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
- Undergraduate
New Zealand Diploma in Dance (Level 6)
- Fee / year
- NZ$32,584
- Duration
- 2 years full-time
- Intakes
- Start date not published; entry is by audition
- English
- All classes in English; students below CEFR B1 must take an English course before arriving
- Undergraduate
NZSD Diploma in Dance Performance (Level 7)
- Fee / year
- NZ$32,584
- Duration
- 1 year (third year of training)
- Intakes
- Follows the Level 6 diploma; entry to Year 3 is selective
- English
- All classes in English; students below CEFR B1 must take an English course before arriving
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (NZD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Diploma in Dance (Level 6) | 2 years full-time | NZ$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
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Teaching language | All classes are taught in English |
| Minimum level | CEFR B1; students below B1 must take an English course before arriving |
| IELTS, PTE, TOEFL | No 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.
| Item | In NZD | Approx. 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.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|
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:
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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
- NZSD: home page (opens in a new tab)
- NZSD: study full-time (fees, international students, accommodation) (opens in a new tab)
- NZSD: Level 6 Diploma in Dance (opens in a new tab)
- NZSD: Level 7 Diploma in Dance Performance (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz (opens in a new tab)
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