Full-Time Program

The Australian Ballet School offers a well established and internationally recognised Full-Time Program of vocational dance training. Full-Time students enjoy the benefit of working in a focused and professional environment where the specialised staff guide and assist them in a holistic and dedicated manner.

Full-Time Training encompasses Level 4 to Level 8 of the Training Program.

Students usually complete the Full-Time Program by the time they are 20 years of age and during this time, students work towards the achievement of their Victorian Certificate of Education, the Diploma of Dance and the Advanced Diploma of Dance and the Graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet.

Level 4

Level 4 is currently the first year of full-time training. It is offered alongside academic year 9 at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS). Students in Level 4 are expected to achieve well in their academic studies as well as consolidate and expand their technical and artistic dance skills.

Entry into The Australian Ballet School Training Program is by audition only.

2025 Fee for Level 4 is $13,630

2026 Fee for Level 4 is $14,110

- Classical Ballet

- Pointe Studies (female students)

- Foundation for Gymnasium Training (male)

- Contemporary Dance

- Character Dance

- Performance Studies

- Body Conditioning

- Injury Prevention

- Anatomy

- Performance Psychology

- Nutrition

- Introduction to Dance History

- Introduction to Music

- VCASS Academic Program

Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA51520, CRICOS 110134D)

LEVELS 5 & 6

Levels 5 & 6 comprise the Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA51520). This is a national qualification studied in conjunction with year 10 and year 11 academic studies, including allied subjects such as Music, Performance Psychology, Nutrition and Cultural Studies.

The course generally occupies two years' full-time study.

Entry into The Australian Ballet School Training Program is by audition only. Students are selected based on their suitability for vocational classical ballet training. Due to the nature of the dance industry and the employment opportunities available, as well as the intense physical nature of dance training, vocational training must be undertaken during a certain age range. Consequently, an applicant’s age will be taken into consideration. Generally, successful applicants will be between 15 and 17 years of age.

All applicants for the Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA51520) are expected to have completed a minimum education standard of Year 9 secondary schooling or equivalent. Students who have not completed a Diploma Level qualification or year 12 or equivalent will be required to undertake a DEWR approved literacy and numeracy test prior to enrolment.

Overseas students must satisfy Vocational English requirements in order to obtain a Student Visa.

The following units are available through http://training.gov.au
Core units

CUADAN531 Refine dance techniques

CUADAN517 Refine dance partnering techniques

CUAPRF511 Refine performance techniques

CUAPRF513 Prepare for and perform in competitive environments

CUAWHS413 Incorporate anatomy principles into skill development

CUAWHS511 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance

CUAPPR512 Develop sustainability of own professional practice.

Elective units

CUACHR411 Create and perform dance pieces

CUADAN511 Refine ballet techniques

CUADAN512 Refine ballet performance skills

CUADAN513 Perform repertoire for corps de ballet

CUADAN514 Perform ballet solo variations

CUADAN515 Refine contemporary dance techniques

CUADAN516 Refine cultural dance techniques

CUAMUP511 Apply theatrical make-up and hairstyles

CUACHR413 Develop choreography skills

10th Elective – 1 for Males, 1 for Females

CUADAN519 Refine pointe work techniques

CUAWHS412 Participate in gym and resistance training for performances

2025 Tuition Fee (2-year course commencing 2025) $30,580

2026 Tuition Fees (2 year course commencing 2026) $32,960

2025 Tuition Fee (accelerated 1-year course commencing 2025) $15,920.00

2026 Tuition Fees (accelerated 1-year course commencing 2026) $16,480.00

Fee Schedules: Australian and New Zealand Students

Fee Schedules: International Students

Visit VET Student Loans for more information.

- Classical Ballet

- Pointe Studies

- Gymnasium Training

- Pas De Deux

- Repertoire

- Contemporary Dance

- Character Dance

- Body Conditioning

- Anatomy

- Cultural Studies

- Music

- Theatrical Make-up

- Performance Psychology

- Nutrition

- Dance Perspectives

- Drama

- VCASS Academic Classes

Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA60120, CRICOS 110135C)

LEVEL 7

Students in Level 7 enrol in the Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA60120), a national qualification combining comprehensive dance training with a strong onsite academic program. The course focuses on technical training and artistic development, preparing students for the dance profession. Students also complete their secondary schooling, gaining the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).

Entry into The Australian Ballet School Training Program is by audition only. Students are selected based on their suitability for vocational classical ballet training. Due to the nature of the dance industry and the employment opportunities available, as well as the intense physical nature of dance training, vocational training must be undertaken during a certain age range. Consequently, an applicant’s age will be taken into consideration. Generally, successful applicants will be between 15 and 17 years of age.

All applicants for the Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA60120) are expected to have completed a minimum education standard of Year 11 secondary schooling or equivalent.

Students who have not completed a Diploma Level qualification or year 12 or equivalent will be required to undertake a DEWR approved literacy and numeracy test prior to enrolment.

Overseas students must satisfy Vocational English requirements in order to obtain a Student Visa.

The following units are available through http://training.gov.au

Core units

CUADAN531 Refine dance techniques

CUADAN631 Perform dance repertoire at a professional level

CUAWHS611 Apply advanced gym and weight training to dance

CUAWHS612 Develop strategies for maintaining resilience in a competitive environment

Elective units

CUADAN517 Refine dance partnering techniques

CUADAN613 Extend ballet techniques to a professional level

CUADAN614 Extend ballet performance skills to a professional level

CUADAN615 Perform pas de deux at a professional level

CUADAN631 Perform dance repertoire at a professional level

CUAMUP511 Apply theatrical make-up and hairstyles

CUADAN518 Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques

CUADAN617 Extend dance techniques to a professional level

CUADAN618 Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level

CUADAN621 Perform virtuoso contemporary dance techniques

CUADAN619 Extend cultural dance performance skills to a professional level

CUACHR511 Create and perform complex dance pieces

CUAPRF511 Refine performance techniques

CUARES501 Refine conceptual understanding of dance

CUAIND611 Work professionally in the creative arts industry

(CUAWHS511 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance - new students only)

2025 Tuition Fees: $21,375.00

2026 Tuition Fees: $22,125.00

Fee Schedules: Australian and New Zealand Students

Fee Schedules: International Students

Visit VET Student Loans for more information.

- Classical Ballet

- Pointe Studies

- Gymnasium Training

- Pas De Deux

- Repertoire

- Contemporary Dance

- Character Dance

- Body Conditioning

- Anatomy

- Cultural Studies

- Music

- Theatrical Make-up

- Performance Psychology

- Nutrition

- Dance Perspectives

- Drama

- VCASS Academic Classes

Graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet (11008NAT, CRICOS 108466B)

LEVEL 8

Level 8 students enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet (11008NAT). This qualification prepares students for the dance profession at a virtuoso level by refining their dance technique and developing their professional skills through career development activities and performances, including a secondment with The Australian Ballet’s Regional Tour.

The course generally occupies one year full-time study.

Entry into this course is by selective audition and/or assessment. Entry into The Australian Ballet School is by audition and/or through completion of the Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA61020). However, the successful awarding of the Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA61020) does not guarantee rite of passage into the Graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet (11008NAT).

Students are selected based on their suitability for virtuoso classical ballet training; an individual who possesses outstanding technical and artistic ability in the art of classical ballet. This includes possessing the physical characteristics of a professional classical ballet dancer and an exceptional physical aptitude for dance (including coordination, musicality, artistry and appropriate temperament), that is required for intensive dance training and virtuoso performance in the field of classical ballet. Due to the nature of the dance industry and the employment opportunities available, as well as the intense physical nature of dance training, vocational training must be undertaken during a certain age range. Consequently, an applicant’s age will be taken into consideration. Generally, successful applicants will be between 17 and 20 years of age.

Applicants for the Graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet (11008NAT) are expected to have completed a minimum education standard of Year11 secondary schooling or equivalent, and to have exited secondary school. Students who have not completed a Diploma Level qualification or above, or year 12 or equivalent will be required to undertake a DEWR approved literacy and numeracy test prior to enrolment. Overseas students must satisfy Vocational English requirements in order to obtain a Student Visa.

9 Core units of competency

NAT11008001 Demonstrate virtuoso classical ballet technique
NAT11008002 Demonstrate and perform virtuoso solo variations
NAT11008003 Perform virtuoso pas de deux
NAT11008004 Perform virtuoso repertoire
NAT11008005 Demonstrate virtuoso contemporary dance practice
CUAWHS612 Develop techniques for maintaining resilience in a competitive environment
NAT11008006 Apply nutrition principles to the requirements of a professional dancer
CUAWHS511 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance
CUAIND611 Work professionally in the creative arts industry

1 of 2 Gender Specific Core Units

NAT11008007 Female: Demonstrate virtuoso pointe work techniques
NAT11008008 Male: Apply extended gym/weight techniques to virtuoso ballet training

2025 Tuition Fees: $22,440.00

2026 Tuition Fees: $23,225.00

Fee Schedules: Australian and New Zealand Students

Fee Schedules: International Students

Visit VET Student Loans for more information.

- Classical Ballet

- Pointe Studies (female students)

- Pas de Deux

- Variations

- Contemporary Dance

- Production Studies

- Performance Psychology

- Career Management

- Gymnasium Training (male students)

- Body Conditioning

Learn How to Audition

Entry into the Training Program requires audition. Learn about our audition modes.

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The Australian Ballet School

The Australian Ballet School

The Australian Ballet School

The Australian Ballet School

The Australian Ballet School

The Australian Ballet School