The Graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet (11008NAT) is a prestigious, highly selective, one-year full-time qualification that sits at the pinnacle of vocational ballet training in Australia. It is designed for elite dancers who have already completed advanced-level dance training — typically the Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) — and are now ready to refine their artistry, technique, and professional skills to a virtuoso standard. The course bridges intensive classroom and studio training with real-world performance experience, including secondments with major professional ballet companies, preparing graduates to step directly into professional company careers. Typical employers of graduates include major ballet companies such as The Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet, West Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, and other state-based and independent dance companies, as well as performing arts schools, conservatoriums, and private dance studios seeking highly credentialled instructors.

The course covers a rigorous suite of classical and contemporary dance disciplines including advanced classical ballet technique, pointe work, pas de deux, classical repertoire, contemporary techniques, choreography, performance preparation, dance history, music for dance, anatomy, injury prevention, performance psychology, and career development. Students train daily under professional faculty, perform in multiple production seasons per year, and engage with visiting international and Australian guest artists. The qualification is nationally recognised on the Australian Qualifications Framework and is offered by specialist performing arts institutions with world-class studio and production facilities. Graduates emerge as technically accomplished, artistically expressive, and professionally prepared performers, teachers, and dance artists.

Entry into the Graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet is exclusively by selective audition and/or formal assessment — there is no academic pathway entry. Prospective students are typically required to have completed the Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA61020) or an equivalent advanced-level ballet qualification, though completion of a prerequisite qualification alone does not guarantee entry. Applicants are assessed on their outstanding technical and artistic suitability for virtuoso-level classical ballet training, with panels evaluating technique, artistry, physical capacity, musicality, and professional potential. Due to the intense physical demands of elite ballet training and the age-related nature of a professional performance career, applicants' age is taken into consideration; most successful entrants are in their late teens to early twenties.

For international students, English language proficiency is typically required, with institutions generally accepting IELTS Academic scores of 5.5–6.0 overall, or equivalent qualifications. There are no standard school-leaving academic score requirements given the vocational and audition-based nature of entry, though prior engagement with academic studies alongside dance training is viewed favourably. Applicants may also need to demonstrate physical fitness, submit a video audition or perform at a live audition session, and in some cases participate in an interview. Supporting documentation such as a dance training history, teacher references, and evidence of previous performance experience may also be required.