A man with a hat and curly hair sitting in front of a desk with three computer monitors | VFX and Virtual Production

VFX and motion graphics courses that bring the impossible to life

Develop the technical skills that have launched our grads into VFX roles on films including Kingsman: The Secret Service, Gravity, and The Avengers. Combining industry-level artistry with AI-powered workflows, you’ll graduate confident, capable, and ahead of the curve.

15% scholarships available for the Brisbane campus

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✓ Fees & payment options
✓ Courses & units
✓ Entry requirements
✓ Career paths
✓ Scholarships available

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MAP OUT AN UNREAL CAREER

VFX and Virtual Production study options

No matter which course you choose, you'll be guided by VFX industry experts as you develop skills in compositing, master real-time engines and virtual production tools, and collaborate on cinematic projects with your creative peers.

Bachelor of VFX & Virtual Production

Master compositing, 3D modelling, and virtual environments while building realistic digital worlds and stunning visual effects. Create a professional showreel through collaborative projects and industry placements.

Duration: Full time, full time fast track and part-time options available

Qualification: Bachelor degree

Available to: Domestic and International students

Campus: Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Online

Associate Degree of VFX & Virtual Production

Gain practical foundations in VFX techniques, procedural graphics, and motion capture technology. Develop technical expertise in real-time engines alongside essential production skills for entry-level industry positions.

Duration: Full time, full time fast track and part-time options available

Qualification: Associate degree

Available to: Domestic and International students

Campus: Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Online

Diploma of VFX

Launch your VFX career with focused training in compositing, texturing, and shading techniques. Explore industry tools and virtual production workflows to secure entry-level positions in post-production studios.

Duration: Full time, full time fast track and part-time options available

Qualification: Diploma

Available to: Domestic and International students

Campus: Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Online

ALUMNI CAREERS

Real stories, real success

Blake Sala - Environment Designer

<p>“The course at SAE offered a wide variety of disciplines. I got to learn writing, live action, animation, game design, compositing, tracking – basically everything you would need to step into wherever you want in the VFX industry.” </p>

Blake Sala - Environment Designer

Jaymes Ruffin - 3D Artist

<p>“SAE’s work placement was a great experience, especially for my professional development, where I got to work alongside some of the pros at Ignition.” </p>

Jaymes Ruffin - 3D Artist

CREATE ON-SCREEN MAGIC

Learn to make the impossible, possible.

You've seen the scenes – now it's your turn to create real VFX magic of your own. Get hands-on, real-world experience, collaborate with your peers across disciplines, and learn directly from expert mentors shaping the VFX industry.

Graduate career-ready

Gain real production experience through industry-standard VFX projects
Collaborate with filmmakers, animators and sound designers across disciplines
Build a showreel that highlights your technical expertise and creative vision
Connect with VFX studios and post-production houses through networking opportunities
Get expert placement support for a smooth transition into the industry
Access exclusive internship and placement opportunities

Real Feedback. Real Impact

We don’t just talk the talk – we walk the walk.

And SAE students agree.

82.6%

Developed industry-ready skills

(1.1% above national average – 81.5%)*
85.8%

Valued our expert mentors & hands-on learning

(0.6% above national average – 85.2%)**
83.5%

Loved our tech, tools & facilities

(2.3% above national average – 81.2%)***
77.9%

Felt supported inside & outside the classroom

(10.4% above national average – 67.5%)****

World-class film facilities

Unmatched creative spaces

Don’t take our word for it. Book a call back or in-person tour and see for yourself.

Create in professional virtual production studios

Train in virtual production environments with motion capture systems and green screen facilities where you’ll blend live-action with digital elements to create portfolio-worthy projects.

Work with industry-standard VFX gear

Use professional motion capture suits, high-end digital film cameras and real-time rendering technology trusted by leading VFX studios. You’ll learn how to harness cutting-edge tools to create seamless visual effects.

VFX & compositing suites at your fingertips

Composite, colour grade and create stunning visual effects in SAE’s dedicated post-production facilities, with access to professional VFX software – perfect for bringing impossible worlds to life with cinematic polish.

Motion capture & animation labs

Capture realistic character movements and animate digital creatures in our dedicated motion capture studios, with access to professional rigging and animation tools – perfect for creating lifelike digital performances.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE FROM INDUSTRY PROS

Meet your VFX mentors

Alex Adam - Film, Animation & VFX Lecturer

Alex brings 15 years of professional post-production and VFX experience to SAE, combining traditional fine art and filmmaking expertise with cutting-edge industry knowledge. His career spans multiple roles including Motion Designer, VFX Artist, Colourist, and Editor across post-production facilities along Australia’s east coast. Alex’s experience gives students the opportunity to learn from a professional actively working at the forefront of the industry.

Over 15 years of professional experience in post-production facilities as Motion Designer, VFX artist, Colourist, and Editor

Currently developing advanced virtual production projects and writing units for advanced post-production and compositing

Organises Queensland Screen Editors events on SAE Brisbane campus, connecting students directly with industry professionals

FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION

Create seamless career transitions in VFX

VFX COMPOSITOR

VFX compositors combine visual elements to create seamless final shots. They correct colours, adjust lighting, and fine-tune details to make every effect look realistic. Working as the final step in the VFX pipeline, they ensure all digital elements blend naturally with live-action footage.

Average Industry Salary: $70,000-$110,000**

MATCHMOVER

Matchmovers ensure CGI elements integrate perfectly with live-action footage. They track camera movements and perspective to create the foundation for visual effects. Their technical expertise makes convincing action sequences and digital character integration possible in film and television.

Average Industry Salary: $80,000-$95,000**

TEXTURE ARTIST

Texture artists create surface details for 3D models, ensuring objects and characters appear realistic or stylistically appropriate. They apply digital textures using specialised software while ensuring materials work with lighting and shading to create depth and realism.

Average Industry Salary: $80,000-$100,000**

VIRTUAL CAMERA OPERATOR (VCO)

Virtual camera operators control cameras in digital environments, capturing scenes in real-time as though filming physical sets. They work with directors and VFX teams to execute complex camera movements that align with visual styles and narrative goals.

Average Industry Salary: $75,000-$90,000**

GET THE COMPLETE VFX TOOLKIT

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The lowdown on all SAE courses, scholarships and upcoming campus events.

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The inside scoop on our courses and career paths

Exclusive industry insights

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The lowdown on our fees, including FEE-HELP and scholarships.

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* QILT Data Source (Undergraduate / Creative Arts)
** Salaries sourced from various websites including Seek.com.au, Indeed Australia, PayScale Australia, JobOutlook.gov.au, LinkedIn Salary Insights, Australian Bureau of Statistics, and Screen Australia