course overview
One year study
The Certificate IV in Circus Arts course provides aspiring circus artists a comprehensive introductory experience into high performance circus arts training. It equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to perform in circus arts at preliminary level in community, recreational and pre-professional environments, or to audition for the Bachelor of Circus Arts. It is a highly disciplined program with a great deal of scope for creativity.
announcement
In 2026, NICA is introducing a new course structure that affords participants greater autonomy over their units of study and areas of specialisation.
major studies
To achieve the qualification, learners must complete a total of (13) units, including: (9) core units (compulsory for all students), and (4) elective units.
core units
Core Units encompass foundation skills in circus including strength and conditioning, body awareness, flexibility, fitness preparation, acrobatics, handstands training, performance and movement, group acts, and group specialty skills. Students focus on their own area of specialisation whilst developing communication, trust, and performance skills through group and partner work. A major ensemble circus performance is staged at the end of the year.
elective units
Students can enrol in any group of 4 electives that complete a specialisation stream of their choice. The Specialisation Streams offered in 2026 are: Specialty Artist; Circus Coach; or Show Technical Support.
specialisation streams
Specialty Artist stream:
- Execute additional specialist skills as a performer
- Create innovative solo/partner acts for performance
- Analyse circus trends for application to development of circus acts
Circus Coach stream:
- Learn coaching as a junior circus coach under supervision
- Plan short, and long term, outcomes for participants
- Manage a circus class for a recreational program
Show Technical Support stream:
- Learn production roles such as safety officer, lighting, sound, producing, directing, costumes or props
- Understand workplace safety practices including safety rehearsals, lighting checks and technical runs for circus production
- Apply foundational knowledge in creating and operating stage lights, audio, backstage support and stage management duties for a circus production
Enrolment in specialisations is dependent on sufficient student numbers. Applicants are advised to discuss alternative elective unit with an Enrolment Advisor. Contact NICA to book an appointment.
For many graduates, this course is a great springboard into work in the performing arts industry, including community and contemporary circus, stunt work, theatre arts, dance, technical production, and teaching. Alternatively, graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to audition for the Bachelor of Circus Arts.
Course code: 11361NAT
*Currently available for Domestic students only
contact hours
27 hours per week for 36 weeks (approx.)
Training and classes are scheduled Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 5:30pm. The program combines in-person practical sessions with integrated online learning components. Students are expected to train additional hours to support their learning.
ideal for
Those seeking a one-year circus experience or those who wish to acquire more specific circus skills training.
Students preparing for the Bachelor of Circus Arts.
entry requirements
Audition, physiotherapy assessment and year 11 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.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
CERTIFICATE IV FAQs
COURSE STRUCTURE FAQs
FEES & APPLICATION FAQs