Step 1: Apply

Apply for the Master of Contemporary Art Practices (coursework only) program: Application to MCAP

Apply for the Master of Contemporary Art Practices (Advanced with a research component) program: Application to VCAP

Candidates should ensure that they have read the published admission requirements for MCAP or VCAP program before they submit an application.

Step 2: Interview and portfolio registration

If you have applied for the Master of Contemporary Art Practices (MCAP) or Master of Contemporary Art Practices - Advanced (VCAP) program you will need to register directly with the ANU School of Art & Design for an interview and portfolio. 

Link to upload interview and portfolio registrations for Semester 2, 2025 and Semester 1, 2026 coming shortly.

Key dates

Applications for study in Semester 2, 2025

Applications for ANU students to transfer in Semester 2, 2025

Applications for study in Semester 1, 2026

(If you are an international applicant, please make sure you apply for the program as well as submit your portfolio, interview video and CV well in advance for student visa purposes)

Portfolio requirements

The portfolio is your opportunity to demonstrate your approach to contemporary art practice as well as your commitment and potential as a candidate. Applicants are not required to have studied in the proposed area of research. Rather, applicants must demonstrate an aptitude for creativity, and the ability to work independently in the Master of Contemporary Art program.

Portfolio: upload 8-10 images or a maximum of 5 videos of recent work.

Image List: comprising the details of each work in your portfolio. Include the title of the work, the artist’s name, the date, medium and size of the work; and clearly indicate your role in the making or production (e.g. photographer, designer, production assistant, printer, artist/maker.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Résumé

In addition to the folio please upload a CV that includes all art and/or design-related experience, qualifications, details of exhibition participation, industry engagement, workshops completed, commissions, residencies, grants and awards.

Interview video

Interview videos will be submitted with the portfolio registration. To create an interview video, you will need to respond to provided interview questions (under File Attachments at the bottom of the page). Videos will not be judged in terms of their production quality but rather the quality of your verbal responses.

Guide to creating interview video

Videos can be recorded using a phone, a laptop or a video camera or any other form of video recording device. Videos do not need to include examples of your work although you may find it useful to have your portfolio handy to refer to. Suggested ways to record your video include: via Zoom with a device that has a video camera; a phone with the camera turned to selfie mode. Your video will be between 5 and 10 minutes long. Interviewers will stop watching at the 10-minute mark.

Selection

The interview panel will have access to the digital portfolio and interview video that you uploaded with your registration. Teaching staff at the School of Art & Design will view your portfolio and interview and make selection recommendations against the rubric criteria listed below and availability of staff.