Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting)

Raise the curtain on your future! Introducing Actors Centre Australia’s new landmark Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) degree program, designed in collaboration with Western Sydney University.

This is more than a degree – it’s where you’ll discover your voice, refine your artistry, and forge your creative identity.

This course is where heritage meets innovation – drawing on the rich legacy of Theatre Nepean and ACA’s track record of producing celebrated performers, the program blends a practical training model with theoretical knowledge. You’ll develop skills in acting technique, voice, movement, and screen production through 20 core subjects, complemented by four electives to broaden your creative and professional expertise.

With access to purpose-built performance and screen production facilities, and opportunities for internships, mentorships and industry engagement, you’ll graduate with the highest artistic and academic standards, industry credibility and a portfolio to showcase your craft.

The degree will provide you with intensive, conservatory-style actor training that combines practical performance skills with theoretical insight and industry connection.

Visit westernsydney.edu.au/performingarts for more information.

Apply via UAC by 30 September (Early Bird $82) or 17 October (Standard $215) and book your audition for 11 – 14 November 2025.

Early Bird Application Deadline

30 September 2025 ($82 UAC fee)

Application Deadline

17 October 2025 ($215 Standard UAC fee)

Location

Penrith Campus (Kingswood) at Western Sydney University

Indicative program fees

$9,536* per year

Duration

Full Time: 3 Years

Commitment

3 days per week

Next Intake

2 March 2026

Audition Dates

11 - 14 November 2025

Recall Workshops

19 - 21 November 2025

2026 Intake Program Dates

This program is delivered in a conservatory style, which requires you to be on campus at Penrith Campus (Kingswood) at Western Sydney University three days each week. You’ll be working intensively with the same group of students in a full-time study mode over the three years.

There is one intake per year in March.

Autumn Session: 2 March — 7 June 2026
Spring Session: 20 July — 25 October 2026
Summer Session: 30 November 2026 — 12 February 2027

Campus location

This degree will be taught at the Penrith Campus (Kingswood), with key elements delivered by both Western and ACA teaching staff. This model blends academic rigour with specialist professional training.

Indicative program fees

The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) is available as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for eligible Domestic students. This means the Australian Government subsidises part of your program fees, with the remaining amount covered by you as your student contribution.

For this program, we estimate your student contribution will be approximately $9,536* per year.

Eligible students can defer this student contribution to a HECS-HELP loan, allowing for no up-front payment.

*We encourage all prospective to consult with Western’s Student Fees Policy and Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes 20 core subjects covering acting technique, movement, voice, screen performance, stage production and performance theory. Students will also have access to four electives across areas such as screenwriting, digital media and cultural studies — enabling a highly versatile portfolio.

The complete program structure is outlined in the Western Sydney University handbook.

Industry connections

The degree will offer real-world industry experiences through internships, guest lectures, performance opportunities and connections with Sydney’s theatre and screen sectors. Students will graduate with professional portfolios and the practical knowledge to enter the industry or related creative fields.

Acting — stage actors (theatre companies, touring), screen actors (film, television, commercials), and voiceover artists (animation, audiobooks, video games, advertising).

Creative entrepreneurs — founders, producers, directors, and writers across stage, screen, and media industries.

Education — drama teachers, acting coaches, or discipline specialists.

Domestic Student Application & Audition Process

Apply via UAC and book your audition for 11 – 14 November

UAC Application Fees:

Apply by 30 September for $82 Early Bird application fee
Apply by 17 October for $215 Standard application fee

Admission is talent-based and highly competitive due to limited places. 

Domestic students are: Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders.

All applicants must attend auditions and—if selected to progress—recall workshops.

At auditions you will need to perform two contrasting monologues: one Contemporary and one Shakespeare. At least one of your monologues must be selected from the Recommended Monologues List.

In-person auditions will be held at Penrith Campus (Kingswood) at Western Sydney University. Only interstate applicants are permitted to book a virtual audition.

To apply:

Apply via UAC (search: Bachelor of Performing Arts or 720760)
Go to admissions and use your UAC application number to select your preferred audition time during 11 – 14 November 2025.

If you are unable to attend any of the provided times, please contact AdminHCA@westernsydney.edu.au for scheduling.

International Students

For the 2026 intake, the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) is not open to international applicants.

Note: New Zealand citizens are considered domestic applicants, and can apply via UAC.

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