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A Bachelor of Dance (with Honours) is a rigorous, performance-centred degree designed to develop technically skilled, creatively versatile, and critically informed dance artists. The degree combines intensive practical training with academic study across areas including contemporary dance technique, choreography, dance science, somatics, improvisation, performance, and critical dance studies. Students emerge as well-rounded artists capable of working across multiple dance contexts — from performance and choreography to education, community arts, and arts administration. The Honours component deepens this experience by allowing students to undertake an intensive independent research or creative project, building a pathway into postgraduate study and more advanced professional practice.
Australia's performing arts and creative industries sector is expanding, with employment in full-time creative and performing arts activities reaching record highs in recent years. As the dance industry continues to evolve — encompassing live performance, screen, education, wellness, and community settings — demand for highly trained, adaptable dance professionals continues to grow. A Bachelor of Dance (Honours) provides a competitive edge in the job market, combining deep technical artistry with research skills, creative entrepreneurship, and the credentials needed to teach at tertiary level or pursue postgraduate research. With Australia's internationally respected dance training conservatories and companies attracting global attention, graduates are well positioned for careers both domestically and abroad.
Entry into a Bachelor of Dance (Honours) in Australia is highly competitive and typically requires both academic and performance-based criteria. Most institutions require completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with a satisfactory ATAR, though many dance programs place equal or greater weight on a practical audition. Applicants are generally required to attend an audition where they must demonstrate prior training to at least an intermediate level in any dance style, or show significant natural aptitude and physical facility for dance. Shortlisted candidates are often also invited to a formal interview. Some institutions do not rely on ATAR at all, accepting applicants through alternative pathways such as TAFE qualifications, Certificates, Diplomas, or prior higher education study in a related field.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates of a Bachelor of Dance (Honours) in Australia pursue diverse careers across performance, education, research, arts management, and community engagement. Many find employment as professional performers with dance companies, in musical theatre, on screen, or as independent artists. Others transition into teaching at studios, schools, or tertiary institutions, or move into arts administration, choreography, movement direction, and community arts facilitation. The transferable skills developed — including discipline, creativity, teamwork, physical intelligence, and research capability — open doors in adjacent fields such as health and wellbeing, screen and media production, and arts advocacy.
Entry Level
Graduate Performer / Teaching Assistant
Graduate Dancer, Junior Dance Instructor, Community Arts Assistant, Performing Arts Production Assistant, Dance Studio Receptionist/Junior Teacher
Early Career
Performer / Coordinator
Professional Dancer, Dance Teacher, Choreographic Assistant, Arts Program Coordinator, Junior Choreographer, Movement Coach
Mid-Level
Specialist / Senior Practitioner
Choreographer, Senior Dance Teacher, Company Dancer, Dance Company Manager, Movement Director, Community Dance Specialist, Dance Researcher
Senior Level
Director / Senior Adviser
Senior Choreographer, Studio Director, Artistic Associate, Arts Program Manager, Dance Company General Manager, Tertiary Dance Lecturer
Leadership
Artistic Director / Principal
Artistic Director, Principal Choreographer, Head of Dance Department, Dean of Performing Arts, Executive Director (Arts Organisation), Dance Company Founder
Salaries for dance graduates in Australia vary considerably depending on the role, sector, experience level, and whether work is freelance or salaried.
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital and a premier destination for dance study, home to world-class conservatoire facilities, purpose-built studios, and a thriving independent dance scene. The city's rich concentration of dance companies, festivals, and performing arts venues provides students with unrivalled access to professional networks, performance opportunities, and industry mentors.
Sydney
Sydney boasts a vibrant performing arts ecosystem anchored by major dance companies, musical theatre productions, and a strong screen and television industry, offering dance graduates diverse career pathways. The city's major arts precincts, festivals such as Sydney Festival, and connections to film and television studios make it an exciting hub for versatile dance professionals.
Brisbane
Brisbane has a growing and energetic arts sector supported by state government investment in the performing arts, with opportunities in dance companies, festivals, and community arts programs. The city's subtropical lifestyle, expanding cultural infrastructure, and proximity to Queensland's tourism and entertainment industries make it an attractive destination for emerging dance artists.
Perth
Perth is home to one of Australia's most prestigious performing arts training academies, with internationally recognised dance programs and strong links to professional contemporary dance companies. The city's strong arts funding environment, vibrant independent dance sector, and connections to national touring circuits provide graduates with meaningful career opportunities in both performance and education.
Adelaide
Adelaide punches above its weight in the arts, hosting world-renowned festivals and a collaborative, accessible arts community where emerging dance artists can build a professional profile quickly. The city's unique collaboration between university and TAFE providers in dance training, combined with its festival culture and lower cost of living, makes it particularly welcoming for aspiring dancers.
Canberra
Canberra offers dance graduates opportunities in a well-funded national arts and cultural sector, with positions available in government-supported arts organisations, national institutions, and community arts programs. The city's stable employment environment, growing performing arts community, and proximity to major touring circuits make it a practical and fulfilling base for dance educators, community artists, and arts administrators.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
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