National Centre for Circus Arts

The National Centre for Circus Arts, which regards itself as among Europe's leading providers of circus education, began in 1989 as Circus Space, set up by Jonathan Graham with a group of volunteers. It acquired its present name in 2014 on being awarded national status. A registered charity, the Centre has been based since 1994 in Hoxton, East London, in a converted Victorian-era power station.

Degree-level teaching centres on the BA (Hons) in Circus Arts, which lasts three years, is validated by the University of Kent and admits about 30 students annually. Each student picks one specialism in the first term: an aerial discipline such as trapeze, rope or silks, an acrobatic form such as Chinese pole or hand-to-hand, or a manipulation skill such as juggling. Demanding training of up to 35 hours a week blends technical and artistic progress with contextual study and culminates in devised final-year performances. Youth programmes, among them London Youth Circus, run alongside classes for adults and support for professional artists. Ockham's Razor, NoFit State Circus and Cirque du Soleil are among the companies its graduates have worked with.

Information for International Students

International students are sponsored by the National Centre through the Student visa route. Candidates must be 18 or older and show a clear aim of working professionally in circus; prior circus experience helps but is not essential. Selection starts with an online application and a video, followed by an audition in person in London, although overseas candidates who are unable to travel may submit a full video audition instead. English is expected at GCSE standard or an equivalent IELTS level, and international applicants may need to pass a Secure English Language Test at B2 on the CEFR scale, with offers sometimes conditional on the result. English language support is provided throughout the course.

There is no accommodation on site, but successful applicants are advised on finding housing, and many share London flats with classmates. International students receive information packs tailored to them, and further support extends to physical health, academic help, and counselling and mental health. A hardship fund and scholarships exist, though eligibility varies, so international applicants are advised to arrange their finances early. Subject to Home Office rules, the Graduate Route is open to graduates.