Bachelor of Circus Arts
Bachelor of Circus Arts
NICA's Bachelor of Circus Arts is a three-year full-time course accredited by Swinburne University of Technology. It is the highest level of accredited circus training in Australia.
Academic Integrity
Throughout the Bachelor Degree, student assessment is continuous and includes academic units such as circus history, music and theatre technology, arts business management and anatomy. Students participate in two speciality apparatus activities, a group act and strength, fitness and conditioning classes, developing professionalism and safe performance practice. The aim is a viable and sustainable career future in the performing arts.
Opportunities at NICA
NICA collaborates with arts institutions including the Australian Ballet School, AFTRS, NIDA and Circus Oz. Second year international excursions have included visits to Montreal, Russia, France, China and the USA.
It's Showtime!
Over the three years, Bachelor of Circus Arts students create three major ensemble works that are performed in public, including an industry showcase. The boundaries of circus are constantly expanded through story-telling, humour, movement and dance. NICA prides itself on its professional approach to the productions with guest directors invited from around the world.
Are you fit enough? Prepare for your audition!
Successful applicants must be physically able to undertake the rigorous NICA training. Students train physically between four and six hours a day in circus skills, fitness, dance and movement. After you apply through Swinburne University of Technology you will be invited to submit a video audition and provided with instructions.
The Audition video below shows what to work towards.
Resources and References

A Sparkling Future
NICA training can lead to work in contemporary circus, traditional circus, social circus, stunt work, corporate entertainment, festivals, teaching and other sectors of the arts industry.
Since 2001 NICA graduates have gained respect worldwide for their discipline, creativity and extraordinary skills! NICA graduates have worked with Cirque du Soleil, Circa, Circus Oz, Cavalia, Dragone, Carnival Australia, NOFIT State Circus.
Many graduates have started up their own successful circus / physical theatre companies.
Watch below video to see 2017 graduate Nelson Smyles' journey from NICA to performing with Cirque du Soleil
Course code: BA CIRCA1
CRICOS provider code: 00111D
CRICOS course code: 078080F
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Bachelor of
Circus Arts
Australia's only degree
course for professional
circus artists
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Venue
Hire
NICA’s unique
& custom-built
facilities are
available for hire -
The NICA
Story
Australia's
Centre
of Excellence in
contemporary circus. -
Short Courses
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Term Classes for
Children, Teens & Adults
Holiday Program
Childrens Shows -
Social Circus
Reaches Out
Empowering Indigenous
& marginalised groups
through circus for social
change. -
CircaNICA
Performers
Australia’s leading
circus agency
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Corporate
Team Building
We’ll create a tailored
workshop to suit your
organisation’s needs
On site or at NICA.