Your Pathway to VCASS Starts Here 

Yes. VCASS is a select-entry school and entry is by audition only.

Applications are submitted online via our website. A non-refundable $100 processing fee applies. See: (How to Apply to VCASS)

No. VCASS is unzoned. Students can apply regardless of where they live.

Yes. You must submit separate applications for each program (e.g., Dance and Music). Each requires a separate audition and you can only be accepted for one specialist program.

No, we do not offer homestay arrangements.

No. VCASS does not accept mid-year entries or deferment of offers. If you cannot take up a place, you must re-audition the following year.

No. We do not provide individual feedback on audition outcomes.

Please contact VCASS before the commencement of your audition. In some cases, an alternative arrangement may be made.

If you're running late for your audition, don’t panic! First, try to contact the school office to let them know your situation. They may be able to accommodate you or reschedule your time. When you arrive, be sure to check in with the staff and explain your circumstances. Remember, it’s important to stay calm and focused, as your performance will still be the most important part!

We will email you at the address you provide in your application.

If unsuccessful, you are most welcome to audition again in the following year if you are applying for the Dance or Music program. Visual Arts and Theatre Arts are two-year extension programs that take place in year 11 and 12 only. You need to apply whilst in year 10 for these programs.

Yes. Guided tours are available via TryBooking.

VCASS Open Day is held in May each year. Dates are advertised on our website and socials.

Small photo (Headshot or full body, JPEG format), Semester 2 school report from the previous year Student statement (approx 200-300 words): Why would you like to attend VCASS? Current visa documents (if applicable)

Yes. Dance applicants audition on site (except International Dance applicants, who must submit a video).

Video auditions are reviewed by a panel of specialists. This can take a few weeks. Please be patient.

Music and Dance applicants may re-audition the following year (if still eligible). Visual Arts and Theatre Arts are two-year extension programs. Applicants cannot re-apply if unsuccessful.

Applications and auditions are open for a number of months each year. If you miss the deadline, you may email enquiries@vcass.vic.edu.au outlining your situation and any extenuating circumstances. Please note: we cannot guarantee that a late audition will be possible.

Applicants invited to a live audition after the video submission will complete a musicianship and theory test.

No. We would like applicants to demonstrate the ability to maintain a steady pulse without the use of a metronome.

Our experience suggests that presenting an original composition does not always showcase an applicant in the best light. For this reason, we generally advise against including original compositions in the audition.

Yes. An online audition does not lessen your chances of entry, and many students are successfully accepted this way.

You may nominate a second instrument in the application. This is optional and does not provide an advantage in the audition process. If included one piece for the second instrument may be performed at the end of the audition video within the same submission. This performance should demonstrate musicality and technical control.

There is no minimum AMEB grade required to audition. Prior examination experience is not mandatory and are provided as a guide only. For singers, we ask that repertoire be selected from the AMEB list to help indicate the expected level. AMEB theory results may inform the panel’s decision but do not guarantee an offer, and the absence of theory qualifications does not prevent an offer being made.

As a selective school, we are not able to recommend specific teachers or schools. We encourage applicants to share the audition requirements with their current teacher, who can assist in selecting suitable repertoire.

The school day is structured into academic and specialist study, with additional specialist training from 4:00pm–5:30pm each day. Students are also required to participate in a range of after-hours performances published in the annual event calendar.

VCASS employs experienced professional musicians and educators drawn from organisations including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, the University of Melbourne, Monash University, leading chamber ensembles and the wider professional jazz industry.

Most new students are allocated a VCASS instrumental teacher who is familiar with the full training program. These teachers are experienced professional musicians and educators from leading institutions and ensembles.

Yes. All students participate in at least one choir. Choral singing is central to the VCASS program and develops musicianship, stylistic understanding and collaborative performance skills.

VCASS Music is inherently accelerated and extends beyond the VCE curriculum. Music Performance Units 1 & 2 are completed in Year 10, with Units 3 & 4 in Year 11.

Most graduates continue to tertiary music study in Australia at institutions such as the University of Melbourne, Monash University, ANU, University of Sydney, WAAPA and University of Queensland. Some study internationally, some progress directly to ANAM, and others pursue non-music tertiary pathways. The VCASS program prepares students for diverse careers across the music industry.

Applicants participate in a classical ballet class, followed by a short Jazz and/or Contemporary session. You may also be invited for a brief interview with the audition panel. The audition is structured to accommodate various levels of training. While knowledge of classical ballet is required, we still encourage students applying for Years 7 and 8 with limited ballet experience to audition.

Yes, some ballet knowledge is required. However, Year 7–8 applicants with limited training are still encouraged to apply.

We assess each applicant’s potential to succeed in our high-level training program. Key criteria include: 1 | Physical Attributes: Coordination, flexibility, control, and musicality. 2 | Technical Aptitude: Ability to comprehend, remember, and execute dance movements. 3 | Artistic Quality: Presentation, interpretation, engagement, and a visible passion for dance.

Please arrive at the main reception 30 minutes before your allotted time. You will be directed to a warm-up room and provided with an audition number. The audition begins with a simple ballet class, followed by Contemporary and Jazz sessions. No prepared "set work" or solo choreography is required. The process typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, though this may vary depending on group sizes.

We accept students from all training backgrounds (RAD, Cecchetti, ATOD, BBO, etc.), as they share a foundation in balletic terminology and physiology. As a general guide, we recommend a minimum of one year of ballet training before applying.

Students currently in Years 6 to 11 are eligible to audition for entry into Years 7 to 12. Please note that students entering Year 7 must turn 12 years of age by April 30th of their commencement year.

The VCASS timetable is split into two parts: one half dedicated to dance specialisation and the other to academic study. Daily | Hours: 8.30am - 3.45pm. Specialist training continues from 4:00pm – 5:30pm most days. Saturdays | Our elective programs (RAD and Cecchetti) run on Saturdays; many students choose to participate in these. Performances | Students are required for approximately 10 evening performances per year, plus 2–3 Saturdays in Term 3 for rehearsals.

No. To ensure the safety and physical longevity of our dancers, VCASS does not permit students to train at external dance schools. Our curriculum is a comprehensive and high-level program that places physical demands on developing bodies. Taking on additional external training alongside this schedule can increase fatigue and the potential for injury. To support student well-being and allow for proper rest and recovery, we ask that all dance training remain within the school program.

Applicants must arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled interview time. Applicants will discuss their work with a panel of VCASS specialist teaching staff and a representative of the Leadership staff. Applicants will also complete a short-written task upon arrival for their interview.

Artistic Engagement & Philosophy. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to artistic growth and an openness to experimenting with diverse materials and concepts. An interest and engagement with contemporary artistic practices is essential. Applicants should be prepared to discuss: 1 | Exhibitions attended within the past twelve months. 2 | Artists and ideas that inspire and/or motivate their personal creative practice.

Applicants are required to present: 1 | A collection of finished artworks. 2 | A supporting portfolio that showcases exploration across various media and techniques. NOTE | Large-scale works that are impractical to transport may be presented via high-quality photographs on a digital device (e.g., iPad or laptop). Digital or time-based media can also be presented in a compatible digital format (e.g., iPad or laptop).

Applicants must arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled interview time. The applicant will be invited to introduce themselves and asked to perform the work they prepared for the video. The applicant will be asked to answer some Theatre Arts questions relating to their video submission. During the audition, panelists will introduce themselves and ask the applicant some questions about their Theatre Arts experience, academic and personal interests. You may also be asked to complete a written task. Information about this will be provided in the email sent to you regarding your audition call back.