• Group of acting students on stage during a performance
  • Acting students in rehearsal room
  • Close-up of Acting student in performance
  • Acting students in group choreography

BFA (Acting)

BFA (Acting)

CRICOS CODE 083696J

Applications for 2023 are now closed. Applications for 2024 intake will open in June 2023.
More information on 2024 courses register your interest below

Register Interest

If you require assistance, please contact applications@nida.edu.au.

Not ready to apply? Sign up to our Higher Education list to receive updates about information sessions, how to complete your application and more.

NIDA encourages applications from students from diverse backgrounds, with different levels of experience in theatre, film, television or other areas.

NIDA welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.

About the course

Do you have the passion and courage to become an actor? If so, we want you to bring your curiosity and creativity to NIDA where our acting course will help you become your best artistic self.

Whether you come to us as an Actor or Singing Actor, you will become part of an exceptional ensemble. We will encourage your creativity to flourish safely, while you learn how to collaborate with your fellow artists.

We believe there is no ‘one way’ to act, we also believe that each actor is unique. As you progress through the course, we will equip you with a wide range of skills and techniques to enhance your craft for theatre, musical theatre, film, multi-media and television.

You will work alongside inspirational staff and guest artists that have contemporary knowledge relevant to the demands of industry. We do all this in our extraordinary professional theatres and facilities which provide you with the best possible learning environment.

By the end of your training you will be a flexible, adaptive, futurefacing artist capable of the highest level of artistic expression and ready for a confident life-long career.

Read more about John Bashford, Director Centre for Acting.

This qualification is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training.

Read more information about the AQF.

Course dates and times

Course duration and contact hours

Students are at NIDA from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday. During production terms students may also be required for rehearsals after hours and on weekends.

Additional time also needs to be allocated to library work, research, preparation for classes and private study. For this reason it is difficult for NIDA students to maintain regular part-time jobs. Studying at NIDA is a big commitment so students need to manage their time and resources carefully. 

All NIDA Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees are three-year full-time courses. All NIDA Master of Fine Arts courses, except for Cultural Leadership, are 15-month full-time courses. 

2023 course dates

Semester 1 – 30 Jan 2023 – 23 June 2023

BFA Term 1 – Monday 30 Jan – Thursday 6 April

BFA Census Date 1 – 27 February 2023

BFA Term 2 – Monday 24 April – Friday 23 June

Semester 2 – 17 July 2023 – 15 December 2023

BFA Term 3 – Monday 17 July – Friday 1 September

BFA Census Date 2 - 14 August 2023

BFA Term 4 – Monday 11 September – Friday 15 December

2022 course dates

Semester 1 – 31 Jan 2022 – 24 June 2022

BFA Term 1 – Monday 31 Jan – Friday 8 April

BFA Term 2 – Tuesday 26 April – Friday 24 June

Semester 2 – 18 July 2022 – 16 December 2022

BFA Term 3 – Monday 18 July – Friday 2 September

BFA Term 4 – Monday 12 September  – Friday 16 December

Subjects

First year

Acting Studio

SEMESTER ONE 

ACT7101A ACTING STUDIO (30 credit points) 

ACT7101A Acting Studio begins the process of cultivating the technical craft required of the individual actor, releasing imagination and creativity within a developing ensemble. Self-discipline and awareness are developed through practical experiential exercises with classes examining particular theatrical and screen forms, individual and group research, vocal, physical and music training. The subject aims to cultivate the uniqueness of self to reveal and release habitual physical patterns that impede effective communication. Technique and craft coupled with knowledge and critical awareness of self will aid the actor in making imaginative connections to body, sound, words, emotion, and the creative world of stage and screen.

SEMESTER TWO

ACT7101B ACTING STUDIO (30 credit points)

Acting Studio further engages with the theoretical, technical and practical fundamentals (acting, voice, movement and music) for effective communication for the professional actor. The subject aims to continue the process of unlocking habitual physical patterns that impede selfexpression, individualism and creativity and, through the exploration of the principles of voice, body and music, release and reveal textual and physical constructs (i.e. ownership of language, form and structure of verse, rhythm, length of words and imagery). The embodiment of technical facility and flexibility, coupled with knowledge and critical awareness of self, will aid the actor in making imaginative connections to words, emotion, and the creative world of stage and screen.

Acting Interdisciplinary Collaboration

SEMESTER ONE 

ACT7102A ACTING INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (15 credit points)

Acting Interdisciplinary Collaboration provides students with the opportunity to engage with theories and techniques that encourage creative collaborative stagecraft and performance practice for the actor. Through the interface with collaborative theatre practice and the rehearsal process students will acquire an appreciation of the roles and responsibilities that inform theatrical production and actively contribute and participate in the forming of a creative ensemble. Classes examine a particular theatrical construct, as well as individual and group research for collaborative in-house performance outcomes.

SEMESTER TWO

ACT7102B ACTING INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (15 credit points)

Acting Interdisciplinary Collaboration provides students with the opportunity to engage with theories and techniques that encourage creative collaborative stagecraft and performance practice for the actor. Through the interface with collaborative theatre practice and the rehearsal process students will acquire an appreciation of the roles and responsibilities that inform theatrical production and actively contribute and participate in the forming of a creative ensemble. Classes examine particular theatrical constructs, as well as individual and group research for collaborative in-house performance outcomes.

Performance and Ideas

SEMESTER ONE 

COM7101A Performance and Ideas (10 credit points)

Subject Purpose
In Semester One of the first year ‘Performance and Ideas’ gives students a theoretical, critical and experiential understanding of key contexts, forms and conventions based on a chronological framework that supports an understanding of the Western theatrical canon. The subject supports student’s abilities to actively relate various historic practices of the Western theatrical canon to their own performance-based disciplines as 21st century artists.

Content
Throughout this subject students will:
Examine a range of historical movements and practitioners in the Western theatrical canon, identifying specific forms, conventions and practices
Develop an understanding of industry practices across a range of performance disciplines relating to various conventions and forms within the canon
Interpret and engage with artistic ideas in both practical and conceptual realisation from the perspective of their specific performance discipline
Explore and reflect on how aspects of a theatrical form and context inform practices in related disciplines.

SEMESTER TWO

COM7101B PERFORMANCE AND IDEAS (10 credit points)

COM7101B Performance and Ideas investigates different performance texts to create an understanding of the development of modernity from the 19th to the 20th century. The course looks at different art forms and looks at movements and ideas that structure contemporary performance practice. We also will make the “now” present through postmodern and contemporary readings and recent productions, specifically focusing on students’ own practice.

COM7101B Performance and Ideas asks three main questions:
* What is modernity?
* What is the drive towards truth or realistic illusion?
* In what ways does this tradition influence our meaning making and our
practice today?

Introduction to Collaboration

SEMESTER ONE

COM7102A Introduction to Collaboration (5 credit points)

Subject Purpose
The subject introduces the students to the principles of collaboration, which includes defining collaboration and creativity and examining how ethics, values and behaviours of collaboration are generated. Students investigate notions of ownership, agreement, creative conflict and how to generate ideas and create innovative practice. These investigations provide a foundation for creative collaborative projects undertaken in second year and beyond.

Content
Throughout this learning period students will
* Investigate various theories and practices for creative collaboration in the cultural sector
* Apply collaborative practices to the development of new and interdisciplinary work
* Work empathetically, to a shared vision
* Apply discipline expertise to a collaborative project
* Evaluate and reflect on process and performance

SEMESTER TWO

COM7102B Introduction to Collaboration (5 credit points)

COM7102B Introduction to Collaboration builds upon the principles of collaboration, skills and conceptual tasks featured in COM7102A Introduction to Collaboration. In this subject those preparatory tasks are now realised through practice in a Group Collaborative Project.

Second year

Acting Studio

SEMESTER ONE

ACT7201A ACTING STUDIO (30 credit points)

Acting Studio has a particular focus on the application and integration of technical facility and creative expression to reveal character. It is linked specifically to the exploration of complex text and language (classical dramatic, heightened verse and prose), physicality, voice and speech (such as accents and dialects) as well as the engagement with three Studio Electives - Music Theatre, Applied Theatre, and Physical Theatre. In the elected Studio Electives students investigate a distinctive creative modality in order to concentrate on and cultivate a broad range of skills as professional actors and/or artists. In Applied Theatre the emphasis is on creating performance through engagement with people and places from a broad social, political and ideological spectrum. This major gives students the tools to create performance that is based on a process of dialogue between contemporary theatre practice and diverse communities. Music Theatre engages students with a range of specialist skills necessary to the music theatre repertoire. Through progressive and developmental engagement with technical demands placed on the music theatre professional, students will investigate traditional music theatre forms, studying a variety of texts and scores focusing on the transition from scene to song, music as subtext, the function of underscore and song structure. In Physical Theatre students will be exposed to a variety of physical theatre techniques with a view to question and challenge traditional theatre forms. These will include forms such as Biomechanics, Contemporary Dance, Advanced Acrobatics, Suzuki, Butoh and Wire Work.

SEMESTER TWO

ACT7201B ACTING STUDIO (30 credit points)

The subject places particular emphasis on the actualization and transformation of character through the exploration of highly complex text and language (dramatic, comedy, heightened verse and prose), voice, physicality and continued creative engagement with specialist Studio Electives (Music Theatre, Applied Theatre, and Physical Theatre). Students will be encouraged to develop processes of investigation and personal methodologies that challenge the traditional rehearsa and performance process. The subject aims to develop technically creative and imaginative artists that are able to appreciate and express various styles and forms (American comedy and American theatre) inherent in theatre, screen and societal contexts for the actualization and expression of text, character and meaning. ACT7201B Acting Studio develops self-reliant and creative artists through the exploration of performance styles and production contexts by undertaking a series of projects that will develop skills in cultural interface, observation imagination and actualization of character. Classes examine particular theatrical and screen forms, individual and group research, vocal, physical and music training.

Acting Interdisciplinary Collaboration

SEMESTER ONE

ACT7202A ACTING INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (15 credit points)

Acting Interdisciplinary Collaboration encourages actors to engage responsibly with other disciplines across NIDA and clearly define their role and responsibilities within a professional production. It is designed to inter-digitate with the Acting Studio subject, supporting and transferring technical proficiency discovered in Acting Studio to investigate character development within the collaborative rehearsal process for a public theatrical production. Students engage and participate in professional rehearsal room expectations, interfacing with stage managers, costume designers, prop makers, lighting designers, voice coaches, etc. and with internal and professional directors. The rehearsal process aims to replicate as fully as possible current professional practice, the director and acting tutors placing emphasis on the actors’ craft. The focus is on marrying technique and expression for interesting, imaginative and involved behaviour in creative collaborative situations. Classes examine particular theatrical constructs, as well as individual and group research for collaborative performance outcomes.

SEMESTER TWO

ACT7202B ACTING INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (15 credit points)

The subject demands that the actor engage with initiative in the creative process of theatre and screen making. Students use emerging leadership skills and technical proficiency discovered in Acting Studio to actualize and realise character through the collaborative rehearsal process, public production and practice from stage to screen. Students will engage and participate in professional rehearsal room expectations, interfacing with stage managers, costume designers, prop makers, lighting designers, voice coaches, as well as internal and professional external directors. The rehearsal process of Acting Interdisciplinary Collaboration aims to replicate as fully as possible current professional practice, with the director and acting tutors placing emphasis on the actors’ technical prowess and marriage to expression. The focus is on the seamless integration of acting technique and creative expression for interesting, imaginative and involved behaviour in production/public performance. Classes examine particular theatrical and screen forms, individual and group research within a collaborative context.

Performance and Ideas

SEMESTER ONE

COM7201A Performance and Ideas (10 credit points)

Subject Purpose
Semester One of the second year of ‘Performance and Ideas’ builds on students’ theoretical, critical and experiential understandings of key contexts, forms and conventions of the Western theatrical canon and the various social, intercultural and political influences that shaped it in the mid to late 20th and early 21st century.
Building on COM7101A & COM7101B, it supports students’ ability to actively relate these various historic practices to their own performance-based disciplines as 21st century artists.

Content
Throughout this subject students will:
Synthesise their understanding of the relationship, correspondence and variance of different forms of theatrical and screen storytelling
Develop an understanding of industry practices across a range of performance disciplines relating to various conventions and forms of the 20th and 21st centuries
Interpret and engage with artistic ideas in both practical and conceptual realisation from the perspective of their specific performance discipline
Examine a range of ideological, theoretical and practical frameworks through which contemporary performance can be understood.

SEMESTER TWO

COM7201B Performance and Ideas (10 credit points)

COM7101B Contemporary Issues in Performing Arts asks four main questions:
What is the contemporary? What is the “now” and how do we theorise the present?
What is the response of the theatre to pressing issues of the day?
What is performance practice’s role in contemporary society?
What are alternative modes of contemporary performing arts?

Equally this subject investigates broader questions:
What is the role of performance practice in social and political questions?
We will look at a range of contemporary debates of the theatre that are pressing to the art form now.
How do we address futures thinking and predictive scenario development for imagined constructs?

Student-led Projects

SEMESTER ONE

COM7203A Student-Led Projects (5 credit points)

Subject Purpose
Student-led Projects is a common subject across all disciplines involving second-year students in which each team shapes an artistic vision for presentation drawing on the individual strengths, knowledge and ability of each member to problem-solve in the development and realization of the collaborative endeavour.

Content
Throughout this learning period students will:
Apply collaborative practices to the development of new and interdisciplinary work
Work empathetically, to a shared vision
Apply discipline expertise to a collective project 
Evaluate and reflect on process and performance

SEMESTER TWO

COM7203B Student-Led Projects (5 credit points)

COM7203A Student-led Projects and COM7203B Student-led Projects derive from the theoretical and methodological frameworks explored in COM7102 Introduction to Collaboration. Student-led Projects is a common subject across all disciplines involving second-year students from every discipline. Students self-select their collaborative teams and are encouraged to achieve cross cohort representation. Together each team shapes an idea for presentation drawing on the individual strengths, knowledge and ability of each member to problem-solve in the development and realization of the collaborative endeavour. Collaborative groups request input from staff or external mentors as or when it is required. Co- ordination of this subject and trouble shooting is provided by the subject coordinator with assistance from a designated point of contact from each discipline within NIDA. In COM7203B Student-led Projects students build on the collaborative practice project established in COM7203A Student-led Projects by bringing the project to realization. Students present their work in this semester and finalise their peer review through group evaluation.

Third year

Acting Studio

SEMESTER ONE

ACT7301A ACTING STUDIO (15 credit points)

The subject is designed to consolidate the theoretical, technical and practical applications of acting, voice, movement and music within contemporary professional industry contexts. The subject is designed to provide students with a broad range of industry specific skills (such as voice overs, ADR/looping recording, commercials etc.) and a detailed rigorous focus on the elected studio electives to realise students’ potential as interesting, imaginative and engaged artists. In the Applied Theatre Studio Elective students are asked to work in collaborative teams to make a work for performance. The major builds on the previous semesters work asking to make a participatory or non-participatory and/or site-specific work. Students will develop the confidence to call themselves community arts activists and are encouraged to see themselves as independent theatre makers and self-generating artists, who can, through their work, create spaces, collaborations and projects that have the possibility within them to create change. In Music Theatre Studio Elective students explore specific musical styles, such as European cabaret, its composers and performers and the political and social conditions that encourage growth and allow the creation of style and form. In the Physical Theatre Studio Electives students will begin to devise their final presentation for Semester 6 utilising skills gain in Semesters 3 & 4. All aspects of the work will be selfdirected by the student. The work may or may not be narratively driven. The unit also aims to prepare the students for industry by building networks through the course both internally and externally. Classes are designed to accompany and complement productions in Acting Interdisciplinary Collaboration, as well as examine particular theatrical, screen forms, individual and group research, vocal, physical and music training.

SEMESTER TWO

ACT7301B ACTING STUDIO (15 credit points)

Acting Studio aims to produce students who are the creative and artistic leaders of the future, capable of contributing to the professional industry (both nationally and internationally) to a high standard. ACT7301B Acting Studio is designed to establish the individual student actor in an industry context by consolidating three years of conservatoire education and training in an industry Showcase. Classes are designed to complement Showcase, Showreel and final productions, as well as examine particular societal contexts, theatrical and screen forms, individual and group research, vocal, physical and music training. With a continued and rigorous focus on application of technical, imaginative and expressive skills in the Acting Studio subject, students also take part in presentations that enable them to demonstrate skilled and industry ready leadership and transformation of emotional, physical, and vocal range to creating a variety of roles.

Acting Interdisciplinary Collaboration

SEMESTER ONE

ACT7302A ACTING INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (30 credit points)

The subject encourages actors to engage with the principles and practices of the professional actor in collaborative, devised and contemporary performance, the entertainment industry and its organisations. The subject is designed to provide students with a broad range of industry specific skills supporting and transferring technical proficiency discovered in Acting Studio to develop and actualize character in the devising and rehearsal process, as well as in a public theatrical production with a focus on professional competency in the role. Classes examine particular theatrical constructs, individual and group research within a collaborative context.

SEMESTER TWO

ACT7302B ACTING INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (30 credit points)

The subject encourages actors to engage with the principles and practices of the professional actor in performance, the entertainment industry and its organisations. The subject is designed to enable students by providing them with a broad range of industry specific opportunities and a final public performance/production. The productions are designed to support and highlight technical proficiency of the student-actor to the contemporary professional industry. Students participate in professional rehearsal room expectations, interfacing with stage managers, costume designers, prop makers, lighting designers, as well as internal and professional external directors. The rehearsal process aims to replicate as fully as possible current professional practice. The focus is on the advanced application and amalgamation of technique and expression for interesting, imaginative and involved behaviour in production/public performance. Classes examine particular theatrical, television and filmic forms, individual and group research within an advanced collaborative context.

Acting Professional Practice

SEMESTER ONE

ACT7303A ACTING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (15 credit points)

The subject formalizes the transition from personal development to a career-orientated model and aims to foster an in-depth understanding and knowledge of industry and industrial relationships, such as working with industry professionals on a performative outcome, auditioning skills, maintaining employment contracts, clarifying the role of casting agents, casting directors, funding bodies, etc. In ACT7303A Acting Professional Practice students perform unplugged (i.e. without theatrical conventions) for agents and industry professionals from across Australia. Students will also undertake a series of twelve fundamental seminars over the two semesters of Acting Professional Practice that will include training in arts company structures, fundamentals of workplace health and safety, basic financial and business skills, arts law, funding sources, industrial relations, artistic representation, basic online skills, audition preparation, introduction to agents, artistic directors, directors, and playwrights, casting directors, producers, screen tests, self-directed career planning and profiling, and mentoring arrangements with working artists.

SEMESTER TWO

ACT7303B ACTING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (15 credit points)

Acting Professional Practice is designed to aid the career-ready actor by continuing to provide the opportunity for attaining a responsible and consistent attitude towards leadership and self-management that enables an independent career in the performing arts. The subject aims to be the stepping-stone into the professional industry and assists in building business skills (websites, self-testing and marketing) and industrial relationships with directors, agents and casting directors. Acting Professional Practice students perform a fully supported Showcase and Show reel for the industry, completing their professional portfolio. Students undertake a series of twelve fundamental seminars over the two semesters of Acting Professional Practice that include arts company structures, fundamentals of workplace health and safety, basic financial and business skills, arts law, funding sources, industrial relations, artistic representation, basic online skills, audition preparation, introduction to agents, artistic directors, directors, and playwrights, casting directors, producers, screen tests, self-directed career planning and profiling, and mentoring arrangements with working artists.

Admissions Criteria

Essential requirements for admission

Admission Criteria – Undergraduate (BFA courses)

NIDA uses direct application to the provider via the NIDA website

NIDA encourages applications from students from diverse backgrounds, with different levels of experience in theatre, film, television or other areas.

ENTRY IS BY MERIT SELECTION

For all domestic applicants including:

  • Applicants who have previous higher education study
  • Applicants who have vocational education and training
  • Work and life experience (having left school more than two years)
  • Recent secondary education applicants
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

NIDA's general entry requirements for accredited courses are as follows:

  • Have completed a High School Certificate or equivalent qualification at the end of high school for undergraduate courses
  • Be 18 years of age by 31 March in the first year of enrolment for domestic students in undergraduate programs
  • Be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Have skills and knowledge appropriate to the level and discipline the applicant is seeking to gain admission into.
  • Have an evidenced interest in the performing arts.

Domestic students with overseas qualifications must supply certified translations of their qualifications.

For all International Students NIDA's general entry requirements for accredited courses are as follows:

  • have successfully completed a Genuine Temporary Entry (GTE) Interview.
  • have completed the equivalent of a Year 12/final year of high school qualification
  • have an English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 with no band score less than 6.0 (IELTS 8.0 for BFA (Acting)).
  • be 18 years at date of enrolment for international students.
  • Have skills and knowledge appropriate to the level and discipline the applicant is seeking to gain admission into.
  • Have an evidenced interest in the performing arts.

Selection Criteria – Undergraduate (BFA courses)

ENTRY IS BY MERIT SELECTION

NIDA encourages applications from students from diverse backgrounds, with different levels of experience in theatre, film, television or other areas.

We select students who:

  • demonstrate commitment and motivation in relation to the arts, entertainment and related industries, to their chosen discipline, and to the course of study
  • provide evidence of their capacity to work creatively and imaginatively
  • demonstrate an aptitude to collaborate with peers as part of a creative process
  • demonstrate a range of knowledge, skills, technical abilities and/or problem-solving techniques relevant to their discipline
  • demonstrate cultural and contextual awareness
  • articulate and communicate ideas clearly

Due to the volume of auditions carried out, we are unable to provide you with individual feedback. The decision of the audition panel is final.

It is not possible to defer an offer of a place at NIDA.

NIDA encourages applications from students from diverse backgrounds, with different levels of experience in theatre, film, television or other areas.

NIDA welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. General admissions requirements apply.

How to apply

Application Process

Information on how to apply for the 2023 intake will be available from mid-2022.

Application to NIDA is by direct entry. Applicants apply online via the NIDA website.

Entry to the BFA Acting is by audition. Applicants will need to prepare several audition pieces prior to their audition - see below for details.

View the 2023 BFA (Acting) Application Guide.

How to apply

NIDA uses direct application to the provider via the NIDA website.

Audition dates

Audition dates for the 2023 intake will be announced after applications open.

Your Audition

What to prepare for your audition

Due to COVID-19, all first-round auditions for BFA (Acting) will be online. You will submit a video audition via a YouTube link as part of your application. Read the recording and submission instructions carefully. As the COVID-19 situation in Australia evolves, further clarification of the recall process will be announced based on the best governmental and medical advice.

The application process for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) consists of two rounds:

  • Round One – Online Application and Audition Video
  • Round Two –  Recall Audition

Only applicants who are successful in Round One will be invited to audition in Round Two.

PREPARE FOR YOUR AUDITION

You should prepare to perform the following in your audition video. Your audition video should include two monologues. One monologue should be filmed as a long shot (i.e. from your feet to your head; your full body). The other monologue should be filmed as a medium shot (i.e. from your waist up). It is up to you which monologue is filmed in either shot.

1. ONE HEIGHTENED TEXT AND LANGUAGE PIECE
This should be a short monologue in verse. You must choose a piece from the list of Heightened Text and Language Monologues (see Appendix A of this 2022 Application Guide).

2. ONE MODERN/CONTEMPORARY PIECE
This should be a short monologue from a published play (Australian or international). 'Contemporary' in this context means a play spanning the period of Anton Chekov (early 1900s) to the present day. You must choose a piece from the list of Contemporary Monologues (see Appendix B of this guide). You are welcome to present your modern/contemporary piece in the language of your cultural background if you so choose. However, you must be prepared to present it in English as well.

YOUR VIDEO AUDITION (first round auditions)

Your video audition should include the two monologues as explained above. It should be submitted as an unlisted YouTube video link, in the appropriate field of your application. For information on how to upload an unlisted video, or change your video’s privacy settings, click HERE.

Please make sure you understand the following guidance and instructions, and prepare what is required before you start to record anything.

1. Recording format

You do not have to record your audition with a professional camera. It can be recorded on your mobile phone. The important thing is that you are heard and seen clearly.
IMPORTANT: If you are using your phone to record, please ensure that the camera is not in ‘High Efficiency’ mode. You should be able to check this in your phone’s camera settings. For iPhone you will need to switch on ‘Most Compatible’ mode.

2. Set up

You can use a stand or surface, or have someone hold the phone/camera for you.

Do not look directly into the camera, but just to one side; to the left or right (if it helps, you can place a chair or mark to be your focal point). If someone is holding the phone/camera for you, you can speak your monologue to them, or a third person to visualize whom you are addressing as either another character or the audience.

If using your mobile phone, shoot in landscape, NOT portrait.

Background – you must be seen clearly.

Try to record against a plain, light background, with no harsh shadows behind you. Avoid busy, distracting images, and ‘hard’ colours like green and red. Ideally, the background should be plain. Grey can work well for a wide range of skin tones on screen.

Lighting – You must be seen clearly. Do not sit directly in front of a window. A window in front of your face and behind the camera will work better. You can also use additional lighting, like the torch light from your phone, stand lamps, or bedside lamps. Avoid hard or awkward shadows

Sound – you must be heard clearly. Check the space you have chosen to record in for sound disturbances. This could involve closing any windows, turning off any devices playing music in the background, air-conditioning, noise/talking/cooking sounds from a nearby room.

3. Audition pieces

You should record both your pieces as a continuous shot – first one, and then the other. Please read the instructions below carefully.

In mid shot (waist up – leave a little head room) start by saying your name, Applicant number (e.g. A12345), and tell us which pieces you will be performing (character, title, and author).

Then present your first piece in mid shot frame.

Adjust your position so you are now in long shot (entire body in frame) and perform your second piece. This is an opportunity embody the expressive range of the character

4. Finishing and submitting your self-tape

  • Review your recordings. This will help you pinpoint areas to improve on, including sound/vision quality. Have a break and then repeat the process. Don’t overthink it! As a general rule, try not to film more than three takes.
  • You will not be timed, but the length of each monologue should aim to be close to 2 minutes. Your video should aim to be close to 4 minutes long in full.
  • When you are happy, upload your video to YouTube, making sure it is ‘Unlisted’. This means only people with the link can view your audition.
  • Your video description should include your name and NIDA Applicant number (e.g. A12345).
  • Only upload one submission.
  • If you have any problems with the upload, contact applications@nida.edu.au

Click HERE for instructions of how to upload your video audition to YouTube.

What to expect on the day

ON THE RECALL DAY

If the panel would like to see more from you, they will invite you to a recall audition, which will take place on a separate date.

We hope to be able to recall most applicants in person at your nearest Australian capital city. However, we may have to recall some applicants remotely via Zoom. Recall auditions, both in-person and remotely, will take place in November.

  • If you applied for the Actor stream, you will asked to present a third piece of your choice.
  • If you applied for the Singing Actor stream, you will be asked to present song chosen from a list that will be provided closer to the recall date.
  • If you selected ‘Both’ in your application, you must choose whether to present EITHER a third piece OR a song, as above.

If you perform a third monologue for your recall audition, you will only be considered for the Actor stream.

If you perform a song for your recall audition, you will be considered primarily for the Singing Actor stream, but may also be considered for the Actor steam.

You might be asked to perform your Round One monologues again for the panel. You might also be asked to work with a partner (e.g. another applicant) on a duologue.)

If at the end of the recall audition the panel would like to shortlist you, they will record one of your pieces for review on selection day (mid-December).

Please note if you are not invited to attend a recall audition, or you do not make it to the recording section of the recall audition, you should consider your application unsuccessful this year.

TIPS AND ADVICE

NIDA recognises that auditions can be stressful, but every effort will be made to ensure your experience will be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Remember, the more time and effort you put into your monologues, the better prepared you will be and the more you will benefit from the audition.

Dos and don'ts

DO:
  • Only select monologues from published texts. Excerpts from unpublished TV shows or films are not appropriate.
  • Read the whole play your monologue comes from where possible – research is important!
  • Choose characters close to your current age range.
  • Choose characters that are in circumstances you can identify with and that you will enjoy exploring.
  • Select pieces that are new and fresh to you.
  • Pick monologues that will showcase you and your choices.
  • Feel free to use contrasting material when choosing your monologues (e.g. serious and comedic; internal and external).
  • Think about who you are talking to in the monologue and what you want from them – know what you mean, and what you want to say.
  • Relax and be yourself!
DON'T:
  • Don’t use a book of monologues, except as a reference – if you find a piece in an audition book that you like you must still read the whole play.
  • Don’t choose material for shock value. There are no real rules around this, but we suggest you avoid material with strong sexual references or excessive use of explicit language.

Tips for the day

REMEMBER:
  • that this is your audition – while it is useful to test out your monologue on a friend, do not worry about acting coaches and don't let anybody tell you how to act it
  • to wear suitable clothing – any casual clothing that does not limit your movement is acceptable
  • that you will be asked to work in bare feet, so do not wear closed-toe tights
  • to wear little or no make-up.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the educational backgrounds of the 2023 commencing undergraduate BFA peer cohort in all disciplines at NIDA.

It should be noted that as selection and admission to courses at NIDA is based on merit the statistics below may not be indicative of the educational backgrounds of commencing cohorts on a year-to-year basis.

Applicant Background

Number of students

Percentage of all students

(A) Past higher education study

11

17.7%

(B) Past Vocational Education and Training study

22

35.5%

(C) Recent secondary education

Admitted on basis of other criteria and ATAR was not a factor

20

32.3%

(D) Work and life experience

8

12.9%

International students

L/N

L/N

All students

62

100%

L/N - Low numbers: the number of students is less than 5.

What does it take to put on a show?

Take a peek behind the curtain to see how our students collaborate each year on our June and October Student Production seasons.

Fees

Tuition Fees (2023)

Domestic and international students are required to pay tuition fees by the due date each semester.

The tuition fees are reviewed each year and if you enrol you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolments.

Domestic Students

Domestic students are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens.

Prospective students: Download the Domestic Undergraduate Student Fee Schedule 2023

International Students

Fees and financial assistance vary for international students see International Students for full details.

Domestic tuition fees overview

DegreeCourse duration2023 Annual tuition fee $AUD*Estimated total course tuition fee*
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)Three years$15,720.00$47,160.00

Domestic tuition fee details

Year 1, 2023
Subject codeSubjectCredit pointsEFTSL**Tuition fee*
Semester 1, 2023    
ACT7101AActing Studio300.25$3,930.00
ACT7102AActing Interdisciplinary Collaboration150.125$1,965.00
COM7101APerformance and Ideas100.083$1,310.00
COM7102AIntroduction to Collaboration50.042$655.00
Total for Semester 1, 2023 600.5$7,860.00
Semester 2, 2023    
ACT7101BActing Studio300.25$3,930.00
ACT7102BActing Interdisciplinary Collaboration150.125$1,965.00
COM7101BPerformance and Ideas100.083$1,310.00
COM7102BIntroduction to Collaboration50.042$655.00
Total for Semester 2, 2023 600.5$7,860.00
Total for Year 1 1201.0$15,720.00
Year 2, 2023
Subject codeSubjectCredit pointsEFTSL**Tuition fee*
Semester 1, 2023    
ACT7101AActing Studio300.25$3,930.00
ACT7102AActing Interdisciplinary Collaboration150.125$1,965.00
COM7101APerformance and Ideas100.083$1,310.00
COM7102AStudent-led Projects50.042$655.00
Total for Semester 1, 2023 600.5$7,860.00
Semester 2, 2023    
ACT7101BActing Studio300.25$3,930.00
ACT7102BActing Interdisciplinary Collaboration150.125$1,965.00
COM7101BPerformance and Ideas100.083$1,310.00
COM7102BStudent-led Projects50.042$655.00
Total for Semester 2, 2023 600.5$7,860.00
Total for Year 2 1201.0$15,720.00
Year 3, 2023
Subject codeSubjectCredit pointsEFTSL**Tuition fee*
Semester 1, 2023    
ACT7101AActing Studio150.125$1,965.00
ACT7102AActing Interdisciplinary Collaboration300.25$3,930.00
COM7101AActing Professional Practice150.125$1965.00
Total for Semester 1, 2023 600.5$7,860.00
Semester 2, 2023    
ACT7101BActing Studio150.125$1,965.00
ACT7102BActing Interdisciplinary Collaboration300.25$3,930.00
COM7101BActing Professional Practice150.125$1,965.00
Total for Semester 2, 2023 600.5$7,860.00
Total for Year 3 1201.0$15,720.00

*The tuition fees are reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

** EFTSL – Effective Full-Time Study Load: indicates the relative study load of a subject against a full-time study load of 1.0 for an academic year. For consistency the EFTSL** have been rounded to 3 decimal places. This is not indicative of the full value of the EFTSL but represents an accurate load for fee calculations.

Additional costs

Acting students must wear 'blacks' to class every day; students need to make sure they have at least a couple of sets of blacks to get themselves through the week.

As a NIDA student you can receive a 20% full time student discount in store at Bloch, or alternatively Dance Direct Online offers reasonable online prices.

Acting Class Requirements

  • Plain black pants (not jeans)
  • Several black short and long sleeved T-shirts
  • Black socks
  • Black leather soled shoes

It is suggested that students purchase clothing of a suitable quality to avoid rapid dis-colouration or wear. Acting students must also supply their own make-up and soft black shoes.

Movement/Dance Requirements

The following items are essential for the start of the course as you will need them in the second week of term when full classes commence.

Clothing

  • Black dance pants
  • Black leotard (Female)
  • Black convertible tights (Female)
  • Black T-shirt (Male)
  • Black leggings (Male)
  • Men’s support

Shoes

  • Flexi jazz shoes
  • Black stage shoes
    - Female – S0320L Bloch Show-Case Women's Stage Shoe or similar
    - Male – S0310M Bloch Karacta Men's Canvas Shoe or similar

Equipment

  • Yoga mat
  • Knee pads (soft)

Make-up Requirements (second and third years only)

  • Concealer that matches the skin tone, for evening out the skin, covering blemishes and dark under-eye circles
  • Eyeliner and mascara in dark brown or black
  • Setting powder or pressed powder, to keep faces looking fresh and shine-free under lights
  • A set of 4-5 make-up brushes in varying sizes
  • A lipstick that is a few shades darker than the natural lip colour (for an onstage 'natural' look)
  • Q-tips/cotton buds
  • Gentle make-up remover and cotton balls, make-up remover wipes or baby wipes

Recommended Reading

While students are provided with the script of any plays they are involved in as part of the NIDA Production Program, students are encouraged to purchase other scripts and textbooks for subjects such as Performance and Ideas.

Information Technology Recommendations

To access NIDA wireless (iWIRE) network, students are required to have access to a Laptop (Windows 7 and later), Macbook (Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or later) or a Tablet (less than three years old with wireless facility). All the devices should comply with 802.11a/b/g/n WPA-Enterprise security. All notebooks should be secured with a Kensington lock to help prevent theft.

For file transfers and data backup, a 500GB hard drive or higher and an 8GB USB stick are also recommended, as is a DVD burner, for optimum visual graphics on your computer(Laptop/MacBook/Desktop etc.) a 1GB dedicated graphics card is recommended but not required.

Further financial information

Australian citizens and holders of permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for an Australian Government FEE-HELP loan for all or part of their tuition fees. For more information about FEE-HELP please read the information below and visit Study Assist.

Financial assistance

Eligible students, who are Australian residents, can apply to Centrelink for financial assistance through Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY. Visit Centrelink or call 132 490 for more information.

While at NIDA, full time higher education students can also apply for consideration for a NIDA scholarship. Each year there are a limited number of NIDA scholarships to assist with living costs. These are allocated to students on the basis of financial need with second and third year undergraduates and Master of Fine Arts students prioritised. The scholarships are made available through the generosity of donors to NIDA and from bequests.  It is important to remember that they are to support living expenses and will not cover living expenses.

FEE-HELP

WHAT IS FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP is the Australian Government loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay their tuition fees, so that students do not have to pay tuition fees up-front. FEE-HELP can cover all or part of a student's tuition fees.

In 2023, the FEE-HELP loan limit is $108,232 for most students.

A loan fee of 25% applies to FEE-HELP loans for undergraduate courses of study. The FEE-HELP limit does not include the loan fee.

The Government pays the amount of the loan directly to NIDA. Students repay their loan through the tax system once their income rises above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment.

For more information go to www.studyassist.gov.au

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR FEE-HELP?

You are eligible for a FEE-HELP loan if you are either:

  • an Australian Citizen; or
  • hold a permanent humanitarian visa.

The following students are NOT eligible for FEE-HELP:

  • New Zealand citizens - refer to the Study Assist website
  • Australian permanent residents
  • Overseas students.

Statement of Tuition Assurance Exemption

Under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, (the HESA) and the Higher Education Provider Guidelines, approved Higher Education Providers must have arrangements in place to protect students if the Provider is unable to continue to offer a course for any reason, unless the Provider has been exempted from this requirement.

As required under 2.5.1.5 of the Higher Education Provider Guidelines of 23 November 2006, NIDA advises that, under section 16-30 (2) of the HESA, NIDA has been granted an exemption from the tuition assurance requirements of HESA. The reason for the exemption is that NIDA is in receipt of funding from the Australian Government. As NIDA is principally funded by the Australian Government, appropriate transition arrangements would be put in place should it be decided to discontinue a course.

Videos

2021 Online Info Sessions

Director of Acting, John Bashford, leads a conversation with other acting tutors about the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), how it will encourage your curiosity for and creativity with storytelling to flourish safely within an ensemble, and answers questions about the course.

27 July 2021

2020 Showreels (Year 3)

In their final year, BFA (Acting) students film showreels - check out the class of 2020's showreels below!

Movement studies

Head of Movement, Senior Lecturer Gavin Robins discusses combat and aerial work at NIDA.

Four tips for your audition video

Third-year Acting students show you how it's done!

Careers

Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) will have the performance skills and theoretical knowledge to be employed in a range of industries, including television, film, theatre and radio.

Graduating students will have a professional portfolio through which to showcase their talent and have ample opportunities to connect with industry professionals including agents and casting directors. Potential careers include Actor for film, television, stage and audio.

Our Acting alumni include many of the most lauded and recognised actors around the world, including two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett, two-time Academy Award winner Mel Gibson, Academy Award nominee Judy Davis, Rob Collins, Ryan Corr, Colin Friels, Remy Hii, Joel Jackson, Jessica Marais, Miranda Otto, Richard Roxburgh, Sarah Snook, Miranda Tapsell, Hugo Weaving, Sam Worthington and director Baz Luhrmann.

See NIDA's list of Alumni.

Further info

Entry requirements FAQs

What ATAR score do I need to get into NIDA?

Entry into NIDA courses is by audition or interview only. We do not ask for exam scores or ATAR rankings. However, all applicants applying for any higher education course at NIDA must have completed their Higher School Certificate or equivalent qualification at the end of high school. In exceptional circumstances this requirement can be waived. 

What subjects should I study at school?

NIDA does not require students to have studied any particular subjects at school. However, it is beneficial during their period of study at NIDA for students to have a high level of literacy and to have read widely. A strong working knowledge of subjects such as English and History is helpful to provide an understanding of historical context and literary references in theatre and literature. It is helpful to have an understanding of drama and, if possible, to have attended a range of theatre and films. Applicants for some courses often study Design and Technology, Textiles and Design, or similar subjects such as Art. Knowledge of a language other than English and understanding of other cultures is also beneficial. 

For courses such as Properties and Objects, Staging, Design for Performance, and Technical Theatre and Stage Management there is a need to have some numeracy and basic computing skills. For the Staging and Properties and Objects courses there is a need to be comfortable with basic applied algebra, geometry and physical concepts but memorisation is not required and use of these concepts is very practically focused. 

Is there a minimum age restriction?

The minimum age for entry into NIDA’s full-time courses is 18 years. Students are expected to be at least 18 years of age at the commencement of their first year, or within a few months of commencement. In exceptional circumstances this condition may be waived. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age at the time of their audition or interview.

Applications from those 16 years and younger will not be accepted.

Is there a maximum age restriction?

There is no maximum age restriction. As a guide to the age distribution at NIDA, the ages of students in undergraduate courses at the start of 2016 ranged from 17 years to early 30s, with the average age being 21.

The average age in the Master of Fine Arts courses is 32, with an age range from early 20s to mid-40s.

Application FAQs

How do I apply for a full-time course at NIDA?

Application to NIDA is by direct entry. Applicants apply online via the NIDA website.

NIDA will accept applications for the 2022 intake from 1 June to 29 October 2021.

You must then prepare for your audition or interview, the details of which can be found on the course pages.

My application form isn’t working/loading!

If you are having difficulty using the online application form, check your internet browser: Chrome, Firefox and Safari are the recommended browsers. You should also turn off any security that blocks pop-ups, as this may prevent the application screen from opening. While application form will still work on a tablet or mobile device, it performs best on a PC or laptop.

Can I apply for more than one course?

Yes, however a separate online application form will be required for each course you would like to apply for.

What do I do if the audition/ interview dates are not suitable?

NIDA aims to accommodate all Australian states during the audition/ interview period.

If the dates provided are not suitable to individuals applying to non-Acting courses we will try to work with you to create a mutually agreeable alternative. If you cannot attend any of the available dates, please select ‘Other Interstate’ when completing the application form and email applications@nida.edu.au to discuss further options.

Unfortunately due to the large volume of applications to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) course, we cannot schedule any alternative dates other than those advertised.

Audition and interview FAQs

What do I need to prepare for my audition/interview?

All the details for audition and interview requirements can be found on the individual course pages under the ‘How to Apply’ tab.

Does NIDA give audition/interview feedback?

Due to the large number of people being auditioned or interviewed, it is not possible for NIDA to provide individual feedback, either orally or in writing. However, the auditions and interviews are learning experiences, particularly through the opportunity in the auditions to observe the presentation of audition pieces by other applicants and any redirection suggestions provided to you or other applicants by members of the audition panel. 

Where will my interview take place?

Interview conditions will depend on your course. They may be in-person or over Zoom, in which case a Zoom link will be provided to you prior to your interview.

What happens after my interview?

Final selections are made for each course by December when study offers will be distributed to successful applicants via email.

Studying at NIDA FAQs

What are the contact hours for BFA courses?

Students are at NIDA from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday. During production terms students may also be required for rehearsals after hours and on weekends.

Additional time also needs to be allocated to library work, research, preparation for classes and private study. For this reason it is difficult for NIDA students to maintain regular part-time jobs. Studying at NIDA is a big commitment so students need to manage their time and resources carefully.

How are NIDA’s courses structured?

NIDA offers a conservatoire based method of education and training based around intensive practice-based learning.

There is formal class work, practical instruction, lectures and, for some courses, periods of placements in the arts industry. Each course has dedicated time to discipline-specific immersion, as well as common subjects undertaken by students of all disciplines.

NIDA Play Productions and screen work provides practical learning experiences, giving students the opportunity to apply learnt technical skills. Play productions are an important part of NIDA’s higher education courses with usually five productions being produced each semester.

More detailed information about course structure can be found on the individual course pages. 

What facilities does NIDA offer?

NIDA’s award winning campus includes a range of facilities available to students:

  • the Parade Theatre, seating over 700 people, is equipped with advanced technology in sound, lighting and scenery
  • performance spaces of varying sizes. The Parade Studio, Parade Playhouse, Parade Space and Atrium are also utilised for productions
  • the state-of-the-art Reg Grundy Studio is used for film and television recording
  • the Rodney Seaborn Library, specialising in the performing arts
  • computer-aided design (CAD) and multimedia studios
  • rehearsal rooms, teaching spaces and music practice rooms
  • and workshops for the manufacture of scenery, properties and costumes.

Does NIDA offer credit transfer for study undertaken elsewhere?

Yes, NIDA grants credit for formal study undertaken in recognised higher institutions in Australia, including universities, colleges, TAFE and other post-secondary education institutions and for study at recognised overseas institutions, where the applicant has met the learning outcomes, attained the knowledge and/or developed the skills relevant to a specific subject. An application for credit must be submitted and approved prior to commencement of the course. For further information see NIDA’s credit transfer policy.

Accommodation FAQs

NIDA does not provide accommodation for students. However the following information will help you consider some options available to you.

UNSW on-campus housing

Although NIDA is not part of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), NIDA students can access the student accommodation at UNSW.

UNSW is located directly across from NIDA on Anzac Parade, Kensington and has a number of on-campus residential colleges and self-catered apartments that Study Abroad students can apply for by going directly to their websites:

Fully catered colleges:

Self-catered apartments:

Seeking rental accommodation independently

Rental accommodation in the immediate vicinity of NIDA is not usually easy to find at short notice, can be expensive and Sydney landlords usually require a minimum six month lease to be signed. It is also in high demand so it is advisable to start searching at least two or three weeks before you start the course. You should also consider that not all accommodation is furnished and you may need to buy furniture.

Students tend to look for accommodation in suburbs near NIDA such as Randwick, Kensington, Kingsford, Coogee and Maroubra or, slightly further away, in Newtown, Surry Hills or Paddington, because of proximity and transport services. Students at NIDA often have to stay late during production and projects times so it is important that transport is available. Some useful websites that list rental agents and/or rental accommodation are:

Seeking share housing

Many students at NIDA find share accommodation in houses and apartments in the surrounding areas. The advantage to share renting is that all costs, rent, electricity, gas etc are shared, reducing the overall cost of living. Share rentals are often advertised on the rental websites given above, but NIDA students also post notices to the student web pages when they are seeking someone to share their accommodation. Students will be able to access these pages as soon as they have accepted their offer of place at NIDA.

Alternatively, there are local, public forums for seeking share-housing independently such as flatmates.com.au and closed Facebook groups such as Eastern Suburbs Housemates and Inner West Housemates (read the guidelines listed and request to join).

For any queries regarding the NIDA Study Abroad program contact us at applications@nida.edu.au.

NIDA Student policies FAQs

Can I defer my studies at NIDA?

Due to the highly competitive nature of NIDA’s admissions process, you must enrol for the year for which you have been offered a place. You cannot defer acceptance of a place. If you want to enrol in a subsequent year, you will need to apply again the following year and go through the audition/interview process again. There is no guarantee that you will be offered a place next time.

A first year student who discontinues a course of study during the year and wishes to return the following year, must re-apply for admission to NIDA in the normal manner. There is no guarantee of re-admission.

Application for leave of absence by continuing students must be made in writing with reasons to the Head of Course for consideration and recommendation to the Director. Approval for leave of absence can only be granted by the Director/CEO. It should be noted that approval for leave of absence will only be granted under exceptional circumstances.

Can students be suspended from NIDA?

In addition to cancellation of enrolment for non-payment of tuition fees, a student’s enrolment at NIDA can be suspended or cancelled on the grounds of misconduct. Refer to the Student Misconduct Procedures below.

Where can I find more information about NIDA Student Policies?

See NIDA Student Policies for more information. 

Fees FAQs

What are the tuition fees for accredited courses?

Full information about tuition fees and FEE-HELP is available under the ‘Fees’ tab on individual course pages. 

Are there any other costs to study at NIDA apart from tuition fees?

There is an optional annual fee of $40 to join the Student Council of NIDA (SCON).While students are provided with the script of any plays they are involved in as part of the NIDA Production Program, students are encouraged to purchase other scripts and textbooks for subjects such as Performance and Ideas.

Acting students must wear “blacks” to class everyday i.e. leotards, jogging pants, sweat pants, simple black tops or T-shirts, so students need to make sure they have at least a couple of sets of blacks to get themselves through the week. Acting students must also supply their own make-up and soft black shoes.

Scenic Construction and Technologies, Design for Performance, Costume, Properties and Objects, Technical Theatre and Stage Management students are required to purchase specific tools and equipment, which should be considered as lifelong investments. Students using workshop spaces are also required to have closed-toe protective footwear. Technical Theatre and Stage Management students should also have a few sets of “blacks” for working on productions.

Design for Performance students are also expected to purchase their own art equipment, drawing paper, cardboard and other material for models and should allow around $1000 for this each year.

To access NIDA wireless (iWIRE) network, students are required to have access to a Laptop (Windows 7 and later), Macbook (Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or later) or a Tablet (less than three years old with wireless facility). All the devices should comply with 802.11a/b/g/n WPA-Enterprise security.

For file transfers and data backup, a 500GB hard drive or higher and an 8GB USB stick are also recommended, as is a DVD burner, for optimum visual graphics on your computer(Laptop/MacBook/Desktop etc..) a 1GB dedicated graphics card is recommended but not compulsory.

For a full list of additional costs by course please refer to the NIDA Domestic Undergraduate Student Fees Schedule 2022.

Financial assistance FAQs

Are there scholarships available for studying at NIDA?

NIDA students, who are Australian citizens, are able to access FEE-HELP loans for assistance with their tuition fees. For more information on FEE-HELP loans see www.studyassist.gov.au.

NIDA offers students the opportunity to apply for financial assistance at the beginning of each year to assist with living costs. The scholarships are made available through the generosity of donors to NIDA and from bequests. Click here for more info.

What other financial assistance is available to undergraduate students?

Eligible students enrolled in NIDA’s undergraduate courses can apply to Centrelink for Austudy, Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY. Visit Centrelink or call 132 490 for more information. 

Is financial assistance available for students in the Master of Fine Arts?

The Master of Fine Arts courses are not approved courses for students to receive Austudy, Youth Allowance (student) and Pensioner Education Supplement through Centrelink. Master of Fine Arts students are eligible to apply for a NIDA Scholarship.

NZ and international students FAQs

Is there a limit on the number of international students accepted each year?

NIDA welcomes applications from international students. While there is no quota for international students, there are limited numbers of students in each course.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

Students must be proficient in written and spoken English, with international applicants required to have an English language proficiency equivalent to an overall band score of IELTS 8.0 for Acting, Directing and Writing for Performance, or IELTS 7.0 for other higher education courses. Information on IELTS and testing centres in your country is available at www.ielts.org.

International applicants who are short-listed for the Acting course after the recall audition must provide evidence of their English language capability by the end of the first week in December in order to be considered in the final selection process. International applications for other courses should bring evidence of their English language capability to their interview.

Where can I find more information about international students at NIDA?

More information about studying as an international student at NIDA can be found at International students

Course Accreditation

NIDA’S Registration Status

Registered as a Higher Education Provider by TEQSA
https://www.teqsa.gov.au/national-register/provider/national-institute-dramatic-art

Registration Renewal Date

25 June 2025

CRICOS Registration

Code: 00756M

This allows NIDA to enrol international students on student visas into CRICOS approved courses.

Self Accrediting Authority*

Yes – partial self accrediting

Registered Higher Education providers may be authorised by TEQSA to self-accredit courses of study.

Course nameStatusCRICOS Code

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Actin

Self-Accredited by NIDA under TEQSA’s determination
of Self Accrediting Authority for NIDA

083696J

Read more about John Bashford, Director Centre for Acting.

RPL/ Credit Transfer

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) / Credit Transfer

Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit.

NIDA may grant credit for:

  • Formal study undertaken in recognised education institutions in Australia, including universities, colleges, TAFE and other post-secondary education institutions and for study at recognised overseas institutions.
  • Credentialed courses provided by recognised professional bodies, employers and other authorities, where appropriate certification is available; and
  • Prior learning, where such learning can be sufficiently evidenced.

The principles underlying the assessment of credit transfer/Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applications are that the policy and procedures are:

  1. Aligned to the Higher Education Standards Framework and the Vocational Standards for RTOs.
  2. Designed to maintain the integrity and reputation of NIDA’s accredited courses for which credit or RPL is applied and support the collaborative nature of NIDA’s conservatoire training model.
  3. Consistent, equitable, transparent, and accountable.
  4. Based on processes of comparable standard and integrity to those used to assess the relevant subject.
  5. That students are not disadvantaged in achieving the expected learning outcomes for the course of study or qualification.

NIDA Recognition of Prior Learning Policy

Apply for a Credit Transfer and/or RPL

Read more about John Bashford, Director Centre for Acting.


Page functions

NIDA acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the sacred lands, from the mountains to the sea, on which we learn and tell stories.

The lands of the Bidjigal, Gadigal, Dharawal and Dharug peoples. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.