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. NIDA is committed 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 purpose as a part of SCON is to be the voice of the student body, in all matters including student welfare, accessibility and respect. We also work hard to offer students the opportunity to relax outside of class with all manner of events including our usual welcome week events as well as other fun themed events throughout the year like our annual SCONFEST. It is an honour to be a part of the student council and be a representative for students and it is our responsibility to advocate for them and their interests. We frequently hold meetings with the executive team at NIDA and are constantly working with teachers to make this institute an even better place to learn as we develop into fully fledged professionals ready to go out into the industry. It is the main attribute of any SCON committee that we are here for you, the students, and will do anything and everything we can to support you to get the most out of your time here at NIDA. We are always here for a chat if you need so don’t hesitate to contact any of us. Hope to see you in the halls at NIDA soon.” Delan Woods Second year BFA (Costume) student, SCON President, 2022

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 website studyassist.gov.au. NIDA also has a means-tested student scholarship program that provides additional financial support for living expenses to eligible students. 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 website studyassist.gov.au/vet-student.

All NIDA policies and procedures including those related to refunds of fees, can be found online at nida.edu.au/studentpolicies.

For all other information about fees, contact us at info@nida.edu.au or call 02 9697 7600.

APPLICATION FEE WAIVED FOR 2023 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 2023 fulltime NIDA course.

The MFAs applications close on 30 September 2022, the BFAs and VETs applications close on 30 September 2022. NOTE: Late applications may be considered where there are places available. SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2023

NIDA Scholarships are open to future BFA, MFA and Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services students and enrolled students. Most scholarships are allocated based on financial need.

In 2023 there will be approximately $600,000 worth of NIDA Scholarships available to students, including Indigenous Scholarships. Scholarships assist enrolled students with living expenses and/or tuition fees. NIDA appreciates the generous support of its donors, trusts, foundations and bequests.

CURRENT SCHOLARSHIPS www.nida.edu.au/courses/undergraduate/scholarships

The Balnaves Foundation First Nations Scholarship

This First Nations student scholarship will provide $30,000 per annum for three years (total $90,000), for a First Nations student in a Bachelor of Fine Arts Course starting in 2023. The student will also be matched with a First Nations Arts Industry mentor, provided with additional support with travel to home, an ‘On Country’ experience during the student’s studies and a paid internship at the commencement of their course.

YouTube Scholarship

Launched in 2021 in partnership with YouTube, this scholarship is awarded 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. The scholarship is $44,000 approx. over 3 years ($14,500 per year).

ARA Indigenous 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 . $10,000 a year for each scholarship.

Technical Direction Company (TDC) Scholarship

Applicants to Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services experiencing financial need. This scholarship is for 1 year.

“Contributions like the The Balnaves Foundation First Nations Scholarship doesn’t just help us to perfect our art, it allows us to focus without other pressures so that we can tell every story with the whole of us, so that the people listening and watching can be entertained, can be taken to another world, to escape if need be. I am so honoured to have received this scholarship and I would like to thank Hamish Balnaves and the rest of the Balnaves Foundation family, you really are helping dreams come true.”

Danny Howard, BFA Acting student Recipient of The 2021 Balnaves Foundation First Nations Scholarship