In addition, a 2-Year fulltime Diploma programme and a 4-Year part-time Diploma programme in Performing Arts (Cantonese Opera) are offered.

Applicants are normally admitted to the first year of the Diploma programme. In exceptional cases, applicants with prior training in the chosen art disciplines or recognised post-secondary studies or other qualifications may be considered for direct entry to the second year on individual merit.

The students' learning experience at the Academy is enhanced by a wide-range of activities outside Hong Kong including performance tours, overseas study tours, visits to educational or professional institutions, internships with professional companies, and intensive training overseas. These activities contribute to international cultural exchange, broaden the students' outlook and provide them with the opportunities to network and exchange ideas with peers and professionals overseas.

The overseas performance tours, study tours, training and internship are funded by external donations, scholarships and sponsorship specifically for such purposes, such as The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Jockey Club Foundation, The Hongkong Bank Foundation Hong Kong - Mainland Exchange Scholarships, the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation Scholarships for overseas training, and others.

In addition, the Academy is often invited by the Government to organise student performances in official ceremonies locally or overseas and in promotional activities for Hong Kong held overseas.

Examples of such activities are given below:

Non-local applicants should have academic qualifications equivalent to those required for local students. Tape and/or video recorded audition pieces may be accepted in some disciplines. If a non-local applicant's first language is not English, results in public English tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) should also be submitted with the application forms.

Non-local applicants are advised to submit their application forms as early as possible to allow for audition arrangements or the submission of audition tapes to be made.

Non-local applicants need to apply for a student visa to enter and stay in Hong Kong for the period of study. Application for a student visa usually takes up to 3 months to process. A visa application form may be obtained either from the Academic Services and Student Affairs Office of the Academy, or directly from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

In the case of a non-local applicant who has entered Hong Kong on a visitor/tourist visa, the Academy will not register him as a student and will not allow him to commence his studies until he obtains a student visa.

At present the Academy has no hostel facilities. The Academy has a considerable number of non-local students. They take the initiative to organise their own private accommodation either on an individual or a sharing basis.

In accordance with the Immigration Regulations of Hong Kong, any person who lands in Hong Kong as a student is not allowed to take any employment, whether paid or unpaid.