FAQs

AFTT is located at 579 Harris St, Ultimo NSW 2007 in the heart of Sydney, the campus is a short 15-minute walk from Central Station and Railway Square and can easily be accessed by bus and train.

Put simply: industry relevance, our cross-disciplinary campus and the fact we operate in a real-world environment. We pride ourselves on being industry relevant and current, and we ensure that we are by employing current industry professionals as our tutors and through our partnerships with industry organizations including the iconic Belvoir St Theatre and engagement of current film industry professionals. Our standards are also up held by what the industry expects and requires. This at times, puts pressure on students, in terms of quality of work, attendance and communication; however all our graduates have said that is by far the greatest attribute of AFTT. It is by holding our practice, our delivery content and expectations of our students by these industry standards that AFTT is second to none. 

All full-time programs require you to be on campus on average three (3) to four (4) days per week for face to face training. 

Our VET courses have two (2) intakes per year – one in February and one in July. 

Our HE courses (Acting only) have three (3) intakes per year – one in February, one in June, and one in September.

This varies depending on the course you are interested in taking. Fee information for students can be found at domestic and international students.

AFTT’s courses are delivered by Australia’s leading creative arts experts, all of who have achieved their own successes in the industry, and who continue to work in a professional capacity.

AFTT’s Academic Team have starred, directed, produced, and collaborated on leading productions both in Australia and Overseas.  Their training methods are complimented by acclaimed guest Directors and Actors and by a collaborative network of professionals.

Check out our Team at: Meet the Team

You can apply anytime; we receive applications throughout the year. Once you have completed the application form online, the admissions team will be in contact with you to confirm an interview or audition time. 

Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of opportunities in the creative arts industry. In this modern age the industry is bigger than ever before and continues to grow at a healthy rate. Other than film, TV and theatre opportunities, social media platforms offer countless avenues for actors and performers – there are countless blog’s, short films, web-episodes and channels, not to mention Facebook content. Plus the advertising industry is a huge employer of actors and performers thanks to ever-growing platforms and audience reach. In fact, never before have fresh facfes been so in demand.

It's also worth remembering that the skills acquired in acting and performing are also hugely transferable. Skills such as public speaking, corporate hosting, event management and retail and hospitality industries all require poise, self-confidence, and self-esteem. 

With society’s exponential hunger for content, screenwriters, directors, producers and cinematographers are in huge demand. Our film school students are in the industry of content creation, and that is a hugely profitable genre – think about the amount of content you see everyday, from Facebook ads to YouTube and Instagram, podcasts to mainstream news networks, current affair stories and self-help videos. Plus, there is vast capacity for on-demand TV and online content (Netflix/Stan). 

Ultimately though, hardwork, motivation and recognising opportunities when they are presented to you are the most important factors for any graduate finding success. 

We cannot guarantee employment; no film or acting school does or can. We encourage our film students to enter their films in festivals all around the world and, that has a fantastic success rate. 

What we do provide our students with is the skills to network within the professional industry and the exposure to a range of industry professionals during the course, so the student can gain as many contacts as possible.
AFTT hosts in-house productions, screening nights and encourages industry icons to attend. We also encourage our film students to enter their films in festivals all around the world and, that has a fantastic success rate. 

The Academy of Film, Theatre and Television, AFTT was the result of merging the two elite institutions.
 
The unification of ACTT and IFSS into Australia’s leading creative arts academy is bold, brave and reality shifting. It opens up unparalleled opportunities for current and prospective students, together with staff and the broader community, to be the driving force behind this daring evolution.

Never before have so many changes happened so quickly in our industry with AFTT being created to take full advantage of the rapid and ongoing advancements in technology within new media, as well as to respond to the increased diversity and dynamism in the global film, television and theatre economy.
 
To empower industry ready graduates with real-world understanding of their craft, we need to be ahead of the curve. By consolidating these two prestigious schools beneath one banner we will forge a comprehensive, more responsive institution that features all key disciplines of our industry – from cinematography to live event production,  acting for stage and screen, and screenwriting, directing and producing.

Founded on passion, inspiration, adventure and creative excellence, AFTT will be an environment in which to collaborate and work together as artists. Its creation is a courageous evolution that will position us at the forefront of Australia’s creative arts industry, and allow us to become a leading force within the global entertainment education market.

Rest assured that all students will continue to learn and receive support from the same dedicated team of tutors, student recruitment advisors and administrators you may have already met.

You can apply anytime by completing the application form on our website: Apply Now

(hard copy forms are also available through the Student Admissions team).

AFTT’s Student Admissions team are always available to discuss the application and enrolment process with you – feel free to phone them directly to chat: 02 9281 2400

No tertiary institution would be capable of guaranteeing graduate employment beyond their studies. What we can guarantee is that students will receive the highest level of tuition during their study with us. They will be immersed in a creative and vibrant environment with like-minded students.

During their working life, graduates will undoubtedly find themselves working across a variety of industries. We therefore accept that our goal is to not only produce talented graduates, but those who can remain productive throughout. This is achieved not only through the specialised skills taught within our courses, but through the development of soft skills such as collaboration, analysis and effective communication. 

YES.  We have two (2) scholarships available;

All students enrolling should be prepared for a FULL-TIME commitment to their training. Working within the creative arts is a commitment to learning, developing and creating – as an individual, and as part of an ensemble/crew. The nature of AFTT’s training is studio and production focussed, meaning your time at AFTT involves being immersed in the world of performance/production and within a community of likeminded professionally focussed people.

Your full-time commitment consists of a combination of an average of 24 hours per week of classes, rehearsals and productions as well as time for personal preparation, reflection and independent work.

The timetable is a combination of morning, afternoon and evening classes and rehearsals which can run between the hours of 9.00am and 9.00pm, Monday to Friday.

During production periods students will be required to attend AFTT outside of these normal hours, which may include afterhours and weekend performances and production activities.

The timetable is provided at the beginning of each trimester/semester to allow you to forward plan and manage your time between AFTT, work and personal commitments.

The first step is to express interest, and to ask questions!

Our Student Admissions (SA) team are available to guide and issue current and accurate information that enables you to make informed decisions about undertaking training with AFTT.

How to reach the Student Admissions team:

            Phone: 02 9281 2400

            Email:   info@aftt.edu.au

            Submit an enquiry form (website): Ask a Question

Step 1: Enquire & Apply

Step 2: Interview

Step 3: Audition (Industry focus area of Acting only)

Step 4: Offer and Acceptance

Step 5: Enrolment

Step 6: Start studying at AFTT!

Many of our graduates have achieved outstanding heights within many areas of stage, film, television, theatre and production. From writing and producing original works to working as casting directors and theatre managers, we believe these students have found their own slice of fame. Graduates who have received high levels of public recognition include performers such as: 
 

Firass Dirani (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, House Husbands, The Killer Elite, The Straits),
George Houvardas (Packed to the Rafters, East West 101),
Leeanna Walsman (Star Wars Attack of the Clones [as Jessica])
Valentino Del Toro (The Slap, Underbelly Files: Infiltration, Sea Patrol, Terra Nova)
Luke Joslin (Greenroom Award Winner for Avenue Q: The Musical)
Socratis Otto (Stockholm at The Sydney Theatre Company)
Fayssal Bazzi (Food at Belvoir St Theatre)
Matt Holmes (Sea Patrol, Castle, Blue Heelers)

If you are interested in studying Acting, you will need to complete an audition as part of your application.

Film and Theatre Production students undertake an interview not an audition.

Our performance courses are designed to produce graduates ready to enter the industry as professionals.  An integral part of this process is exposing students to casting and talent management agents, producers and directors throughout their time at AFTT. The high-caliber training and reputation of AFTT students ensures that many of the best agents attend our graduate productions, and this has led to students being offered representation and audition opportunities upon graduation.  We assist and guide our graduates in choosing the right agent.

In the Industry focus area of Film, each Tier (semester) sees a dedicated film project.  Each of these works offers an immersive industry experience within small collaborative production teams utilizing both in-house resources and external locations.  

Diploma: 
Students will complete several group film projects where they work as a production team to creatively collaborate on the whole process, along with their own Major Project that they will write, produce and direct. 

They will also have many crewing opportunities on colleague’s films in a variety of crew roles, which may include Director of Photography, Camera Assist, Sound recordist, Continuity, Gaffer, Lighting assist, 1st Assistant Director.

Advanced Diploma:
On top of what has already been created in the Diploma, students will also create an additional;
Three (3) of their own films that will be written, produced and directed by themselves.

Students also have many crewing opportunities on their colleague’s films in a variety of crew roles, which may include Director of Photography, Camera Assist, Sound recordist, Continuity, Gaffer, Lighting assist, 1st Assistant Director, and Editor.

Various projects will also be shot during workshops, such as lighting, sound, and directing coverage.

After graduation, these films are the intellectual property of the filmmaker – an instant showreel ready to roll. 

In the Industry focus area of Acting, students work on a collaborative film project early in their program (with the Film and Theatre Production students), where they will work as a production team to creatively collaborate on the whole process.  They will then focus on acting for film and the filmmaking process in the Actor as Filmmaker project.  The Actors then have the opportunity to create a piece for the Actor as Creator project, which if desired, can be a film piece.

In the Industry focus area of Theatre Production, students work closely with the Acting students as part of their course.  There are no synergies between the Theatre Production and Film course, however, there are  plenty of opportunities to network within the industry focus streams, and plenty of areas where students can get creative and collaborative! 

Creative and Performing Arts is a vocation and a profession, one that is both challenging, and supremely satisfying for practitioners who are driven by a love of the craft and a love of storytelling.  
AFTT’s programs prepare you for transition into the local and international creative arts industry as an independent industry professional in a variety of roles.

See Question 5 - (#5) WHAT CAREER PATHS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME? - for an outline of listed career opportunities.

AFTT’s courses are approved for FEE-HELP and VET Student Loans (VSL); a loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay for their tuition fees. 

Find out more about fees, see here: Fee Schedule

Please see our Fee Schedule page for more information.

For International students please click here.

Accommodation is not available on campus, however our Student Admissions team can refer students to suitable areas to seek accommodation and connect you with other students in the same situation. AFTT is centrally located in Surry Hills, and is only a short walk from Central Station.

The Academy of Film, Theatre and Television (AFTT) is the business name jointly owned by International Film School Sydney Pty Ltd (IFSS) and JMC Pty. Limited (JMC).

IFSS is a training provider registered through the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
JMC Pty. Limited is a registered Higher Education provider under with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

As such, AFTT’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs are provided and awarded by IFSS, and the AFTT’s Higher Education (HE) programs are provided and awarded by JMC Pty. Limited.
This gives our students the assurance that every course at AFTT meets the high standards required by the national VET Quality Framework, Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards),  industry, and other stakeholders. 

AFTT promotes artistry, innovation and quality in our programs, and we are committed to meeting the skills, underpinning knowledge and performance outcomes necessary for students to pursue their chosen careers.

Our strong industry links also ensure that AFTT qualifications are recognised within the creative industries. 

Applicants who submit a complete application (including all accompanying documentation, including portfolio or audition if applicable) will usually be contacted within 24 hours to arrange an interview. After a successful interview, positive review of an audition for students who are applying for an Acting course, and once all other required documents have been received, an offer letter will usually be issued within 24-48 hours.

For information on how to apply, please click here.

Yes, we have many partnered education agents. For a list of AFTT’s registered agents, please click here.

We have three additional options to meet the English language requirement: As well as the IELTS test AFTT also accepts TOEFL, Cambridge English and Pearson tests. Alternatively, students who enroll in a suitable English language preparation course at one of our ELICOS partner schools may also satisfy the requirements for successful completion of that course without further sitting any of the above tests.

You might be eligible for alternative entry, so please contact our International Admissions team for advice. Domestic students may also contact the Student Admissions Team.

Are you ready to submit an audition? We can't wait to see it! Please make sure you have submitted an application first, and follow the international enrolment process. The simplest way to submit your audition is to upload it to a video-sharing site such as YouTube or Vimeo. Or send it to one of the recruitment advisors that you are in contact with directly. 

Once you have completed an application form we will be in touch with you to organise an interview. The interview will help us learn more about you and give you the opportunity to ask more questions.

For the interview, you should be clear about why you want to study at AFTT, what your career goals are and how studying at AFTT will help you achieve those goals. You should also be prepared to answer questions about the practical components of studying away from home – for example, accommodation, living costs and visa regulations (international students).

We also encourage you to prepare some questions for us, as this is a great opportunity for you to clarify your expectations, and for you to prepare for your move to Australia. The interview can help you and AFTT identify if this will be the right place and fit for you.

You can download our fee sheet here. 

There is no fee for applying, however a non-refundable application fee of $150 is charged when you accept your offer. This fee along with the refundable first term deposit must be paid before a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) can be processed.

There is no deadline to pay fees, however a CoE can only be issued once the first term (half-semester) deposit and application fee has been received. 

The decision to grant a visa is made by the Australian Immigration Office. Enrolling at AFTT will make you eligible to apply for a student visa. You will need a Confirmation of Enrolment from us in order to apply. You will also need to show evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover. 

It is your responsibility to apply for a student visa. Once you have been issued a CoE it is then up to you to complete the rest of your student visa application process. If you submitted your AFTT application with the assistance of a representative agent they can also assist you in preparing your visa application. 

You should apply for a 572 (Vocational Education) visa for all our programs.

Visit www.border.gov.au/trav/stud to learn more about the visa application process.

There is no on-campus accommodation. For information on some accomodation options, visit the links below:
 

www.urbanest.com.au
www.ozhomestay.com.au
www.iglu.com.au

Yes, your visa conditions allow for you to work 40 hours per fortnight; however in order to manage your study load, AFTT recommends you work no more than 16 hours per week to allow adequate time to study and attend classes.

Australia is a very safe and peaceful multicultural country. In the Better Life Index of OECD countries, Australia ranks among the top countries in a range of areas, including safety, health, environment and civic engagement. For more information please see www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/australia/

The cost of living in Sydney depends largely on lifestyle, accommodation choice and social life. As a general guide, students can expect to spend an average of AU$390 per week on rent, food and public transport. This amount does not cover tuition and textbooks.

No, only graduates with Higher Education Qualifications are eligible to apply for a Graduate Visa.

Many students take the opportunity to explore Australia after they graduate. Students usually receive between one and three months extra time on their student visas. You may also be able to apply for a tourist visa at the end of your studies to attend the graduation ceremony.

Just complete the contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible with more details.