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Applicants seeking entry to the program will have:
a) a completed three year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in visual effects, film and television, creative arts or related discipline OR
b) a completed Advanced Diploma in visual effects, film and television, creative arts or related discipline or equivalent from an accredited Registered Training Organisation OR
c) a Graduate Certificate in visual effects, film and television, creative arts or related discipline OR
d) Three years relevant work experience
Alternatively, applications will be considered from applicants holding a completed academic qualification from a recognised higher education institution in an unrelated field who are able to demonstrate substantial experience in media arts or visual effects, demonstrable in the showreel and curriculum vitae submissions.
All applicants are required to submit a showreel of their own work and a resume outlining their relevant experience.
Applicants must submit a copy of their current resume, and a link to their online showreel through the SATAC application.
Your Showreel must be uploaded to either Vimeo or YouTube and must be no longer than 90 seconds; must demonstrate an understanding of the film-making process; and demonstrate an ability to work with either 3D or compositing software. It is desirable that it demonstrates a proficiency in Maya in a live-action context.
Your resume should be no longer than two pages and must be a current professional resume detailing education and work history; and must contain at least two referees.
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 [6.5]
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)
The visual effects (VFX) industry is rapidly growing and worth over $550 million in Australia1.
Learn from the World No. 17 Visual Effects School2 with UniSA and Rising Sun Pictures.
Study on location at Adelaide-based world-renowned visual effects studio, Rising Sun Pictures (RSP).
Learn the tools and techniques needed to create industry quality standard photorealistic 3D animation.
Benefit from networking opportunities and mentoring when you work study alongside skilled visual effects artists and industry professionals.
Graduate career ready with your own VFX showreel.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities3, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and, in a career, the next.
1Screen Australia, The Drama Report 2021/22 2The Rookies Awards 2023 3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
This unique qualification will set you apart from the crowd, provide you with the skills and techniques needed to produce industry standard photorealistic 3D animated content for feature film and episodic series. You will also be provided with opportunities to learn first-hand from animators and supervisors on site at Rising Sun Pictures.
In this immersive, 12-week qualification you’ll learn the specialised techniques and knowledge essential to crafting photorealistic 3D animation, alongside the career management skills and professional practice standards needed to work in a professional VFX studio.
Working alongside qualified visual effects artists, at world-renowned VFX studio Rising Sun Pictures (RSP), you will:
gain invaluable experience in a simulated studio environment
build industry-standard expertise in 3D animation
be mentored by visual effects artists and supervisors
use the latest industry technologies
work with Rising Sun Pictures’ recruitment team to professionalise your resume and showreel
graduate with a showreel of industry-standard work.
You’ll graduate career-ready with experience of current trends, technologies and professional practices, along with industry contacts and first-hand experience of how a world-class VFX studio operates.
What you'll learn
This intensive, 12-week graduate certificate, will immerse you in a simulated studio environment at Rising Sun Pictures who have crafted thousands of VFX shots for over 200 projects, including Indiana Jones, Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Elvis, Mortal Kombat, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings.
In this simulated studio environment, you will:
learn to animate human characters, digital doubles, real and mythical creatures, and a range of 3D assets and props
develop expertise with a professional motion capture pipeline and the features of a human rig
build and develop skills to prepare for the production process at a VFX company.
There is also a career focus to this program and you’ll produce your own industry-standard showreel and resume to present to VFX recruiters at the end of program industry night.
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, professionally focused, and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
creative VFX projects
a VFX Showreel
supervisor evaluations.
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.
This graduate certificate offers students a highly regarded opportunity to fine-tune their skills and gain experience studying at world-renowned visual effects studio, Rising Sun Pictures.
Under the guidance of experienced visual effects artists and supervisors, you will work on original VFX sequences and develop your own showreel. You will also gain expertise in industry standard software and build important industry relationships and connections.
Real-world connections
This qualification is all about industry experience and connections – and from day one you will be working alongside industry professionals, building important relationships and learning on the job. Rising Sun Pictures' Adelaide-based studio has created VFX shots for over 200 projects, including Indiana Jones, Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Elvis, Mortal Kombat, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings. Through this industry learning you’ll graduate with a valuable connection to one of Australia’s leading visual effects companies.
This unique offering prepares students for an exciting career in the visual effects industry. Careers to consider include:
3D animator: develops photorealistic 3D animations of characters, digital doubles, and CG assets for films and episodic series
rigger: create rigs for digital 3D characters and assets
production coordinator: ensures all aspects of a production run on time and to budget
technical Services Operator: responsible for monitoring and controlling the rendering process within the production of VFX shots.
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.
Scholarships
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.
