Bachelor of Visual Effects

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Magill, Adelaide City

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BVIEF

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$41,300

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115765K

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	75
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
China	Gaokao	65%
China	Maple Leaf Education Systems World School Program	67%
Global	International Baccalaureate	26
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India	CBSE and CISCE	75
India	State Board Examinations	85
Indonesia	SMA III	78%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.78
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	3.01
Phillippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	87%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	9
Taiwan	GSAT %	65%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.40
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	8
UK / Global	NCUK	8
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	8
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	22
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1130
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thôxwng (Vietnamese Year 12)	8

Why Bachelor of Visual Effects?

Transform your creative ideas into captivating visual effects for audiences in film, video games and beyond.

Become a multidisciplinary VFX professional with skills across a range of relevant areas including compositing, tracking, creature effects, photorealistic lighting, 3D modelling, and 3D animation. With a career in visual effects, you might create seamless final shots for CGI-based blockbuster films, design alien worlds for science fiction films, or bring objects to life in fantasy films.

Expand your technical skills and creative techniques under industry guidance with a degree from Adelaide University. Work on practical projects and build a portfolio of work that showcases your talents in visual effects production.

The Bachelor of Visual Effects is a specialist degree, co-delivered with multi award winning studio Rising Sun Pictures – ensuring you graduate ready to tackle the global screen and media industry.

Overview

The visual effects (VFX) industry is experiencing significant growth and transforming the global screen sector. The rising demand for visual content on popular streaming platforms drives the industry to seek out captivating and original creators and creations.

Learn an innovative and industry-focused degree that combines theoretical and technical skills to set you up as a multidisciplinary artist. Study in a simulated studio environment at award-winning VFX studio, Rising Sun Pictures (RSP).

Gain hands-on experience in essential techniques across various VFX specialisations to prepare for a successful career in the field. Create a professional-quality demo reel showcasing your best VFX work, and form important industry connections.

Study alongside students in other discipline areas including animation, illustration, film and television and creative arts. Explore cutting-edge visual effects that are highly desired by clients including Disney, Marvel, Warner Bros, Netflix, and Amazon.

Key features

Develop technical, theoretical and practical skills as a visual effects artist.
Gain specialist skills in compositing, tracking, dynamic effects, photorealistic lighting, creature effects, 3D modelling and 3D animation.
Understand the global nature of visual effects production and uncover international perspectives.
Learn directly from industry experts while working with the latest technologies and software.
Complete in-studio projects with our Rising Sun Pictures (RSP) partnership.
Graduate with a personal VFX showreel.

What you'll learn

The Bachelor of Visual Effects utilises industry-immersed learning experiences, ensuring you gain world class visual effects skills and knowledge. You’ll cover core concepts, theories and technical skills within key and emerging visual effects disciplines.

Your first one-and-a-half years of study will provide you with opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement and to foster industry networks. You’ll build foundational skills in a range of disciplines including compositing, dynamic effects, 3D modelling and animation, virtual production, cinematography and storytelling.

Develop individual technical skills, theoretical knowledge and professional expertise for a range of diverse careers as a visual effects artist in your final years of study. You’ll gain multidisciplinary skills in relevant areas including tracking, dynamic effects, lighting, 3D modelling, creature effects, and photorealistic 3D animation.

Build your understanding of the various roles visual effects artists play by working with the latest production software and technologies. You’ll do this with access to specialist VFX labs, virtual production studio, film and tv studio, green screen and VR facilities.

Our degree is designed in collaboration with the multi-award-winning visual effects studio, Rising Sun Pictures. You’ll complete 60% of your degree on-site, learning in a simulated studio under the guidance of working VFX artists and supervisors. These learning opportunities will provide you with a direct line to local, national and international VFX recruiters.

Assessments will be practical, including creative practice project work and producing industry standard VFX sequences.

Graduate as a highly employable, multiskilled visual effects artist with the capability to move seamlessly into an exciting career.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

66 units for Core courses, and
6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
72 units for Electives

Complete 66 units comprising:

18 units from Common core, and
48 units for all Program core

	Course code	Units
Course name UG Common Core 1	Course code AUXX1000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 2	Course code AUXX2000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 3	Course code AUXX3000	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name Introduction to 3D	Course code COGR1003	Units 6
Course name Digital Compositing	Course code COGR1004	Units 6
Course name Character Performance	Course code GRAP1010	Units 6
Course name Cinematography and Editing	Course code MDIA1005	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Film and Television	Course code MDIA1009	Units 6
Course name Cinematic Design	Course code MDIA1010	Units 6
Course name Look Development	Course code MDIA1900	Units 6
Course name Dynamic Effects	Course code MDIA2015	Units 6

Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Hard Surface Modelling	Course code COMP2900	Units 6

Complete 72 units comprising:

72 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name VFX Placement: Compositing and Tracking	Course code COMP2901	Units 24
Course name VFX Placement: Dynamic Effects and Lighting	Course code MDIA3901	Units 24
Course name VFX Placement: 3D Animation	Course code MDIA3903	Units 24
Course name VFX Placement: Creature Effects	Course code MDIA3904	Units 24

Career outcomes

A career in visual effects blends creativity with technology to bring imagination to life on screen. The demand for skilled VFX artists is growing across multiple industries including film, television, games, and virtual reality (VR).

You might design and build CG sets, assets and characters for the next big children’s animated television series. Maybe you’ll bring to life real or mythical digital creatures, ensuring their movement, skin and fur is photorealistic. You might even seamlessly composite live-action footage with CG elements or backgrounds in blockbuster films and episodic series for Marvel and Disney.

Careers in the field are dynamic and exciting, with a variety of VFX roles including:

3D animator
FX artist
Lighting artist
Compositor
Concept artist
Paint and roto artist
Matchmove artist
DMP artist
3D modeller
Creature technical director
Layout artist
Production assistant/coordinator
Rigger
VFX editor
Technical services operator.

You could work locally, nationally and internationally at companies including RSP, Industrial Light and Magic, Framestore, MPC, DNEG, Pixel Zoo, Luma Pictures, Mighty Kingdom and Lightstorm Entertainment.

Industry trends

The global visual effects market is estimated to reach over US$106 billion by 2032 (Expert Market Research, 2024) – driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for high-quality content across various media platforms.

In Australia, this growth is particularly significant as the country continues to establish itself as a hub for film and television production, supported by government incentives and a skilled workforce. Australian studios are increasingly involved in major international projects, contributing to the global VFX landscape. Graduate from Adelaide University with the skills and talent to be successful in this innovative industry.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: