Recognition of Prior Learning acknowledges the full range of your skills and knowledge, irrespective of how it has been obtained. This includes competencies gained through formal study, work experience, employment and other "life" experiences.

 Click here to download an RPL application form.
 Click here to download an RPL Policy.

Audition and Interview

For entry into AMPA as a performer, you are required to sit an audition and interview with the audition panel. The audition should include 2-3 performances of contrasting styles that also represent your best attributes. You can also bring your own backing CD for the performances, or we can organize an accompanist for you if required (prior notice required).

Scholarships

The AMPA offers competitive and substantial scholarships to AMPA students on application and audition.

What is FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP is a government loan given to eligible fee-paying students to help pay part or all of your tuition fees.

FEE-HELP Limit

You can borrow up to the amount of the tuition fee being charged by AMPA for your course. If you have already utilized FEE-HELP for previous studies, it is important to note the FEE-HELP limit (how much you can borrow) is indexed each year.

A loan fee of 25% applies to FEE-HELP loans for undergraduate courses of study. The FEE-HELP limit does not include the loan fee. No loan fee applies to FEE-HELP loans for postgraduate courses.

The Australian Government pays the amount of the loan directly to the student's provider. Students repay their loan through the tax system once their income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment. Compulsory repayments are made when you lodge your tax return and your HELP repayment income is above the minimum threshold, eg. $49,095 in 2012-13. Students are also able to contibute voluntary payments for HELP debts.

FEE-HELP is available to commencing students who are either Australian Citizens or Australian Permanent Residents with a humanitarian visa, and some continuing students. FEE-HELP is not available to students who are not Australian citizens (except for those in possession of a PR humanitarian visa).

Further information on FEE-HELP loans can be found by contacting our office or visiting the Study Assist website.

Tuition Assurance

AMPA has two levels of tuition protection through the Australian Government’s Tuition Protection Service (TPS) that cover FEE-Help and Up Front students. 

The TPS safeguards Australia’s reputation as an education destination by supporting registered education providers to understand and meet their obligations to students, and supporting eligible students whose education providers ‘default’. A provider default occurs when an education provider closes, fails to start a course or unit of study, or stops offering a course or unit of study to enrolled students. 

The TPS was established in 2012 as an international student tuition protection scheme under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000.

The TPS was expanded in 2020 under the VET Student Loans Act 2016 and the Higher Education Support Act 2003, and in 2021 under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011, to provide tuition protection for specific domestic student cohorts.

The TPS supports four student cohorts enrolled at private education providers:

• international students on student visas

• domestic Vocational Education and Training (VET) students receiving VET Student Loan (VSL) assistance

• domestic higher education students receiving FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP loan assistance

• domestic higher education students who pay their tuition fees up-front.

Following a provider default, the TPS ensures that these students can either:

• complete their studies at another education provider; or

• receive a refund of the tuition fees paid up-front for the affected unit(s) of study; or

• receive a loan re-credit for the loan amount used to pay tuition fees for the affected unit(s) of study. 

Take the lead. There are 3 intake periods per year to start your journey at AMPA: 

Intake 1 (Jan/Feb)  |  Intake 2 (May)   |  Intake 3 (Sep)

Step 1: Application

Complete the Online Application Form

 

Step 2: Audition Booking

Once your application form is submitted an Admissions team member will contact you to book your audition and interview. The audition will be run by an experienced staff member who will be able to recommend the most appropriate path to achieve your goals. 

Audition Guidelines:

Step 3: Enrol

After you complete your audition, the panel will evaluate your performance and assess your aptitude and potential to succeed at AMPA.

If your audition is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer in the post. This letter will include instructions on how to log-in to the AMPA Online portal where you can respond to your offer.

By accepting an offer to study at AMPA, your place at AMPA is secure. We’ll get in touch with you shortly after we receive your acceptance to arrange your enrolment and orientation at AMPA.

Additional Information

Piano, keyboard, amps, drum kit, and sound system for backing tracks is provided for all auditions. Guitarists should bring their own leads, and drummers their own sticks and brushes. Applicants must provide their own backing track and accompanist if required.

At the audition, applicants will have the opportunity to tour the campus if they have not already visited AMPA for an Open Day or other event. Please ask at reception on the day if you’d like a tour.

International & Interstate Applicants

Interstate and international applicants will be invited to submit their audition via video, or by alternative arrangement as discussed with the Admissions Officer once their application has been received.

International applicants who come from non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the minimum English proficiency requirements prior to commencing a degree. 

For more information please go to the International Students page.

Want more info?

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Facebook: facebook.com/TheAMPA

Phone: 02 9310 3111

What happens in an audition?

To download the full audition guidelines for each AMPA degree, please visit the 'How to Apply' section of this website, or click here to go there now.

How should I prepare?

Choose your audition pieces carefully and know them well. Choose songs that you feel most confident with and that show off your full range of skills. Feel free to utilise backing tracks and accompaniment. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the process! If you have any questions beforehand, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly Admissions staff on 02 9310 3111 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

I am overseas or interstate and can't get to AMPA for the audition. What are my options? 

International or interstate students will be invited to submit a video audition. Students are sometimes required to sit a Skype audition and interview in addition. Once we receive your application, a member of the AMPA Admissions team will get in touch with you to arrange a suitable option. Prospective students residing in remote NSW may also be eligible to audition via video. Please let your Admissions representative know if you would like to do this.

When do I need to apply by?

There are three intakes for entry into AMPA: January, May and September As places are limited, application forms must be submitted well in advance to avoid missing out. AMPA conducts auditions year-round and students may audition up to a year ahead of their chosen intake.

Am I eligible Fee-Help?

FEE-HELP is available to Australian citizens and Permanent humanitarian visa holders. For further details on Fee-Help, please visit: http://studyassist.gov.au/

How do international students pay their fees?

International students must pay the first trimester in full before enrolment can be processed. A Certificate of Enrolment (CoE) will be issued as part of the enrolment process.

Does AMPA provide accommodation?

No. However, there are a huge number of options for students planning to stay in Sydney. Here's a list of accommodation options to look into. Also, some AMPA students choose to share houses with each other, try the AMPA Billboard to connect with other students now. If you need advice or pointers, please feel free to get in touch with AMPA Admissions on 02 9310 3111 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

How do I get to AMPA?

The main AMPA campus is conveniently located next to Central Railway Station. 

By train:

Get off at Central Station (Southern Concourse exit). Then it's just a 2 minute walk as you turn right onto Chalmers St. 

By bus:

Bus services operate directly to AMPA or to Central Station from most areas of Sydney.

Click here to view a map and further details.

To get to the Alexandria Dance facilities, a shuttle bus travels between Central Station and Alexandria. This is a free service for all AMPA students. 

Focus area

Join AMPA with a focus that best suits you and your musical aspirations. We have carefully put together a number of focus areas within our Associate Degree/Degree program that provide you with a range of options depending on your chosen interest and focus.

Focus areas are run by leading industry seasoned staff members who are able to share a wealth of knowledge and practical know how in your chosen field.

Flexibility in AMPA's course structure enables students to select elements from more than one focus area if desired. This will allow you to shape your course to suit your requirements.

On completion of the first four trimesters students can exit with a Associate Degree of Music (Performance) and on completion of 6 trimesters students may exit with a Bachelor of Music (Performance). Your academic transcript will reflect the focus chosen for all of the world to see!

• Focus area
• Jazz
• Composition
• Classical
• Musical Theatre
• Production

Postgraduate Courses 

GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF MUSIC

The two trimester Graduate Diploma of Music, which is nested in the Masters program, is designed to enhance the knowledge base, strengthen the performance skills, and reinforce the teaching and organisational abilities of persons who, having successfully completed an undergraduate degree or without qualifications, have achieved a high level of skills and recognition in the field of professional performance. The inclusion of the two graduate seminar units and elective units will be important for students choosing to move into the profession in the areas of performance, composition and song writing, studio teaching, and music retail and distribution at the completion of this two Trimester program. Should they choose to proceed into the Masters program, these units will have prepared them for the successful completion of the units offered in the second year of that course.

On completion of the first two trimesters students can exit with a Graduate Diploma of Music (Performance) and on completion of 4 trimesters students may exit with a Master of Music (Performance).

MASTER OF MUSIC

The Master of Music at AMPA are designed to provide graduate students the opportunity to enter the music industry at a more elite level by further developing and specializing their performance and composition skills. It aims to increase the student’s breadth of knowledge in support of an active teaching career either in the private or government sector, at primary, secondary or tertiary level studio teaching. The course will also assist experienced and advanced practitioners who, having achieved distinguished professional careers in the public arena, can derive further knowledge from a music related academic and research environment.

Graduates can share their expertise with the next generation of music students, teaching either in the formal tertiary environment or in the private studio sector in parallel with their work in the field of performance. The skills of those working creatively in the various areas of the extensive freelance sections of the music industry, including: performance, composition, production, music director, session musician, song writing and research will be enhanced. Graduates will also be well equipped to undertake further studies at the Doctoral level.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

AICM tertiary courses merge performance and practical training with academic rigour, and provide students with an innovative, reputable and complete education in music. Students will be exposed to a diverse range of industry-related topics, allowing them to maximaze opportunities upon coursecompletion. A strong emphasis is placed on solo, group and ensemble performance studies, along with weekly one-to-one training between student and teacher.

* Electives may be chosen from more than one Focus area.

* AICM tertiary qualifications are fully accredited and recognized by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

*In Focus area there is a reference to Diploma of Music and Diploma/Degree which needs to change to Associate Degree of Music and Associate Degree/Degree.

• Focus area
• Jazz
• Composition
• Classical
• Musical Theatre
• Production

AMPA Community

You are not just another number at AMPA!

AMPA's staff and student body are made up of dedicated, supportive and like-minded musicians, composers, producers and performing artists who share the same vision for the future. Being in a more concentrated cohort also enables greater access to teaching staff, facilities and more opportunities to perform.
 

AMPA Courses

AMPA offers leading tertiary courses in the performing arts. Students are able to gain teritiary qualifications in music (jazz, classical or contemporary), music theatre, dance, composition and creative music technology. Our curriculum is based on years of research and development, and is continually developed to ensure that students have access to the most industry relevant information and training.

Unlike many institutions in Australia, AMPA remains focused on individual, one-to-one learning. This means that music students are entitled to receive a 60 minute lesson per week as part of their Principal Study unit, along with an additional 30 minute lesson as part of Second Study. The option of taking a Second Study is particularly unique to AMPA, and a valuable tool for students with more than one skill eg. guitar/voice or singer/songwriter.       

Dance students will progress through performance, choreography, composition and production in a wide variety of genres and led by industry seasoned staff. AMPA's dance course is the only performance oriented dance degree in Sydney.    

What's more, students can take course progression at a pace that suits them, either taking 3 trimesters per year to complete a bachelor degree in 2 years, or by taing 2 trimesters per year to complete a bachelor degree in 3 years.
   

AMPA Staff

All students are guided by a supportive and committed team of industry seasoned practitioners and academics who are dedicated to seeing students learn, grow and ultimately make a significant impact in their chosen field.

Please visit the Staff Page to view our team.  

Performance Experience

Students are encouraged to maximize their performance experience at some of Sydney's premier venues along with weekly performance classes at the AMPA Tom Mann Theatre. AMPA students have performed at venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Seymour Centre, NIDA, Enmore Theatre, The Basement, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Riverside Theatre and at various festivals and events around Sydney. 
 

Student Collaboration

Our diverse course offerings enable students from a wide range of fields and genres to work together on collaborative performances and student work. Contemporary musicians work with composers and producers, jazz students with music theatre students and ballet majors with classical performers.

Through collaboration with events and teaching staff, AMPA students are regularly engaged in external performance events. Please view our Latest News page to stay up to date with the latest events.      

  

 Login by clicking on the below links:

eCON:

eCON is AMPA's online student learning system and has been built on the Moodle system. eCON is a valuable educational resource for all enrolled students, providing assessment information, learning content, eLibrary resources, news, quizzes, discussion boards and generally a great place to stay in touch. If you require access to the system, please consult with I.T. officer at Arc Education Group.

Edupoint:

AMPA's online management system running behind the scenes is EduPoint. It is the central repository of student information, academic curriculum, structure, and timetable/attendance information. EduPoint access is limited to staff and faculty only. And, if you require access to the system, please consult with I.T. officer at AMPA.

OAS (Online Application System):

The Online Application System (OAS) allows staff to accept and track application requests along with audition bookings. Access to OAS is strictly limited to staff and faculty members at AMPA. OAS has been built in-house using PHP, MySql and CSS. It contains customized access level to different staff members at AMPA so that applications can be efficiently accepted, tracked, processed, and accepted or declined including providing scholarship if any. And, if you require access to the system, please consult with I.T. officer at AMPA.

RAPLA:

RAPLA is the resource management system used to coordinate room, event and equipment bookings at AMPA. It allows coordination between students, administrators and other users of the resources at AMPA. RAPLA is currently available as intranet service only. For further information about RAPLA, please consult http://rapla.org/

WebMail:

AMPA email accounts can be accessed conveniently through webmail (in any standard web browser), or through configuration of Apple Mail, Microsoft Outlook or Entourage programs. To access AMPA's webmail system, please visit http://www.ampa.edu.au/webmail. To have an email account at AMPA, please consult with I.T. Officer at Arc Education Group. For Outlook/Apple Mail/Entourage setup use the below settings:

Configuration Settings:
Incoming mail server: mail.ampa.edu.au
Outgoing mail server: mail.ampa.edu.au (server requires authentication) port 2626
Supported incoming mail server protocols: POP3, IMAP
Supported outgoing mail server protocols: SMTP

136 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills 

Situated in convenient and vibrant Surry Hills, the AMPA campus is just 150m from Central Station, and directly opposite Prince Alfred Park on Chalmers Street. 

A key feature of the new campus is the Tom Mann Theatre. With a sizeable stage and excellent acoustics, AMPA has turned the Tom Mann Theatre into a highly impressive and adaptable venue suitable for a wide variety of performance applications including live music, theatre, musicals, dance, drama and spoke word. Accommodating close to 160 patrons, the theatre houses state of the art technical facilities, raked seating, fly lines, loading dock and numerous rehearsal and dressing rooms. The AMPA Surry Hills campus is the ideal home in which to nurture and cultivate the professional performance skills of our student community.

Getting to AMPA

3-minute walk from Central Station (exit via Chalmers St).

AMPA students also benefit from access to the following performing arts facilities:

AMPA Performing Arts Centre

4/85 O'Riordan St, Alexandria

APGS 

255 Broadway, Glebe

For a guided tour of our campus and facilities, please contact our Admissions team on 02 9310 3111 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange a booking.

For information on venue hire please go to the Venue Hire page.