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VFX & Virtual Production

Diploma of VFX

EMBRACE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES TO ENGINEER THE IMPOSSIBLE
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Available at
Online, Melbourne, Sydney
Fees
FEE-HELP available
Diploma of VFX
Domestic Fees

Units x Costs ($AUD)
4 x $2,728
4 x $3,807

Indicative Annual Course Fee*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL)
$26,140 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

* The Indicative Annual Course Fee reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.

For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.

FEE-HELP Available
Diploma of VFX
International Fees

Units x Costs ($AUD)
4 x $3,178
4 x $4,439

Indicative Annual Course Fee*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL)
$30,468 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

* The Indicative Annual Course Fee reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.

For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.

Duration(s)
2 Trimesters Full Time (Fast Track)

Complete your course faster by studying the course units over approximately 7 months (2 trimesters).

Diploma of VFX
Course Durations
2 Trimesters Full Time (Fast Track)

Complete your course faster by studying the course units over approximately 7 months (2 trimesters).

3 Trimesters Full Time

Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete the course units over one year (3 trimesters).

Start Date(s)
February 2025
Diploma of VFX
Start Dates
Online
  • February 2025

  • May 2025

  • September 2025

Melbourne
  • February 2025

  • May 2025

  • September 2025

Sydney
  • February 2025

  • May 2025

  • September 2025

Entry Requirements
Diploma of VFX
Domestic Entry Requirements
Domestic students must meet one of the following criteria:
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (QCE, WACE, HSC, SACE, etc.), like your Year 12 certificate or equivalent; OR
Completion of a Certificate III-level qualification, or higher, issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF); OR
Experience-based entry – for applicants who do not meet the requirements of entry criteria above.
More info
Diploma of VFX
International Entry Requirements
International Entry Requirements
Minimum age requirements
International students seeking admission to SAE must be 18 years of age OR must be turning 18 during their first trimester of studies at SAE.
Academic requirements
Successful completion of secondary school studies (assessed as an equivalent of Australian Year 12 secondary studies). Minimum overall pass is required.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): An overall score of 6.0 or higher, OR
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 63 overall (internet-based test); OR
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic score of 36 or higher, OR
Completion of Year 12 English in an Australian secondary school or college or equivalent with a minimum result of “Satisfactory” or equivalent.
More info
Successful completion of an Academic English program with an SAE-approved Australian-based English partner. Please refer to our SAE International Study Pathways for more information.
More info

Your creative career starts with SAE

Apply Now

DIPLOMA OF VFX

Specially designed in consultation with industry experts from Technicolor and Ubisoft, SAE’s Diploma of VFX will nurture your creativity, empower you to experiment, and enhance your technical skill set. 

As a student of VFX at SAE University College, you’ll learn in small classes with one-on-one mentoring opportunities not often found in larger universities.  

Guided by industry experts, you’ll learn the fundamental technical aspects digital production, compositing, real-time engines, 2D and 3D modelling, and virtual environments. Explore our professional studio environment and become familiar with industry-standard tech & tools like Blender, Houdini, Maya, RV and Shotgun. 

Your growth and development will be assessed through the completion of industry-based projects that will allow you to showcase your technical skills. You’ll engage in collaborative learning – both on-campus and online – producing work in response to client briefs just as you would in the industry.  

We’ll also equip you with critical employability skills including strategies for problem-solving, communication and self-promotion.

Upon completion, you will be eligible for up to 80 credit points towards the Bachelor of VFX and Virtual Production, providing a structured pathway to future study opportunities. 

CAREER OUTCOMES

What jobs will this course lead to?
  • Junior Virtual Set Builder/Environment Artist
  • Rendering Assistant
  • Junior Compositor
  • Junior 3D Modeler
  • Entry Level Graphics Programmer
  • Storyboard Assistant
  • Virtual Production Assistant
A male student sitting at a work desk, viewing two monitors
Bachelor of Creative Industries
Enhance your skills Explore foundational concepts in entrepreneurship, communication, project design and management, plus develop new technical skills in digital production, compositing, asset production and real-time engines.
Practical, immersive training Learn as you collaborate on real-world projects and briefs. Build a portfolio of innovative solutions to share with an employer or first client.
Creative collaboration Upskill and expand your knowledge by collaborating with your fellow SAE students within VFX and other creative disciplines.
Expand your career prospects Begin building a professional portfolio, and graduate with employability and entrepreneurial skills and a network of fellow creatives.

YOUR CAREER IN VFX BEGINS NOW

Tools & Software

VFX SKILLS

Digital production Cinematography Compositing and procedural graphics 2D and 3D asset production Real-time engines

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Course Structure

Complete your Diploma of VFX faster by studying the 8 required units in as little as 7 months (2 trimesters).
Gradient of colour technician qualification
Stage 1: Foundations
Develop the essential technical skills and the knowledge required to collaborate with other students and professionals.
Credit points: 10

Welcome to Understanding Digital Production which will introduce you to fundamental digital theory and scholarship.

Here, you will explore the fundamental technical aspects of digital media files, colour theory, lighting theory, image types, resolution, aspect ratios, bit depth, frame rates, compression in addition to developing skills in Photoshop and digital matte painting. Additionally, you will explore foundational concepts of scholarship and theory through practical application.

The subject adopts a praxis learning approach, where theory meets practice. You will actively engage with digital media file concepts, colour theory, lighting theory and scholarship through targeted projects.
Credit points: 10

Introduction to Real-Time Engines will establish foundational knowledge for students. This unit includes the fundamental principles and workflows in real-time engines, in addition to the technical considerations. Students will explore a range of technical and theoretical concepts through a practical learning approach. In addition to developing their skills in using real-time engine software, students will develop their skills and knowledge from iterative development and reflection in order to embed foundational knowledge and skills. Additionally, students will build collaborative teamwork skills to establish professional practices and communication methods.
Credit points: 10

You will be introduced to the craft of filmmaking through participation in practical film shoots. Introductory learning of camera exposure, lighting and sound equipment, will be supported by a study of the fundamentals of frame composition and cinematography. The key roles and responsibilities of a working film crew, production processes and protocols are covered, including workplace health and safety. Familiarity with the using film production equipment and its safe assembly is as important in this subject as the technical and creative elements of visual storytelling.
Credit points: 10

GAD178 will introduce you to 2D Development and is designed to equip you with foundational knowledge and skills necessary for creating 2D games. The course is structured to guide students through the process of planning and developing 2D game assets, laying the groundwork for the creation of a fully realised 2D game concept.

By the end of this unit you will have created the necessary 2D assets required to convey the mood and tone of your own game. With these assets, you will have several fully realised scenes, built in a game engine that depict your vision and demonstrate your understanding of the 2D asset production pipeline.
Credit points: 10

Worldbuilding for Virtual Environments is a practical unit focused on creating immersive digital worlds. Through hands-on projects, students learn to conceptualise, design, and implement virtual environments in a real-time engine. This unit provides essential skills for aspiring environment artists, virtual production artists, game artists and game designers.
Credit points: 10

This unit will cover a range of topics related to the acquisition and manipulation of images for use in film and visual effects, including colour management, image and asset acquisition, on-set and editorial theory, and the theory behind rendered and generated images, which are typically created using computer-generated imagery (CGI) software. Additionally, we will explore the technical aspects of project setup in Nuke, a powerful compositing software widely used in the industry.

Other topics that will be covered include matchmove, mattes and masks, common compositing tasks in Nuke, and project management. By the end of this class, students will have a solid understanding of the technical and theoretical aspects of image acquisition and compositing, as well as the skills needed to work with images in a professional setting.
Credit points: 10

3D Asset Production introduces students to the planning, design and construction of 3D models using industry standard software and techniques. This unit introduces students to concepts of workflows and pipelines in order to develop 3D assets for a number of purposes for games, animation, VFX and real-time applications. Students will develop their understanding of theoretical concepts and the practical application of 3D modelling through a hands-on approach. By planning and creating a number of 3D assets, students will develop their skills in using industry standard 3D modelling software including Maya in addition to being introduced to Substance Painter.
Credit points: 10

This unit explores the concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation and project design. You will develop approaches to identify promising opportunities and actionable strategies to transform them into tangible successes. Through exposure to developing new ideas, processes and ways of working - both individually and in entrepreneurial teams - you will hone skills to put creative ideas into practice and achieve real-world impact.

As Alan Kay explained, "The best way to predict the future is to create it", so let's get at it!
CRICOS Course Codes
116351B (3 TRIMESTERS)
Australian Qualifications Framework
AQF Level: 7 SELF-ACCREDITED BY SAE
OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS. OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS.
We consult closely with industry professionals so you can expect a course that’s highly relevant and equips you with sought-after skills. Some of our partners include:

HELP & SUPPORT

Here are some frequently asked questions.

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Read more about SAE enrolment for domestic students here.

Read more about SAE enrolment for international students here.

You can apply for SAE courses quickly and easily online. Go to our Apply now page for further information.

FEE‑HELP* is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists eligible fee paying students pay all or part of their tuition fees. It cannot be used for additional study costs such as accommodation or text books. The total amount of FEE‑HELP a person can use is known as the ‘FEE‑HELP limit’.

Once a person begins using FEE‑HELP, the amount of FEE‑HELP they have left to use is known as their ‘FEE‑HELP balance’.

* Terms and conditions apply. For the latest updates regarding FEE-HELP please refer to sae.edu.au/fees

You can choose to study most of our courses in a part-time capacity. An SAE course advisor will be able to give you more information about the study options for your chosen course.

Note: Part-time is not available for international students.

YOUR DREAM CAREER BEGINS NOW

With our industry connections, specialised teachers, and personalised education in world-class facilities, you can unleash your creative future with confidence.
Apply Now