Arts - U0601

Arts (International students)

Diploma

Your pathway to an Arts degree at Monash

Are you passionate about ideas, culture and the way society works? Whether you’re curious about social and political issues, fascinated by literature and history, or drawn to communication and media, the Diploma of Arts is your first step toward an exciting future.

This diploma offers a direct pathway into the second year of a Monash Arts degree, equipping you with the critical thinking, research, and communication skills you’ll need to thrive at university and in your career.

This course is only available for international students. For domestic students, please refer to this link.

Program Ownership:
Monash University Diplomas are awarded by Monash University (CRICOS Provider Code: 00008C) and delivered by Monash College Pty Ltd (CRICOS Provider Code: 01857J) on behalf of the University.

At a glance

Course Details

Location
  • On-campus at Docklands: Full time
Duration
 Part 1: 9 months (2 trimesters)
Part 2: 9 months (2 trimesters)
Start date
 Trimester 1 (February), Trimester 2 (June), Trimester 3 (October)
Qualification
 Diploma of Arts, Diploma of Arts (Education)
Fees

Information about fees

Course Handbook

This course is only available for international students.

How the program works

The Diploma of Arts is delivered in two parts:

  • Part 1: Build your academic foundations through introductory Arts subjects designed to prepare you for university-level study.
  • Part 2: Choose your stream and study the same subjects as first-year University students.

Choose your stream

The Diploma of Arts offers three streams to help you explore your interests and prepare for your destination degree. While each stream aligns with specific majors, you may be eligible to progress into a range of undergraduate courses within the Faculty of Arts.

  • Psychology stream: Ideal for students planning to major in Psychology or Criminology.
  • Sociology stream: For students interested in Arts, Global Studies or Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE).
  • Media Communication stream: Designed for students who want to pursue a major in Media Communication.

Interested in becoming a teacher?

If you’re thinking about a future in education, the Sociology Education or Psychology Education stream can set you on the path toward a double degree in Education and Arts. As part of this stream, you’ll complete:

  • Two Education Studies units (with a focus either on primary or secondary education)
  • 10 days of professional work placement

All while completing the same number of units as other diploma students.

How you’ll be assessed

You'll be assessed through a range of academic and collaborative tasks, including:

  • Essays
  • Group projects
  • Presentations
  • Research papers

Entry requirements and credit exemption

This course is equivalent to two years of full-time study and is delivered in an accelerated format, allowing you to complete it in just 18 months.
Depending on your academic background, you may enter at different points in the program:

  • Part 1: 9 months (2 trimesters)
  • Part 2: 9 months (2 trimesters)

Your entry point will depend on your most recent qualification:

  • If you have completed an Australian Year 11 (or equivalent) with the required scores, you’ll begin in Part 1 and complete the full 96 credit points.
  • If you have completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) with the required scores, you may be eligible to enter directly into Part 2. You will receive 48 credit point exemption for Part 1, reducing your course duration.

Entry Requirements

This course is only available for international students.

You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.

Minimum Entry Requirements (International students)

Qualifications

To be accepted into a Monash University Diploma, you must meet the academic and English language requirements. You will also need to check the age, subject and course prerequisites before you apply.

Entry requirements for Monash University are subject to change.

Minimum age requirements

To enrol in this course, you must meet the following minimum age requirements:

  • Part 1: At least 16 years of age at the time of enrolment
  • Part 2: At least 16 years and 6 months of age at the time of enrolment

If you do not meet the minimum age requirement, you may be offered a deferred place until you become eligible.

Academic entry requirements

To be eligible for entry into the Diploma of Arts, you must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for your intended entry point:

Part 1
  • Successful completion of Australian Year 11 (or equivalent) with a credit average (60%*)
    *Based on a 100% grading scale where 50% is a pass

Part 2

  • Media Communication, Sociology, or Sociology Education streams: Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)with an ATAR of 60, or equivalent
  • Psychology or Psychology Education Streams: Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with an ATAR of 65, or equivalent.

Have a different qualification?
Entry requirements for international and other qualifications will be assessed when you apply.

Not eligible for direct entry?
Explore alternative pathway options to help you get started.

Destination degree entry requirements
Upon successful completion of Part 2 of a Monash University Diploma with the required academic score and any applicable prerequisites, you’ll have a guaranteed entry into the second year of a related Monash University undergraduate degree. Please refer to Destination Degrees for full details and additional conditions that may apply.

English entry requirements

The English entry requirements for entry into this course can be satisfied as follows:

Part 1:

One of the following:

  • Satisfactory completion of English (Australian Year 11) with a pass (50%*) average, or equivalent.

*Based on a 100% grading scale where 50% is a pass

  • VCE: Units 3 & 4: a minimum study score of at least 23 in any English, or equivalent.

Part 2:

  • VCE: Units 3 & 4: a minimum study score of at least 23 in any English, or equivalent.

English subjects completed in other qualifications may be accepted and are assessed on a case by case basis when you apply.

English tests

You can also meet the English entry requirement if you have by completed a Monash approved English test and achieving the required scores for entry into this course as follows:

Diploma Part 1

English testOverallListeningReadingSpeakingWriting
IELTS (Academic) 5.5 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
IELTS One Skill Retake (Academic)
IELTS Online
TOEFL iBT (0 – 120 scale) 46 4 4 14 14
TOEFL iBT Paper Edition
TOEFL iBT (1 – 6 scale) 3 2 2.5 2.5 3
Pearson Test of English (Academic) 42 36 36 36 36
C1 Advanced 162 154 154 154 154
C2 Proficiency

Diploma Part 2

English testOverallListeningReadingSpeakingWriting
IELTS (Academic) 6.0 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5
IELTS One Skill Retake (Academic)
IELTS Online
TOEFL iBT (0 – 120 scale) 60 7 8 16 18
TOEFL iBT Paper Edition
TOEFL iBT (1 – 6 scale) 3.5 2.5 3 3 4
Pearson Test of English (Academic) 50 42 42 42 42
C1 Advanced 169 162 162 162 162
C2 Proficiency

Additional information

  • If your English test scores do not meet the minimum requirements, you may wish to consider enrolling in a Monash English course to help you meet the entry standard.
  • English test results must be completed within three years prior to your Monash course start date (other additional conditions may apply).
  • If you have completed multiple English measures, the highest valid measure will be considered.
  • Monash University reserves the right to request an additional English test to confirm you meet the English entry requirements.
  • International students must also meet the English language requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, which may differ from Monash University requirements.

Prerequisite subject requirements

University entrance requirements

Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.

The course structure and progression map can be viewed in the Handbook.

Making the application

Future students

Trimester 1 (February), Trimester 2 (June), Trimester 3 (October)

Apply directly to Monash using course code U0601

Apply

Fees

Fees are subject to change annually.

International fee

Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:

Diploma of Arts

  • Part 1: A$35,900
  • Part 2: A$40,000

Diploma of Arts  (Education)

  • Part 2: A$40,000

Enrolment Obligations

International students enrolling in a CRICOS-registered course can study no more than one third (33%) of their course by distance and/or online learning. Students must enrol in at least one unit that is not by distance and/or online in each compulsory study period unless the student is completing the last unit of their course. See standard 8.19 and 8.20 of National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.

CRICOS code: 116952K