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New Zealand School of Dance

Wellington, New Zealand · Private · Est. Not stated on the pages reviewed

Updated 28 Oct 2026

Talk to our counsellorCall usOfficial website (opens in a new tab)

Established

Not stated on the pages reviewed

Type

Private

Location

Wellington, New Zealand

Ranking

Not ranked

Photo: 111 Emergency from New Zealand, CC BY 2.0

About the university

The New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) in Wellington trains young dancers for professional careers in classical ballet and contemporary dance. Full-time students take the two-year New Zealand Diploma in Dance (Level 6) and may then be selected for a third year, the NZSD Diploma in Dance Performance at Level 7, the same level as a bachelor's degree. Entry to the third year depends on achievement and commitment.

International students audition in person or by video and then apply for a New Zealand student visa; video auditions lead only to a provisional or conditional place. All classes are in English, and students below CEFR level B1 must take an English course before arriving. The usual age for full-time students is 16 to 18, so this suits Indian dancers coming straight from school.

Type
Dance conservatoire for full-time pre-professional training
Qualifications
NZ Diploma in Dance (Level 6, two years) and NZSD Diploma in Dance Performance (Level 7, third year)
Streams
Classical ballet and contemporary dance
Usual age for full-time study
16 to 18
Nationalities
15+ across the school
Entry
By audition, in person or by video

Rankings

    Popular courses with Indian students

    View all 2 courses with filters

    Fees for international students

    Course fees
    CourseDurationFee / year (NZD)Approx. in rupees
    New Zealand Diploma in Dance (Level 6)2 years full-timeNZ$32,584≈ ₹17.6 lakh
    NZSD Diploma in Dance Performance (Level 7)1 year (third year of training)NZ$32,584≈ ₹17.6 lakh

    Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

    Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at New Zealand School of Dance with similar universities in New Zealand.

    Scholarships

      Admission requirements

      Undergraduate

      • Entry is by audition: in person at an audition centre, or by paid video audition for overseas applicants.
      • The usual age for full-time students is 16 to 18.
      • The Level 7 diploma needs the Level 6 New Zealand Diploma in Dance; progression is based on achievement and commitment.
      • International students must apply for a New Zealand student visa and cannot use NZ government loans or allowances.

      Postgraduate

        Documents

        • Passport
        • Application form
        • Audition (in person or video)
        • Evidence of English at CEFR B1 or above
        • School records

        Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.

        English language requirements

        English requirements
        Test or routeTypical requirement
        Teaching languageAll classes are taught in English
        Minimum levelCEFR B1; students below B1 must take an English course before arriving
        IELTS, PTE, TOEFLNo test scores are listed on the pages reviewed

        Accommodation and living costs

        Full-time students live in homestays or student apartments arranged through the school. Costs are not published on the pages reviewed.

        Accommodation and living costs
        ItemIn NZDApprox. in rupees

        Campus and location

        NZSD trains its full-time students in Wellington and also runs young-dancer and holiday programmes.

        • Classical stream: ballet, pas de deux, variations and pointe.
        • Contemporary stream: technique, repertoire, partnering and improvisation.
        • Students from 15+ nationalities.
        • Short courses include a Summer Intensive, Winter School and Contemporary Intensive.

        Careers and graduate outcomes

        The diplomas prepare students for performance careers in dance. NZSD publishes no graduate outcome figures on the pages reviewed. See our New Zealand guide for visa and work rules.

        Graduate outcomes
        WhatFigureSource

        Studying in New Zealand

        Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in New Zealand. Our country guide covers them in detail:

        Other universities in New Zealand

        Compare all universities in New Zealand

        FAQs

        How much does NZSD cost for international students?

        The annual fee for international full-time students in Years 1–3 is NZ$32,584 including GST. The page does not say which year this fee is for, so confirm it before you accept a place.

        How do I get in from India?

        You audition, either in person at an audition centre or by video. A video audition can lead to a provisional or conditional place.

        Do I need IELTS?

        NZSD asks for English at CEFR level B1 or above and lists no specific test scores. Students below B1 must take an English course before arriving.

        Is there a degree?

        No. The top award is the Level 7 Diploma in Dance Performance, which sits at the same NZQF level as a bachelor's degree.

        Sources

        1. NZSD: home page (opens in a new tab)
        2. NZSD: study full-time (fees, international students, accommodation) (opens in a new tab)
        3. NZSD: Level 6 Diploma in Dance (opens in a new tab)
        4. NZSD: Level 7 Diploma in Dance Performance (opens in a new tab)

        Official website: www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz (opens in a new tab)

        Check the latest details

        We researched this page on 28 Oct 2026. Fees, entry requirements and scholarships change every year, so confirm them on the university's website before you apply. Listing a university doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents it.

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