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The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they
fulfill any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any
remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study
Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education
institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
Develop the expertise to become a visual effects artist.
Join the rapidly growing visual effects industry that’s worth over $714 million in Australia1.
Study a degree designed in association with world-renowned visual effects studio Rising Sun Pictures (RSP).
Study 60% of your degree onsite at Rising Sun Pictures’ Adelaide studio in the CBD.
Learn from leading visual effects (VFX) artists and supervisors in a simulated production environment.
Gain specialist skills in compositing and tracking, dynamic effects and lighting, creature effects, 3D animation,3D modelling, and look development.
Study at the only university in South Australia with a SideFX-certified curriculum and access the latest software and industry insights.
Gain experience with current trends, technologies, and professional practices.
Graduate industry ready with your own professional VFX showreel.
1Screen Australia, The Drama Report 2022/23
Snapshot
The visual effects industry is undergoing a remarkable expansion and reshaping the global screen sector. With the rise of popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, there has been increasing demand for captivating and original content, powering the need for top-tier visual effects. The Post, Digital and Visual Effects industry in Australia is worth over $714 million, an increase of 21% from 2021-22 and 60% above the 5-year average1.
UniSA’s Bachelor of Visual Effects is an innovative, industry-focussed degree that puts you at the cutting edge of visual effects production. Combining theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and unparalleled industry-based learning, it will set you up for a career as a multi-disciplinary visual effects artist.
Developed with one of Australia’s largest and most awarded VFX studios, Rising Sun Pictures, you’ll spend 60% of your degree onsite at RSP in their purpose-built simulated studio. This industry-based learning starts in your first year of study, and you’ll learn from experienced VFX artists and have access to the latest technologies, while gaining first-hand experience of professional practices.
Throughout the degree you’ll gain an understanding of all stages of the professional production cycle, from conceptualisation right through to post-production. You’ll also develop your knowledge and practice of core VFX areas including compositing and tracking, dynamic effects and lighting, creature effects, 3D animation, 3D modelling and look development.
You can also choose to accelerate your studies and complete your degree in 2.5 years.
Graduate with your own VFX showreel, practical industry experience, and the latest skills and knowledge to enter the dynamic world of visual effects.
1 Screen Australia, The Drama Report 2022/23
What you'll learn
When you study this innovative and highly practical degree, you’ll learn the theoretical knowledge, technical skills and professional expertise needed to produce high quality visual effects for the global screen and media industry.
You’ll also experience firsthand how a world-class VFX studio operates, when you undertake over half of your degree onsite at Rising Sun Pictures, in their Adelaide VFX studio. This unparalleled, industry-based learning starts in first year and includes the entire final 1.5 years of your degree.
Throughout the degree, you’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of practices, processes, and techniques within these key VFX disciplines:
dynamic effects and lighting
compositing and tracking
creature effects
3D animation
3D modelling, and
look development.
You will work with the latest production software and technologies such as Nuke, Houdini, Maya, Unreal Engine, Substance Painter and DaVinci Resolve to create complex visual effects sequences.
You’ll develop an in depth understanding of the professional production cycle, from conceptualisation right through to post-production, building your understanding of the various roles visual effects artists play in the creative production pipeline. The importance of active career management and ongoing professional development within the industry is also highlighted.
At UniSA you’ll have access to our specialist VFX lab, virtual production and motion capture studio, film and television studio, green screen, and VR facilities.
You’ll graduate career ready with your own industry-standard visual effects showreel.
1. Students must have completed 54 units before they are eligible to take part in the 18-unit courses delivered at RSP.
2. Students may choose from any three of the four courses provided that the course is being offered in the appropriate study period.
Notes
1. Electives must be chosen from the 'Recommended Electives' list.
2. Students enrolled in this course will need to attend on a full-time basis for the duration of the course.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, industry focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. This will predominantly include creative practice project work, as well as occasional written reports and presentations. You will also produce industry standard VFX sequences within the following fields:
Compositing and Tracking
Dynamic Effects and Lighting
Look Development
Creature Effects
3D Animation
3D Modelling
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Studying the Bachelor of Visual Effects at UniSA offers the unparalleled opportunity to spend 60% of your degree onsite at world-renowned VFX studio Rising Sun Pictures, who have crafted thousands of VFX shots for over 200 projects, including Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Since 2015, our partnership with RSP has launched more than 220 careers in the visual effects industry. Our graduates work locally, nationally and internationally at companies including RSP, ILM, DNEG, MPC, Kojo, Framestore, Method Studios, Pixel Zoo, Luma Pictures, AltVFX, Animal Logic, Resin, Mighty Kingdom, Lola VFX, Important Looking Pirates, Cumulus, Pixomondo, and Lightstorm Entertainment.
When you study the Bachelor of Visual Effects you will:
receive practical training in the core skills to become an entry-level VFX artist in a range of disciplines
produce an industry-standard showreel of work, and
establish valuable industry networks.
This degree also offers beyond the classroom opportunities, including attending RSP company staff meetings, networking and industry events, department work shadowing, dailies, and day in the life of presentations, providing you with the industry experience and connections to step seamlessly from study into the workplace.
Industry facts
The rapidly growing visual effects industry is worth $550M+ in Australia1
1Screen Australia, The Drama Report 2021/22
The Australian Government is investing $112M from 2023-2027 in attracting big-budget screen productions to Australia1
1Australian Government Federal Budget, 2023??
How to apply
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
