AFTRS is looking for passionate storytellers and content creators to shape Australian film, television and radio. Our students are innovative and take risks; they collaborate with their fellow creatives from a variety of backgrounds and develop their skills while contributing to the Australian creative industries.

If this sounds like you, we want you to submit an application that showcases all of these attributes, and more importantly who you are as a storyteller, to the fullest potential. To help you do this, we’ve put together our guide on how to showcase your authentic, creative self and craft a standout application.

1. Be authentic

In all our applications, you are asked to tell us who you are as a storyteller. Whether that’s in a video or audio recording or a written personal statement, we want to know who you are, what you love to do, your goals and experiences. 

Submit something that speaks to why you create the way you do. You might want to discuss what kinds of stories deeply resonate with you and why, how you define your creative approach to storytelling and what makes it unique, or how you collaborate with other creatives.

2. Express your unique creative voice

Your second task involves a creative work that demonstrates the skills that you will build on in the course you’re applying for. For example, in the Master of Arts Screen, you can submit up to three examples of your work as a key creative, demonstrating your creative intent and your technical and/or craft skills related to the discipline you are applying for.

For the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting, your work should highlight your potential to make compelling audio that can connect to your audience. In your one-minute segment or talk break, you can be as creative as you like, and can include audio elements like music, sound effects or interview guests. We are listening for your potential to make compelling audio that can connect to your audience, not your technical skills (we can teach you those).

3. Stick to the brief and limits

No matter what form you submit your creative work or personal story in, there are limits that apply. On each course page, you’ll find these limits listed with the application task. These can be in the form of word, page or time limits, and it’s important to also note how to correctly submit your tasks.

The assessment panel will stop assessing your task once it reaches the limit, so make sure your favourite part of the work isn’t outside the page, word or time limit. Remember to also stick to the brief for each task. With these limits in place, ensure that every word or second counts so that you’re putting your best foot forward. 

Applications can seem daunting, but they don’t have to be. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the tasks and gather all your certified documents. You don’t have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

Our second round of Master of Arts Screen applications close Tuesday, 31 October. For a more detailed look at the tasks and requirements, read our MAS Application Guidance Notes. If you’re interested in our other programs, head to the specific course page. Finally, if you have you questions or require assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Applications team.