Media Release:
Netflix to provide scholarship funding to a First Nations or person of colour student studying NIDA’s Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-Up Services) in 2026.
NIDA and Netflix are proud to announce the Netflix Specialist Make-Up Scholarship, which will provide a 2026 Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-up Services) student who identifies as First Nations and/or a person of colour (POC) with $50,000 dollars to cover academic fees, travel and living expenses for the one year course.
Conceived by Netflix in collaboration with NIDA, with input from on-screen talent, this important initiative underscores NIDA and Netflix’s commitment to fostering creative careers and providing pathways to support diversity in the film and television industries. NIDA and industry experts are constantly refreshing the Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-Up Services) to ensure it aligns with best practice in diversity and inclusion. Netflix will now provide scholarship funding to support First Nations and POC with pathways into hair and makeup in the Australian screen industry.
NIDA CEO Liz Hughes said, “NIDA is committed to providing industry-ready training that supports the next generation of creatives with the skills they need to thrive. We are deeply grateful to Netflix whose generous scholarship is designed to remove barriers and create opportunities for talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.”
Netflix APAC Director of Policy, Studio & Production, Debra Richards said: “The Australian screen industry is home to some world-class hair and makeup talent, but it’s essential that we invest in the next generation – especially from underrepresented communities – to build a strong future for our local industry, and there’s no better partner than NIDA to do this with.
“Netflix is proud to have invested in numerous similar initiatives to not only provide meaningful talent development and vocational opportunities, but look to support ongoing career growth and diversity in all crew roles, as well as on screen.”
NIDA’s Director of First Nations & Outreach Travis Cardona said: “This collaboration addresses the barriers and exclusion that First Nations and POC communities can face in pursuing a career in the hair and make-up industries. Their lived experience and expertise are vital in working with the rich diversity of cultural identities we see on our screens today,”.
NIDA’s Diploma of Screen Media (Specialist Make-Up Services) 1-year course provides internationally recognised training led by industry experts in the crucial role of hair and make-up artistry. Students will learn to bring authentic on-screen characters to life as they explore a variety of styling and application techniques, as well as the importance of maintaining continuity throughout a production. The course also offers hands-on opportunities for makeup design, hair styling, preparing wigs and designing make-up special effects and prosthetics, and provides insights into potential career paths within this exciting industry.
Applications to study at NIDA in 2026 are now open. NIDA OPEN DAY is Saturday June 14, learn about Australia’s premier dramatic arts educator on campus or online.