• Nescha Jelk, 2011 Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Award winner

Who we support

The Helpmann Academy empowers South Australia’s most promising emerging creatives to realise their visions and build sustainable practices.

We partner with South Australia’s Universities to provide students and graduates with professional development opportunities including grants and awards, fellowships, mentorships, masterclasses, advisory services and international artist residencies.

In early 2020, TAFE SA made the decision to withdraw from the Helpmann Academy partnership. This means that TAFE SA undergraduate students and graduates that have been previously eligible for support are no longer able to access Helpmann Academy’s programs and services.

Please ensure that you have an official academic transcript from one of the eligible programs listed below before you start an application for Helpmann Academy support. You will be required to upload your transcript with your application.

We support students and graduates (for up to five years from the final year of study) from the following programs:

Flinders University
Including joint degrees with other institutions

  • Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama)
  • Bachelor of Creative Arts (Screen)
  • Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance)
  • Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts)
  • Bachelor of Creative Arts (Digital Media)
  • Bachelor of Creative Arts (Creative Writing)
  • Bachelor of Creative Arts (Fashion)
  • Bachelor of Creative Arts (Costume Design)
  • Bachelor of Media Arts:
    • Specialisation in Creative Writing
    • Specialisation in Drama
    • Specialisation in Screen & Media
    • Specialisation in Visual Arts
    • Specialisation in 3D Media
  • Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Arts Enhanced Program for High Achievers:
    • Specialisation in Creative Writing
    • Specialisation in Drama
    • Specialisation in Screen & Media
    • Specialisation in Visual Arts

The University of Adelaide (Elder Conservatorium of Music)

  • Bachelor of Music (all majors)
  • Bachelor of Media
    • Specialisation in Popular Music
    • Specialisation in Sonic Arts
    • Specialisation in Photography
    • Specialisation in Graphic Design
  • Bachelor of Creative Arts
  • Diploma in Music (Music Production)
  • Diploma in Music (Commercial Music and Song Writing)

The University of South Australia

  • Bachelor of Contemporary Art (formerly Bachelor of Visual Arts)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Performing Arts)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing and Literature)
    • For students taking Screenwriting and Stagecraft streams only
  • Bachelor of Design (Illustration & Animation)
  • Bachelor of Media Arts
  • Bachelor of Art & Design (Honours)
Honours study
As of July 2020, all Honours students and graduates of the programs listed above are now eligible for support, regardless of when/where the undergraduate program of study was taken.

Postgraduate studies
Masters and PhD candidates and graduates are eligible for some of our programs. Please contact Helpmann for eligibility details.

Eligibility requirements vary for each of our support programs and are subject to change from time to time. Please refer to the specific program information for further details about your eligibility to apply.

For more information: contact Helpmann Academy [email protected]

Government Partners
Platinum Partner
Founding Partner
Partner Institutions

Please be aware that as of 2pm Friday, 20 March public access to the Aurora Building (147 Pirie St) will be restricted until further notice. As such, from Monday 23 March, we will be limiting face to face appointments. We are still here to support our valued community and are able to offer telephone or video appointments.

Helpmann Academy respectfully acknowledges the traditional country of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and pays respect to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land. We acknowledge that they are of continuing importance to the Kaurna people living today.