Bachelor of Photography

Students can major in one of four areas: Art-centred Photography (innovative and experimental image-making within contemporary art discourse), Client-centred Photography (commissioned professional practice), World-centred Photography (documentary, photojournalism, socially engaged art and critical theory), or Expanded Media Arts (intersection of art, technology and digital culture). Students can also choose a minor in one of these areas, select minors from other School of Art subjects (e.g. Public Art and Social Practice, Art History and Theory, Contemporary Art), or choose from interdisciplinary minors such as Foundations of Sustainability, Gender Studies, Digital Communication, Advertising, Journalism, Cinema Studies, Media, Entrepreneurship, and more.

Entry to the Bachelor of Photography is competitive but is not based on a published minimum ATAR cutoff. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task, which includes an applicant statement (up to 100 words on interest in photography, and up to 100 words on relevant experience or goals) and a folio of up to eight original photographic images in a single PDF (max 5MB) with a concept statement. For Semester 2 2026 / Semester 1 2027, the selection task submission deadline is 17 July 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

The Bachelor of Photography is available as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). For commencing students in 2026, the annual student contribution (tuition fee) for a standard full-time year is between AU$4,738 and AU$17,399 depending on which subject bands your enrolled courses fall into. Most photography subjects are likely to fall under the Allied Health, Visual and Performing Arts, and related band at AU$9,537 per standard year. The maximum Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) for 2026 is AU$373. Additional costs may include field trips, textbooks, and equipment. For international students, the 2026 annual fee is AU$42,240. HECS-HELP loans are available for eligible domestic students.

Yes. Two scholarships are specifically available for Bachelor of Photography students: the IDEA Photography Scholarship for Excellence (for commencing Bachelor of Photography students who demonstrate creative excellence in their photography, worth up to AU$22,500) and the IDEA Photography Equity Scholarship (for students enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Photography who can demonstrate circumstances which impact their study, worth up to AU$22,500). RMIT also awards more than 2,000 scholarships annually across all programs.

RMIT Photography has partnerships with the National Gallery of Victoria, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Image Makers Australia Association, photography festivals, and many galleries and related organisations. The degree includes industry mentorships, work-integrated learning projects, competitions, and industry placements. In previous years, students have worked with organisations including The Social Studio, ABC Fact Check, Nepal Picture Library, Habitat for Humanity, Ballarat International Foto Biennale, Tennis Australia, Next Wave Festival, Midsumma Festival, and The Royal Children's Hospital. International exchange opportunities are also available to New York, Chicago, Paris, Amsterdam, the UK, and China (via the YAAD program).

In the final (third) year, students produce a major photographic project — a self-led body of original work demonstrating their practice within their major area of specialisation — which is presented at the School of Art's annual Graduate Exhibition. After successfully completing the degree, graduates may be eligible for entry into RMIT's Bachelor of Arts (Photography) (Honours), Master of Photography, or higher degrees by research offered through the RMIT School of Art.