Online Application
Complete the online application form and upload all required documents, including your Artist Statement and Digital Portfolio.

Artist Statement
Part A: Personal Statement (max 400 words) 
Your personal statement is a written introduction to you and your creative identity. It should be concise, honest and reflective.
Tell us about:
1. Who you are
2. What motivates you
3. Your relevant skills and experience
4. Why you have chosen this course
5. What excites you about design and performance

Part B: Performance Analysis (max 400 words)
Your performance analysis is a written summary that demonstrates your understanding of the role of design in performance (live performance or screen). This analysis should include:
1. At least one example of a live performance you have seen recently (in-person or recorded)
2. Discussion of design elements (set, costume, space, staging, lighting, video)
3. Reflection on the role these elements played in shaping the performance and your experience

Please include:
• Production title
• Venue
• Designer/s (where possible)
• Up to five labelled images

Digital Portfolio
Your digital portfolio should show your creative thinking and demonstrate your ability to develop and express ideas and concepts with visual, spatial and material language.

A good portfolio will demonstrate your creativity and passion, and your level of design skill. Work can be produced in the workplace, at school, at university, at home, or for leisure.

Your portfolio may include:
• Production photographs from plays, performances, or film projects
• Design projects, including development journals
• Drawing, digital drawing, drafting, painting, printing
• Photography, collage, illustration, graphic design
• Storyboarding, concept art, animation, film editing
• Model-making, digital modelling
• Making projects, including models, sculptures, costumes, properties, and scenic art
• Any other work that demonstrates your visual thinking and skills

Requirements:
• 12–24 pages
• Include only your strongest and most relevant work
• Curated and clearly presented selection
• Submitted as a single PDF (with embedded or linked content)
• Maximum file size: 80MB

The Portfolio Preparation Guide provides additional information to help you prepare your portfolio.

Original Work Requirement
All submissions must comply with NIDA’s Original Work Requirement. This includes that all work must be your own and must not be generated or substantially developed using Artificial Intelligence. Refer to the Admissions Criteria for full details.

Submission
Upload your Artist Statement and Portfolio in the Associated File Attachments section.

• Select Course Specific Application Requirements in the File Category
• Upload each file separately

You will also need to upload:

• Photo ID (select Photo ID)
• Most Recent Qualification (select Most Recent Qualification Evidence)

Refer to our FAQs for more information.

File Naming Requirements
 
All files must follow the standard naming convention to ensure correct identification.
 
Refer to the File Naming Guide for full details.
 
Format: lastname_firstname_BFADFP_2027_documenttype
 
Examples
 
Artist Statement: lastname_firstname_BFADFP_2027_artiststatement
Portfolio: lastname_firstname_BFADFP_2027_portfolio
Proof of Identity: lastname_firstname_BFADFP_2027_photoid
Most Recent Qualification: lastname_firstname_BFADFP_2027_qualification

Outcome
All applications are reviewed after the closing date.
You will be notified by email of the outcome. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.

Interview

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a 45-minute interview, held online via Microsoft Teams or in person.

During the interview, we will discuss:

• Your Artist Statement and Portfolio
• Your creative interests and approach to design for performance
• Your motivation for studying at NIDA

You may also be asked to talk through additional examples of your work.

For guidance on preparing, refer to the Interview/Callback Preparation Guide.

If you would like an early sense of what to expect, the Interview/Callback Preparation Guide provides general information on preparing for the interview stage. Shortlisted applicants will receive detailed information at that stage.
 
Outcome

You will be notified of the outcome by email following completion of the interview process (early December).