The Bachelor degrees at Collarts are offered over six trimesters and can be completed in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study. Full time study generally requires students to be on campus 2–4 days a week, with the exception of our online-only courses.
The Diplomas* at Collarts are offered over two trimesters of full-time study, or can be completed in four trimesters of part-time study.
The Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing at Collarts is offered over two trimesters of full-time study, while the Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing can be completed over one trimester of full-time study.
*For the Diploma of Arts in Entertainment Journalism and Animation & VFX, full-time study is three trimesters, or can be completed in six trimesters of part-time study. Full time study generally requires students to be on campus 2–4 days a week.
→ Direct Applications Close: Wednesday 8th June
→ Orientation Week: Monday 23rd May to Friday 27th May
→ Classes Start: Monday 30th May
→ Last Day of Classes: Friday 19th August
→ Examination Period: Saturday 20th August to Friday 26th August
→ Results Due: Monday 29th August
→ Publication of Results: Friday 2nd September
→ Census Date for Trimester 2, 2022: Friday 17th June
→ Open Day: Saturday 7th May
→ Direct Applications Close: Friday 16th September
→ Orientation Week: Monday 5th September to Friday 9th September
→ Classes Start: Monday 12th September
→ Last Day of Classes: Friday 2nd December
→ Examination Period: Saturday 3rd December to Friday 9th December
→ Results Due: Monday 12th December
→ Publication of Results: Friday 16 December
→ Census Date for Trimester 3, 2022: Friday 30th September
→ Open Day: Saturday 27th August
If you are currently in Year 12 you must apply via VTAC regardless of whether you live in Victoria or a different state.
Once you have submitted a Collarts course into your VTAC preferences, our Future Student Team will contact you to arrange a suitable interview and/or audition time. Make sure your details are correct!
If you’re not currently in Year 12, you may apply directly on our website or via VTAC.
Once your application has been received, whether direct or via VTAC, our Future Student Team will contact you to arrange a suitable interview and/or audition time.
This application process applies to all non-year 12 candidates, including (but not limited to) those with:
If you are residing outside of Victoria but would like to apply for one of our courses we can set up an interview via Skype or phone and can organise an online audition if necessary.
Auditions and interviews take place throughout the year at your convenience. Contact us on (+61) 1300 818 777 to organise this or fill out our online application form and a member of staff will contact you.
Applicants for all of our courses must undertake a 30-minute interview. During the interview, we will ask you questions about your knowledge and experience in your field of interest as well as discuss your course choice with you.
Applicants for the Bachelor of Arts (Music) must complete an audition as well as an interview. It is expected that applicants have a good understanding of their instrument and applicants would benefit from having some basic music theory knowledge. The audition process will also be discussed when we set up an audition time.
We recommend applying for your course of interest as soon as the applications for your intake are open—right now if you're interested in the next intake! Applications usually close at least a week prior to classes beginning. However some courses are more competitive than others and places will fill up quickly and may close earlier. It will take some time to complete the admissions process after submitting an application so apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Admissions Policy for Domestic Students
Admissions Policy for Domestic Students (Postgraduate)
Admission Criteria for each Collarts course is different, and also varies depending on the candidate’s background, qualifications and previous experience. You can see the course-specific Admission Criteria on the individual course page.
To be eligible to apply for Collarts' Bachelor Degrees, you need to have successfully completed ONE of the following:
To be eligible to apply for Collarts' Diplomas, you need to have successfully completed ONE of the following:
If none of the above qualifications have successfully been completed, applicants must be 20 years of age or older with 2 years of work experience to apply.
Collarts does not have subject prerequisites and does not require a minimum ATAR rank.
Collarts actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Collarts recognises that there is inequality in education opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. While there is no specific reduction in entry criteria, Collarts supports and encourages applications from within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. At the time of your application, if you would like to identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, depending on your circumstances, we may be able to provide specific study support once enrolled.
Click here to read more about our Reconciliation Action Plan
Wondering what makes us different from a public university? Read about The Collarts Way Difference here or discover below your fee-paying options and criteria.
All higher education courses offered at Collarts are supported by the Australian Government’s FEE-HELP program for eligible students. This means there are no upfront payments for courses for those using FEE-HELP.
The Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP) is the private institution version of the HECS-HELP system. For more information about FEE-HELP and eligibility criteria, please check the FEE-HELP Information Booklet or see the Australian Government Study Assist website.
The Victorian Government's FEE-HELP Loan Fee exemption has been extended until the 31st December 2022, meaning that undergraduate students will not be charged loan fees for FEE-HELP loans for census dates in 2022.
Upon enrolment at Collarts, all eligible students will receive an eCaf form from the ATO via email to apply for FEE-HELP. Each student will need a TFN or TFN application receipt to apply. FEE-HELP application forms need to be submitted prior to census date. Students will only incur debt for subjects they are enrolled in after census date.
Note that despite the similarity in name, VET FEE HELP is a distinctly separate government service to FEE-HELP and Collarts was not affected by the 2016 government changes to VET FEE HELP.
You can see the full 2022 Fees Schedule here*
For International Students please click here
*Please note: From 1 January 2022, the FEE-HELP loan fee will reduce to 20 per cent for units of study with a census date on or after 1 January 2022. This applies to new and current students.
The loan fee does NOT apply to you if:
The loan fee does not count towards your combined HELP limit.
→ UNIT - $2,502.90
→ TRIMESTER - $10,011.60 (full-time study load)
→ DIPLOMA - $20,023.20 (two trimesters full-time study load)
→ DIPLOMA (ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALISM + ANIMATION & VFX) - $30,034.80 (three trimesters full-time study load)
→ BACHELOR - $60,069.60 (six trimesters full-time study load)
→ DOUBLE DEGREE - $90,104.40 (nine trimesters full-time study load)
→ UNIT - $2,187.50
Collarts reviews its fees annually and course fees may vary from year to year.
The total cost for the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration in 2020 is $10,225.75. If you are eligible for Victorian Skills First funding, up to $7,695 of your course can be covered, resulting in a total course cost of $2,560.75. Click here for more information on fees and fee assistance for the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration.
If you elect to pay your fees upfront, are an international student, or ineligible for FEE-HELP, you may pay the course costs by EFTPOS, direct deposit or credit card. Students will receive an invoice prior to classes beginning each trimester.
Tuition Assurance
Tuition assurance protects students in the event a course of study provided by an approved HELP provider ceases to be provided after it starts but before it is completed. For more information about Collarts’ Tuition Assurance, click here.
There are no additional charges for any administrative services at Collarts.
Whilst Collarts does provide on-campus access to a variety of hardware, software, computers, instruments, sewing machines and other equipment; there is an expectation that students either own, have access to, or utilise available equipment at our campuses in order to succeed in their studies.
Students may need to pay for items associated with their study, such as printing, headphones, portable storage device, fabrics, etc. These costs vary by course and depend on what equipment the student has access to.
Prescribed textbooks and additional academic resources are available in the library and/or online via the eLearning platform (Learning Management System).
Click here for more information on our campus facilities, public transport options and concession, and parking.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is designed to recognise and acknowledge current knowledge, skills, attributes that students may have gained through previous study or work experiences. Collarts will grant course credit in Recognition of Prior Learning if the student is assessed to meet the requirements set by the college. For more information, see the Collarts Recognition of Prior Learning for Admission or Course Credit Policy documentation.
Applicants who are seeking course credit for Recognition of Prior Learning should download and complete the Application for Course Credit form. Please email this completed form, along with any documentary evidence in support of the application to Collarts Support.
RPL enables students to reduce their course loads by not repeating subjects that they already have knowledge and experience in. RPL also allows students to reduce financial costs of repeating subjects they may have already completed at a different educational institute.
For more information about Course Credit and RPL, you can email the college or call us directly on 1300 818 777.
Collarts focuses on giving students real-life industry experiences so they are career-ready when they graduate. We provide a wide range of overseas exchange programs and experience-based scholarships for Collarts’ students that enrich their study experience and connect them with their industry. Collarts supports students in a variety of ways, from overseas exchange programs, interstate conference attendance, sought-after internships and hands-on experience at major festivals.
Many of our programs also have additional scholarships available to students who may use them to financially assist with the cost of being involved with these opportunities. Scholarships are only available to current students applying for selected programs. Applications open at various times throughout the year and will be announced to all students. Talk to us to find out which opportunities and scholarships you might be eligible for.
Collarts does not provide accommodation to students. However, we are able to provide information about sources of student accommodation and can recommend the following as a guide to finding short and long-term accommodation in Melbourne.
Displays ‘wanted to share’ or ‘accommodation available’ especially late January and early February.
This is a network of accommodation provided by host families in Melbourne. We have provided a number of web links if you are interested in homestay accommodation. These agencies are privately owned and operated and it is the responsibility of each student to assess the homestay facilities as suitable for their needs:
Hostels and boarding houses are listed in the Yellow Pages Online. Similar accommodation listings can be found under ‘Accommodation Available’ in the various local and Melbourne newspapers. Youth Hostels Australia has a large accommodation network across Australia
Comprehensive listings for flats, units and houses for rent through real estate agents are found on:
It is also advisable to contact real estate agents in preferred suburbs.
If you want assistance in finding a room-mate, visit websites such as Flatmates, Flat Mate Finders, or Gumtree.
Victoria has well defined tenancy laws that support the rights of landlords and tenants. For more information go the Consumer Affairs Victoria website, or if you are experiencing a problem with your landlord, call them on 1300 55 81 81 (or +61 3 8684 0735). The Tenants Victoria can also help.
If you are struggling with a personal matter or worried about anything – whether it relates to your study or not – knowing there’s someone you can talk to can really help.
The agencies listed in the Useful Contacts section below provide free, anonymous and confidential services.
Collarts also offers students access to free and confidential appointments with our Wellbeing Support and Counsellor. You'll find more information regarding this service on this page.
Collarts celebrates its diverse community of students and staff. We know that people who identify as part of the LGBTIQ+ community or people of diverse sexualities and genders face a range of unique challenges. We acknowledge the need to actively and positively support this diversity and the importance of providing a safe and welcoming environment for all staff and students.
A list of resources that you might find helpful for accessing support or building inclusion and promoting involvement at Collarts or the community are listed below:
QLife: A counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. Provides nation-wide telephone and web based services to people of all ages across the full breadth of people’s bodies, genders, relationships, sexualities and lived experiences.
Minus18: Minus18 is Australia's largest youth driven organisation for LGBTIQ youth. Minus18 provide incredible social events, dance parties and resources for LGBTIQ youth all over Australia.
Oii: Organisation Intersex International Australia is an independent support, education and policy development organisation run by and for people with intersex variations or traits. Oii focus on human rights, bodily autonomy, self-determination and on evidence-based, patient-directed health care.
All current Collarts students can access free and confidential appointments with our Wellbeing Support and Counsellors. Our counsellors are able to assistance with many issues, including:
Some of the benefits of counselling can be:
Collarts has a dedicated Career Pathways Department ready to assist students and alumni with anything related to careers and jobs. We offer support and assistance with job and internship applications, resumés, cover letters, professional branding (including social media profiles), career advice, interview prep and networking.
In addition to our dedicated careers support, industry awareness team, lecturers currently working in their fields and our multitude of event & festival partnerships, we offer multiple opportunities necessary for getting started in the creative industries.
Students and alumni can also access the Career Ready Hub, a one-stop resource to help the Collarts community tackle the job market, including information on internships, portfolios, interviews, and more. For further help, contact Student Support at support@collarts.edu.au to book a one-on-one appointment either in-person or online.
Sexual assault and sexual harassment is not ok, and Collarts is committed to preventing sexual misconduct in its physical and virtual environments. Click here for more details.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 - Telephone counselling (Available 24 hours, 7 days)
Suicide Helpline: 1300 651 251 (Available 24 hours, 7 days)
Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292 - Counselling, advocacy and referral
Directline: 1800 888 236 - Drug and Alcohol counselling (Free, anonymous and confidential - 24/7)
Griefline: 03 5596 7799 - Bereavement support (12pm - 3am)
Mensline: 1300 789 978 - counselling and referrals for men
WIRE: 1300 134 130 - Support and referral for women, nonbinary and gender-diverse people (Free and confidential)
Nurse on Call: 1300 606 024 - expert health advice (24 hours, 7 days a week)
City of Yarra Child Care: (03) 9205 5555 - Child care centres near Collarts campuses
In an EMERGENCY call: 000 or 112 from a mobile phone
Collarts provides access to a range of physical and online library resources, services and facilities across two sites, as well as off campus. With a Design Library at Cromwell St and a space dedicated to music and performance resources at Wellington St, Collarts is committed to providing all students with constant opportunities to discover, access, use, create and share knowledge. Online services have been curated in response to student need and include highly regarded research and learning databases such as JSTOR, Informit and Linkedin Learning.
Collarts offers support and guidance in a variety of academic areas such as essay writing, referencing, research techniques, time management, planning, presentations, and critical reflection. We also offer support in developing learning habits that align with what research shows the most successful students apply in their studies. Students can also receive guidance in using online tools for writing feedback, managing references and creating a personalised research compendium. Meetings are available in one-on-one sessions in person, online, or via email. Individual courses also offer subject-specific tutoring.
The student handbook contains details about our college including: our mission and vision, campus information, enrolment details, program and assessment details, as well as our policies and procedures.
You can view or download the Higher Education Student Handbook here.
You can view or download the VET Student Handbook here.
You can view or download the International Student Guide here.
For Higher Education Policies and Forms, click here.
For RTO Policies and Forms, click here.
To view our Governance Chart, click here.
To view our Reconciliation Action Plan, click here.