Student life

STUDENT

LIFE

Life as a NIDA student is busy and vibrant. With students coming from diverse backgrounds across Australia and internationally, there are opportunities to learn and collaborate with each other while studying the course material – creating a space to develop extensive and long-lasting networks and friendships. As an institution, we are commited to be responsive, safe and supportive – consciously working to cultivate a culture that is open, accessible and inclusive.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

To create the best environment to thrive and achieve, we understand the need to actively promote the holistic health and wellbeing of our students throughout their learning experience. Training embeds demonstrations, information sessions and workshops on a broad range of health topics from mindfulness to fitness and injury prevention. There is dedicated counselling on site available to students as well as access to Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at UNSW Sydney Monday–Friday and phone/online emergency counselling 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Through NIDA’s relationship with UNSW, NIDA students can apply for accommodation at the various on-campus residential communities. NIDA students often share rented accommodation in the area close to campus.

POLICIES

To protect the welfare and safety of students, NIDA has a Student Charter and Code of Conduct in place, as well as policies on a range of student life issues, available at nida.edu.au/policies.

STUDENT COUNCIL OF NIDA (SCON)

SCON is the student union to encourage collaboration and engagement throughout the student cohort and support your wellbeing. ‘Our aim at SCON is to promote the voice and interests of union members and the wider NIDA community and to promote friendship and respect for all students. We offer support for incoming students by organising orientationweek events as well as social events throughout the year that bring the student body together. Your student reps are democratically elected to represent and campaign for your interests within NIDA and in the broader community. We hold meetings with the Executive Team at NIDA and act as a conduit for discussion between students and NIDA staff, to help improve the student experience. Your cohort representatives are always here for a chat, so please don’t hesitate to contact any of us. We look forward to meeting you at NIDA.’ Grace Stamnas Second year BFA (Acting) student SCON President 2021

TUITION FEES AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

All students, including domestic and international students, are required to pay tuition fees for any course at NIDA. Domestic students in the BFA and MFA courses can apply for FEE-HELP, an Australian Government loan scheme that assists eligible students in paying all or part of their tuition fees. To find out information and how to apply, visit the Australian Government’s website at studyassist.gov.au. NIDA is an approved VET Student Loans provider. Domestic students in the Vocational Diploma courses can apply for VET Student Loans, an Australian Government loan scheme that assists eligible students in paying part of their tuition fees. To find out information and how to apply, visit the Australian Government’s website at studyassist.gov.au/vet-student. For all other information about fees, contact us at info@nida.edu.au or call 02 9697 7600.

NEW – APPLICATION FEE WAIVED FOR 2022 APPLICATIONS

NIDA strongly encourages applications from students from diverse backgrounds. This year, to give more people the opportunity to apply, there will be NO APPLICATION FEE for any 2022 fulltime NIDA course.

The MFAs applications close on 31 August 2020, the BFAs and VETs applications close on 30 September 2021. NOTE: late applications may be considered where there are places available and will incur an administration fee of $75. SCHOLARSHIPS

NIDA Scholarships are open to future BFA and MFA students (applicants), and enrolled students. Most scholarships are allocated based on financial need.

In 2021, approximately $300,000 worth of NIDA Scholarships, including Indigenous Scholarships, is available to assist enrolled students with living expenses and/or tuition fees. NIDA appreciates the generous support of its donors, trusts and foundations and bequests.

YouTube Scholarship

Launched in 2021 in partnership with YouTube, this scholarship is awarded annually to a successful applicant to any of NIDA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts undergraduate courses who is from a background which has been historically underrepresented on screen and stage. We define this as: First Nations and/or People of Colour, people with a disability, applicants from remote and regional areas or experiencing other barriers to access.

ARA Scholarships

Three ARA Scholarships are available to Indigenous students already studying at NIDA in the BFA courses. This support contributes to enriching emerging Indigenous creative artists’ education and training.

Luminis Foundation Indigenous Fellowship for Cultural Leadership

In its fourth year, the Luminis Foundation Indigenous Fellowship will support a successful First Nations applicant to the MFA (Cultural Leadership) course. Investing into the future of our industry, this course provides a platform for increased knowledge of the cultural sector from diverse perspectives and practitioners who are leading, or aspiring to lead, change in their sector.

To read more on these scholarships and others on offer, head to nida.edu.au/scholarships.

‘I would love to incorporate my Japanese and Mexican heritage into the making of traditional costumes. Being surrounded by all my creative like-minded peers at NIDA, and the support of my family, is what motivates me to keep pursuing my passions.’

Michiru Encinas, BFA Costume student Recipient of the 2021 YouTube Scholarship