artists' Collective, Colombo Art Biennale, plus international residencies and exhibitions via the alumni network.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan Bachelor's (Hons) in Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Design, Architecture, or related — minimum GPA 2.7 / Lower Second-Class (RMIT is portfolio-led, not GPA-led for MFA).
- check_circle Strong creative portfolio (10-20 works) — the MOST WEIGHTED admissions criterion; portfolios are reviewed by the studio area's discipline leader.
- check_circle Research proposal (500-1,000 words) outlining the proposed studio research focus and chosen medium.
- check_circle Two academic / professional references; CV; statement of purpose (500 words).
- check_circle Recent independent practice (exhibitions, residencies, commissions) is highly valued for borderline academic profiles.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 6.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 79 Overall.
- check_circle PTE Academic: 58 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution — Sri Lankan UVPA Colombo / Kelaniya Fine Arts applicants typically qualify with an MOI letter, though many sit IELTS to support the visa application.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AUD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | AUD 34,000 | Rs. 7,140,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Melbourne) | AUD 22,000 | Rs. 4,620,000 |
| Student Visa & Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | AUD 1,500 | Rs. 315,000 |
| Studio Materials, Exhibition Costs & Books | AUD 3,500 | Rs. 735,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AUD 61,000 | Rs. 12,810,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485) of 2 years allows MFA graduates to establish studio practice in Melbourne — one of the world's most active contemporary art markets. RMIT MFA grads route into independent studio practice (with commercial gallery representation at Sutton Gallery, Anna Schwartz Gallery, Tolarno Galleries), curatorial assistantships at the NGV, ACCA, Heide Museum, and the Monash University Museum of Art, and into arts education roles at TAFE colleges, RMIT itself, Monash MADA, and VCA (Victorian College of the Arts) — AUD 55,000-75,000 starting (LKR 11.5M-15.75M/yr) in salaried roles, plus separate studio income. Sri Lankan returnees route into independent studio practice, gallery representation (Saskia Fernando Gallery, Barefoot, Theertha), Colombo Art Biennale, and academic posts at UVPA Colombo, the University of Kelaniya Department of Fine Arts, and AOD (Academy of Design Colombo).
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