Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2026 Semester One – 2 March
2026 Semester Two – 20 July
Available locations
City
Points
360
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

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

At Elam School of Fine Arts, 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.

You can also study towards a BFA alongside another discipline as part of a conjoint degree. This means you complete two undergraduate programmes at the same time. You can complete a BFA conjoint with a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.

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.

Conjoint options

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

Learn more about conjoints

Programme structure

Because our programme is flexible, you’ll build a pathway of study that feels right for you. But whatever 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.

The broad structure of the programme is:

  • Seven core courses: FINEARTS 110, 111, 112, 113, 320, 321, 322 (165 points)
  • Two elective courses from FINEARTS 205–236 (30 points)
  • Two elective courses from FINEARTS 240–250 (60 points)
  • One Waipapa Taumata Rau course (15 points)
  • One General Education course (15 points)
  • Additional elective courses from this degree (up to 75 points)
  • Additional elective courses from other bachelors degrees (up to 45 points)

Learn more about Fine Arts courses.

Most students need to take one General Education course.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    FINEARTS 110
    Name:
    Introduction to Fine Arts Technologies
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    FINEARTS 111
    Name:
    Fine Arts Studio 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    FINEARTS 112
    Name:
    Fine Arts Studio 2
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    FINEARTS 113
    Name:
    Ideas and Contexts for Creative Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Waipapa Taumata Rau course
    Type:
    Core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    General Education course
    Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 2 120 points

  • Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 3 120 points

  • Code:
    FINEARTS 320
    Name:
    Creative Practice Research Methodologies
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    FINEARTS 321
    Name:
    Fine Arts Studio 3: Capstone Project
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    45 pts
  • Code:
    FINEARTS 322
    Name:
    Research Essay Making Sense of Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Subjects available in this programme

  • Fine Arts
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

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

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

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

These are the indicative entry requirements, and more detailed information will be provided soon. The following scores will guarantee you entry. Please note that we encourage you to apply even if you don't think you will achieve these scores.

  • Qualification
    NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement
    Score required
    150
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    150
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    26

Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

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

Guaranteed grade requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed 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.

Other pathways to study

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

My highest qualification is from this country or region:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You need to have one of the following:

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects. 
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). 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.

Minimum grade, subject and other requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    26
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level
    Score required
    CCC
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

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

You need to have the following:

One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas. 

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Guaranteed grade requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed 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.

Other pathways to study

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Fine Arts cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,288.40*
International students
NZ$42,832*

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. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

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

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Applications close 8 December.

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.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

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

How to apply

Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

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.

Jobs related to this programme

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

Further study options

See all study options
Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate, Logan Moffat

Logan Moffat

Developing critical thinking skills in the Bachelor of Fine Arts helped Logan create more authentic work.

Read Logan's story

Student career planning service

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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Experience the University

Student working at one of the print machines on campus

Take a 360° tour with Elam students

Enjoy a 360° virtual tour of some of the Fine Arts spaces on campus.

Do you need help?

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Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

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Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513