About the university
Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School is a specialist performing arts school in Newtown, Wellington. It began in 1970 as a one-year acting course with eight students and now teaches acting, design, production, costume construction and set and props construction, plus a Master of Creative Performance Practice. It also delivers Whitireia/WelTec dance and musical theatre programmes. Over 750 graduates have gone on to careers in theatre, film, television and radio.
The school welcomes international applicants and says it currently has students from Canada, the USA, Japan and Germany. Places are limited and entry is by audition, portfolio or interview; overseas applicants send video links instead of attending in person. Course pages list 2027 international fees, but most do not give an IELTS score, so ask the school about English requirements.
- Founded
- 1970, by the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council (now Creative New Zealand)
- Campus
- Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown, Wellington
- Graduates
- More than 750 alumni working in theatre, television, film and radio
- Course levels
- NZ Diplomas (Level 6), Bachelor of Performing Arts and Master of Creative Performance Practice
- Academic year
- February to November
- International tuition 2027
- NZ$31,328 a year (bachelor's); about NZ$35,080 a year (diplomas)
Rankings
Popular courses with Indian students
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting)
- Fee / year
- NZ$31,328
- Duration
- 3 years full-time
- Intakes
- February (school year runs February to November)
- English
- Not stated on the course page; ask the school
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Design)
- Fee / year
- NZ$31,328
- Duration
- 3 years full-time
- Intakes
- February (school year runs February to November)
- English
- Not stated on the course page; ask the school
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Production)
- Fee / year
- NZ$31,328
- Duration
- 3 years full-time
- Intakes
- February (school year runs February to November)
- English
- Not stated on the course page; ask the school
- Undergraduate
New Zealand Diploma in Costume Construction
- Fee / year
- NZ$35,077
- Duration
- 2 years full-time (240 credits)
- Intakes
- February (school year runs February to November)
- English
- Not stated on the course page; ask the school
- Undergraduate
New Zealand Diploma in Scenic Construction & Properties
- Fee / year
- NZ$35,080
- Duration
- 2 years full-time (240 credits)
- Intakes
- February (school year runs February to November)
- English
- Not stated on the course page; ask the school
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (NZD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) | 3 years full-time | NZ$31,328 | ≈ ₹16.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Performing Arts (Design) | 3 years full-time | NZ$31,328 | ≈ ₹16.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Performing Arts (Production) | 3 years full-time | NZ$31,328 | ≈ ₹16.9 lakh |
| New Zealand Diploma in Costume Construction | 2 years full-time (240 credits) | NZ$35,077 | ≈ ₹18.9 lakh |
| New Zealand Diploma in Scenic Construction & Properties | 2 years full-time (240 credits) | NZ$35,080 | ≈ ₹18.9 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 Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School with similar universities in New Zealand.
Scholarships
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Acting: online application, an audition workshop (NZ$45; overseas applicants send monologues as video links) and a two-day Applicants Weekend in Wellington for shortlisted applicants.
- Design and Production: online application, a digital portfolio of at least five pieces of work and an interview (in person or online).
- Costume Construction: portfolio and interview, with evidence of at least two garments you have made.
- Overseas applicants submit their personal statement or mihimihi introduction as a video link and tick 'International Student' on the form.
Postgraduate
- Master of Creative Performance Practice: a bachelor's degree in the creative or performing arts with relevant professional experience, or an unrelated degree plus at least three years of relevant work.
- Applicants without a degree may be considered with at least five years of relevant professional experience.
- Next intake March 2027; applications close Monday 7 December and are considered on a rolling basis.
Documents
- Passport
- Online application form
- Personal statement or mihimihi introduction as a video link
- Audition monologues (acting) or portfolio (design, production, construction)
- Class 12 mark sheet or degree transcripts
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 |
|---|---|
| Master of Creative Performance Practice | IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or similar |
| Bachelor's and diplomas | No score stated on the course pages; ask the school |
| Acting audition | Your own-choice monologue may be in your native language |
Accommodation and living costs
Toi Whakaari does not run student housing. Its international page says Wellington has good rental accommodation, and its guide for international students has more detail.
| Item | In NZD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|
Campus and location
The school is based at Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre in Newtown, Wellington, which it moved into in 1997.
- Small, selective intakes in each programme.
- Training covers acting, design, production, costume, and set and props construction.
- Whitireia/WelTec dance and musical theatre programmes are taught at the same centre.
- The school year runs from February to November.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Toi Whakaari says its graduates are very likely to find work after graduating and are sought after by leading productions. More than 750 alumni work in theatre, television, film, radio and other art forms. See our New Zealand guide for post-study 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 Toi Whakaari cost for international students?
For 2027, the Bachelor of Performing Arts costs NZ$31,328 a year. The two-year diplomas cost NZ$35,077 (Costume Construction) and NZ$35,080 (Scenic Construction & Properties) a year.
Do I have to audition in New Zealand?
No. Overseas applicants send their personal statement and audition monologues as video links. Applicants living in New Zealand or Australia must attend Applicants Weekend in person.
When does the course start?
Undergraduate programmes follow a February to November school year. The master's has its next intake in March 2027.
Sources
- Toi Whakaari: home page (opens in a new tab)
- Toi Whakaari: international students (opens in a new tab)
- Toi Whakaari: fees and scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- Toi Whakaari: history (opens in a new tab)
- Toi Whakaari: Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) (opens in a new tab)
- Toi Whakaari: Bachelor of Performing Arts (Design) (opens in a new tab)
- Toi Whakaari: NZ Diploma in Costume Construction (opens in a new tab)
- Toi Whakaari: Master of Creative Performance Practice (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz (opens in a new tab)
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