Performing arts education in Australia occurs formally and informally. It occurs at all levels of education.
At the tertiary level it is provided through many Universities and a number of specialist institutions. Nationally, the Australian Government at the tertiary level it is supported by a number of programs, the most significant being the "Cultural Development Program" administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. There are eight national funded centres of excellence in performing arts education, these are the:
are members of the "Australian Roundtable for Arts Training Excellence" supported by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
State governments also provide significant support notably through schools, at the primary and secondary education levels and through support to a range of community groups. There are a range of specialist schools and the Technical and Further Education sector is also involved.