FAQs
GENERAL FAQs
To apply, visit our [Admissions], where you’ll find application deadlines, program-specific requirements, and details about the audition and interview process.
The admissions cycle starts every year on the 15th of October and closes by the 1st of March.
Applicants are required to undergo auditions or interviews depending on their chosen program. Audition requirements vary, so please review the specific guidelines for your program on the [Programme].
Yes, SPAA provides visa services and medical insurance for local and international students. Once accepted, our admissions team will assist you with the visa application and provide you with medical insurance details once available.
Tuition fees vary by program. For a detailed breakdown, visit the [Fees and Funding]. SPAA also offers a limited number of scholarships. Please check our [Scholarship Page] for more information.
There are two types of scholarships offered by SPAA
- His Highness, Ruler of Sharjah’s scholarship (candidates must be from the MENA Region- Arabic-speaking Countries):
This scholarship includes yearly tuition fees for the duration of a four (4) year BA programme, an annual return ticket to the country of residence, shared accommodation provided by SPAA, and a living allowance per month of the academic year (Sept–June). *Conditions applied.
This scholarship does not cover the cost of the initial flight to the UAE, student visa, medical insurance, food, entertainment, extra-curricular activities and/or additional personal travel.
- General SPAA scholarship (for all candidates, local and international, experiencing financial hardship- not from the MENA Region):
This scholarship is for tuition fee reductions only; eligibility and reduction percentage will be based on individual circumstances. For this scholarship, candidates must demonstrate financial hardship and complete a means-tested finance application form.
This scholarship does not cover the cost of flight to and from the UAE, student visa, medical insurance, accommodation, living allowance, food, entertainment, extra-curricular activities and/or additional personal travel.
To be considered for this scholarship, prospective students must fulfil all the below eligibility criteria:
- Applicant nationality must be within the MENA Region- Arabic Speaking Countries; the applicable countries are as follows:
Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
- Applicant must meet all admission requirements outlined by Sharjah Performing Arts Academy as decreed by the UAE Ministry of Education,
- English Language Proficiency Proof
- Certificate of Equivalency
- Applicant must not be a previous Sharjah Performing Arts Academy student, regardless of the length of tenure as an enrolled student.
If you wish to apply for the SPAA Scholarship, you will be required to complete the Means-Tested Finance form upon receiving an acceptance offer from SPAA.
Yes, SPAA offers full board shared on-campus accommodation. For more information about the facilities, cost, and how to apply, visit our [Accommodation].
The application cycle starts every year on the 15th of October and closes by the 1st of March.
Yes. You can still apply and go through the complete admissions process. However, if you received an acceptance offer, you must provide us with the English Proficiency Proof within the timeframe assigned to you.
You can arrange a campus visit or register for one of our Open Days by visiting our [Open Days and Campus Visits] or by contacting us directly at admissions@spaa.ae. Open Days provide an excellent opportunity to meet staff, tour our facilities, and learn more about our programs.
Within seven working days from the audition/interview date.
Being on the waiting list means your application is strong, but due to the high number of applicants, we cannot offer a place at this time. Final decisions will be made at the end of the admissions cycle, and you will be notified if a spot becomes available.
Medical insurance is compulsory whilst studying at the academy. SPAA students can request to be added to our medical insurance policy.
There is no cost to apply to SPAA.
YOUNG PERFORMERS FAQs
Classes are to be paid in advance for the full 10/12 weeks, as we do not offer a “pay as you go” facility for the children’s classes; we ask for you to sign up to the term, which secures your child’s place in the class each week. Once we have your registration, we will send an invoice for the due amount. Fees can be paid in cash or BACS; all our bank information will be attached to the invoice. New students will have a 125 AED registration/administration fee applied to their invoices. It’s also important for your child to attend regularly, as most classes will follow a syllabus and/or structure where new techniques are learnt.
We have a set capacity for all classes which we need to ensure is accurate. Limiting the number of students in each class means we are complying with our policies and procedures.
All teachers are experienced and will help support and encourage your child to quickly settle into class. We encourage student’s independence, this in turn enables your child to build relationships with fellow students and their teachers. When parents are present in the studio, student attention and performance will naturally differ to when it is just the teacher present, therefore the lesson outcomes are not easily achieved.
There will be an opportunity at the end of select terms when you will be invited into the class to watch what the students have been learning throughout the term.
Not at all. Every child deserves the opportunity to try a new skill and grow within the performing arts here at SPAA.
We offer a selection of Dance and Performance classes to cater for all ages and abilities. We offer trial classes and afterwards our teachers will be happy to give you feedback, which will ensure we find a suitable class for you and/or your child. We suggest initially trying a few different classes so you and/or your child can find what dance class is best for you.
Your first trial class is free of charge.
YES! Like all new activities the more frequently you do them the quicker you see results. Although it’s not mandatory, we highly recommend multiple classes, which also helps in developing life skills and confidence!
Our terms are set up so you can see your children in different situations, and receive regular feedback regarding their progress.
- Term 1 – at the end of the term you will be invited to come and see some of the work they have been focusing on in the classroom.
- Term 2 – at the end of term you will get a written report from each class your child is attending.
- Term 3 – at the end of term you will be invited to a performing arts showcase in our theatre here at the Academy. The children will get to experience the wonderful feeling of being on stage!
All one-to-one classes will get written feedback at the end of each term.
If you want to speak with your child’s teacher, we appreciate sometimes it will be difficult as their classes usually run back to back. If our reception staff cannot assist you, please send an email to performers@spaa.ae
We will endeavour to respond to your query in a timely manner either via email or phone.
YES!
From the age of 7, children can participate in examination classes with the following highly prestigious boards:
- ISTD – Dance examinations in Tap, Jazz and Ballet
- LAMDA – Acting solo or group examinations
- LCM – Singing / Musical Theatre examinations
Term fees are non-refundable.
You can do so by emailing performers@spaa.ae and your email will be directed to the appropriate people.