The best film schools in Australia are always offering film degrees and their degrees ensure that students experience all elements of the subject area, from the first spark of an idea.
These film schools in Australia are certain to help you understand how film and cinema history has impacted film and video production.
In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions and list the best film schools in Australia that you can consider.
Study in Australia
Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere and it is famous for surfing, marsupials and its warm climate.
Australia is the 6th largest country in the world and is home to over 25 million people. It has a rich, diverse and incredible culture.
Australia has a strong and consistent educational reputation that is known all over the world. They are known to have the highest percentage in terms of the population with higher education.
They have recorded high-level literacy over the years and with their high-class education system boasts of fair tuition fees.
There are 26 Australian institutions in the 2022 QS World University Rankings top 500, 7 of which are in the top 100.
The highest-ranked of these is The Australian National University, which is placed at 27th.
The next highest-ranked is the University of Melbourne, which is placed at 37th, and the University of Sydney, which is placed at 38th.
Cost of studying in Australia
When you finally choose the best film schools in Australia that you want to attend, the next thing to consider is the tuition fees of that institution. In the process, you will need to compare the public institutions and the private institutions to see which one is best for you.
The private higher institutions are likely to charge more for their courses than the government institutions.
As a domestic student in Australia, you might not have to pay tuition fees in full for your course; that means you will be paying a smaller amount towards your institution fees, as the remaining will be paid by the Australian Government.
However, as an international student, you will have to pay full tuition for your course.
For an undergraduate bachelor degree, this can be between A$15,000 and A$33,000. For a masters degree, this can be between A$20,000 and A$37,000. For a doctoral degree, this can be between A$14,000 and A$37,000.
International students studying in Australia
In order to study in Australia, you will need to obtain a student visa. With a student visa, you will be permitted to study in Australia even up to five years.
To be eligible to apply for an Australian student visa, you must be enrolled in a higher education course in Australia.
If you will be under the age of 18 when you commence your studies, you will need to provide information about your living and welfare arrangements.
There are health requirement-your institution will provide enough information about health insurance and the correct health cover for you.
Each person has a different case, therefore requirements and processes vary for everyone. You are recommended to read about visas here: Australian Student Visa.
Language of instruction in Australia
Most courses are taught in the English language in Australia, therefore as an international student from a country whose first language is not English, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency as part of the entry requirements.
If you do not meet the required standard for your course, it is common for institutions to offer English language courses to help you improve.
The coursework
Obtaining an undergraduate degree in the film will give you a good foundation of knowledge in the area. Modules in scriptwriting, film-making techniques, film productions, and creative screenwriting are some of the things you will study.
What these modules will do for you as a student is to allow you to develop your knowledge in the traditional and contemporary areas of film.
Your degree, which will be delivered in a mixture of modes will include lectures, practical sessions, film practice, as well as seminars.
Above all, you might be opportune to take part in placements where you will gain work experience in the creative industry. Read on to see the best film schools in Australia.
List of the best film schools in Australia
Here are 6 of the best film schools in Australia, the remaining will come in towards the end of the article:
- International Film School Sydney (IFSS)
- Queensland School of Film and Television (QSFT)
- Sydney Film School
- National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)
- Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)
- Film & Television Institute (FTI)
Queensland School of Film and Television (QSFT)
Since 1992, the Queensland School of Film and Television (QSFT) has specialised in providing high-quality training programs designed to support the development of professional knowledge and skills in the real world.
Students who choose to study with QSFT will gain skills and knowledge to industry professional standards.
As Australia’s leading private film school, they pride themselves on their professionalism and the personal attention they devote to each and every student.
Their students are required to roll up their sleeves and experience the practical reality of filmmaking. They offer the following programs:
QSFT’s Diploma of Screen and Media is conducted full time over 18 months. The training curriculum focuses on technical and organisational skills.
QSFT’s Certificate III in Screen and Media – High School Program is a 12-month course that is specially designed for Grade 11 and 12 High School students.
QSFT’s Certificate III in Screen and Media – Digital Media Program is an exciting short course that provides fundamental knowledge and skills.
Finally, through the year, QSFT offers a series of workshops that are the ideal introduction to filmmaking techniques and a sneak preview of the creative industry.
National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)
NIDA’s unparalleled practice-based learning, connections to industry and culture of innovation have produced some of the world’s most influential and in-demand storytellers across the stage, screen and beyond.
They offer unmatched range and depth of industry-relevant training across performing art disciplines such as:
- Acting
- Costume
- Cultural leadership
- Design
- Directing
- Make-up
- Musical theatre
- Props
- Scenic construction
- Stage management
- Technical theatre
- Voice and writing
This, along with the Institute’s international networks and deep industry links, ensures our graduates are immediately employable, enjoying successful careers in theatre, dance and opera companies, festivals and events, film, television and games production.
In addition, NIDA is one of the best film schools in Australia with scholarships that are open to future students and enrolled students. Most scholarships are allocated based on financial needs.
Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)
AFTRS is one of the best film schools in Australia and also the nation’s premier screen arts and broadcast school – the only Australian education institution to consistently make The Hollywood Reporter‘s prestigious annual list of the top film schools in the world.
They empower Australian talent to shape and share their stories with the world by delivering the most future-focused education, research and training.
Full-time, or part-time? On-campus, or online? Short, or long-form? There’s an AFTRS course that’s made for you, all you have to do is find it in this film school. Some of their popular programs include:
- Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production
- Master of Arts Screen
- Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
- Master of Arts Screen: Business Part-Time
Film & Television Institute (FTI)
FTI WA Inc., formerly the Film and Television Institute and also known as the Perth Institute of Film and Television, was a screen resource centre located in Western Australia aimed at increasing the vibrancy of the screen sector, including film, television, games and interactive media.
This is one of the best film schools in Australia and they were founded in the year 1971.
International Film School Sydney (IFSS)
41 Holt Street
Surry Hills
Sydney, New South Wales 2010
Australia
Tel. +61 2 9281 2400
Email. via the contact form
Web. ifss.edu.au
Courses Offered
Diploma (1 Year), Diploma (2 Years), Short Beginner Courses, Short Professional Courses.
Majors/Specialisms
- Directing (Fiction)
- Cinematography
- Editing
- Producing (Film)
- Production Management
- Screenwriting
- Script Development
- Sound Recording
- Visual Effects
Sydney Film School
This is not just one of the best film schools in Sydney but also among the best film schools in Australia that was founded to teach the essential filmmaking ‘tools’ necessary for a successful career in the global film industry.
It is an intense training experience where our students learn how to be filmmakers.
Through producing and crewing a significant number of films, students gain both the skills to be employed by the industry and create their own productions.
Sydney Film School offers a one-year Diploma, a one-year Advanced Diploma and a Certificate III in Screen and Media.
Their courses are intensive, hands-on programs where students learn through production.
You learn the theory of filmmaking and then apply it by making films. Lots of them.
You create your own vision for your films, while also crewing your fellow filmmakers’ projects.
The total course fee for the CUA51015 Diploma of Screen and Media for domestic students is $15,000 (AUD).
As an International student, once offered a place at Sydney Film School, you are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 (AUD) when returning their acceptance of the Letter of Offer.
The total course fee for the CUA60615 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media for international students is $19,000 (AUD). See the fees in detail.
15 Film Schools in Australia to Look Out For
- Queensland School of Film and Television (QSFT)
- Sydney Film School
- International Film College, Gold Coast
- Charles Sturt University Film School
- National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)
- Film & Television Institute (FTI)
- Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)
- WA Screen Academy
- Swinburne School of Film and Television
- Victorian College of the Arts
- Griffith Film School (GFS)
- University of Technology, Sydney
- International Film School, Sydney
- Footscray City Films
- Flinders University Screen and Media
Best film schools in Australia FAQs
Is Australia good for Filmmaking?
The Australian cinema industry is one of the largest in the world. In the year 2019, it was listed as the 11th largest in terms of revenue, generating around nine hundred million U.S. dollars in box office revenue and around 2.5 billion U.S. dollars from the wider filmed entertainment industry.
Not only will you find the best film schools in Australia, these best film schools in Australia are ranked among the best in the world also.
How do you become a cinematographer in Australia?
As you know, Cinematographers plan, direct and coordinate filming to control the quality and style of videos or photography in films.
You can work as a Cinematographer without formal qualifications, however, a university or Vocational Education and Training (VET) course in screen production may be useful.
SkillFinder is a project funded by the Australian Government, through the Digital Skills Platform Program.
What are the roles of cinematographers?
While attending the best film schools in Australia to learn Cinematography, here are some of their roles which you can take note of:
They determine the following:
lighting
film
shutter angles
filter factors
camera distance
depth of field and focus
angles of view and other variables to achieve desired mood and effect
They view films and videotapes to evaluate and select scenes and determine which scenes need to be re-shot.
What are the best film schools in Sydney?
Here are the top four best film schools in Sydney:
- Australian Film Television and Radio School
- Sydney Film School
- Charles Sturt University
- Sae Institute
Australian Film Television and Radio School
A top Sydney film school and well-known on an international level, AFTRS offers premier education that will prepare you for real-world experience. From a Bachelor of Arts Screen Production to Master of Arts Screen, there are various programs offered at AFTRS, so you can go after the best option that suits your desired career path and current educational journey. With industry professionals teaching the courses, students receive the kind of training that will serve them in their future career.
Phone: 1300-223-877
Location:
Building 130, The Entertainment Quarter
Moore Park NSW 2021, Australia
Sydney Film School
There are varieties of programs available at Sydney Film School, whether you want a Bachelor Degree or a diploma. As one of the best Sydney film schools, the modern approach to learning and the immersive courses allow you to get hands-on knowledge and experience so that when you’re ready to enter the film industry, you’re expertly prepared for the career you have in mind. Students will receive the opportunity to work on set and create films while taking courses at SFS.
Phone: +61-2-9698-2244
Location:
242 Young Street
Water Loo, NSW, 2017
Charles Sturt University
A Bachelor of Creative Industries or a Bachelor of Communications at CSU is both ideal options for aspiring filmmakers, whether they want to work in the world of cinema or in media. Courses are taught by experienced industry professionals, and students are able to receive a personalized training experience that can help them feel prepared for a future in the industry. With online classes available, those who would prefer to study in their own environment have the option to.
Phone: +61-1800-275-278
Location:
Level 1/63 Oxford St
Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Sae Institute
SAE Institute is known to be a top Sydney film school and offers various program options. Whether you’ve been on your education journey for a while or are just starting, you can pursue anything from a Diploma of Film to a Bachelors or Master of Creative Industries. Students who study at SAE Institute receive both traditional trainings as well as immersive courses for hands-on experience.
Phone: +61-02-8241-5200
Location:
39 Regent Street
Chippendale, NSW, 2008
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