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
20 hours per week for 36 weeks (approx.)
Training and classes are scheduled Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 6:00pm. The program combines in-person practical sessions with integrated online learning components.
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.
book an audition
how to apply
4 stages
NICA has entered into a new educational partnership with Collarts (Australian College for the Arts), which is accredited by TEQSA to offer the Bachelor of Circus Arts program and provides overarching academic and quality guidance and regulation.
Our VET programs will continue to be delivered in partnership with Swinburne University in 2025, before transitioning to Collarts in 2026.
Sign up to audition
Book into audition in-person or to submit a video audition. Deadline: 1 September 2025
Receive an Audition Pack
You will be sent an audition pack to complete by the application deadline: 8 September 2025. This pack includes instructions on how to submit your video audition, which skills to expect in the in-person audition, intake forms and medical assessment.
Attend an audition or submit video audition
Auditions will run between 22-25 September 2025. Video auditions are due 22 September 2025.
Receive an offer and enrol
If successful you will receive an offer to enrol into a recommended course. Welcome to NICA!
Please note: NICA has entered into a new educational partnership with Collarts (Australian College for the Arts), which accredits our Bachelor of Circus Arts program and provides overarching academic and quality guidance and regulation. Our VET programs will continue to be delivered in partnership with Swinburne University in 2025, before transitioning to Collarts in 2026.
auditions
What to expect
Auditions for entry into NICA’s accredited courses in 2026 will be held at NICA between 22-25 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.
You can warm up for your audition by attending our Audition Masterclass. A one-day intensive workshop designed to assist applicants to prepare.
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.
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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 a physiotherapist, sports doctor and sports psychologist.
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.