course overview
Three year degree
The Bachelor of Circus Arts equips students with the skills, networks and knowledge to establish a career on the world stage of circus and physical theatre through immersive and experiential practice-based studies in contemporary circus arts. It is the highest level of accredited circus training in Australia and NICA is a world leader in circus education and training.
Within NICA’s world-class facilities, a supportive faculty of talented artists and practitioners teach an innovative curriculum to instill technical excellence and to enable each creative artist to flourish. Students get to develop their performance skills in a variety of settings within NICA’s unique suite of performance venues, which combine large-scale, professionally equipped spaces with more intimate studios.
Students not only sharpen their technical skills through individual instruction but also learn how to develop professionally as performers. The aim is a viable and sustainable career future in the performing arts.
The Bachelor of Circus Arts is recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework, accredited through CRICOS; CRICOS Code 117405G
major studies
Circus arts specialisations in two apparatus or disciplines; performance and movement studies including: ensemble performance and technical aspects of circus production; and academic subjects in: anatomy and biomechanics; history and culture of circus arts; the business of circus; the contemporary circus industry; and music and circus.
contact hours
3 years full time.
Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.30pm.
ideal for
Skilled artists in their field looking for the platform into the industry or emerging circus artists seeking a qualification.
entry requirements
Audition, interview, physiotherapy assessment and year 12 or equivalent.
Applicants should have a background in performing arts, physical theatre, youth circus, dance, acrobatic sports, or gymnastics.
UPDATE
Changes to Audition Process in 2026
In 2026, we’re updating the application process to audition for NICA’s Bachelor of Circus Arts and Certificate IV in Circus Arts courses.
Following the high volume of applicants in 2025, we want to improve the audition process and have more time to review applications.
Prospective students will now be required to apply with a basic video submission. NICA’s Audition panel will review the submission within approx. two weeks of receiving it. If successful, you will be sent an invite to audition and the Audition Pack.
More information coming soon!
auditions
What to expect
Auditions for entry into NICA’s accredited courses in 2027 will be held at NICA in late September 2026. 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 to apply to Audition. If your application is accepted, there are no further fees incurred to attend an audition, or to submit a video audition.
Please note, there are updates to the application process in 2026. Watch this space for announcements and key dates. And sign up to Inside Track below to receive them straight to your inbox!
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.
Sign up to NICA Ed - Inside Track
And receive audition updates straight to your inbox.
student support
A network of experts
A student enrolled in one of NICA’s accredited courses is also a Collarts student, with access to support services provided by Collarts.
NICA staff have worked with some of the greatest circus companies in the world including: Circus Oz, Circus Royale, Cirque du Soleil, Great Moscow Circus, Legs on the Wall, Gravity & Other Myths, Circa and Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
Students have access to NICA’s purpose-built circus training studios, performance spaces, drama and movement studios, equipment, costume storage spaces and dressing rooms.
NICA students are also supported by a specialised health team comprising physiotherapists, a sports psychologist, and world-leading research team.
The NICA medical team recently completed an extensive study on shoulder injuries, which was published in several international journals. As of February 2023, they have commenced a study on hip injury and prevention.
FAQs
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