Students wishing to study at NIDA still apply through UNSW Study Abroad, but need to be aware that there are several important differences to take note of before applying. These differences are summarised below, but it is advisable to visit the NIDA Study Abroad web page for full details.

Semester dates
NIDA's semester dates are independent of the regular semester dates for UNSW. They each comprise two terms (a skills-based term and a production-based term), are of different durations, and start earlier than UNSW semesters. There is also the option of taking a single production-based term in the first half of the year.

Tuition fees
Tuition fees are also determined independently by NIDA. They vary from semester to semester, depending on the length of the semester.

Transferring credit
Students studying at NIDA will not receive an official UNSW or NIDA transcript with the details of their performance studies at NIDA, so it is strongly advisable to obtain approval to transfer credits for studies at NIDA prior to submitting an application.

Show reel and head shot
In addition to the regular Study Abroad application, applicants must also submit a show reel and head shot. Full details of the requirements for this additional requirement are detailed at the NIDA Study Abroad web page.