Applying to the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music
The process of applying to study at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music is a little different to a regular university application. Usually, our courses have a two-stage application process: first, you'll apply to the University of Melbourne and then either audition, interview, or submit materials as required.
The application process for fine arts and music degrees typically begins in August, the year before you are planning to start your course. However, you can begin your preparation at any stage and we encourage you to do so. Getting things sorted early and taking the time to understand what is required for your application will help you feel prepared.
Before you apply
If you're planning to apply, make sure you understand the required prerequisites and the English language requirements.
Minimum tertiary entrance requirements
Each undergraduate course at the University of Melbourne requires completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent.
Mature age applicants (non-school leavers) may be able to meet the minimum entry requirements in other ways.
English language requirements
Everyone who applies to the University Melbourne must meet the English language requirements. At undergraduate level this is usually satisfied through completion of an approved English subject at Year 12 (or equivalent) level. Not all states in Australia require this, so it's important to check your status.
Find out more about English language requirements
Prerequisites
A prerequisite is something you need to complete before you apply.
For example:
- The Master of Music Therapy requires completion of a single unit of psychology for entry.
If you are considering applying for more than one course, make sure you understand the prerequisite for each program.
Your application
There are two components to all applications and they may have different deadlines. You need to complete both parts for your application to be considered.
This gives us the administrative information we need to assess your eligibility for entry, such as your completion of the required prerequisite study and satisfaction of the English Language Requirements. You might make this directly, through VTAC, or through another agent.
Your ATAR
Applicants in the Bachelor of Music are required to have achieved a competitive ATAR.
For other courses, there is no minimum ATAR required, but your scores will be taken into account during the selection process.
Find out more about ATAR requirements
Your supplementary application
This gives us the information we need to assess your talent and aptitude. You’ll usually provide this through the applicant tracking system SlideRoom. Information on how to do this for your chosen course is included on individual course pages.
Applying to our programs can mean an audition, selection test, interview, artistic statement, or a combination of these. Make sure you understand the requirements for your course.
If you advance to this stage, we'll let you know about specific dates, times and what you'll need to do as soon as we can.
Information for new applicants including important dates, audition schedules, interviews can be found on the Study website
After you complete your audition or interview, you’ll be contacted during December to inform you whether you’ve been successful and to help guide your VTAC preferences.
Your letter will inform you of one of three outcomes:
- You have satisfied the audition/interview requirement and we intend to make you a formal offer.
- You have been waitlisted and may receive a formal offer pending the availability of places.
- You have not satisfied the audition/interview requirement and will not be made a formal offer.
The intention of this advice is to assist you in making your final choice of course preferences. A number of courses at different institutions may be prepared to make you an offer, but the offer that you receive will be for the course highest on your list of preferences, where you have met all selection criteria including extra requirements.
Here's an idea of what the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music application and acceptance process might look like. The dates given here are indicative and are included for illustrative purposes only.
August to September
- Apply via the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) by the course closing date (and pay the VTAC application fee)*
- Complete the Supplementary Application Form, Selection Test or Audition Application Test (if applicable) via the link sent to you by VTAC. BFA (Animation), BFA (Film and Television) and BFA (Screenwriting) applicants will receive information after VTAC applications close
- Pay the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music application fee upon submission of your Supplementary Application Form, Selection test, or Audition Application Form.
October to November
- The Faculty will contact applicants to schedule an audition or interview after applications close
- Attend audition or interview.
December to February
- You will receive an advisory letter indicating your audition or interview outcome from the Faculty in mid-December (this is not a formal offer)
- Based upon your advisory letter, make changes to your VTAC preference during the Change of Preference period if necessary
- Formal offers are issued in VTAC offer rounds from December to February
- Accept offer
- Enrol and attend orientation activities.
Strengthening your application
Before you apply, it’s a good idea to take the time to learn as much as you can about the discipline you hope to build your career in and the approach and training available through the Faculty.
Explore your discipline
The more you understand the discipline you’re planning to apply to, the better-informed your application will be. Our courses attract highly talented and passionate students who are actively engaged with what's going on in their industry. So, see theatre shows, visit art exhibitions, watch films and hear live music.
Visit our campus
At our yearly Open Day, held in August, you'll be able to see workshop demonstrations in our state-of-the-art facilities, watch our students in classes, attend performances and have one-on-one conversations to help you work out your next steps.
If you’re successful
Once you’ve received and accepted your offer, it’s a good idea to explore some ways to make your transition to university life a good one.
Scholarships
All scholarships are allocated on the basis of merit, and eligibility criteria specific to each scholarship. Many scholarships are determined internally through nomination by academic staff based on audition results; some other scholarships require a direct student application, available online now.
Based on your audition result, you will automatically be considered for internally nominated scholarships and for any scholarships for which you apply directly. Scholarship offers will be made via a separate letter. Bachelor of Music students are considered for scholarships not only during the admission process, but also throughout their studies in the degree, for example, for end-of-year scholarships.
Orientation
If you accept a formal offer from the University of Melbourne, orientation events will be held in the week commencing Monday 24 February 2025. Orientation week is full of fun activities – get a glimpse on our Orientation page and follow @lifeatunimelb
Health and wellbeing
Being a part of the University of Melbourne comes with a range of support services. Visit our Health and Wellbeing hub to view the support services available to our students.