We are thrilled to announce that, for the second year in a row, NIDA has been ranked among the Top 10 Costume Design Schools in the world by The Hollywood Reporter. In a decade rich with design innovation and creative brilliance, NIDA’s place in the global elite for costume and design underscores the exceptional quality of our teaching, facilities, and alumni achievements. NIDA stands proudly as the only Australian institution to make the list.
NIDA has long been Australia’s beacon for performing arts excellence. For decades, students in our costume and design programs have honed their skills learning from industry-leading tutors and gaining hands-on experience through rigorous academic and production-based training.
In both intimate studio settings and bustling production environments, our students refine their craft, bringing stories to life through design, fabric, form and historical understanding. Many go on to support theatre, opera, film, television and even video game productions – creatively crafting the visual heartbeat of the narrative.
With over 70 institutions offering costume design education worldwide, NIDA’s place in the top ten marks a defining moment: a recognition not only of excellence – but also of global relevance. Our placement is testament to the strength of our curriculum, the creativity of our students and the calibre of our alumni.
This achievement reflects the dedication of all who make NIDA exceptional:
- Our Students – with unwavering passion, they explore every seam, silhouette and story arc.
- Our Tutors & Guest Practitioners – who offer mentorship, inspiration and real-world relevance.
- Our Creative Facilities – from dedicated costume workshops and CAD studios to our annual production collaborations.
- Our Alumni – who bring their creativity, credibility and ambition to the global stage.
With applications now open for our 2026 intake, there’s never been a better time to join NIDA’s costume and design community. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have already glimpsed the magic behind stage and screen, this milestone is proof that NIDA isn’t just teaching the craft, it’s empowering the creators behind it.