The Australian Ballet School (CRICOS provider code 00253A) is a private CRICOS-registered provider offering 3 active courses to international students. Located in the vibrant arts precinct of Southbank, Victoria, the school is Australia’s premier training institution for classical ballet, nurturing dancers for professional careers since 1964. With a CRICOS-registered capacity of 110 students, it delivers specialised programs in creative arts at the diploma, advanced diploma, and graduate diploma levels. As a private institution, it operates independently from government funding, focusing exclusively on elite dance education. All courses are listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring international students receive the protections of the ESOS Act. Whether you aspire to join a world-class ballet company or pursue a career in dance education, The Australian Ballet School provides a rigorous yet supportive environment. This page details its CRICOS status, course offerings, delivery locations, and the steps to apply as an international student.
The Australian Ballet School is classified as a 'Private' provider on the CRICOS register. In the Australian education system, 'Government' providers include public universities, TAFE institutes, and government schools that receive direct state or federal funding. 'Private' providers, on the other hand, are independently owned and operated, often specialising in niche fields like performing arts, business, or English language training. For international students, private providers can offer more focused curricula, smaller class sizes, and industry-specific training. However, it is important to note that all CRICOS-registered providers—whether government or private—must meet the same rigorous standards for quality assurance, student support, and financial viability. The Australian Ballet School’s private status allows it to maintain an exclusive focus on classical ballet training, with a curriculum developed in partnership with The Australian Ballet, one of the world’s leading dance companies. Students benefit from direct access to industry professionals and performance opportunities that are unique to this institution.
The Australian Ballet School delivers all its courses from a single location: its campus at 2 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, VIC 3006. Southbank is a prestigious cultural hub in Melbourne, home to the Arts Centre Melbourne, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Melbourne Theatre Company. The campus is conveniently located within walking distance of Flinders Street Station and tram stops, making it easily accessible from anywhere in Melbourne. As part of the Melbourne CBD fringe, Southbank offers a mix of high-rise apartments, restaurants, and parks along the Yarra River. International students will find a lively student population, with over 30,000 students from 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers studying in Victoria alone. The typical cost of living for a single student in Melbourne is around AUD 1,700 to 2,200 per month, including rent ($300–500/week for shared accommodation), groceries ($80–120/week), and public transport ($30–50/week). The campus itself features state-of-the-art dance studios, a pilates studio, and a student common area. With only one delivery location, study abroad students can fully immerse themselves in the ballet school’s community.
The Australian Ballet School offers three active CRICOS-registered courses, each at a distinct level: Diploma, Advanced Diploma, and Graduate Diploma. The Diploma level typically serves as an introductory or foundational qualification, usually requiring 1–2 years of full-time study. The Advanced Diploma is a more advanced qualification, often building on the diploma and lasting 2–3 years. The Graduate Diploma is a postgraduate-level qualification designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, and it typically takes 1 year. For ballet, these courses cover technique, performance, choreography, and dance education. While the exact course names are not disclosed here (students should visit the CRICOS register for precise titles), all are classified under the broad field of Creative Arts. Australia has over 26,000 CRICOS-registered courses across all levels, and these three courses represent a highly specialised offering. International students should note that each level has different English language requirements (typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 for diploma and above) and may require an audition as part of the application process.
The Australian Ballet School’s courses fall under Field of Education 10 – Creative Arts, as classified by the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED). This field encompasses visual arts, performing arts, graphic and design studies, and communication media. For this provider, the focus is specifically on performing arts, with an emphasis on classical ballet. Studying creative arts in Australia offers international students access to a thriving cultural scene, particularly in Melbourne, which is recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature and a hub for performing arts. Graduates of dance programs can pursue careers as professional dancers, choreographers, dance teachers, or arts administrators. The Australian Ballet School’s strong industry connections, including partnerships with The Australian Ballet and other dance companies, provide invaluable networking and job placement opportunities. According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), there are numerous providers offering creative arts courses across Australia, but only a handful specialise exclusively in dance. For students passionate about ballet, this institution is a gateway to a professional career.
International students planning to study at The Australian Ballet School will need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study in a registered CRICOS course and is subject to several requirements: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, overseas student health cover (OSHC), English language proficiency (usually IELTS or equivalent), and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. For courses at the diploma level or above, the typical English requirement is IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 per band, or equivalent. However, the institution may set higher standards for dance programs due to the technical nature of the training. GTE requires you to demonstrate that you genuinely intend to stay temporarily for study purposes. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your visa and can be arranged through approved providers. Financial capacity evidence typically includes bank statements, sponsorship letters, or education loans. The Department of Home Affairs provides detailed guidelines, and we recommend consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. All CRICOS-registered providers, including The Australian Ballet School, are covered under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which protects your rights as an international student, including tuition fee protection and access to complaint mechanisms.
Applying to The Australian Ballet School as an international student involves three key steps. Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers and shortlist courses that match your career goals. Use the CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy’s free resource to compare providers by course level, field, and location. Step 2: Apply directly to The Australian Ballet School. Visit their website (australianballetschool.com.au) or contact the admissions office for information on entry requirements, including academic qualifications, English language test scores, and a mandatory audition (usually video submission or in-person). Be mindful of application deadlines, as the school has specific intake periods (typically February and July). Step 3: Once you receive your Letter of Offer and accept it, the school will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this CoE to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have all supporting documents ready, including proof of OSHC, GTE statement, and financial evidence. HeadStart Academy provides guides on the student visa process, but remember that we are not migration agents—always verify with MARA-registered professionals.
Before applying, always confirm that The Australian Ballet School is currently registered on CRICOS. The official register is maintained by TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) and can be accessed at cricos.teqsa.gov.au. Enter the provider code 00253A to see the institution’s details, including its current registration status, address, and all approved courses. Registration is valid for a specific period, and it is the student’s responsibility to ensure the provider remains registered throughout the duration of your studies. The CRICOS register is the definitive source for this information—HeadStart Academy uses data directly from the register as at April 2026. If a provider loses its CRICOS registration, the ESOS Act’s Tuition Protection Service (TPS) may assist you in finding an alternative course or obtaining a refund. Always double-check before committing to an offer.
Ready to begin your ballet journey? Explore The Australian Ballet School’s courses on the CRICOS register or use HeadStart Academy’s free search tool to compare providers. Then, contact the school for audition details and application deadlines.
The Australian Ballet School (CRICOS 00253A) is a Private provider in Southbank, VIC with 3 currently non-expired CRICOS courses [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Example course from the register: Graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet (CRICOS 108466B) is listed at 46 weeks with tuition A$23,225 and estimated total A$49,510 [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Important: This page is general information only and not migration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) evidence requirements and current financial settings, verify directly with the Department of Home Affairs [checked 2026-08-21].