How to apply for art and design at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ): an interview with portfolio for the Bachelor of Visual Art, majors in animation and game design in the Bachelor of Digital Design, year-round applications and February or late-May starts; portfolio requirements and timeline for students in China and Canada and transfer students

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is in Queensland, Australia, with main campuses in Toowoomba and Springfield. Its art and design degrees are the Bachelor of Visual Art and the Bachelor of Digital Design. This guide covers 2027 entry, based on UniSQ's pages for international students, for students at high school in China, students at high school in Canada (including BC and Vancouver), and transfer students.

1. Degrees and majors

• Bachelor of Visual Art: degree code BVSA, CRICOS 103182K, three years full-time, at Toowoomba.
  • Choose one major: Visual Art Studio Practice or Curation, Innovation and Visual Art. Studio Practice students can exhibit at the UniSQ Toowoomba campus and the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.
  • 24 units: 4 core units, a 12-unit visual art major, and 8 selection units (a second major, two minors, or a minor plus electives).
  • The degree includes placements, and you supply some of your own art materials. Queensland-based students need a Blue Card for working with children and young people.
• Bachelor of Digital Design: degree code BDIT, CRICOS 103177G, three years full-time, at Springfield.
  • Choose one major: Animation, Game Design, Graphic Design or Interaction Design, using tools such as real-time game engines, motion capture, VR/AR systems and 2D/3D animation software.
  • 24 units: 8 core units (including Studio Practice and a professional project), an 8-unit major and 8 selection units.
• Further study: graduates who meet the requirements can take the one-year Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours).
• The course pages also show an online option for both degrees. Detailed study plans are in the UniSQ Handbook.

2. Dates and how to apply

• Applications all year: international students apply online directly to UniSQ or through an approved UniSQ agent. UniSQ does not publish an international closing date or application fee on these pages; this is not published, so check with UniSQ International.
• 2027 start dates:
  • Trimester 1: orientation 8 February, classes start 15 February;
  • Trimester 2: orientation 24 May, classes start 31 May.
• Students in Year 12 in Australia apply through QTAC or directly; the auditions and interviews page says creative arts applicants must also register for an interview or audition in addition to that application.

3. Portfolio and interview

• Bachelor of Visual Art: interview with portfolio required. The international academic entry requirements say "Attend an interview with portfolio". After applying, register for an interview through the auditions and interviews page; UniSQ reviews your submission and then invites you. Bring:
  • A head-shot style photo;
  • A school exit statement or evidence of your education;
  • A portfolio of at least 8 to 10 high-quality images of past work (no need to bring physical pieces); the interview tips suggest recent work from the last three years, with clear photos of large pieces;
  • If you have no ATAR, a 500-word written statement on your interest, goals and aspirations in visual arts, reflecting on your visual art experience and training.
• Bachelor of Digital Design: portfolio and interview entry if you have no ATAR. Prepare:
  • A design portfolio of at least eight high-quality images, digital work or photos of physical artefacts;
  • A 500-word statement on what inspires you to become a designer in a particular discipline;
  • A school exit statement or evidence of your education.
  Register for an interview after applying; UniSQ reviews the portfolio and then invites you.
• Interviews are free. The auditions and interviews page lists Trimester 1, 2027 audition and interview dates of 22 September 2026, 10 November 2026 and 19 January 2027. The table sits under the Bachelor of Theatre section, so confirm with UniSQ whether it also applies to Visual Art and Digital Design.
• Assumed knowledge: the Visual Art degree assumes English and Visual Arts (Queensland Year 12 Units 3 & 4, grade C); the Digital Design degree assumes English.

4. Students at high school in China

• UniSQ compares overseas qualifications with Australian Year 12. The grades for each country are shown by the international qualification converter, which loads in the browser and could not be read for this guide, so the Gaokao and Chinese high school requirements are not shown on UniSQ's static pages. Use the converter or ask UniSQ International.
• UniSQ says you can apply even if your qualification is not listed, and it will assess it.
• International curricula: an IB Diploma total of 24 equals a Selection Rank of 65 and meets UniSQ's standard undergraduate requirement; A-Levels are counted as the best three subjects (A* = 6, A = 5, B = 4 and so on) and converted. Some degrees may require more.

5. Students at high school in Canada (including BC and Vancouver)

• Academic requirements: also shown only through the converter; the grades needed with a BC graduation diploma are not shown on UniSQ's static pages.
• English: Canada is on UniSQ's list of accepted English-speaking countries. If you were born in Canada or completed senior secondary study in English there, UniSQ considers your English sufficient to start.

6. English requirements

• Both course pages: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component; other tests may be accepted.
• The general English requirements page: lists IELTS 6.5 overall with no score below 6.0 for "the majority of UniSQ degrees". The two pages differ, so check the requirement for your degree with UniSQ before applying.
• Completing secondary school in an accepted English-speaking country, two or more years of full-time tertiary study in an accepted country, or an approved English or foundation program also meets the requirement.

7. Transfer students

• Previous study or relevant work experience may qualify you for recognition of prior learning, reducing the courses you need to complete. The course pages do not say how much credit is given; this is not published, so ask when you apply.

8. Fees and scholarships

• International tuition: about AUD 28,800 a year for both degrees. This is UniSQ's indicative 2026 figure based on the average first-year rate (8 units a year), excluding textbooks and the Student Services and Amenities Fee; actual fees depend on your courses and are reviewed each year. 2027 fees are not yet published.
• Scholarships: UniSQ offers scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership and financial need, and you can apply for more than one; Australia Awards scholarships funded by the Australian Government may also be available. The pages read for this guide do not give amounts for international entry scholarships or say whether they are assessed automatically; this is not published here, so see UniSQ's scholarships pages.

9. Checklist

Students at high school in China:

• High school results (check the converter), or IB 24
• IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5) or equivalent
• Visual Art: register for an interview after applying and bring at least 8 to 10 images; Digital Design: portfolio and interview entry if you have no ATAR
• Apply any time; classes start on 15 February or 31 May 2027

Students at high school in Canada (including BC and Vancouver):

• High school diploma (check the converter for grades)
• Senior secondary study completed in English in Canada meets the English requirement
• Portfolio and interview as required for your degree

Transfer students:

• Previous results, and a request for recognition of prior learning when you apply

Sources: University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), Bachelor of Visual Art (international); Bachelor of Digital Design (international); Auditions and interviews; International undergraduate entry requirements; English language requirements; International fees and scholarships. Information is for 2027 entry. Check UniSQ for the latest details.