BFA - Bachelor of Fine Arts

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule/Programme Rules
Degree Plan
Graduate Profile

Artists are storytellers, change-makers, disruptors and creators who shape our culture and enrich our society.

At Elam, you will develop skills in creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and entrepreneurship. These skills will prepare you to make an impact in businesses and other organisations, in all areas of the creative industries and in the wider community.

The BFA gives you freedom to bring your ideas to life by exploring, researching, and experimenting in a wide range of creative media and technologies. Our teachers and specialist technicians will support and guide your making, allowing you to refine your skills and produce artworks of high calibre.

Browse contemporary art projects by our Fine Arts students.

Please note that, while you can study for most of a BFA part-time, the final semester needs to be completed full-time. This is because FINEARTS 321 and FINEARTS 322 need to be taken together.

Because our programme is flexible, you’ll build a pathway of study that feels right for you. But whichever you choose, you’ll learn in three key areas:

Creative artistic practices
Research themes
Creative careers

Study in these three areas makes up your artist toolkit and sets you up for a lifetime of creative thinking and making.

While studying, you’ll have opportunities to explore a range of practices such as art writing, ceramics, curatorial practices, digital media, drawing, installation, moving image, ngā toi taketake, painting, performance art, photography, print sculpture, social and public art, sound art and more.

In your final year, you will complete a capstone Fine Arts project and an associated research essay.

We recommend you choose WTRAED 100 - Waipapa Taumata Rau: Introduction to Te Pūtahi Mātauranga, Arts and Education as one of your General Education courses.

Conjoint options - Conjoint programmes let you pursue two undergraduate bachelors degrees at the same time.

Learn more about conjoints

Businesses and organisations hire creatives to address challenges, discover opportunities and bring new possibilities to life. The job market is constantly changing, and the diversity of career opportunities available to graduates is growing. Success as a creative practitioner extends beyond the world of contemporary art, with graduates finding employment in advertising, communication design, marketing, fashion, filmmaking, architecture, business, journalism and many more areas.

Art Director
Artist
Creative Strategist
Creative Project Lead
Educator
Filmmaker
Writer
Visual Designer

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

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A breakdown of the Bachelor of Fine Arts programme structure

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2027 Semester One	08 December 2026	01 March 2027	28 June 2027
2027 Semester Two	04 July 2027	19 July 2027	15 November 2027

1 - 2

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 in the University Calendar and the related Programme and Course Limitations and selection criteria.

New Zealand Secondary School Qualifications

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard .
You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

Qualification and Score required

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) - 150
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) - 150
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) - 26

New Zealand Tertiary Qualifications

You can transfer from another NZ tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

These are the minimum grades required to be considered for entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.

2.4 - Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculate your Grade Point Average

2.4 - Grade Point Equivalent (GPE) Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent

Transfer of Credit

You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information, see External transfer of credit.
If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.
See information about prior tertiary study requirements

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

If you are a domestic applicant, you will generally be considered proficient in English.

6.0 - IELTS Academic score required

No bands less than - 5.5

See alternative English language requirements

International Secondary School Qualification

If your qualification is not in the table, below you will need to have one of the following

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) with a minimum total score of 26
General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level with a minimum total score of CCC
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) with a minimum total score of CCC

Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included. You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.

Please note:

We do not offer direct entry from secondary school in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, or United Arab Emirates. Foundation or tertiary qualifications are required. See foundation programmes for international students or prior tertiary qualifications requirement below.

All other countries/qualifications will be assessed on application.

Country	Qualification	Grade	Notes

			<p>You must have completed a minimum of <strong>three A-level subjects</strong>. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.</p><p>This covers GCE and Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level subjects from: Edexcel, AQA, OCR, CCEA, WJEC, Cambridge International and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB). Scores are calculated on the best three academic subjects. General Studies cannot be included. Only H2 Level academic subjects are considered for GCE A Level taken in Singapore. </p>


			<p><strong>Ontario Secondary School Diploma</strong> (OSSD) or a High School Diploma equivalent which includes university preparatory courses and English. A minimum overall average of 65 percent is required; grading systems vary from province to province.</p><p><strong>British Columbia Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma</strong> with at least five Bs in acceptable grade 12 courses.</p><p><strong>Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel</strong> (CEGEP – Quebec General and Vocational College) with at least 60 percent across 6 subjects including English, taken in the first year of the CEGEP programme.</p><p>Completion of a Canadian Secondary School Diploma is required. All applicants must achieve an overall average score (listed in the table) based on their academic Year 12 courses. For the Ontario Secondary School Diploma this is the best six Grade 12 University Preparation (4U), College Preparation (4C), or University/College Preparation (4M) courses including grade 12 English-intensive subjects including Biology, Classical Studies, Economics, English Language (must be 4C, 4M or 4U English if Ontario), English Literature, History, History of Art, Geography. For all other provinces’ High School Diploma qualifications (excluding Quebec) admission will be based on the best five academic Grade 12 courses including Grade 12 English or English-intensive subjects, and any other subjects required for the programme. </p>

			<p><strong>Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination</strong> (Fiji Form 7 Examination) with a minimum aggregate score of 250 over four subjects, including 50 percent in English – Fiji Ministry of Education Official Results.</p><p><strong>South Pacific Form Seven Certificate</strong> (SPFSC) with a minimum of three ‘B’ grades, and grade 5 or better in PSSC English and grade 6 or better in PSSC mathematics.</p><p>Aggregate of best four academic subjects (including English). No subject should be below 50%.</p>
			<p><strong>Hong Kong Diploma in Secondary Education</strong> (HKDSE) with an aggregate score of at least 15. </p><p>Scores are calculated as an aggregate of 5 subjects from Category A and/ or Category C subjects (Category B subjects are excluded). The 5 subjects must include the 4 Core subjects in Category A and the best elective subject from either Category A or C. The subject level of 1 is equal to 1 point up to 5 points for the level of 5, and 6 for 5* and 5**. If extended Mathematics is taken with Core Mathematics, the scores may be combined and averaged as one score.</p>
			<p>12 years of schooling and an overall average of 75 percent in the <strong>All-India Senior School Certificate</strong> (AISSC),<strong> Indian School Certificate</strong> (ISC), <strong>Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal State Board Examinations</strong> with a minimum of 70 percent in English.</p><p>From Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board, Bengaluru and West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education: All applicants must achieve an overall average of 75% with a minimum of 70% in English. The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects.</p>
			<p>12 years of schooling and an overall average of 80 percent in <strong>all other Higher Secondary State Board Examinations </strong>with a minimum of 75 percent in English.</p><p>All applicants must achieve an overall average of 80% with a minimum of 75% in English. The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects. Applicable to all other examinations boards.</p>







			<p>The score is an aggregate of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Mathematic scores in the redesigned SAT Reasoning Test (available from March 2016) or the Critical Reading and Mathematics sores in SAT Reasoning Tests taken prior to March 2016. To be considered for entry, applicants must submit a SAT result and a High School Diploma with transcripts from a United States regionally accredited high school with above average grades. </p><p><strong>American College Testing (ACT)</strong>: is also acceptable and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. To be considered for entry, applicants must submit the results of their ACT test results and a High School Diploma with transcripts from a United States regionally accredited high school with above average grades. </p>
			<p><strong>General Education Development (GED) Certificate</strong> from an acceptable GED body, plus a minimum Advanced Placement exam (AP) aggregate score of 8 across all AP exams (minimum of 2 exams and a maximum of 4), or an <strong>ACT </strong>composite score of 24, or a minimum <strong>SAT</strong> Reasoning Test result of 1160 (aggregate of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Mathematic scores in SAT Reasoning Tests taken from March 2016 or the Critical Reading and Mathematics scores in SAT Reasoning Tests taken prior to March 2016).</p><p>Scores are calculated as an aggregate across all AP exams (minimum of 2 exams and a maximum of 4). Minimum grade of 3 is required in each exam. Results must be US College Board examined and certified. To be considered for entry, applicants must submit AP exam results and a High School Diploma with transcripts from a United States regionally accredited high school with above average grades.</p>
			<p><strong>High School Diploma</strong> from a USA-based high school, plus a minimum Advanced Placement exam (AP) aggregate score of 8 across all AP exams (minimum of 2 exams and a maximum of 4), or an ACT composite score of 24, or a minimum <strong>SAT </strong>Reasoning Test result of 1160 (aggregate of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Mathematic scores in SAT Reasoning Tests taken from March 2016 or the Critical Reading and Mathematics scores in SAT Reasoning Tests taken prior to March 2016). Please note that a US High School Diploma completed through home schooling, distance correspondence, online, or at a school located outside of the US, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.</p>
			<p>Complete the <strong>National High School Graduation Examination</strong> (Kỳ Thi Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông Quốc Gia) with an overall pass and achieve a minimum GPA of 8.0/10.0 in each of the best four subjects (both mandatory and elective) (excluding National Defence and Security Education) in Grade 12, as indicated on the <strong>High School report</strong> (Học Bạ Trung Học Phổ Thông).</p>

International Tertiary Institution Qualification

You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these minimum requirements.

You will need to have one year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

2.4 - Grade Point Equivalent Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

2.4 - Grade Point Average Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Transfer of Credit

You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information see External transfer of credit.

You could be eligible for another programme or check out these alternative pathways:

Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)

Please note that while regulations and course outlines for future academic years may be displayed or made available in advance, they remain subject to change. Official, final approved programme regulations for the upcoming academic year will be available when the University Calendar is published in late October of the preceding year. Any information available prior to Calendar publication should be treated as provisional.

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Arts and Education.

1 A student enrolled for this degree must follow a programme equivalent to six full-time semesters, and pass courses with a total value of 360 points unless credit is granted under the Admission Regulations and/or the Credit Regulations.

2 Of the 360 points required for this degree, a student must pass:

a at least 300 points as listed in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Schedule, including at least 195 points above Stage I, of which 75 points must be above Stage II

b 30 points from courses offered in either the General Education Open Schedule or the relevant General Education Schedule approved for this degree

c the Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar

d up to 30 points from courses available from other Bachelors degrees at this University.

3 A student who is required to meet the Academic English Language Requirement, as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations of the University of Auckland Calendar, may substitute an academic English language course approved by the Senate or its representative for 15 points of General Education.

4 a A student is exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules who has:

either

(i) completed an undergraduate degree at a tertiary institution

(ii) been admitted to this degree having completed 240 points or more of degree-level study at another tertiary institution.

b A student who has been exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules must substitute the requirement with courses approved by the Academic Head.

c A student admitted to this degree, who has completed between 120 and 235 points inclusive of degree-level study at another tertiary institution, or who has completed a minimum of 50 points of study towards this degree in one semester at an overseas institution, either through an overseas exchange programme or through prior approval under the Credit Regulations, must pass 15 points from courses offered in the General Education Schedules.

d A student who has been fully or partially exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules is nonetheless required to complete the Academic Integrity course.

5 Special arrangements apply where this degree is taken as a component degree of an approved conjoint combination. The specific requirements and a complete list of the conjoint degrees available are set out in the Conjoint Degrees section of the University Calendar.

6 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.