Find your voice in a dynamic creative environment

At QCAD, you'll have many opportunities to engage industry and build towards a successful career in the creative industries. You may undertake internships and work on industry projects; attend guest lectures and masterclasses; access an exciting calendar of exhibitions and artist talks; explore opportunities to sell your work through QCAD Galleries; apply for scholarships to assist with your studies; or embark on international study tours.

If you're still in high school and considering study at the Queensland College of Art and Design, visit High School Opportunities.

QCAD Live

QCAD Live houses a number of professional Visual Art, Photography and Design studios within the Queensland College of Art and Design ( QCAD ), Griffith University. We offer a dynamic range of creative and commercial services at a commercial rate.

Whether you need an illustration, design, mural, sculpture or print, our emerging artists, photographers, and designers will bring your vision to life under the guidance of our expert staff.

Students work on projects for real clients in one of our commercial studios, run by practitioners with years of industry experience. Our key industry links assist students to forge critical contacts and develop networks.

World-class facilities

Our creative spaces on both the South Bank and Gold Coast campuses provide cutting-edge facilities and equipment for students pursuing a visual arts or design career.

3D print and laser cutting labs, microelectronics workshops, studios and flexible work spaces allow students to take their concepts from design to prototype under one roof.

QCAD Galleries

Exhibitions, guest lectures and artist talks are programmed throughout the year across five QCAD Galleries exhibition spaces, with exhibition opportunities available to students, staff and external exhibitors.

Griffith University Art Museum Internship Program

Successful applicants for this internship gain a broad introduction to working life at a museum. Interns work closely with museum staff members to undertake daily operations across our Gallery and Collection locations and learn about installing exhibitions, preventative conservation, condition reporting and other hands-on museum skills.

Exhibitions and artist talks

Students have access to an exciting calendar of on-campus seminars, guest lectures, masterclasses and exhibitions. Learn from industry leaders in the design and visual arts industries.

Image: World renowned photographer Adam Ferguson engaged in a critique session with Documentary Photography students in the QCAD photography studios. Adam has won numerous photography awards and was named Photographer of the Year at the Pictures of the Year International competition. His work has been published in the world’s top mastheads, including The New York Times, Time magazine, National Geographic and Vanity Fair.

Partner Institutions and collaborations

We have a strong commitment to community partnerships and internationalisation. Take advantage of a wide range of learning and cultural exchanges through our close ties with an increasing array of international partner institutions, including Beijing Normal University, California State University, University of Edinburgh, Shandong University of Art and Design, James Fraser University, and Korea’s KAIST Centre for Creative Entrepreneurs.

Go global

Through the Griffith Global Mobility program, we offer a variety of international learning experiences to enhance graduate outcomes. Eligible students can participate in programs in over 50 countries, including: trimester, summer or winter exchange; global internships; international volunteering; overseas short courses, conferences and workshops; field trips and research practicums.

Scholarships

There are over 600+ scholarships available at Griffith University for academic performance, accommodation, sport, First Peoples and equity to cover university fees, living and education expenses. Scholarships are free to apply. There are a number of scholarships specific to Visual and Creative Arts students, including the $10,000 Art in Bark Bursary for commencing Visual Arts students from regional areas.

High school and community opportunities

The Queensland College of Art and Design offers a range of high school programs across our Gold Coast and South Bank campuses. Arrange a personalised campus tour, attend one of our workshops, or come along to an Experience Day. We also offer alternate pathway programs for students to start studying with us sooner.

Creative Arts Open Day

Come and be inspired by the limitless potential of creativity at Griffith University's Creative Arts Open Day. Explore a world of artistic innovation and creative expression. Immerse yourself in interactive workshops, exhibitions, and engaging demonstrations and envision the endless possibilities of a future in the arts.

Find out more

Open Day

Join us on Griffith's Open Day and explore a world of possibilities! With over 150 activities, workshops, and information sessions to choose from, our Open Day is your ticket to an unforgettable experience. Whether you're curious about science, business, arts, or health, we have something for everyone.

Find out more

Art and Design Schools Program

QCAD’s Art and Design Schools Program celebrates outstanding creative talent across Queensland through workshops and exhibitions for high school students.

The program connects art, design and technology-focused students with our expert staff, creating a two-way dialogue that inspires students and exposes their early work to leading creative practitioners from QCAD.

Art and Design Schools Program workshops focus on the practical and hands-on, supported by the theoretical concepts that underpin the creative arts.

View 2024 calendar and express your interest in participating

Experience days: Year 10–12 students

Experience days allow you to get a taste of University life. Meet lecturers and staff from your specific area of interest, as well as like-minded students from other schools.

Contact qcaadminteam@griffith.edu.au for more information.

Head Start program for high school students

The Head Start program offers the opportunity for motivated senior high school students to sample university life by studying a single course at university while still at school.

Find out more on the Head Start website

Unireach program for Year 12 students

The UniReach program aims to give students at selected Brisbane and Gold Coast secondary schools assistance in improving their academic performance in order to gain entry to Griffith.

Students are selected with the support of principals, teachers and guidance officers.

Find out more about Uni-Reach

Support for school teachers

We offer support, networking opportunities and professional development for teachers, with a focus on design and photography subjects. Our Professional Development days are engaging, informative and interactive. A certificate of participation is awarded to each teacher as evidence of their professional development.

Contact qcaadminteam@griffith.edu.au for more information.

Campus tours and school visits

We can arrange for our staff, lecturers or current students to come out to your school and talk to students, highlighting our different areas of study.

We can also arrange a broad presentation on careers and pathways into Griffith.

Alternatively, campus tours are a fantastic way of giving students a hands-on experience at the Queensland College of Art and Design.

You can arrange a visit at any one of our campuses, take a tour of our new and exciting teaching and research facilities, and meet with our expert lecturers.

Contact qcaadminteam@griffith.edu.au for more information.

VET pathways for school leavers

At Griffith we have a long tradition of recognising the skills and knowledge gained through Vocational Education and Training (VET) as a highly effective pathway to university. Griffith encourages senior secondary students to achieve an ATAR . We retain our policy of recognising stand-alone VET qualifications completed at high school.

Certificates III and IV

A completed Certificate III or IV, undertaken while at school, will allow you to apply to study a range of degrees at Griffith University. These degrees are identified in the Griffith Degree Finder.

Find out more

Support for high school students

If you’re finishing high school and are ready to transition to university, we can help.

Current student enquiries

1800 154 055

Future student enquiries

1800 677 728

Griffith International

Griffith International site

Location and delivery address
South Bank campus
Queensland College of Art and Design
Griffith University
226 Grey Street
South Bank, QLD 4101
Location and delivery address
Gold Coast campus
Queensland College of Art and Design
Griffith University
Parklands Drive
Southport, QLD 4222

Griffith Experts

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