National School of the Arts Announces Auditions for 2026 Academic Year Intake
Johannesburg — The National School of the Arts (NSA), South Africa’s premier School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts, proudly announces its official audition day for learners seeking entry in the 2026 academic year. The auditions will take place on Saturday, 10 May 2025, at the NSA campus in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
As a School of Specialisation, the NSA is dedicated to providing specialist training in Dance, Drama, Music, and Art, integrated with a rigorous academic programme. This makes the NSA a unique institution that supports learners in excelling in both their artistic and academic pursuits.
The school follows the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination, ensuring that learners not only achieve in the arts but also meet the requirements for higher education and future careers.
For over five decades, NSA has been a launchpad for South Africa’s creative trailblazers — a space where talent is nurtured, individuality celebrated, and futures shaped. The school continues to drive excellence, evident in its recent 2024 academic year accolades, including a 99% Matric pass rate. Based on the quality and number of bachelor’s passes and distinctions received, NSA was announced as the top-performing public school in the district. At the Gauteng Provincial Arts Awards, Jodé Golding and Creagan Martins shared the prestigious Top Dance Learner Award, both achieving 100% for their Matric Dance Practical. Music learner Bienvenu Muyombo, who achieved 100% for his practical exam, was praised for securing the top practical mark in the province with an overall music mark of 95%, placing third in the province. Furthermore, NSA was awarded Top Dance School of Specialisation in the province, solidifying its reputation as a leader in arts education.
Prospective learners currently in Grades 7 to 10, who wish to pursue Grade 8 to 11 studies in 2026, are invited to audition. Admission to the NSA is by audition only in one of the four art disciplines offered by the school – art, dance, drama or music.
Audition Day Details:
- Date: Saturday, 10 May 2025
- Time: Registration opens at 07:30 AM
- Venue: National School of the Arts, 17 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
- Website: www.artschool.co.za
- Tel: 011 339 6539 | Cell: 063 091 6051
- Email:admissions@artschool.co.za
All Grade 8 and 9 applicants will begin the day with an English language proficiency test from 08:00–09:00, followed by their chosen arts discipline auditions. Grade 10 and 11 applicants will proceed directly to their departmental auditions.
Applicants must bring:
- A certified copy of their birth certificate
- A copy of their most recent school report
Auditions are free of charge.
Discipline-Specific Requirements:
- Art:
- Art supplies: pencil, eraser, coloured pencils, ruler, and pen
- Session runs from 08:00 to 14:30 (including a lunch break at 12:30; Please pack a lunch box)
- Drama:
- Comfortable, all-black attire suitable for movement (no jeans or short skirts)
- Music:
- Applicants must bring their own instrument (excluding piano and drums)
- Dance:
- Girls: Plain leotard (no skirt), ballet tights, soft ballet shoes, pointe shoes if applicable (Grades 9–11 only)
- Boys: Plain tights, close-fitting t-shirt or leotard, socks, soft ballet shoes
For learners with a passion for the arts and a desire to be part of a dynamic, creative learning environment, NSA offers a transformative high school experience. The school’s graduates have gone on to become celebrated performers, designers, educators, producers, and changemakers across the cultural landscape.
“Audition day is always electric,” comments Principal Salome Gaelesiwe. “We’re eager to witness the spark, creativity, and potential that each student brings. Our advice to all auditionees is to keep fear and nerves at bay. This is your moment to shine and open the door to the National School of the Arts.”
Joining NSA means gaining access to a world-class education that balances creativity with critical thinking, discipline with freedom, and artistic expression with academic achievement.
Spaces are limited. Learners with talent, commitment, and vision are encouraged to seize this opportunity and audition for their place at South Africa’s most inspiring school of the arts.
To learn more about the audition process, visit www.artschool.co.za or contact the school directly at admissions@artschool.co.za/ 011 339 6539 / 063 091 6051.
The future of the arts begins here.
Media Enquiries:
Kayleigh Davids
