Applications open for 2026 entry to Central’s undergraduate courses
29 September 2025
Are you looking for somewhere to begin your professional dance career, and graduate with extensive performance experience and a BA(Hons) degree as an industry-ready performer? Perhaps you’re looking for these things on behalf of a passionate young dancer? Well, you’re looking in the right place! Applications are now open for Central School of Ballet’s undergraduate courses in Professional Dance and Performance. With a foundation in classical ballet, enriched with a broad range of other dance styles, Central’s degree courses offer vocational ballet training alongside the necessary holistic coaching that builds resilient, versatile dancers.
We understand that young, talented dancers are guided by their families and teachers when choosing which training institution is right for them. This decision factors in many things: reputation, trust in the institution, course content, performance opportunities, employment success, location, funding and, inevitably, a successful audition outcome. This is why we are taking steps to support our applicants through their audition process and, if successful, into the school. Everything you need to know about Central School of Ballet and applying to our degree courses is on our website – visit our Applying to Central page.
For UK applicants, we also offer an Assisted Application Scheme. The scheme is open to all eligible applicants (see eligibility criteria here), and supports them throughout their application. This support can include an application fee waiver, advice and guidance relating to their application and audition, help with travel costs, opportunities to arrive early and see spaces ahead of their audition, plus much more. The aim of the Assisted Application Scheme is to remove the barriers which prevent some talented dancers from accessing Higher Education, and specifically, vocational ballet training.
For international applicants, we understand the increasingly difficult challenges that dancers studying abroad can face. This year we were thrilled to welcome 20 international students into our first year, from a range of countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and our first ever student from Guatemala! We have supported all of our international students across the school in securing their visas, and our incredibly diverse cohort this year is an indicator of the passion and resilience that our international students possess. Support with visas, funding, accommodation and navigating life in London are all available to our students and their families. For specific questions relating to international applications, please email admissions@csbschool.co.uk
A question for some of our students and their families, is what is it like to live and train in the heart of London. There are many considerations that UK and international applicants must consider. The benefits of being surrounded by cultural opportunities and world-class dance organisations make Central a fantastic choice for dancers wanting to immerse themselves in all that London can offer. It can feel like a big step for some students, but each year a new cohort arrives and quickly integrates into the community at Central, often choosing shared accommodation alongside training together on a daily basis. Student welfare remains a top priority of ours, both within and outside the studio. For the three years that our dancers train with us, it is a privilege to see them grow as young adults and gain independence, resilience, maturity and confidence. These attributes make Central graduates stand out in the professional dance world.
But what is it that makes a Central dancer? We spoke to our first year students in their second week of training to hear what their experience of joining Central School of Ballet was like. Below are a few examples of their answers…
With applications now open, Central’s Artistic Director, Kate Coyne, is once again looking forward to meeting with the next generation of dancers who are seeking full-time training. Auditions will be taking place across the UK in London, Glasgow, Leeds and Truro, plus around Asia in Tokyo, Osaka and Singapore. Video auditions are accepted from applicants in all countries. All applications, whether applying through in-person or video audition, should consult the Audition Criteria, to be clear on how they will be assessed in their audition. International students whose first language is not English will also need to consider additional entry requirements such as an approved English language examination (such as IELTS). Support is available for those who need to secure both visas and language exams.
Visit the links below to find how to apply to Central School of Ballet, plus review the key deadlines that outline when applications close. Book a visit to come see us on one of our Open Days at The Countess of Wessex Studios in London too – but we quick, places are limited!