The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a prestigious degree that will give you a broad knowledge in visual arts, multimedia, and design before you specialise in one studio area.
The four-year degree is based within purpose-built facilities and students enjoy being part of a supportive community of practitioners.
Entry requirements
To apply for admission to the Intermediate Year (first year) of the BFA directly from secondary school, you need to have met University Entrance requirements and:
- achieved NCEA Level 3 Visual Arts in one or more subjects; and
- at least 14 credits in each of two other NCEA Level 3 subjects (that are not practical art subjects) is also strongly recommended; or
- the equivalent standards in other secondary school qualifications.
All applicants also need to submit an application form, a letter of introduction, and a portfolio of work.
How to apply
Entry to the Intermediate Year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts is limited. In addition to the Application to Enrol, you need to complete and supply by 15 November:
- the Application for Fine Arts Intermediate course form
- a letter of introduction
- a portfolio of work.
You are encouraged to apply as early as possible, and to visit Te Kura Kōwaiwai | Ilam School of Fine Arts before making your application. The School welcomes applications from October.
Portfolio of work
In addition to the application form, you should also provide a portfolio of recently completed art and/or design work.
The portfolio must include 12 examples of work from NCEA (or equivalent) practical arts subjects. The format must be colour, laser printed, and stapled A4 photographs.
This is your opportunity to demonstrate:
- evidence of your competency and ability in artmaking – so please make sure you include your best work. We also need to see aspects of your methodology; examples of preliminary sketches are important here.
- your best possible work presentation. There are a number of formatting requirements for the supply of your work portfolio – please see the application form for details.
- your ability to express your thinking in a written statement. This is your chance to demonstrate a critical understanding of how the work operates, the decisions you made, and what you are trying to address through your work.
For more information on the application process for the Intermediate Year, go to Te Kura Kōwaiwai | Ilam School of Fine Arts website.
Contact us
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Fine Arts.
For study planning help, contact the UC Liaison Office | Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC (new students) or a College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata Student Advisor (advancing students).
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see the College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata.
For more general information, email [email protected] or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).