Queensland College of Art and Design (QCAD) uses a range of selection criteria for admission into its programs.
Admission for design and visual arts degrees is via portfolio submission or ATAR/Rank Guarantee.
A portfolio is a collection of work that showcases your skills, commitment and creative potential. While we believe that your academic performance is important, we know it’s not the only sign of your development, so it may not show us your creative ambitions and potential.
Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (CAIA) admission is via portfolio only.
Applying via Portfolio or ATAR /Rank
Domestic students can apply for the following degrees using either a portfolio application or a standard ATAR /Rank application:
- Bachelor of Visual Arts
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Visual Arts/Bachelor of Business*
- Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business*
Applicants who wish to be considered via the portfolio pathway must submit by the related close date and therefore have the opportunity to secure their place in an early round. Applicants who are not successful with their portfolio/interview will automatically be considered based on ATAR/Rank.
*Double degree admission requirements vary to single degrees. Visit degree finder via the links above to view specific entry requirements for each double degree.
Please note, international students are required to apply via the international application process.
Portfolio requirements
Preparing a portfolio can be daunting, but we want to be clear—we’re looking for potential, not the finished article. Don’t be deterred if you feel like you don’t have enough knowledge or experience to meet the requirements. The ability to respond creatively to the brief is more important than access to equipment or software.
Remember, we want to get to know you and your ideas, so be sure you present only work that is 100% your own and give credit to those whose ideas, words and images you reference.
Your portfolio
Your portfolio is comprised of 6-10 images of your own work in any media (either completed or work in progress) and a short description and the year in which the work was created.
Your portfolio is assessed on:
- Originality and creativity
- Technical competence and skill level
- Potential for further development
Written response
The written response comprises 600-800 words addressing one of following questions:
- Visual Arts degrees: What do you think makes good art in a contemporary world? Provide an example to support your argument.
- Design degrees: What role should Design play in a changing world? Provide an example of a specific design to support your argument.
- Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art: What is your understanding of Indigenous art practices and what are their role within contemporary society? Provide an example to support your argument.
Your written response is assessed on:
- Knowledge and critical thinking
- Written expression
Interview
All applicants will be invited to a group interview to discuss why you want to study a creative arts degree at QCAD .
Your interview is assessed on:
- Ability to communicate
- Self-motivation and self-awareness.
Steps to apply to Design and Visual Arts
Submit your application via QTAC or UAC*
Important dates when applying for study:
For study in Trimester 1, 2025:
On time portfolio applications for Design and Visual Arts have now closed. Applicants who apply once portfolio application has closed can be considered via ATAR/Rank admission in subsequent offer rounds.
When applying via QTAC or UAC , choose your preferred degree and/or specialisations. Only Design degrees are available via UAC .
QTAC
- 241292 Bachelor of Design (South Bank)
- 236142 Bachelor of Design (Gold Coast)
- 241341 Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business (South Bank/Nathan)
- 236131 Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business (Gold Coast)
- 241381 Bachelor of Visual Arts (South Bank)
- 241391 Bachelor of Visual Arts/Bachelor of Business (South Bank/Nathan)
UAC (for NSW and ACT applicants)
- 283255 Bachelor of Design (Gold Coast)
- 283256 Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business (Gold Coast)
*Griffith University students can apply via Internal Transfer. Fees and deadlines for portfolio admission outlined on this page will apply.
Pay your portfolio submission fee
Pay the $55 portfolio submission fee via GriffithPay.
Trimester 1, 2025
On time portfolio applications for Design and Visual Arts have now closed. Applicants who apply once portfolio application has closed can be considered via ATAR/Rank admission in subsequent offer rounds.
If you need help with this step, contact us: portfolioadmissions@griffith.edu.au
Upload your portfolio and written response
Your portfolio and written response are uploaded via the online portal, Queensland College of Art and Design - SlideRoom.
Trimester 1, 2025
On time portfolio applications for Design and Visual Arts have now closed. Applicants who apply once portfolio application has closed can be considered via ATAR/Rank admission in subsequent offer rounds.
Attend an interview
All applicants will be invited to a group interview.
Interviews for Trimester 1, 2025 portfolio applicants will be held Monday 23 September – Friday 27 September, 2024.
Steps to apply to Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (CAIA)
Applications for Trimester 1 2025 will open on 1 August 2024.
If you are a recent school leaver (currently in year 12), please submit your application via QTAC or UAC.
QTAC: 241252 Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (South Bank) or 241441 Diploma of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art/Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (South Bank).
UAC: 283292 Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (South Bank) or 283293 Diploma of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art/Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (South Bank).
If you are a mature applicant you can apply via First Peoples Direct Admission (not available to Year 12 school leavers.)
Should you be experiencing financial hardship and need help with your QTAC application fees, please contact portfolioadmissions@griffith.edu.au.
Upload your portfolio and written response.
Your portfolio and written response are uploaded via the online portal, Queensland College of Art and Design - SlideRoom.
Attend an interview.
All applicants will be invited to an interview. Following application submission, the Program Director will contact you to organise a mutually agreeable day and time.
FAQs
Portfolio admission at Queensland College of Art and Design
A short message from Queensland College of Art and Design Program Directors Dr Julie Fragar (Visual Arts) and Dr Petra Perolini (Design) about the portfolio admission process.