Selection criteria for admission
In addition to ATAR/Rank application, an optional portfolio admission pathway is also available for students who wish to instead demonstrate creative capability.
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.
Applying via Portfolio or ATAR/Rank
Students can apply for the following degrees via ATAR/Rank application, or portfolio pathway:
- Bachelor of Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art
- Diploma of Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business*
- Bachelor of Visual Arts
- Bachelor of Visual Arts/Bachelor of Business*
Applicants who wish to be considered via the portfolio pathway must submit by the related close date. 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.
Portfolio on-demand webinar
Hear from our expert teachers about what they are looking for in your portfolio application.
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: Discuss the work of two artists who have influenced your work. In your response explain why they are important to you and if possible, how they are significant in art history.
- Design degrees: What role should Design play in a changing world? Provide an example of a specific design to support your argument.
- Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n 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
Submit your application via QTAC or UAC*
Important dates when applying for study:
For study in Trimester 1, 2026:
Design and Visual Arts portfolios are open for submission from 5 August - 5 September 2025.
Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art (CAIA) portfolio is open for submission until 9 February 2026.
For study in Trimester 2, 2026:
Design and Visual Arts portfolios are open for submission from 1 April - 30 April 2026.
Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art (CAIA) portfolio is open for submission until 22 June 2026.
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.
First Peoples mature applicants (not directly from Year 12) may apply via First Peoples Direct Admission.
QTAC
- 241252 Bachelor of Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art (South Bank)
- 241441 Diploma of Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art/Bachelor of Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art (South Bank)
- 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)
- 283292 Bachelor of Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art (South Bank)
- 283293 Diploma of Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art/Bachelor of Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art (South Bank)
- 283255 Bachelor of Design (Gold Coast)
- 283256 Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business (Gold Coast)
- 283288 Bachelor of Visual Arts (South Bank)
- 283289 Bachelor of Visual Arts/Bachelor of Business (South Bank)
*Griffith University students can apply via Internal Transfer. Fees and deadlines for portfolio admission outlined on this page will apply.
Please note, international students are required to apply via the international application process.
Pay your portfolio submission fee
Applications to Design and Visual Arts have a $55 portfolio submission fee, payable via . This fee is due within the noted application period.
No fees apply for applications to Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art Programs.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, or 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.
For study in Trimester 1, 2026:
Design and Visual Arts portfolios are open for submission from 5 August - 5 September 2025.
Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art (CAIA) portfolio is open for submission until 9 February 2026.
For study in Trimester 2, 2026:
Design and Visual Arts portfolios are open for submission from 1 April - 30 April 2026.
Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art (CAIA) portfolio is open for submission until 22 June 2026.
Attend an interview
All applicants will be invited to interview.
Interviews for Design and Visual Arts are in a group setting.
Contemporary É«ÇéÍøÕ¾n Indigenous Art applicants will be contacted by the Program Directo, to organise a mutually agreeable time.
Interviews for Trimester 1, 2026 Design and Visual Arts portfolio applicants will be held the week of 22 September 2025.
Interviews for Trimester 2, 2026 Design and Visual Arts portfolio applicants will be held on Wednesday 20 May 2026.
FAQs
On-demand Portfolio admission webinar
Watch our portfolio admissions on-demand webinar to hear from our expert teachers on what to include in your portfolio, how it's assessed and the insider tips that can give you the edge.