Master of Fine Arts MFA at University of Auckland

About

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme provides an opportunity to advance both your creative practice and research abilities.

The MFA is open to students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts. This degree is also open to anyone who has completed a university degree, who is able to demonstrate their professional experience through a portfolio that demonstrates their practice as an artist.

Students can enter the programme at the beginning of the year, in the first semester or opt for a mid-year start in the second semester.

The MFA provides a pathway to doctoral level study.

Disciplines

Creative Arts and Industries

Requirements

Entry Requirements

2025 entry requirements

Programme requirements

180-point MFA:

Prior study completed at the :

You must have a grade point average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II within your Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, or across your Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts.
If you completed your entry degree more than three years prior to your proposed commencement of the MFA, then you may be required to provide a portfolio. We will contact you directly if this is required as part of your application.

or

You must hold a Bachelors degree with a grade point average of 4.5 of higher across 75 points of Stage III courses, and have relevant experience.
You will be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application and please see the ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about this.

Prior study completed at another tertiary institution or equivalent:

You must have completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (or equivalent) with a grade point equivalent of 4.5 or higher.
You may also be asked to provide a portfolio and if this is needed we will contact you directly once you have submitted your Application for Admission. Please see the ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about the portfolio elements.

or

You must hold a Bachelors degree with a grade point average of 4.5 of higher, and have relevant experience.
You will be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application and please see the ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about this.

120-point MFA:

Prior study completed at the :

You must have a grade point average of 4.5 or higher in 60 points aboe Stage II Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts degree.
If you completed your entry degree more than three years prior to your proposed commencement of the MFA, then you may be required to provide a portfolio. We will contact you directly if this is required as part of your application.

Prior study completed at another tertiary institution or equivalent:

You must have completed a Bachelors Honours or Postgraduate Diploma degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point equivalent of 4.5 or higher. Your area of study in the degree must have been Fine Arts or a direct equivalent.
You will be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application and please see the ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about this.

To access SlideRoom and upload your portfolio, please log in at uoa.slideroom.com.

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

180-point MFA 120-point MFA

If you need to provide a portfolio as part of your application, then you can submit this using our online platform SlideRoom.

Your portfolio needs to be comprised of:

Creative Works

A selection of up to 12 works that demonstrates visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and gives an overall impression of your interests. Your works could include, but are not limited to, the following media: painting, photography, sculpture, design, workbook pages, creative writing samples, recordings of performance, moving image, and/or audio works.

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Practice-based Curriculum Vitae (CV)

This should cover your previous art training, experience, and practice. Include all exhibition(s), art and design-based activities and collaborative projects. It could also include involvement in relevant community activities and details of any academic and/or professional awards / prizes.

If you need to provide a portfolio as part of your application, then you can submit this using our online platform SlideRoom.

Your portfolio needs to be comprised of:

Creative Works

A selection of up to 12 works that demonstrates visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and gives an overall impression of your interests. Your works could include, but are not limited to, the following media: painting, photography, sculpture, design, workbook pages, creative writing samples, recordings of performance, moving image, and/or audio works.

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Practice-based Curriculum Vitae (CV)

This should cover your previous art training, experience, and practice. Include all exhibition(s), art and design-based activities and collaborative projects. It could also include involvement in relevant community activities and details of any academic and/or professional awards / prizes.

Other pathways to study

The Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts can be a pathway option for those who do not currently meet the requirements for the 180-point MFA.

This is a good pathway for people who do not hold any Bachelors degree, but have extensive relevant practical and/or professional experience in Fine Arts discipline.

Career

Where could this programme take you?

There are three common areas where Fine Arts graduates find employment – public sector, private organisations, or as a practising artist or entrepreneurial creative. As the business world looks to innovators, the capabilities developed through a creative education are becoming highly sought-after.

Jobs related to this programme

Academia
Art writer or critic
Art curator
Artist
Creative director in an agency
Designer
Educator
Researcher

Further study options

See all study options

Grace Wright

Returning to study after working as an artist for three years, Grace reached a stage where she was ready for more critical feedback.

Read or view Grace'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.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

NZD 50,327

Application Fee

NZD

Master of Fine Arts MFA

University of Auckland

University of Auckland

Key Facts

Start & Deadlines