The application process

Step 1

Submit an application for Certificate IV (with Swinburne University of Technology) or Bachelor Degree (with the Australian College of the Arts).

Step 2

Be invited to audition in-person or via video submission

Step 3

Receive an offer to study at NICA

Details

Auditions for 2026 intake

National auditions for the Bachelor of Circus Arts and Certificate IV in Circus Arts programs for 2026 intake will take place at NICA's state of the art training facility in Prahran, Melbourne.

Option 1: In-person audition
The in-person audition is a two-day commitment.

DAY 1 - Circus Skills, Flexibility, Handstands, Tumbling, Coordination, Strength &
Fitness, Movement, Performance Skills
DAY 2 - Interviews, Physio Assessments, Specialty Circus Acts, Drama Task.

Option 2: Video Audition
If you cannot attend in person, you can make a video audition, upload it to Youtube and send us the link: auditions@nica.com.au
If you intend to send a Video Audition it is essential that you follow the prescribed format in the Audition Guide, which you will receive with your offer to audition.

Practice using the Audition Skills Guide


P.s Don’t be alarmed if you can’t perform all of these skills yet, we are looking for your potential as a circus performer.

icon

auditions

What to expect

Auditions for entry into NICA’s accredited courses in 2026 will be held at NICA in late September 2025. Video auditions can be submitted for those who cannot attend an in-person audition.

We want to:

  • Know about your discipline/s: Circus, Gymnastics, Dance, Tricking, Parkour, Theatre
  • See your specialty skills
  • Measure your strength and flexibility
  • See you perform
  • Hear about your journey to date and your future ambitions
  • Assess your physical condition and discuss pre-existing injuries and injury management

There is a one-off administration fee of $50.00. You will also need to invest some time into collecting medical information, thinking about your performance and writing a brief description for the audition panel, and preparing physically, based on the video audition guides and the NICA video application guide.

preview audition pack

Share your journey with us!

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our FAQs here. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. 

Although we encourage applicants to attend an in-person audition if possible, submitting an online video audition will not effect your chances of being accepted into a course.

Attending in-person auditions are beneficial for participants to gain familiarity with NICA's space, coaches, training style, and to meet potential future peers, however is not a requirement.

Don't worry - we are looking for your potential!

There is a once-off administration fee of $50.00.

Reach out to our lovely Auditions Team via auditions@nica.com.au or phone (+613) 9214 6975.

We understand! Just reach out to us via auditions@nica.com.au and we will work toward a solution.

Please do NOT attend your audition in-person if you have been instructed to quarantine by the Department of Health, or if you are unwell or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.

Please contact auditions@nica.com.au as soon as you are aware you may not be able to attend to arrange an alternative. You will not be at a disadvantage if you must cancel at short notice for health and safety reasons.

NICA is located at 39-59 Green St, Prahran. There are many accommodation options within the vicinity and surrounding suburbs.

The building is easily accessed by Public Transport, with multiple points of entry via train and tram. The roads around NICA have limited street parking bays of up to three hours, and there are 24-hour carparks nearby.

We understand it can be overwhelming. Just reach out to our lovely Auditions Team at auditions@nica.com.au, or phone (+613) 9214 6975.

If the injury is significant and will hinder your ability to start the course, contact us to arrange a refund of the administration fee.

Can't see your answer?

visit our FAQ's

Still have questions?

Send us a message