Australia is at a critical juncture, teetering on the brink of becoming an “artless country” due to a significant decline in enrolments in creative arts courses. Recent research indicates that over 40 degrees and courses in this field have been eliminated in less than a decade, a trend exacerbated by the former Morrison government’s educational policies. This alarming situation calls for immediate attention and reform to protect the nation’s cultural fabric.
Declining Enrolments in Creative Disciplines
A study published in the Australian Journal of Education this week highlights a worrying trend: fewer students in both secondary and tertiary education are opting for creative arts courses. The research reveals that the number of higher education providers offering these programmes has sharply decreased, with 48 creative arts degrees discontinued from 2018 to 2025. This decline has led to the erosion of entire academic pathways in some regions.
Prof. Sandra Gattenhof, a co-author of the study, noted a stark “rollercoaster decline” in enrolments since the introduction of the job-ready graduate scheme in 2021. This initiative aimed to reduce fees for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) courses but inadvertently increased costs for arts degrees. For instance, while a student pursuing a mathematics degree paid approximately £2,500 annually, those enrolled in performing or visual arts faced fees just over double that amount, at £5,000.
Impact of Policy Changes
The job-ready graduate scheme has raised substantial concerns among educators and industry leaders. Under this policy, the cost of creative arts programmes rose by 19%, while fees for degrees in arts, society, and culture soared by 116%. This drastic financial shift has discouraged potential students from pursuing creative fields, as highlighted by Gattenhof’s assertion that “there’s a disincentive for students to go into these areas.”
Luke Sheehy, the chief executive of Universities Australia, echoed these sentiments, labelling the need for reform as “urgent”. He emphasised that the current framework is detrimental, not only imposing higher fees on students but also dissuading young Australians from pursuing higher education altogether. “That’s bad for students and bad for Australia,” he remarked.
High School Trends and the Broader Implications
The decline is not limited to universities; high school enrolments in arts subjects have also fallen sharply. According to the report, Year 12 ATAR enrolments in arts disciplines dropped by 21% over the past eight years, with drama, dance, and media witnessing the most significant reductions. The lack of governmental initiatives to address these issues stands in stark contrast to the $75.6 million invested in STEM education to counter similar enrolment declines.
Dr. John Nicholas Saunders, another co-author of the study, warned that if these trends persist, access to arts education may become increasingly limited. “We risk becoming an artless country,” he cautioned, emphasising the need for a strategic response to revitalise the sector.
A Call for Action
The current trajectory poses a significant threat to the cultural landscape of Australia, raising questions about the nation’s commitment to fostering creativity. Gattenhof expressed concern that without intervention, the federal government will struggle to meet the targets outlined in its five-year National Cultural Policy, which aims to rejuvenate and diversify the arts sector.
As the debate continues, both the Minister for Education, Jason Clare, and the Arts Minister, Tony Burke, have yet to respond to inquiries regarding these pressing issues. The urgency for a comprehensive strategy to support creative fields cannot be overstated.
Why it Matters
The decline in creative arts enrolments is more than just a statistical concern; it represents a fundamental shift in Australia’s cultural identity. By neglecting these vital disciplines, the country risks losing not only its artistic talent but also the diverse perspectives that enrich its society. A robust creative sector is essential for innovation, cultural dialogue, and social cohesion. Immediate action is needed to reverse this trend and ensure that future generations have access to the arts, preserving Australia’s rich cultural heritage for years to come.
