2026 German-Australian Opera Grant

The German-Australian Opera Grant is calling for applications from emerging Australian opera singer in the early stage of their professional life with operatic stage experience capable of meeting the high quality standards of this major German Opera House.

Up to twelve candidates (6 male and 6 female voices) with opera stage experience will be selected for the Semi-Finals on 14 November 2025. On the same day four Finalists will be chosen to compete at the Opera Finale on 15 November 2025 at the Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne. 

The winner will be granted one-year employment (junior) contract with the Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden (August 2026 – July 2027), one month of German language tuition at the Goethe-Institut (July 2026) and one month of work experience at the Opera House (June 2026) for an insight into procedures prior to the official start. 

The Grant incurs the obligation to perform at two events: an operatic reception for Sponsors of the Grant before leaving for Germany and upon return an operatic reception or ‘Master Class’ to provide feedback on the overseas experience

Support

An adequate amount of money will ensure that living costs are covered. The Grant recipient also receives 5,000 AUD cash prior to departure, which will help in the preparation stage for the time overseas.

2026 German-Australian Opera Grant application guidelines

Deadline: 31 August 2025