The program

AWARD School is an industry-led program designed to develop creative thinking and problem solving.

Delivered over 12 weeks, the course challenges participants to respond to a series of creative briefs across different mediums, building ideas through critique, iteration and collaboration. Each brief is designed to mirror the kinds of client problems creatives face in real-world commercial environments.

Throughout the program, students receive guidance and feedback from working creatives from Australia and around the world, gaining insight into how ideas are developed, refined and assessed at the highest level.

AWARD School is open to anyone with a passion for ideas — whether you’re looking to break into advertising, sharpen your creative skills, explore new career directions, or strengthen how you think and communicate creatively. No prior industry experience is required , just curiosity, commitment and a willingness to push your thinking.

By the end of the course, students leave with a stronger creative process, a strong portfolio of work, and a clearer understanding of how ideas turn into effective creative outcomes.

IN-PERSON

Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth | Adelaide

The national AWARD School course, held outside business hours, consists of 12 weeks’ part-time study with weekly lectures and Thursday night tutorials hosted by key advertising and creative agencies.

Lecturers are renowned creative industry leaders with expertise across digital, film, radio, print, social media and new business disciplines. A creative brief will be issued each week for students to work on with the assistance of tutors and mentors drawn from the cream of our industry.

What is the time commitment?

Lectures 30-60 minutes / week
(typically released on Mondays)

Tutorials (Thursday Nights) 2 hours / week

Additional "idea generating" time 2+ hours / week (varies)

ONLINE

City | Regional | Overseas

Our online course is delivered virtually outside of work hours by lecturers and tutors drawn from Australia’s creative industry. All lectures, tutorials and the graduation event are held online. The graduation includes the announcement of the year’s top online student award.

The top student from each program (including online) will compete for the highly sought-after AWARD School national top student title.

What is the time commitment?

Lectures 30-60 minutes / week
(typically released on Mondays)

Tutorials (Thursday Nights) 2 hours / week

Additional "idea generating" time 2+ hours / week (varies)

Key dates

2026 APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Applications are now closed for 2026.
2027 applications open in February 2027.

2027 COURSE TERM

March - July 2027

Graduation Night: August 2027

National Announcement: August 2027

A snapshot

Application process

Applications open February, 2027. Applicants will be given two weeks to answer three questions. Please note, no qualifications or experience is needed.

Once you have submitted your application for judging, a group of industry-leading creative directors will review all portfolios to determine the year’s students.  The judging process usually takes two weeks.

Course fees

Sydney in-person / Melbourne in-person / Online program: $2,420 including GST per person

Perth in-person / Brisbane in-person / Adelaide in-person: $2,090 including GST per person

AWARD School is run by AWARD - the Australasian Writers and Art Directors . It is powered by Advertising Council Australia, which works to create inclusive training programs that provide equal opportunities to all persons regardless of their age, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status or socioeconomic status. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact simone@adcouncil.org.au.

Indigenous scholarships

If you’re an aspiring storyteller or a creative thinker and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, we’re offering scholarships for our 2027 program valued at up to $2,420 to cover the entire AWARD School course. These scholarships are issued each year.

LEARN MORE

FAQs

  • 2026 Applications
    Closed

    2026 Course term
    16 March - 25 June 2026
    (Folio due: 6 July)

    2026 Graduation night
    4 August 2026

    2026 National announcement
    13 August 2026

    2027 Application dates
    February, 2027.

    Sign up for 2027 updates!

  • Yes

  • 2026 applications are closed

    2027 Applications open in February 2027

  • Two weeks

  • Applicants will be asked to answer three questions.

    Question One: Why do you want to do the course?

    For the rest of the questions, please refer to "I'm confused about questions 2 & 3" for references from last year.

  • You will only be judged on your ideas! No professional artist or photoshop skills are required. You're welcome to trace required images as part of your submission.

  • This question allows you to show the judges your personality. Have fun with it.

  • Here are some tips on how to crack a brief:

    Start Practising
    Dive into practice briefs now. Check them out here.

    Focus on the Core Message
    Keep a single-minded proposition in mind—it’s the key thing you want to say about the brand or product.

    Get Familiar with the Product
    Use the product, visit the website, or experience the service. What stands out to you as a customer?

    Talk to the Target Market
    Get feedback from real customers. Show them your ideas and see how they react.

    Research the Competition
    Look at what competitors are doing well (and not so well).

    Review Past AWARD School Winners
    Check out winning portfolios for inspiration.

    Browse Creative Annuals
    Explore books like AWARD, D&AD, and The One Show for fresh ideas.

    Break Through Creative Blocks
    Take a break—sometimes the best ideas come when you step away and return with a fresh mind.

  • Goal means what the ad ultimately wants to achieve, whether it’s to make people think a certain way or do a certain task. Proposition is what the ad wants to say.

  • No, you can only provide one idea/execution per question.

  • Yes, but your final work should be drawn over with a black Sharpie or marker and scanned/photographed so it’s a JPG. Remember, no professional art skills are required and tracing of all images is fine. This course is all about the idea - you will be judged on your ideas, not your creative execution.

  • Applicants are evaluated based on the merit of their ideas rather than their drawing proficiency. It's important to emphasise that proficiency in drawing is not a requirement for participation in AWARD School. This ensures that applicants can allocate their time and efforts towards generating creative ideas, without feeling pressured by drawing skills.

    Applicants have the flexibility to either hand draw or utilise a device/program for drawing purposes. However, if a digital device/program is used, the output should maintain the essence of a hand-drawn scamp, avoiding excessive rendering.

  • It’s your choice, landscape or portrait, but make sure your work uploads the correct way up. All judging will be held online so it’s best to keep this in mind and present work as A4 size. Written work (i.e. question 1 - if you choose to write rather than draw your response) can be typed on A4 and then saved as a JPG. All answers are restricted to a maximum of one page.

  • All the state-based programs feature in-person interaction via selected lectures, tutorials, mid-program events and graduation nights. The online program is all delivered virtually and includes pre-recorded lectures and GoogleHangout tutorials - even a virtual graduation event.

  • Lectures (typically released on Mondays) 30-60 minutes / week

    Tutorials (Thursday Nights) 2 hours / week

    Additional "idea generating" time 2+ hours / week (varies)

  • For the purposes of meeting the Department of Home Affairs requirements, AWARD School cannot accept enrolments from international applicants on student visas.

  • No, you can only apply in one state/territory/program.

  • The rules have changed and everyone can apply for AWARD School and everyone has an equal shot at winning. Plus, every student is eligible for a coveted spot on the legendary Wall*. Refer to full T&C's here

  • Yes you can.

  • To be eligible for the Indigenous Scholarship, you must identify as of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent on the application form. If your application is accepted, on merit, you will automatically be considered for an Indigenous scholarship and a scholarship interview will take place prior to final acceptance. Up to six AWARD School Indigenous scholarships will be issued. Please refer to the fact sheet here.

  • No extension will be provided. However, you can submit early.

  • Yes, but it's strongly advised that you view all lectures and attend all tutorials to get the most out of the course. We suggest you talk to the Advertising Council and your tutors as soon as you start the course.

  • The AWARD School fee is due as soon as possible to secure your placement via credit card/debit card only. The deadline for payment is early March. Unfortunately, we do not offer payment plans.

  • Yes, you’re welcome to submit early.

  • All applicants will receive email notification on early-March

  • Sydney / Melbourne / Online Program
    $2,420 including GST per person

    Perth / Brisbane / Adelaide
    $2,090 including GST per person

  • The AWARD School Terms & Conditions have changed and can be found here.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Book a phone call, contact Simone@adcouncil.org.au

Email Us:
NSW / QLD / SA / Online Program - Simone@adcouncil.org.au
VIC - SarahN@adcouncil.org.au
WA - Melissa@adcouncil.org.au

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