There are many private studios and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) offering nationally recognised qualifications for dance professionals, from Certificates and Diplomas to Bachelor, Honours and postgraduate degrees, including PhDs.
For current dance education and training courses, visit the:
- My Skills website for the national directory of vocational education and training (VET) organisations and courses
- Dance Australia website and search for their ‘full-time studies guide’
- DanceInforma website and search for their ‘full time dance & auditions guide’.
Adelaide College of the Arts—Dance
Adelaide College of the Arts offers performance-based acting and dance courses in a modern facility that includes purpose-built theatres, rehearsal spaces and production studios. The college caters to students who wish to pursue careers as dancers or actors, or behind the scenes in stage, venue and event management.
The Australian Ballet School
The ABS offers an exciting, unique and creatively driven eight-year classical ballet program that provides the very best in vocational and educational training. The holistic approach makes sure that all students have a broad-based, comprehensive education, which equips them to pursue vocations, not only in dance and the allied arts, but in areas outside dance. The ABS produces high calibre dancers for our parent company, The Australian Ballet and ballet companies all around the world.
Australian College of Physical Education
ACPE is the sports and dance specialist with partnerships with government and private sector organisations that can lead to outstanding workplace opportunities. The College’s bachelor degrees are designed to launch careers in sports and dance, and to target students' particular area of interest. ACPE takes a 'hands on approach'—nothing beats putting theoretical knowledge into practical action. Students will have access to an excellent blend of quality academics and industry professionals.
Deakin University
Dance at Deakin is focused on developing students' physical, creative and intellectual skills, resources and capacities through study and practice in the art of contemporary dance. Deakin graduates are self-motivated dance-makers and are well known in the industry as initiators of independent projects particularly working across disciplines.
Macquarie University
Macquarie is one of Australia's leading research universities, investing heavily in research, learning and teaching, new buildings, new teaching facilities and in developing mutually beneficial relationships with industry. Macquarie's commercial agreements include obligations and responsibilities that tenants serve the research and teaching objectives of Macquarie, including through scholarships and work experience for students, research opportunities for staff, and new facilities for teaching and research.
NAISDA College
Australia’s national tertiary Indigenous dance training organisation, NAISDA is a member of the Australian Roundtable for Arts Training Excellence and is an ASQA-registered training organisation. NAISDA provides ground-breaking delivery of a four year full-time Careers in Dance curriculum to Diploma level developed over its 36 year history. Central to the NAISDA philosophy is its relationship with traditional communities and its cultural residency program. Training at NAISDA is dynamic and relevant to the Developing Artists, with state of the art facilities and highly experienced staff creating solid career pathways for the next generation of Indigenous artists.
Queensland University of Technology—Creative Industries
QUT Dance is situated in one of the fastest-growing creative hubs for innovative, technologically advanced, internationally recognised creative industries. Its dance courses provide students with the opportunity to be at the forefront of the dance industry. Whether you're an aspiring dance performer, educator, choreographer, or an established professional, QUT's dance courses offer a range of diverse and engaging pathways. The QUT Dance teaching team have real-world experience gained from careers in Australia and internationally, and include an extensive range of dance practices. They are committed to providing a nurturing and empowering environment where students are trained to expand their talent.
Victorian College of the Arts—School of Dance
This vibrant and innovative school honours both traditional convention and contemporary development in the performing arts and emphasises automomous artistic development within a highly collaborative, ensemble environment. Dance attracts highly motivated, disciplined and creative people who are interested in shaping the future of the profession. VCA encourages cultural diversity and provides a creative, committed environment of learning. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s cultural precinct, the VCA School of Performing Arts has strong links with the local and national performance community, giving students career-defining access to leaders in all fields.
Western Australia Academy of Performing @ ECU
WAAPA at Edith Cowan University provides the most comprehensive range of performing arts training in Australia and students can choose from a range of internationally recognised courses. World-class staff working in state-of-the-art performance and teaching facilities provide rigorous and specialised training of the highest order. The Dance Department prepares classical and contemporary artists of international standing through teaching methods designed to hone and refine the skills of each individual.