Raise the curtain on your future.
Immerse yourself in the landmark Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) at Western, designed in collaboration with the nationally acclaimed Actors Centre Australia (ACA).
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Duration
Full Time: 3 Years*
Next Start Date
02 March 2026
End of Session
Campuses^
Penrith
UAC 720760
Domestic Student Fees
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 1948
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting)
Immerse yourself in the landmark Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) at Western, designed in collaboration with the nationally acclaimed Actors Centre Australia (ACA). This is more than a degree – it’s where you’ll discover your voice, refine your artistry and forge your creative identity. If you’re interested in a career as an actor, voice-over artist, producer or director, you could be part of the next generation shaping the future of film, theatre, television and digital media.
This course is where heritage meets innovation – drawing on the rich legacy of Theatre Nepean and ACA’s track record of producing celebrated performers, including Hugh Jackman, Joel Edgerton, Yvonne Strahovski and Celeste Barber, the program blends a practical training model with theoretical knowledge. You’ll develop skills in acting technique, voice, movement and screen production through 20 core subjects, complemented by four electives to broaden your creative and professional expertise.
With access to purpose-built performance and screen production facilities, and opportunities for internships, mentorships and industry engagement, you’ll graduate with the highest artistic and academic standards, industry credibility and a portfolio to showcase your craft.
This flagship degree reflects our commitment to empowering local talent while producing graduates who are professionally trained, industry-connected and ready to compete on the world stage. Entry into this program requires an audition, find out more about the process in the Fees & Scholarships section of this page.
Applications for this program will be open from Tuesday 26 August 2025 and close 24 October 2025.
Your future starts here
At Western, we care how you do in all aspects of your life. We believe your future is unlimited and together the possibilities are endless.
Take the next step towards a rewarding career. Secure your spot for 2026 at Western.
Free Access to Adobe Creative Cloud apps
As an Adobe Creative Campus, Western Sydney University gives all students complimentary access to the Adobe Creative Cloud, so you can level up your digital skills with FREE access to the Adobe Creative Cloud apps. It's like your very own innovation toolkit, where technology meets creativity!
Adobe Creative Cloud is a comprehensive suite of software tools and services which provide a one-stop platform for professionals and enthusiasts in various creative fields, offering a wide range of applications for graphic design, video editing, web development, photography, and more!
What you can expect to study
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Career and Alumni:
- Acting: Stage actors (theatre companies, touring), screen actors (film, television, commercials), and voiceover artists (animation, audiobooks, video games, advertising).
- Creative entrepreneurs: Founders, producers, directors, and writers across stage, screen, and media industries.
- Education: Drama teachers, acting coaches, or discipline specialists.
Alumni of Theatre Nepean and ACA include:
- Joel Edgerton
- Yvonne Strahovski
- David Wenham
- Celeste Barber
- Hugh Jackman
- Daniel Henshall
- Patrick Brammall
- Harriet Dyer
Photographer: Ben Watts
"The partnership between Actors Centre Australia and Western Sydney University is a game changer for the Australian arts education sector. I am an alumnus of Actors Centre, and both of these institutions are powerhouses, but together, they’re going to create an educational environment for students to thrive, and they are going to enter the industry way above industry standards."
– Hugh Jackman
Admission Audition process
Admission to the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) program is talent-based and highly competitive due to limited places.
All applicants must attend auditions and—if selected to progress—recall workshops. You will need to prepare two contrasting monologues: one Contemporary and one Shakespeare.
At least one of your monologues must be selected from the Recommended Monologues List.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR AUDITION
In-person auditions will be held at the Kingswood campus (Penrith). Only interstate applicants are permitted to book a virtual audition.
To book:
- Apply via UAC
- Go to admissions
- Use your UAC application number to select your preferred time.
- Print your confirmation
If you are unable to attend any of these times, please contact AdminHCA@westernsydney.edu.au for scheduling.
Please consult the handbook for more information.
Indicative annual fee
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Commonwealth and applicable only to Domestic students. This means that the Australian Government pays part of your fees towards your program, therefore reducing your program fees, and the remaining amount is paid by you, this is considered your Student Contribution.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.
You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.
If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.
New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.
However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.
Apply as a Domestic Student
If you are a domestic student, you can apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) application system (an application fee applies).
Domestic students are:
- Australian Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
Scholarships
Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees.
FAQs
We've gathered common questions to provide you with quick, clear answers about this program. Whether you're exploring admission requirements, details about the degree or career prospects, you'll find valuable insights here. If you need more information, our support team is ready to assist you on your journey to Western. You can find their details below.
The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) is a flagship acting degree developed by Western Sydney University, in collaboration with Actors Centre Australia (ACA). The degree will provide students with intensive, conservatory-style actor training that combines practical performance skills with theoretical insight and industry connection.
The program will use an audition-based selection process, in line with other professional acting degrees nationally. Applicants will need to meet both academic and performance-based entry requirements.
The curriculum includes 20 core subjects covering acting technique, movement, voice, screen performance, stage production and performance theory. Students will also have access to four electives across areas such as screenwriting, digital media and cultural studies — enabling a highly versatile portfolio.
The degree will be taught primarily at Western Sydney University’s Penrith (Kingswood) campus, with key elements delivered by both Western and ACA teaching staff. This model blends academic rigour with specialist professional training
This program is built on a strong partnership between Western and ACA, both of which bring distinct strengths to actor training. It also revives the legacy of Theatre Nepean, Western’s celebrated former acting program that helped launch some of Australia’s most recognisable performers. The new degree combines heritage with innovation, and is designed to be inclusive, industry-connected and world-class.
Western’s Theatre Nepean alumni include Joel Edgerton, David Wenham, Celeste Barber, the Umbilical Brothers, Yvonne Strahovski and more. Actors Centre Australia alumni include Hugh Jackman, Daniel Henshall, Harriet Dyer, Patrick Brammell, Emma Harvie and others.
The degree will offer real-world industry experiences through internships, guest lectures, performance opportunities and connections with Sydney’s theatre and screen sectors. Students will graduate with professional portfolios and the practical knowledge to enter the industry or related creative fields.
Applicants for the program will be kept updated about audition information.
The program will be offered as CSP with eligible students able to defer their fees via HECS-HELP if desired. Please refer to the Student Fees Policy for more information.
Yes, Western Sydney University does offer scholarships. Please refer to our Scholarships page for more information.
The degree is currently offered for Domestic students only, which means enrolled students must be either a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand citizen.
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If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.
Australian students
1300 668 370
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.