Admissions

Admissions process for The National School of the Arts has commenced and will close on:
- 31 July 2022 for Grades 9 – 11 (see applications process below);
- 26 August 2022 for Grade 8 (see applications process below).

Specialised Curriculum
The NSA falls under a select group of schools known as the SOS Schools – Schools of Specialisation. These schools offer a highly “specialised curriculum seeking to nurture the development of top talent in South Africa across key disciplines, breeding the country’s future generation of leaders.”
Grade 8 Applications Process
Admissions process for the National School of the Arts has commenced and will close on 26 August 2022.
The NSA is on the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) online system for admission to Grade 8. It is listed under the Special Schools due to its classification as a School of Specialisation. The GDE Online Admissions System will go live from 22 July 2022 at 08:00 AM.
Step one: For the first round of auditions applicants are required to complete two applications:
- A National Schools of the Arts (NSA) online application* and audition/submission (refer to NSA Online Applications for Art, Dance, Drama, and Music below). The NSA Online Admissions System is live;
- A GDE (Gauteng Department of Education) GDE online application (visit website: www.gdeadmissions.gov.za). The GDE Online Admissions System will go live from 22 July 2022 at 08:00 AM.
Step two: Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the NSA to attend a live audition/presentation.
The outcome of the auditions will be communicated to applicants in due course by email and/or SMS.
* All applicants to upload the following documents along with their NSA online application:
- Copy of learners Birth certificate – Certified
- Copy of learners academic latest report – Certified
- Copies of both parents/guardians, sponsors ID document (guardians must provide the legal document giving them guardianship. – Certified Copy
- Proof of Residence – Certified Copy
- Immigrants – Copy of study permit
Grades 9 - 11 Application Process
Admissions process for the Schools of Specialisation has commenced and will close on 31 July 2022.
Step one: For the first round of auditions applicants are required to complete a National Schools of the Arts (NSA) online application* and audition/submission (refer to NSA Online Applications for Art, Dance, Drama, and Music below);
Step two: Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to attend a live audition/presentation.
The outcome of the auditions will be communicated to applicants in due course by email and/or SMS.
* All applicants to upload the following documents along with their NSA online application:
- Copy of learners Birth certificate – Certified
- Copy of learners academic latest report – Certified
- Copies of both parents/guardians, sponsors ID document (guardians must provide the legal document giving them guardianship. – Certified Copy
- Proof of Residence – Certified Copy
- Immigrants – Copy of study permit
School & Hostel Fees - 2022
Annual School Fees: R30 000,00
Hostel Fees:
- Weekly Boarding: R37 620,00
- Termly Boarding: R52 680,00
Creativity and empathy will be as important as AI in the jobs of the future.
Nurturing top talent to be the leaders of tomorrow.
The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create.
Art

NSA ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR ART – Online submission of art work requirements for art.
Grades 8 and 9
Submission of Artwork Guidelines :
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- One-page essay in English.
- One clear photo of your complete wooden chair
- One clear photo of your complete self-portrait
- One clear photo of your complete paper/textile
- AFFIDAVIT from a police station stating that the work submitted is the original and unaided work of the applicant (learner).
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1. ESSAY: Write a One-page essay in English on: Why I would like to study at the NSA and the career that I want to follow after Grade 12.
2. ARTWORK 1: A3 size Pencil drawing of a wooden chair. The chair must be drawn from life. In other words do not copy from a photo or a drawing from the internet. Use a chair from the place where you are staying. Your artwork will be assessed on the following criteria:
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- Understanding of (positive & negative) space and perspective drawing
- Use of formal design elements and principle of art/design
- Technique and craftsmanship and use of material
- Professional presentation of work (neatness)
3. ARTWORK 2: A self-portrait of at least 50 cm x 30 cm: You may use pencil, colour pencils, paint, etc. Your self-portrait must be drawn from life. Draw yourself in the mirror. Pay attention to how the face is divided before working on your final portrait. Do not copy from a photo or a drawing from the internet Your artwork will be assessed on the following criteria:
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- Creativity and originality
- Use of formal design elements and principle of design
- Technique and craftsmanship, evidence of design involvement (own work)
- Professional presentation of work (neatness)
4. ARTWORK 3: A design of a wall paper/textile for any purpose, in colour (e.g. pattern for fabric/tile etc. or a poster). Your artwork will be assessed on the following criteria:
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- Creativity and originality
- Use of formal design elements and principle of design
- Technique and craftsmanship, evidence of design involvement (own work)
- Professional presentation of work (neatness and functionality of the design)
Grades 10 and 11
Submission of Artwork Guidelines :
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- Two-page essay in English.
- One clear photo of your complete still life (Visual Art)
- Three clear photos of each of the three logo ideas and One photo of your final logo for your Cheese Label and Logo
- Four clear photos of your 3-Dimensional (3D) self-portrait. You must capture the Top-View, Left Side-View, Right Side-View and Front-View of your Self Portrait. All of the photos must have a LION matchbox next to them for reference purposes.
- AFFIDAVIT from a police station stating that the work submitted is the original and unaided work of the applicant (learner).
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1. ESSAY: Write a Two-page essay in English on: Why I would like to study at the NSA and the career that I want to follow after Grade 12.
2. ARTWORK 1: Visual Art (Still Life) A still-life is a work of art depicting mostly inanimate subject matter, typically commonplace objects which are either natural (food, flowers, dead animals, plants, rocks, shells, etc.) or man-made (drinking glasses, books, vases, jewelry, coins, pipes, etc.
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- Set-up a still-life of different objects that describe you as a person e.g. your favorite clothes, shoes, toys, books, precious items.
- Firstly make three small A5 size sketches of your still-life in different views/perspectives.
- From your three sketches decide which one has interesting composition and use it to RE-DO it on A3 as your final artwork. When you do this keep in mind the proportions of your objects and how they relate to each other. It is best to first draw the outline of your still-life in line pencil and when you are happy with your composition and proportions then start using your chosen mediums.
- Divide your still-life into four or more sections in any configuration of your choosing. For each section of your still-life choose a medium that you are comfortable with and use it there. Note that you may not repeat any medium in the different sections. For each section of your still-life you can add a different drawing surface to draw on.
- The main aim of this activity is for you to display how you handle different art materials, your understanding of elements of art e.g. space (negative& positive), texture, light/tone, shape, form and colour. One of your sections must be done in colour medium.
- This artwork must be in A3 size or bigger and part of it can be a collage, painting, mixed media, charcoal, drawing ink, soft pastel, water colour, pencil, kokipen, permanent marker or highlighters Look at the examples below for reference.
3. ARTWORK 2: 2D DESIGN (CHEESE LABEL AND LOGO). The main function of graphic design is to convey a brand in an eye catching and striking manner. Graphic design deals with the more commercial side of art:- advertising, printing, promotional work. It can include symbols, lettering, logos, labels, signs, posters, billboards, CD and DVD covers, book covers, book illustrations and book/magazine layout. Graphic design is also used in brochure design, menu design, invitations, catalogues, tickets and packaging and label design. Graphics are also used in films and animation.
Graphic design is two dimensional. This two dimensional work is normally applied by printing or painting on a flat surface, such as paper, card or board, which is then made into packages, boxes or containers. It can also be printed on a three dimensional structures such as bottles.
The message to be conveyed in graphic design can involve visual images, lettering or a combination of both.
Design brief:
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To design an Irish farmhouse cheese label & logo for Claire Coogan
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You need to submit three ideas for the design and one final logo
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Materials: Poster or gouache paint, firm white paper, sharp pencil (to design rough ideas first – then to draw out final design)
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Size of Label: 170 mm across
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Use only two colours. The label must be round, as that is the shape of the cheese. The cheese is yellow/cream in colour, and slightly lighter on the inside.
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The design must also be suitable for use on posters, letterheads and business cards ∙ Keep in mind that your label must be based on the three “C”s namely Claire Coogan’s Cheese
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Your artwork will be assessed on the following criteria:
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- Creativity and originality
- Use of formal design elements and principle of design
- Technique and craftsmanship, evidence of design involvement (own work)
- Professional presentation of work (neatness)
4. ARTWORK 3: 3D DESIGN (3-D SELF-PORTRAIT). Create a 3-Dimensional Interpretation of self-portrait, in any medium and executed in any way that is appropriate.
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- A self-portrait is defined as a drawing, painting, or written description that you do of yourself.
- In simple terms a self-portrait is a representation of an artist that is drawn, painted, photographed, or sculpted by that artist.
- In a deeper sense it is one of the identifying and distinguishing factors that is the artist’s way of seeing.
- Think of things that create ‘’SELF’’ or things that distinguish you from others, especially considering that the object is one of introspection or reflexive action.
- The dictionary defines a self-portrait as: a likeness of a person, especially of the face, as a painting, drawing, or photograph; a verbal picture or description, usually of a person: a biography that provides a fascinating portrait of an 18th-century rogue.
NOTE: This must be a 3-DIMENSIONAL SELF-PORTRAIT. Your artwork will be assessed on the following criteria:
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- Likeness, either Physical or Emotional
- Use of material/s and technical ability
- Understanding of elements and principles of Art/Design
- Understating of 3D interpretation.
Dance

NSA ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR DANCE – Online submissions: video audition requirements for Dance.
All Grades
BALLET IS A COMPULSORY SUBJECT FOR ALL LEARNERS (Grade 8 – 12)
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- Learners will be required to continue with outside ballet technique lessons at a reputable teacher/studio after school hours
- Any learner that does not consistently meet required targets will be requested to re-audition
Auditions:
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- All learners to write an essay on why you want to join the Dance department at the NSA. Dance training and background must be included, as well as the name/s and surnames of your dance teachers
- Please strictly adhere to the audition video requirements below:
Uniform:
Girls: Plain leotard (no skirt), ballet tights, soft ballet shoes, pointe shoes if you have been training on pointe already (for Grades 9 – 11)
Boys: Plain tights (no baggy shorts), close fitting t-shirt or leotard, socks, soft ballet shoes
Please position camera hallway between front and side (diagonal) for barre to show full range of movements .
1. BARRE WORK – 5 minutes
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- Plies (demi and full in 1st,2nd and 5th) with cambres (forward, side and back) and rond de jambs a terre – shown on right side only
- Battements tendus and battement glissses – shown on left side only
- Adage – simple develope en croix – shown right side and left side
- Grand battements – en croix – shown right side and left side
- Stretching – shouldering leg & splits (left, right, middle)
Please position camera in front of applicant for centre to show full body and movement
2. CENTRE WORK – 5 minutes
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- Simple Port de bras and adage
- Pirouettes en dehors and en dedans
- Warm up jump – sautes in first, second, and changements
- Medium allegro – jetes, assembles
3. POINTE WORK – for grades 9 – 11 only if already taught
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Echappes and releves (at barre for grade 9, in the centre for grade 10 and 11)
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4. OPTIONAL SOLO – no longer than 1 minute (any genre)
Drama

NSA ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR DRAMA – Online submissions: video audition requirements for drama. Applicants will upload two videos.
Video Guidelines
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- Videos should be not be longer than 2 mins each.
- The videos should be filmed in such a way that the whole body is visible and the applicant is audible.
- The camera should not move around nor zoom in but should remain still. The applicant however may move around as long as they are always visible.
- The candidates must be skilled and prepared in the following deliverables: believable, authentic character performance, without script, from one of the prescribed monologues.
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The performance must demonstrate that the candidate has the ability to:
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- Transform into a believable character other than the self
- Visualize clearly the setting where the scene is happening
- Know whether the monologue is addressed to another character or to the self or to the audience
- Sustain focus and energy.
Video 1 (Grades 8 & 9)
The applicant must perform the relevant monologue chosen from the options given on the list of audition requirements when applications open.
GRADE 8 & 9 MONOLOGUES (Choose only 1 option – Click Underlined Monologues to Download)
FEMALE MONOLOGUE |
MALE MONOLOGUE |
by Alan Ayckbourn |
by Penny Phillips |
RANDOM THOUGHTS IN A MAY GARDEN by James Saunders |
by Mary Hayley Bell |
adapted by Jacqueline Emery |
by Jack Rosenthal |
by Mary Hayley Bell |
by William Shakespeare |
Video 1 (Grades 10 & 11)
The applicant must perform the relevant monologue chosen from the options given on the list of audition requirements when applications open.
GRADE 10 & 11 MONOLOGUES (Choose 1 option only – Click Underlined Monologues to Download)
FEMALE MONOLOGUE |
MALE MONOLOGUE |
by Athol Fugard |
by Elise Thompson |
by Paul Slabolepszy |
by Michael Schulman |
by Oscar Wilde |
by Barney Simon |
by Casey Kurtti |
HALLY FROM ‘MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS’ by Athol Fugard |
Video 2 (All Grades)
The second piece is an own-choice and an opportunity to showcase versatility – it can include poetry, prose from a favourite book or a speech. Do not include singing or dancing. TIK TOK videos are not encouraged.
Music

NSA ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR MUSIC – Online submissions: video audition requirements for music. All learners who audition must be able to read sheet music in staff notation at the level required for the grade they are applying for acceptance into.
All Grades
LEARNERS WHO HAVE VIDEOS OF THEIR PAST PERFORMANCES MAY USE THEM AS AUDITION VIDEOS, PROVIDED THAT THEY MEET ALL THE VIDEO REQUIREMENTS MENTIONED BELOW.
The learner must upload a video with their chosen piece of not more than 3 minutes. NO OWN COMPOSITION MAY BE PERFORMED.
Video Guidelines:
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- Introduce yourself, state the instrument and the name of the piece.
- The video should be filmed in such a way that your whole body is visible throughout your performance.
- The camera should not move around nor zoom in but should remain still. The applicant may move around as long as they are always visible.
Orchestral instruments:
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- Applicants may choose their own piece to record. The piece may be accompanied or unaccompanied. You may play from memory or a score.
Voice:
Choose one of the prescribed pieces below (click on the underlined links to download). The chosen piece MUST be sung from memory.
BOYS |
GIRLS |
The winter it is past |
The Mermaid |
Monsters! |
The Swing |
Land of the silver birch |
Singin’ in the Rain |
The Hippopotamus |
River Lullaby |
Drums:
Applicants must perform the following (click on the underlined links to download):
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- Rudiments (Grade 1 Rudiments)
- Exercises 1 -3 (Exercise Nos. 1-3)
- Choose ONE of the songs below to perform
CHAIN OF FOOLS |
ALL-DAY AND ALL OF THE NIGHT |
Grade 8
Learners auditioning for entrance into Grade 8 must have previous experience and/or tuition in their chosen instrument of specialization. This may include but is not limited to individual lessons, orchestra, band, choir, or ensemble.
The prospective learner must be able to play their instrument at a minimum of ABRSM/UNISA/Trinity/Rock School Grade 2. After the first round of video auditions, shortlisted candidates will be required to write a music theory entrance exam, which will be at ABRSM/UNISA/Trinity Grade 2, and present a final practical audition where the learner will be required to play scales/rudiments/technical exercises on their instruments.
The scales/technical exercises must be of the same grade as the audition piece required for the Grade that is being applied to i.e. Grade 2 for entrance into Grade 8.
Grade 9
Learners auditioning for entrance into Grade 9 must have previous experience and/or tuition in their chosen instrument of specialization. This may include but is not limited to individual lessons, orchestra, band, choir, or ensemble.
The prospective learner must be able to play their instrument at a minimum of ABRSM/UNISA/Trinity/Rock School Grade 3. After the first round of video auditions, shortlisted candidates will be required to write a music theory entrance exam, which will be at ABRSM/UNISA/Trinity Grade 3, and present a final practical audition where the learner will be required to play scales/rudiments/technical exercises on their instruments.
The scales/technical exercises must be of the same grade as the audition piece required for the Grade that is being applied to i.e. Grade 3 for entrance into Grade 9.
Grade 10
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Learners auditioning for entrance into Grade 10 must have previous experience and/or tuition in their chosen instrument of specialization. This may include but is not limited to individual lessons, orchestra, band, choir, or ensemble.
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The prospective learner must be able to play their instrument at a minimum of ABRSM/UNISA/Trinity/Rock School Grade 4. After the first round of video auditions, shortlisted candidates will be required to write a music theory entrance exam, which will be at ABRSM/UNISA/Trinity Grade 4, and present a final practical audition where the learner will be required to play scales/rudiments/technical exercises on their instruments.
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The scales/technical exercises must be of the same grade as the audition piece required for the Grade that is being applied to i.e. Grade 4 for entrance into Grade 10.
Grade 11
Learners auditioning for entrance into Grade 11 must have previous experience and/or tuition in their chosen instrument of specialization. This may include but is not limited to individual lessons, orchestra, band, choir, or ensemble.
The prospective learner must be able to play their instrument at a minimum of ABRSM/UNISA/Trinity/Rock School Grade 5. After the first round of video auditions, shortlisted candidates will be required to write a music theory entrance exam, which will be at ABRSM/UNISA/Trinity Grade 5, and present a final practical audition where the learner will be required to play scales/rudiments/technical exercises on their instruments.
The scales/technical exercises must be of the same grade as the audition piece required for the Grade that is being applied to i.e. Grade 5 for entrance into Grade 11.
school hours
Monday - Friday
07h30 - 14h30
Address
17 Hoofd Street
Braamfontein
Johannesburg
Phone
011 339 6539