MTA International

Toi Whakaari welcomes applications from overseas students.

Unlike many other masters courses, the Master of Theatre Arts (Directing) at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and Victoria University of Wellington is about wrestling with your own vision – about slowing down your making and dreaming process in order to analyse it.

We are interested in training articulate practitioners who have a theoretical, practical and emotional understanding of their own work and graduate able to use their tools, leadership abilities and passions. Check out our graduates.

As an international student on the MTA you will:
* Study in a collegial atmosphere with up to six other Masters in Directing students and alongside designers, actors, technicians and performing arts managers who are also in training
* Be trained as an active initiator – all practical work is self-chosen and self-initiated
* Learn the questions that drive you, how to articulate, test, and contextualise your practice

* Be given the opportunity to work on theatre and film directing skills and projects
* Learn to create dialogue between directors and other theatre/film professionals
* Work in two teaching institutions giving you both a conservatory practice and an academic focus
* Experience academic teaching ranked in the top 75 internationally for Arts & Humanities
* Have access to a variety of purpose built venues and professional theatres for practical projects

* Have the opportunity to complete second year of practical projects outside NZ
* Be located in stunning arts and political capital of NZ, close to many natural wonders.  Lonely Planet rates New Zealand the second best value destination for tourists
* Be charged reasonable fees

International Applications

Applications for the Master of Theatre Arts in 2012 are now open and will close on 3 October 2011.

There is a $110 fee for all overseas applicants.  The application process for international students involves submitting a 15 minute video of the applicant directing their choice of piece.  This can be either sent by mail or posted on YouTube.  The interview panel will then conduct a phone interview with the applicant lasting around 45 minutes.

With the exception of Australian students, overseas students are not eligible for any government support while studying at the school and have to pay full course fees (estimated to be around NZ$25,000).  There is an additional pastoral care fee of $250 and charges for Student Services levy and international insurance.

Medical and Travel Insurance is compulsory for each international student.  Proof of insurance is required before a student has an offer of place confirmed at Toi Whakaari.  The insurance must cover the full period of study and transit from the student’s home country.  Toi Whakaari recommends Unicare Insurance‘s Premier Policy to our students.

Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students

Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and Victoria University of Wellington have agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from Toi Whakaari or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at http://www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international.

Immigration: Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service.

Eligibility for Health Services: Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.moh.govt.nz.

Accident Insurance: The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at http://www.acc.co.nz.

Medical and Travel Insurance: International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.