AFTRS FAQ

FAQ

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AFTRS faq

AFTRS FAQs

What is the Australian Film Television and Radio School?
Where is AFTRS located?
What specialist discipline areas does AFTRS provide training in?
Why should I study at AFTRS?
Benefits of Studying at AFTRS
AFTRS track record of success
Who do I speak to about course information?
How and when to apply
Who can study at AFTRS?

What is the Australian Film Television and Radio School?

AFTRS is Australia's national screen arts and broadcast School. AFTRS is an Australian

Commonwealth Government statutory authority and was
founded in 1973 as part of a Government strategy to revive the Australian film industry.

The School enjoys strong political, industry and public support.

Read more about the history of AFTRS >

AFTRS vision and mission are focused on advancing the success and sustainability of
Australia's screen and broadcast industries by developing the skills and knowledge of
talented individuals and undertaking cutting edge research.

Where is AFTRS located?

The Sydney campus is home to AFTRS full time award courses and the Jerzy Toeplitz Library

which holds one of the biggest collections of resources for the film,
broadcast and new media industries in Australia. The School is fully equipped
with the latest gear and software and is fully set up for production.

Get more information on AFTRS location >

What specialist discipline areas does AFTRS provide training in?

A broad range of specialist areas are taught at AFTRS in a challenging and
exciting learning environment including:

3D Animation
Animation Directing
Cinematography
Art Direction
Camera Assistant
Commercial Radio
Costume Design
Documentary
Directing
Editing
Multi Platform Content
Producing
Production Design
Screen Culture
Screen Music
Screenwriting
Sound
Screen Business
Radio Broadcasting
Visual Effects

AFTRS does not train actors.

Why should I study at AFTRS?

Since 1973, AFTRS has launched the careers of over two thousand film, television, radio
and new media professionals - many of whom have gone on to experience success in
local and international contexts.

AFTRS attracts students from all over Australia who want to experience the best training available in
Australia for the screen and broadcast industries.

A degree will not guarantee you work in the screen and broadcast industries, however
an AFTRS qualification can provide opportunities

Benefits of Studying at AFTRS

AFTRS requires dedication from its students - the hours are long and the
workload is intensive - however the benefits are significant:

Opportunities to form meaningful networks and professional relationships
Acquire industry-ready skills
Access to state of the art facilities
Access FEE-HELP for AFTRS Award Courses

AFTRS track record of success

Since 2002, three AFTRS short films have picked up Academy Award® nominations:

Inja in 2002 - directed by Steve Pasvolsky and produced by Joe Weatherstone
Birthday Boy in 2004 - directed by Sejong Park and produced by Andrew Gregory
The Saviour in 2006 - directed by Peter Templeman and produced by Stuart Parkyn.

Out of nine nominations, AFTRS graduates have won three Academy Awards®:

Jane Campion for Best Original Screenplay, The Piano, in 1993
Andrew Lesnie, for Best Achievement in Cinematography,
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, in 2001
Dion Beebe, for Best Achievement in Cinematography, Memoirs of a
Geisha, in 2005.

Who do I speak to about course information?

AFTRS Student Services coordinates student administration and provides information
about Award Courses as well as advice for current and prospective students.

This includes information on:

academic records
applications
course/program information
program withdrawal
enrolments
graduations
leave of absence
special consideration
timetable and scheduling

Opening hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5.00pm

E: studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au
P: 1300 13 14 61 or +61 2 9805 6444

AFTRS OPEN coordinates all AFTRS Open acitivites and provides advice on OPEN courses and programs.

Opening hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5.00pm

E: open@aftrs.edu.au
P: :1300 065 281

Updated December 2, 2011

How and when to apply

Applying for an AWARD COURSE AT AFTRS:

Award Courses generally open for applications in early September, each year.
Each AFTRS award course has its own specific entry requirements.
Entry into an AFTRS award course is competitive and is based on merit selection
Information on which courses are on offer are made available prior to applications opening.

The best way to stay connected and in the loop is to sign up to receive
AFTRS Red Alert e-bulletin - which lands in inboxes every Tuesday.

Sign up to stay connected now >

Who can study at AFTRS?

AWARD COURSES

All AFTRS award courses are open to Australian and New Zealand* citizens,
Australian permanent residents and holders of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa.

AFTRS does not offer award course places to people with student (or other) visas.
The School is not registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and
Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)

* New Zealand citizens are not eligible for FEE HELP

TIPS FOR APPLYING FOR AN AFTRS AWARD COURSE:

Give yourself enough time to prepare your showreel/portfolio
nd supporting material to best demonstrate your creative potential
Consider how you can best demonstrate your commitment to the
screen and broadcast industries.
Complete the required task in a way that best demonstrates
your potential and commitment for the course you are applying to
Ensure you address all of the selection criteria as requested -
If your application has not addressed all of the selection criteria
it will NOT be considered
Ensure you deliver your application by the closing date

AFTRS OPEN COURSES

All AFTRS OPEN courses are open to:

Australian and New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents
and holders of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa.
People with a student visa may be eligible to apply to an AFTRS
Open Program course - in addition to their 'main' course of study being
undertaken at another educational institution.
People with other visas, such as a tourist visa, may be able to apply
to an AFTRS Open Program course depending on the conditions attached
to their visa
(For example, visa conditions may allow for studying and training for
up to 3 months)
For more information contact the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship or your migration agent.

Updated May 27, 2010