Frequently asked questions

Age and academic year level are used as a guide when placing student in Academy levels. All students are assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they are placed in the appropriate Academy level.

*This document addresses the Foundation Program, Guest Academy Program, Academy (Upper and Lower School) Program and Clark Pre-Professional Program. Visit the Queensland Ballet website for more information about the Jette Parker Young Artist Program.

From 2027, all Academy programs will be delivered at the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End - Queensland Ballet’s world-class headquarters.

This purpose-built facility brings together exceptional studios, performance spaces, and student amenities in one inspiring location.

Housing all programs under one roof creates a unified Academy experience, supporting collaboration, connection, and a seamless training journey from foundation through to Pre-Professional levels.

Located in the heart of Brisbane’s cultural precinct, the Thomas Dixon Centre provides students with direct access to Queensland Ballet’s artistic environment, enriching their training within a dynamic and professional setting.

Through our partnership with the Queensland Government Department of Education, Academy students are supported to achieve strong academic outcomes alongside their intensive ballet training.

Academy Program (Levels 3-1) students have the option to undertake their academic studies at Kelvin Grove State College, where face-to-face learning is designed to complement the demands of elite dance training. This integrated approach enables students to balance academic progress with their artistic development in a structured and supportive environment.

Alternatively, students may choose other approved education pathways that align with their individual learning needs and schedules, ensuring flexibility while maintaining academic progress.

Students can also elect to undertake Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications or engage in work, to further broaden their career opportunities and pathways.

The Academy Program is recognised by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). This recognition enables students in the Academy Program Levels 3-1 to receive QCE credit points for their training:

Level 1 – 2 QCE points
Level 2 – 2 QCE points
Level 3 – 1 QCE point

This framework ensures students graduate not only as highly trained dancers, but as well-rounded individuals prepared for a range of future opportunities.

The Academy of Queensland Ballet is committed to the safe and progressive development of young dancers’ minds and bodies. Its world-class teaching staff conduct focused and structured training programs in alignment with professional ballet training industry best practices, under the guidance of in-house medical and wellbeing experts.

As such, the following parameters are in place:

Clark Pre-Professional and Academy (Upper and Lower School) Program

The Academy provides focused and structured professional training. It is considered that maximum progress will be made if this course is followed without the diversion of alternative training methods.

It is a condition of enrolment that Upper School (Levels 3-1) students agree not to participate in any external dance activities*. However, upon individual application to the Academy Director, approval may be granted to participate in activities with aligned organisations such as partner schools, if it is deemed a safe and beneficial addition to the dancer’s training experience.

It is a condition of enrolment that Lower School (Levels 6-4) students agree not to participate in any external dance activities* in the genres/subjects delivered within the Program (e.g. ballet, contemporary). However, upon individual application to the Academy Director, approval may be granted to participate in activities with aligned organisations such as partner schools, if it is deemed a safe and beneficial addition to the dancer’s training experience.

Associate Program (Levels 9-4) and Associate Program+ Levels (7-1)

The Academy supports students who wish to remain engaged with the broader dance community.

Students in the Associate Program+ are encouraged to continue their involvement with external dance studios, allowing them to maintain existing connections and training experiences alongside their Academy studies.

Similarly, children participating in the Associate Program may continue attending dance classes outside the Academy. This approach supports a well-rounded introduction to dance, enabling young students to enjoy a variety of learning environments while developing their skills.

Entry to all Academy programs is by invitation or audition. To register for an audition, visit the Auditions page on our website or enquire with us.

Each audition is an open ballet class which may be followed by a call-back. Applicants are not required to pre-prepare any material, although some applicants may be required to undertake an interview.

View all audition FAQs here.

This information is available on each of our Academy program pages - 

Current Programs

Foundation Program

Academy (Upper and Lower School) Program

Clark Pre-Professional Program

Guest Academy Program

2027 Onwards Programs

Associate Program

Academy Program

Associate Program+

Clark Graduate Program

Performance plays an integral role in the Academy experience, with students participating in a range of productions across the year. These include Academy showcases, as well as selected industry and community events, providing valuable opportunities to present work in professional settings and develop stagecraft, discipline and confidence.

Students may also have the opportunity to be involved in Queensland Ballet company productions, such as The Nutcracker, offering exposure to large-scale professional performances and the standards of a leading ballet company.

These experiences allow students to work alongside and observe professional dancers, connect with staging experts, and experience the energy and discipline of a working company environment. Students may also be seen by Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director and artistic team, providing valuable visibility as they develop their careers.

Associate Program (Levels 9 - 4) and Associate Program+ (Levels 7 - 1)

Students in both the Associate Program (9 - 4) and Associate Program+ (7 - 1) are placed within levels appropriate to their age and stage of development and are expected to progress through the program year to year, subject to satisfactory attendance and ongoing artistic and technical development.

Progress is monitored throughout the year, with feedback provided during classes to support each student’s growth. Continuation in the program is typically offered annually, supporting a consistent and structured training journey.

Where there are any concerns regarding a student’s progression—such as attendance, injury, or performance—Academy staff will work closely with families. A meeting may be arranged between teachers, the Director, and parents/carers to discuss progress and determine appropriate support or next steps.

Academy Program (Levels 3 -1)

At the end of each semester, students undertake exams in their core subjects. The exam panel will consist of a minimum of four panellists, with an average of their marks forming the final examination mark. At the end of Semester 2, students must achieve the standard required to progress to the following, more advanced Academy level. Regardless of examination results for Level 1, entry into the Clark Graduate Program is only by audition or invitation.

Clark Graduate Program

Due to the performance-based nature of the course, assessment practices in the Clark Graduate Program are structured to accommodate its annual performance commitments. Although it involves some written assessments and a final assessment towards the end of the year, the evaluation process is mostly practical and progressive.

A detailed Progression Policy is provided upon acceptance.

All Academy fees for the current year can be found on our fees webpage here. These are listed in Australian dollars and are applicable to domestic students.

All other expenses relating to schooling, medical, excursions, uniforms, living and ancillary expenses, are the responsibility of each enrolled student.

For international student fees, please contact academy@queenslandballet.com.au.

Once the student is offered a position in the Associate Program, Academy Program or Clark Graduate Program, families may apply to be considered for a financial assistance bursary.

Students may be offered part or full scholarships at the discretion of the Academy Director, at any point during the continuum of audition, enrolment and progression from year to year.

A scholarship is usually awarded based on talent and / or potential. A bursary is offered to address financial hardship.

The Academy supports students from regional, interstate and international locations to access high-quality accommodation options while studying in Brisbane.

A supported Homestay Program, facilitated through Kelvin Grove State College, is available for students in Years 10–12. This established program offers a safe and structured living environment, placing students with carefully selected host families within close proximity to school and Academy training. Homestay provides students with a supportive home environment while they balance academic studies and intensive dance training.

2026 Homestay Fees (indicative):

• Placement Fee: $311 (one-off)
• Weekly Fee: $382 per week
• Holiday Holding Fee: $60 per term
• Administration Fee: $50 per term

For families seeking alternative arrangements, students may also reside with relatives or family friends or engage independent homestay providers.

An additional option is Raymont Lodge in Auchenflower, a respected residential college affiliated with UnitingCare. Raymont Lodge offers supervised accommodation for young people and students, with catering, pastoral care, and a strong sense of community, all within convenient distance of the Academy and Brisbane’s cultural precinct.