The University of Auckland is New?Zealand’s largest and most internationally recognised university, located in Auckland, the country’s most vibrant and multicultural city. It attracts students from over 100 countries and offers extensive support services—including academic advising, wellbeing support, career development, English?language assistance and help with visas and settling in New?Zealand—which help international students thrive.

 

The Bachelor of Fine Arts is part of the Elam School of Fine Arts, one of the country’s leading creative art schools. The programme focuses on studio practice, creative development and critical thinking through a broad range of artistic media.

 

Why Study Bachelor of Fine Arts

The BFA empowers students to become creative thinkers, artists and cultural contributors. It develops skills in:

• Creativity & artistic expression
• Critical and conceptual thinking
• Technical skills across various media
• Collaboration and professional practice
• Creative problem?solving and research skills

 

Programme Structure & Subjects

The BFA programme is structured to give you a broad toolkit of artistic skills and creative thinking. The curriculum generally includes:

Core Courses

• Studio and Technologies Foundations (e.g., FINEARTS 110)

• Fine Arts Studio Practice (e.g., FINEARTS 111–113)

• Advanced Studios and Practice (e.g., FINEARTS 320–322)

Electives & Artistic Exploration

• Electives from FINEARTS 205–236 (approx. 30 points)

• Electives from FINEARTS 240–250 (approx. 60 points)

• Electives from other degrees (optional, up to 45 points)

• General Education courses (approx. 15–30 points)

Final Year Capstone

• In your final year, you complete a capstone project—an original creative body of work—and associated research essay to demonstrate your independent artistic practice and conceptual thinking.

 

Career Outcomes

The BFA prepares you for diverse creative careers, including:

• Professional Artist
• Curator or Gallery Practitioner
• Creative Director
• Photographer / Visual Artist
• Performance or Installation Artist
• Arts Writer / Critic
• Media or Digital Creative
• Educator in arts and creative practice

 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

To study in New?Zealand, international students must obtain a Student Visa once offered enrolment.

Typical requirements include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Valid passport
• Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
• English language proficiency evidence
• Health and travel insurance

 

Key Highlights – At a Glance

• Level?7 undergraduate degree with studio emphasis and creative development.
• 3?year full?time programme at the City Campus, Auckland.
• Wide range of artistic media including painting, sculpture, photography, digital media and performance.
• Final year capstone project with research essay.
• Pathways to honours and postgraduate study (MFA, DocFA).
• Strong creative and cultural career opportunities.