New Research Exposes Creative Arts Enrolment Collapse in Australian Universities

A groundbreaking study published in the Australian Journal of Education has sounded the alarm on a deepening crisis in creative arts higher education across Australia. Titled 'The Polycrisis for Arts and Creative Education in Australia,' the paper by Prof. Sandra Gattenhof from Queensland University of Technology and Dr. John Nicholas Saunders details a 'rollercoaster decline' in undergraduate enrolments, warning that without intervention, the nation risks becoming an 'artless country.'

The research synthesizes data from schools, universities, and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes, revealing interconnected declines that threaten the creative workforce pipeline. In higher education specifically, enrolments in creative arts degrees—encompassing performing arts, visual arts, graphic design, film, and media—have plummeted at most institutions, exacerbated by policy shifts and funding priorities favoring STEM fields.

Key Statistics from Government Data and Recent Studies

Australian Government Department of Education statistics underscore the trends. Domestic commencing students in Creative Arts fields dropped 21.8 percent from 32,489 in 2015 to 25,405 in 2024, while Society and Culture fields (often overlapping with humanities and arts) fell 7.5 percent over the same period. The Polycrisis paper reports a 4.5 percent decline in university creative arts undergraduate enrolments from 75,595 in 2018 to 72,174 in 2023, with sharper drops post-2021 at 30 of 46 analyzed providers—some exceeding 50 percent.

These figures represent commencing students only; total enrolments show similar stagnation amid overall domestic growth of 1 percent in 2024.

Widespread Discontinuation of Creative Arts Degrees

Since 2018, Australian universities have axed or significantly reduced at least 48 creative arts degrees, according to the Polycrisis research, with the National Advocates for Arts Education (NAAE) documenting over 40 such cases by 2025. Notable examples include:

• Queensland University of Technology (QUT): Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) downgraded to minor in 2025; Bachelor of Music discontinued 2018.
• University of Canberra: Phasing out 13 creative arts and communication degrees.
• Federation University: Multiple visual arts programs closed on regional campuses 2022.
• La Trobe University: Honours and Masters in Visual Arts discontinued 2022–2025.
• Southern Cross University: Bachelor of Contemporary Music, Digital Media, and Art and Design set for 2025 closure.

Regional institutions have been hit hardest, severing local pipelines for creative careers. For aspiring academics and professionals, opportunities persist in related fields—check faculty positions or Australian university jobs on AcademicJobs.com.

Job-Ready Graduates Scheme: The Policy Culprit

Implemented in 2021 by the former Morrison government, the Job-ready Graduates (JRG) scheme aimed to steer students toward 'job-ready' fields by slashing subsidies for humanities and arts while boosting STEM. Student contributions for creative arts rose 19 percent to $9,537 annually by 2026 (double mathematics at $4,738), and 116 percent for society/culture fields to $17,399.

This pricing signal correlated with enrolment drops, though trends predated JRG. Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy calls reform 'urgent,' noting it deters students from study altogether. Labor opposed it in opposition but has yet to act, despite the Universities Accord recommending adjustments.Read the full Guardian analysis.

Prospective lecturers can prepare with advice from our guide to academic CVs.

Secondary School Pipeline Drying Up

The higher education crisis stems partly from school level: Year 12 ATAR arts enrolments fell 21 percent from 2015–2023, with drama (-39%), dance (-38%), media (-25%), music (-16%), and visual arts (-14%). Males saw a 6.4 percentage point drop, females 10.7. States like Queensland (-45%) and Western Australia (-44%) suffered most, due to scaling issues and external exams devaluing arts.

This shrinks the pool for university creative arts programs, perpetuating the polycrisis.

Expert Warnings and Cultural Implications

Prof. Gattenhof warns of a 'real reduction in capacities to sustain a creative and cultural workforce' within five years, leading to 'enormous decline in artistic activity.' Dr. Saunders echoes: continued trends risk an 'artless country' and limited arts access.

Australia's creative industries contribute $67.4 billion (2.5% GDP) and employ 193,600, outpacing mining. Shortages threaten innovation, 21st-century skills, and National Cultural Policy *Revive* goals. Arts grads excel in critical thinking—vital for university lecturing careers.

Equity Challenges and Student Impacts

Declines disproportionately affect women (higher arts participation), low-SES, Indigenous, and regional students. Metropolitan unis dominate remaining spots, widening gaps. Teacher shortages loom: 26% of arts educators out-of-field.

• Regional campuses closed first, isolating rural talent.
• Higher fees deter equity groups amid perceived career risks.
• Reduced units/study hours dilute training quality.

Pathways Forward: Reforms and Initiatives

Solutions include:

• Axe/reform JRG for fair pricing.
• STEM-like national strategy for arts ($75.6m STEM precedent).
• Fund equity access and regional programs.
• Inquiry into arts training ecosystem, per NAAE.

Positive notes: Some unis integrate arts into interdisciplinary degrees. Job seekers, explore higher ed jobs or research roles blending arts/STEM.

Photo by Lucas George Wendt on Unsplash

Future Outlook for Creative Arts in Australian Higher Education

Without action, cultural policy targets falter, innovation stalls. Yet, advocacy grows—NAAE calls for bipartisan inquiry. For educators, rate your professors and share experiences. AcademicJobs.com supports careers: visit career advice, university jobs, or higher ed jobs to thrive amid change.