Bachelor of Visual Art
Bachelor of Visual Art
Duration: 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Applications for Semester 1 2027 are now open.
The Bachelor of Visual Art (BVA) is a three-year degree program, designed to give you the skills and knowledge to develop a career as a practising artist. Our focus on the fundamental art-making practices of drawing, painting and sculpture is complemented by an emphasis on conceptual development, Art History & Theory and professional practice. In your third year of study you will be supported to develop a coherent body of work based on comprehensive self-directed studio research.
The BVA will equip you to develop an independent studio practice and pursue a career as a professional practising artist. You will also be well-positioned to undertake further study or seek employment opportunities in related fields, such as arts administration, arts writing, education, marketing, events, commercial design and curating.
Course Learning Outcomes
On completion of the BVA you will be able to:
- Apply specialist knowledge and technical skills in the production of artworks.
- Integrate historical and theoretical perspectives in the visual arts into the development of artworks and artefacts.
- Evaluate ideas, concepts and processes relevant to the visual arts through creative, critical and reflective thinking.
- Communicate effectively in a range of real-life visual arts contexts.
- Contextualise your art practice within the arts industry and generate professional opportunities.
- Operate with integrity, empathy and ethical understanding in the practice of visual arts.
- Employ safe work practices, including the appropriate use of equipment and materials, in the making and exhibition of visual art.
School Leaver Scholarships
Applications for Semester 1 2027 School Leaver Scholarship are now open: Apply here
Our School Leaver Scholarships provide $5,000 in support to undertake the first year of full-time study of the Bachelor of Visual Art (BVA). Scholarships of up to $5000 will be awarded to successful applicants as a contribution to study-related expenses. If you’ve successfully completed senior secondary school within the last three years, this scholarship is open for you.
Relocation Grants
Applications for Semester 1 2027 Relocation Grants are now open: Apply here
Grants of up to $2000, for the purpose of relocation to Adelaide (from interstate, overseas or regional South Australia), are available to outstanding applicants who wish to study the Bachelor of Visual Art on a full time basis.
To discuss your interest in applying for a Relocation Grant, please email our Student Services Officer, Genevieve Spalding, or call our administration office on 08 8299 7300.
“As scary as it was for me to study my first degree I wouldn’t change a thing, not only did I learn the invaluable techniques I’d hoped for from lecturers that are practising artists and gain a better understanding of how to conceptualise my work but I also met lots of amazing people. These people are a huge part of my life and I feel like I have found my community”
Thomas Readett
2015 Bachelor of Visual Art graduate
How to apply
Preparing Your Application
Information on preparing your application and the support material required can be found on the first page of the New Student Application Form (available when applications are open).
Application Entry Stream
Applications can be submitted under the Academic Entry Stream or Alternative Entry Stream.
To apply under the Academic Entry Stream, an applicant requires an ATAR score (or equivalent) of 60 or above completed within the last 5 years OR a qualification of AQF Level 5 or above completed in the last 10 years.
To apply under the Alternative Entry Stream, applicants will usually need to demonstrate previous formal study or non-formal study or practice, as outlined in the Entry Requirements Policy.
Portfolio Interview
All applicants need to attend a portfolio interview. This will be scheduled after the application closing date.
During the portfolio interview, the panel will assess applicants against the following criteria:
- Work examples in portfolio
- Communication
- Commitment to learning/study
The interview panel will assess the extent to which an applicant has demonstrated each criteria and allocate a score from 1 to 4 using the application rubric: 1: Developing, 2: Functional, 3: Proficient, and 4: Advanced.
The application rubric will be used to assess suitability and, if required, rank applicants as per the criteria outlined in the Entry Requirements Policy.
Applicants unable to attend a portfolio interview in person will be offered the opportunity to attend online.
Applicants under the age of 18 will be provided with the option of having their parent/guardian present at the portfolio interview.
Assessment of Applications
Applications are assessed after the portfolio interview.
Applicants are notified of the outcome of their application by email. Applicants who are accepted into a course of study receive a Letter of Offer and Enrolment Pack. Applicants who are not accepted into a course of study receive written notification.
Applicants who are dissatisfied with the outcome of their application are referred to the School’s Student Grievance Policy and Procedures.
Access and Inclusion
Adelaide Central School of Art supports the rights of people with disability to full and equitable participation in higher education.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure that applicants with disability are treated on the same basis as applicants without disability.
If you experience difficulty accessing any part of the application process, we encourage you to contact our Student Services Officer Genevieve Spalding to discuss your options.
2026 Academic Dates
Intensive Study Period 1 2026
12 January – 30 January
Teaching Weeks | 12 January – 23 January
Tuition Fee due date | 1 January
Census Date | 15 January
Semester 1 2026
Term 1 | 9 February – 3 April
Term 2 | 20 April – 12 June
Tuition Fee due date | 19 February
Census Date | 5 March
Intensive Study Period 2 2026
22 June – 10 July
Teaching Weeks | 22 June – 3 July
Tuition Fee due date | 11 June
Census Date | 25 June
Semester 2 2026
Term 3 | 13 July – 4 September
Term 4 | 21 September – 13 November
BVA & Hons Final Assessment Week | 16 – 20 November
Tuition Fee due date | 27 July
Census Date | 10 August
Questions? Contact our friendly Student Support Officer Genevieve Spalding, on 8299 7300 or via email.
Course Information
Important Dates
Round 1 Interview Dates: 5 – 6 November, 2026
Round 2 Interview Dates: 7 – 8 January, 2027
New Student Application
Diploma of Visual Art | Associate Degree of Visual Art | Bachelor of Visual Art.
Applications for Semester 1 2027 are now open