FAQs

01 Can I complete the course part-time?

No. The course is full-time. We aim as much as possible to replicate a working film production set, and punctuality and attendance are assessable elements of the course.

02 Is there a waiting list to study at the Film School?

There are always more applications than places available for any intake. Because there are two intakes a year for the Introduction to Film and Television Course, there are two opportunities to be considered. However, we do not keep a waiting list; each intake goes through a separate application process.

03 Can I apply if I'm not 18 yet?

If you think you qualify in every other way but age, then apply by all means, but you may find we suggest you defer your application until the next intake. We like students to have had at least a gap year following secondary school. The course requires hard work and determination, and generally the people who succeed have had some life experience. The median age of students is around 26 years.

04 Do you have any scholarships?

WIFT – Women in Film and Television (Wellington) Inc. – an organisation that recognises and supports women in the film and television industries, provides the annual Robin Laing/WIFT Wellington Scholarship, open to all students of the Film School who are New Zealand residents. For details contact: WIFT Wellington, PO Box 6652, Wellington

Toitū Kaupapa Māori Mātauranga – the Māori Education Trust – provides financial assistance to Māori tertiary students who meet its criteria. For details contact: Māori Education Trust, PO Box 11 255, Wellington, Phone 04 499 8041 

At present there are no New Zealand scholarships available for international students.

05 Where can I live when I come to Wellington?

There is a range of accommodation options for students at The Film School. The school is located in Newtown, an area with a large number of students. The Film School has no on-campus accommodation. See the Accommodation section in the main part of this website.

06 How do students get work in the Film and Television industry after graduation?

Often through networking with the Film School's visiting tutors and other industry contacts. Students meet and work with at least 60 industry professionals over the course of the year – a great opportunity to impress future employers. As well, Film School staff liaise with their contacts in the industry for work placements and freelance work.