MFA (Directing)
CRICOS CODE 080368E
Applications for 2023 are now closed. Applications for 2024 intake will open in June 2023.
More information on 2024 courses register your interest below
If you require assistance, please contact applications@nida.edu.au.
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NIDA encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds, with different types of experiences across the various art forms, film, television or other areas, as well as in cultural development, policy and management.
NIDA welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.
- About the course
- Admission criteria
- How to apply
- Fees
- NIDA FAQs
- Videos
- Careers
- Course Accreditation
- RPL/ Credit Transfer
About the course
This immersive directing course enables talented, early career practitioners to master the directing process. It places strong emphasis on the collaborative role of a director by focusing on methods of communication with actors, designers, stage managers, playwrights and other creative team members.
Throughout the course students engage with leading industry tutors and companies, both nationally and internationally. Through multiple live theatre and screen projects, the course challenges students to create and express their own artistic vision and connect with contemporary audiences. Subjects include Directing Techniques, Directing Practice, Scenography, Dramaturgy, Contextualising Practice and Generating Research through Practice. The course culminates in the direction of a short play, or film, in a season at NIDA.
Applicants should note that the course may involve some interstate travel. Such experiences are developed in response to the travel restrictions at the time. Previous field trips and learning experiences include visits to leading theatre companies, the Adelaide and Perth arts festivals, and NAISDA (National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association).
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 structure
The duration of the MFA course is 15 months and comprises seven subjects with a total 180 credit points, with a lead subject (60 credit points) which is the focal point.
Students will need to be resident in Sydney and available on a full time basis from late January to early December of the first year. In the final three months (January to March of the following year), students complete their research project and write up the results as a journal article. It is normally not essential that students be resident in Sydney during the final three months of the course but some attendance in Sydney may be required during this period.
Course dates
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.
Course dates
COMING SOON
Course overview
Directing Practice (60 credit points)
In DIR9102 Directing Practice students learn to conceptualise, devise and deliver a theatrical production. This includes selecting and researching the work, developing the production concept, and staging the production.
Directing Techniques (30 credit points)
DIR9101 Directing Techniques develops advanced skills in deploying directorial techniques in the rehearsal room. There is significant focus on the examination of and experimentation with directing methodologies with the purpose of developing the skills inherent in delivering an established directing methodology for the rehearsal room. A key area of development is communication skills whereby students, through a series of interactive role-play sessions, focus on improving their director’s communication skills when working with performers. After some experience in directing, students critically reflect on their progress and skills acquisition by participating in peer seminars. Finally, the students are offered an opportunity to deeply focus on aspects of their skills acquisition in a studio setting. The content of this studio time is self-generated and aims to promote sophisticated and improved personalised Directing Techniques.
The Contemporary Director (15 credit points)
After acknowledging key developments in directorial process and thinking, DIR9104 The Contemporary Director subject covers the work of significant international theatre practitioners working in the twenty-first century and the issues and conventions alive in the present day. The subject is taught over four terms, where each term’s instruction views contemporary direction through a different lens.
Dramaturgy (15 credit points)
This subject provides a theoretical background to the dramatic forms of playwriting and the skills required for the practical application of the dramaturgical components of dramatic writing to theatrical presentation. Students develop a process for, and skills in, evaluating unproduced dramatic manuscripts. The key objective of the subject is to gain an understanding of the key dramaturgical concepts and components in dramatic form.
Scenography (15 credit points)
DIR9103 exposes directing students to the history, theories and practices fundamental to art and design, applying these theories to the collaborative creation of set and/or costume designs. These projects include the following: a music video clip, a play design, a design for opera and the graduation production. DIR9103 is a year-long subject that prepares directors to work with theatrical design concepts and stage designers in creating artistically cohesive theatrical productions.
Contextualising Practice (15 credit points)
This subject develops each student’s understanding of their site of cultural endeavour within the framework of a wider field of contemporary cultural enterprise. The subject is designed to facilitate engagement by arts practitioners as well as producers, executives and managers, with a view to contextualising the practice of a range of creative and cultural professionals.
The subject begins by introducing critical analysis as a means of contextualizing the work of others. The remainder of the subject is divided into modules that explore the processes of creativity and collaboration that underpin diverse arts practices.
Generating Research through Practice (30 credit points)
This subject introduces students to the concepts and methods of practice-based research as these apply to the exploration and investigation of the arts.
Initially students are introduced to the concept of research and to research skills and related issues, including ethics, as these apply to practice-based research. Subsequently, students identify their research topic and design the research project, undertake investigation and gather data, and process the data and other findings. The subject culminates in the writing of a journal article as the final research output. Journal articles arising from this subject are posted to an internally accessible research journal. Students whose journal articles are assessed as outstanding are encouraged and supported to submit them to externally published journals.
Admission criteria
Admission criteria
- All applicants applying for a graduate course at NIDA must have completed an undergraduate degree (in any area) or have five years relevant experience in a related area.
- 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. Information on IELTS and testing centres in your country is available at http://www.ielts.org/
Essential requirements
- We select applicants who demonstrate commitment, capacity and willingness to advance their practice by:
- Working creatively
- Collaborating as part of a creative team
- Demonstrating a range of relevant skills and technical abilities
- Providing evidence of intellectual enquiry and reflection within their work
- Communicating clearly
- All applicants applying for the graduate courses at NIDA must have completed an undergraduate degree (in any area) or have at least five years relevant experience in a related area.
- 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. Information on IELTS and testing centres in your country is available at www.ielts.org.
How to apply
Application process
Application to NIDA is by direct entry. Applicants apply online via the NIDA website.
Entry to the MFA (Directing) is by interview. See below for details on how to prepare.
How to apply
NIDA uses direct application to the provider via the NIDA website.
Interview dates
Interview dates for the 2023 intake will be announced after applications open.
Your interview
What to prepare
SUBMIT WITH YOUR APPLICATION
The application process for the Master of Fine Arts (Directing) consists of two rounds:
- Round One – Online Application, including CV, Portfolio, Essay, and Interview Project. All applicants will then have an interview with Directing staff via Zoom.
- Round Two – Directing Recall.
Only applicants who are successful in Round One will be invited to Round Two: Directing Recall.
The following should be uploaded with your application:
1. PROFESSIONAL CV
You should upload a detailed CV highlighting your education and training, professional work and other relevant information.
2. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
You will need to provide proof of your university degree/s or five years of professional experience in a relevant area. This can be a scan/photograph of your transcript or testamur from the awarding institution.
3. A CRITICAL ESSAY
Prepare a two-page critical essay or report on your practice, or a particular cultural event you have witnessed. This should be uploaded with your application.
4. PORTFOLIO
You may upload a digital portfolio with your application; otherwise you can upload one to the Dropbox below prior to your interview date. You should prepare examples of past work that you feel will support your application and demonstrate your suitability for a career in directing and the arts and entertainment industry.
It should be clearly titled with your name as follows: fullname_portfolio_MFADIR_2023
PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
The following should be prepared in advance to be discussed at your interview:
5. INTERVIEW PROJECT
Prepare a project based on a published play text of your choosing.
Consider the following questions in relation to the specified play and be ready to discuss them at your interview:
- Text: What ideas is the playwright trying to express? What is the relevance of the play to contemporary Australian audiences?
- Characters and Actors: What kind of people are the characters in the play? In what kind of world do they exist? If you had complete freedom of choice, which actors would you cast in your production?
- Design: How would you describe the imaginative world of the play? Where is it located?
- Lighting: How should lighting be used to reveal and expose areas of this play and the design of your production.
- Costume, Sets and Props: What particular requirements are there in each of these areas?
- Music and Sound: What kind of music or sound effects would you use, and why?
- Theatre: Where would you stage your production? What kind of theatre will it be in? What kind of equipment will you require? What challenges might arise in the staging?
- Production Design Concept: Communicate your production through collected material. This could include drawings or models of sets and costumes, impressions in collage or electronic; anything that will help the selection panel to understand your production concept.
It should be clearly titled with your name as follows: fullname_project_MFADIR_2023
6. ATTEND YOUR INTERVIEW
Interviews are conducted by two NIDA staff members. All Round One interviews will take place via Zoom. Interviews will run for approximately one hour.
THINGS TO NOTE
NIDA recognises that interviews 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 the project in advance, the better prepared you will be and the more you will benefit from the interview and discussion.
NIDA may keep all or part of your project until the final selection of applicants is made. Make sure your name is clearly marked on all project materials. Ensure you keep a copy of all written work, as this will not be returned. The project will then be available for collection from NIDA during office hours. Interstate applicants’ projects will be returned on request. Be prepared to take your project away with you as well, as we may choose not to keep any material.
The interview process is friendly, informal and open, and is designed to give you the very best opportunity to indicate your potential and readiness to study at NIDA. However, should you have any concerns with the interview process or with what is said to you during the course of the interview, please express your concern immediately, or talk it over with a member of the interview panel before you leave.
What to expect on the day
ON THE INTERVIEW DAY
Interviews are conducted by two NIDA staff members. All first round interviews will take place via Zoom. Interviews will run for approximately one hour. The interview is in two parts:
- First, there will be a brief talk about NIDA, the MFA (Directing) course and what will happen during the interview. There will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about NIDA or about the interview itself.
- Each applicant will then be interviewed for around 45 minutes. During the interview, we will discuss your project; your ideas about theatre, film and the broader creative industry; and why you want to study Directing at NIDA.
ON THE RECALL DAY
If the selection panel would like to see more, you may be asked back for a recall interview on a separate date. Depending on development of circumstances regarding COVID-19, your recall audition may be in person or live via Zoom. Recall auditions, both in-person and remotely, will take place in November. Due to COVID-19, details and requirements for the final round of auditions will be outlined closer to the time and will be dictated by government guidelines.
Should you be short-listed for acceptance into the course after the recall, you may be asked to submit a list of three referees who have seen your work, or worked with you in some arts-related capacity. NIDA may contact these referees before making a study offer.
Please note applicants who do not make it through to the recall stage for Master of Fine Arts (Directing) should consider their application unsuccessful for the 2021 intake.
Interview tips
- Preparation! The more time and effort you put into the project and interview preparation in advance, the more confident you’ll be and the more you will benefit from the interview and discussion.
- Come with a clear idea of why you want to study Directing at NIDA.
- Plan your journey to the interview. Give yourself plenty of travel time to allow for delays.
- We know that interviews can be stressful, but every effort will be made to ensure your experience will be as interesting and enjoyable as possible. The interview is designed to give you the very best opportunity to show your potential and readiness to study at NIDA.
The Directing project
Directing project options
Prepare a project based on a published play text of your choosing.
Directing project requirements
Prepare a project based on your nominated text.
Consider the following questions in relation to the specified play and be ready to discuss them at your interview:
- Text: What ideas is the playwright trying to express? What is the relevance of the play to contemporary Australian audiences?
- Characters and Actors: What kind of people are the characters in the play? In what kind of world do they exist? If you had complete freedom of choice, which actors would you cast in your production?
- Design: How would you describe the imaginative world of the play? Where is it located?
- Lighting: How should lighting be used to reveal and expose areas of this play and the design of your production?
- Costume, Sets and Props: What particular requirements are there in each of these areas?
- Music and Sound: What kind of music or sound effects would you use, and why?
- Theatre: Where would you stage your production? What kind of theatre will it be in? What kind of equipment will you require? What problems might arise in the staging?
- Production Design Concept: Communicate your production through collected material. This could include drawings or models of sets and costumes, impressions in collage or electronic; anything that will help the selection panel to understand your production concept.
Fees
Tuition fees (2023)
Domestic and international students are required to pay tuition fees by the due date each semester.
Domestic Students
Domestic students are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens.
Prospective students: Download the Domestic Graduate Student Fee Schedule 2023
International Students
Fees and financial assistance vary for international students see International Students for full details.
Domestic tuition fees overview
| Degree | Course duration | 2023 Annual tuition fee $AUD* | Estimated course tuition fee* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Fine Arts (Directing) | 15 months | N/A | $33,840.00 |
Domestic tuition fee details
2023
| Subject code | Subject | Credit points | EFTSL** | Tuition fee* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIR9101 | Directing Techniques | 30 | 0.208 | $5,640.00 |
| DIR9102 | Directing Practice | 60 | 0.418 | $11,280.00 |
| DIR9103 | Scenography | 15 | 0.104 | $2,820.00 |
| DIR9104 | The Contemporary Director | 15 | 0.104 | $2,820.00 |
| DIR9105 | Dramaturgy | 15 | 0.104 | $2,820.00 |
| COM9101 | Contextualising Practice | 15 | 0.104 | $2,820.00 |
| COM9102 | Generating Research Through Practice | 30 | 0.208 | $5,640.00 |
| Total | 180 | 1.25 | $33,840.00 |
*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.
Tuition fees (2022)
Domestic and international students are required to pay tuition fees by the due date each semester.
Domestic Students
Domestic students are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens.
Current students: Download the Domestic Graduate Student Fee Schedule 2022
International Students
Fees and financial assistance vary for international students see International Students for full details.
Domestic tuition fees overview
| Degree | Course duration | 2022 Annual tuition fee $AUD* | Estimated course tuition fee* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Fine Arts (Directing) | 15 months | N/A | $32,220.00 |
Domestic tuition fee details
2022
| Subject code | Subject | Credit points | EFTSL** | Tuition fee* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIR9101 | Directing Techniques | 30 | 0.208 | $5,370.00 |
| DIR9102 | Directing Practice | 60 | 0.418 | $10,740.00 |
| DIR9103 | Scenography | 15 | 0.104 | $2,685.00 |
| DIR9104 | The Contemporary Director | 15 | 0.104 | $2,685.00 |
| DIR9105 | Dramaturgy | 15 | 0.104 | $2,685.00 |
| COM9101 | Contextualising Practice | 15 | 0.104 | $2,685.00 |
| COM9102 | Generating Research Through Practice | 30 | 0.208 | $5,370.00 |
| Total | 180 | 1.25 | $32,220.00 |
*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 Fulltime Study Load: indicates the relative study load of a subject against a full time study load of 1.0 for academic year.
Additional costs
Book list
As part of your course you will be asked to ensure you have copies of the following books.
- Merlin, Bella (2007). The Complete Stanislavsky Toolkit
- Carnicke, Sharon M (2008). Stanislavsky in Focus (Second Edition)
- Eikenberry, Kevin (2007). Remarkable Leadership
- Mitchell, Katie (2009). The Director's Craft. Routledge.
Optional Tools
- 1 camera or camera phone for use in sessions
- Laptop/tablet
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.
FEE-HELP
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.
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 2019, the FEE-HELP limit is $104,440 for most students.
The government pays the amount of the loan directly to NIDA. Students repay their loan through the tax system once their incomes rises above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment.
For more information go to 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.
NIDA FAQs
Entry requirements FAQs
Entry requirements for each course are available under the ‘Interviews and how to apply’ tab on individual course pages.
Is there a maximum age restriction for students?
There is no maximum age restriction for any NIDA undergraduate or graduate course.
Application FAQs
How do I apply for a full-time course at NIDA?
The first step is to fill in an application form, available online from June 2021. You must then prepare for your audition or interview, the details of which can be found on the course pages.
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.
My application form isn’t working/loading!
Online applications are open from June annually.
If you are having difficulty using the online application form, check your internet browser: Internet Explorer, 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.
What do I do if I haven’t received details of my interview?
Once you have submitted your application and paid your application fee you will be emailed a receipt as well as further details regarding preparation for your audition/ interview. If you do not receive any emails from NIDA please check your junk/ spam filter or promotions filter (Gmail). If you are still experiencing difficulties please contact us at: applications@nida.edu.au
Interview FAQs
What do I need to prepare for my interview?
Does NIDA give audition/ interview feedback?
Due to the large number of people being auditioned/ interviewed, it is not possible for NIDA to provide individual feedback, either orally or in writing. However, the audition/ interview 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 mid-December when study offers will be distributed to successful applicants via email.
Please note applicants who do not make it through to the recall stage for Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) and Master of Fine Arts (Directing) courses have not been successful for the 2022 intake.
Studying at NIDA FAQs
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
NIDA does not have on-campus accommodation for students. NIDA has a close relationship with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) which is located opposite NIDA. UNSW offers a range of housing options which NIDA students can access. For more details see UNSW Residential Communities.
New and returning students can also access the NIDA student noticeboards and webpages to advertise or seek accommodation and many liaise via email and Facebook to arrange housing together.
Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
Cost of living
Students relocating to Sydney should consider evening transportation when choosing accommodation. Students working on productions are often required to stay as late as 11pm or 12pm and need to consider safe ways to get home in the evenings. For this reason many students choose accommodation options close to NIDA.
Consider that the costs of living in Sydney may be different to your home location.
We estimate that you need approximately AUD$20,000 to cover living expenses in Sydney for each year of study. In addition, we recommend that you have at least AUD$2000 when you arrive to cover the initial costs of books, rental bond, and furniture.
These figures do not include large household items (such as a refrigerator) or a car. We recommend that you use public transport, as owning a car can be expensive and there is very limited parking near NIDA.
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 interview process again. There is no guarantee that you will be offered a place next time.
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/CEO. Approval for leave of absence can only be granted by the Director/CEO and only 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.
See NIDA student policies for more information.
Fees FAQs
What are the tuition fees for accredited courses?
Financial assistance FAQs
Are there scholarships available for studying at NIDA?
NIDA is pleased that through the generosity of the Luminis Foundation, we are able to offer the Luminis Foundation Indigenous Fellowship in Cultural Leadership at annual intake. This Fellowship will support the successful applicant by funding 50% of their Master of Fine Arts (Cultural Leadership only) course fee.
NIDA does not offer other scholarships that cover the cost of tuition fees.
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 or the ‘Fees’ tab on individual course pages.
Is financial assistance available for Master of Fine Arts students?
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 enrolled in a full-time course are eligible to apply for a NIDA scholarship.
NIDA offers full-time students the opportunity to apply for financial assistance (scholarships) at the beginning of each year to assist with living costs. The bursaries are made available through the generosity of donors to NIDA and from bequests. Bursaries are paid on a fortnightly basis during the NIDA year, with the value of individual bursaries in 2019 ranging from $1,600 annually to $4,000 annually, depending on need and the year and course of study. Bursaries are only available to students currently enrolled at NIDA in full-time courses.
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?
Videos
2021 Online Info Sessions
Head of Directing, Dr Ben Schostakowski, and a current student of the Master of Fine Arts (Directing) take you through the Master of Fine Arts (Directing), discuss how the impact of the training comes from nurturing each individual’s unique directorial voice, and answer questions about the course.
28 July 2021
Careers
Our graduates win awards, including several AACTA Awards, Sydney Theatre Awards, Helpmann Awards, Green Room Awards, Adelaide Theatre Critics Awards, New York Independent Film & TV Festival, the Prix Italia Award for Directing. Our graduates have been employed by Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir, Melbourne Theatre Company, The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Warner Brothers Entertainment, Bazmark (Baz Luhrmann) Films and more.
Potential careers
- Theatre director
- Film director
- TV director
- Performance director
- Event director
See NIDA's list of Alumni.
Course Accreditation
NIDA’S Registration Status | Registered as a Higher Education Provider by TEQSA |
|---|---|
| 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 name | Status | CRICOS Code |
|---|---|---|
Master of Fine Arts (Directing) | Self-Accredited by NIDA under TEQSA’s determination | 080368E |
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:
- Aligned to the Higher Education Standards Framework and the Vocational Standards for RTOs.
- 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.
- Consistent, equitable, transparent, and accountable.
- Based on processes of comparable standard and integrity to those used to assess the relevant subject.
- That students are not disadvantaged in achieving the expected learning outcomes for the course of study or qualification.
Read more about NIDA's Head of Directing Dr Benjamin Schostakowski, Course Leader.
