VIEWING DOMESTIC
VIEWING INTERNATIONAL
Start dates
March
July
*In person availability for SA applicants. Hybrid learning availability for NSW & VIC applicants - learn more.
^This course is currently being updated and is temporarily not available for international students. Please contact the Flinders International team.
Gain the skills to innovate and adapt in the rapidly evolving computer-generated imagery (CGI) field. This course will give you the knowledge to creatively problem solve complex visual challenges, and advanced skills in CGI and visual effects software.
You’ll also be trained in industry-standard post-production workflows, including editing, compositing and colour grading to ensure polished final products. If you’re interested in working with multidisciplinary teams to create cohesive and compelling visual narratives, this is the course for you.
The World University Rankings 2024 as a percentage of the total number of universities in the world according to the International Association of Universities
The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
The Rookie Awards 2024
With a specialisation in CGI, VFX & Post-Production, your career could truly take you anywhere. This degree could open the door to roles like:
Artwork: Darren Shi
Salary
$80K
typical salary in Australia
Special effects artists take games, television shows and films to the next level by creating explosions, dust, water and more: essentially, anything which moves that isn’t an object or a character.
Working closely with concept artists, texturing artists and modelling artists, their role requires a strong knowledge of how colour, texture, light and composition works together. They use digital art software alongside traditional drawing to bring their creations to life, whether that be a gentle cloud or a powerful tornado.
Compositing artists, or compositors, have a really important role to play when it comes to bringing digital elements together. They are responsible for creating the final image of a sequence, frame or shot, and so need to put animations, graphics, special effects and background plates together to convey a realistic scene.
They work particularly closely with lighting artists, especially in film. They’ll also be responsible for continuity (as they need to work with multiple artists and art from different sources), needing to work closely with the director of a project to ensure consistency with an overarching vision.
Artwork: Avik Raaj
Salary
$96K
typical salary in Australia
In your first year, you'll study essential multimedia design, gain fundamental digital skills, and be introduced to game art production. After your first year, you’ll dive deeper into your specialisation in CGI, VFX & Post-Production.
GENERAL
In your first year, you’ll study core topics and a choice of one option topic. After your first year, you can focus on an area that interests you by choosing a specialisation.
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in visual effects and digital principles. You’ll explore topics such as:
For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
SPECIALISATION
After your first year, you will study topics related to your specialisation in CGI, VFX & Post-Production.
In your second year, you’ll build on your knowledge by exploring topics like:
For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
SPECIALISATION
In your third year, you'll deepen your expertise in your chosen area of interest, gaining advanced knowledge and skills through hands-on projects, work experience, and industry collaborations.
In your third year, you will deepen your knowledge by exploring topics like:
For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
By pursuing further study in visual effects and entertainment design, you’ll truly put theory into practice by developing a major creative work. Plus, you’ll develop strong research skills by developing a research question related to your creative product.
Ranked No.5 in the World
Concept Art School
The Rookies Awards 2024
Ranked in the top 2%
of the universities in the world
The World University Rankings 2023 as a percentage of the total number of universities in the world according to the International Association of Universities
Where world-class education meets laid-back coastal living. With pristine beaches, acclaimed wineries, and vibrant festivals at your doorstep, South Australia offers an unmatched student experience.
Photo credit: SATC
Discover more about Flinders University’s Bachelor of Visual Effects and Entertainment Design.
CGI, VFX & Post Production
Watch a demo from one of our instructors and see student work.
Avik Raaj Ray's VFX showreel
See the highlights of Avik's VFX work.
Get a taste of our Creative Arts courses. With world-class facilities and teachers who are industry experts, Flinders University is a true leader.
“I chose Flinders because it was connected to CDW Studios, and I was very familiar with them from several classes I had taken with them. I started when I was 13 years old. I knew their high quality of teaching, and that I was going to get a great education out of it."
Bradley Peacock
Visual Effects and Entertainment Design
International Student Services (ISS) is the first point of contact for international student support. The university also offers everything from cultural, health, and wellbeing services, to academic support.
Take a virtual tour of our campuses, guided by your fellow international students.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you'll find out about events, club memberships, and extracurricular activities.
Adelaide has many accommodation options for international students. You can choose to live on campus, at our city accommodation provider The Switch, or in rental accommodation.
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.
Jason Bevan
A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and practitioner in Visual Effects, Postproduction, Animation and Film related courses. Jason has been a Course Leader in Visual Effects and associated subjects for over 2 decades. Before joining Flinders, he spent 2019 working as an Associate Professor in Visual Effects at XJTLU in Suzhou, China, helping to set up a new State of the Art Film School. He is currently an honorary Associate Professor in Visual Effects at the University of Liverpool in the UK.
Jason is a regular guest speaker at Visual Effects education events, and throughout his teaching he has been involved in numerous collaborative projects such as Combat Medics for Sky and ‘The Machine’ for Red & Black films. Jason’s technical expertise is in editing, compositing, and 3D animation software, although has a working knowledge of all areas of visual effects and film production.
Simon Scales
Simon is the Founder and Director of CDW Studios, and is also an instructor across a range of topics in the Bachelor of Visual Effects and Entertainment Design.
He has been working in the industry for over 15 years across a number of areas, from illustration and environment design, to matte painting. His clients have ranged from THQ, EA Games, LEGO, Mighty Kingdom, Animal Logic, Warner Bros, and TT Games, to name a few.
Since opening CDW Studios’ doors in 2011, Simon’s focus has been to create a world class education facility based in Australia. He has facilitated many masterclasses with some of the absolute best artists in the world coming out to Australia to share their wealth of knowledge with students in the bachelor’s degree.
Our students have access to masterclasses taught by world- renowned artists. This includes live demonstrations, hands-on active workshops, paint-overs and critical feedback on your work, and more!
These masterclasses are an opportunity for all creative and technical artists, beginner and advanced, to learn directly from artists who are working at the highest levels in the entertainment industry. Learn more about the experience and some of the incredible instructors who have been involved.
We know not everyone begins uni the same way, so we offer a variety of pathways into Flinders.
Use the dropdown to tell us a bit about you.
If you’re in Year 12, taking the free uniTEST can help boost your chances of getting into Flinders.
Strong results in your Research Project B subject along with your Year 12 results can be considered for entry.
By using three of your best Year 12 grades, you can also gain a place in your course of choice.
Your school’s recommendation about your academic performance may be considered as part of your admission.
If you’re studying at another university, you may be able to transfer to Flinders based on your Yr 12 results, current GPA or other factors.
Even if you didn’t finish high school (Year 12), you may be able to study at Flinders through your TAFE/VET qualification.
You may be able to complete a TAFE SA course and have guaranteed entry into Flinders.
The TAFE/VET stud you’ve already done may be able to be used as credit towards a Flinders’ course.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
The STAT is a 2-hour multiple choice test that assesses your abilities.
If you completed Year 12 more than two years ago you can still use your results to apply.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
Applicants are required to submit a written statement, CV and a show reel/portfolio, and submit a completed and signed coversheet.
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
Two or three pieces of work is enough – and the good news is, all we’re looking for is passion and potential! Find out more about the portfolio requirements here.
In 2D animation, you’ll work to create flat images of characters, props, and backgrounds – which means that, if you wanted to show them from another side, they must be drawn again from a different angle. 3D animated objects can be viewed from any angle and still retain their sense of height, depth and width.
The main difference for animators is that 2D animation tends to require a much greater volume of illustration. It makes sense: 2D animation often requires every single frame to be drawn. Regardless of whether this is drawing by hand or using a digital tablet, it is a significant task. 3D animation, on the other hand, tends to be more technical. This form of animation is based on movements, and you’ll learn how to create movement via ‘rigs’.
The opportunities are endless! Visual effects is truly a booming industry. 3D art and VFX is everywhere, from movies, TV and games to digital avatars in AR, and immersive worlds in VR. Building skills in visual effects and entertainment design will help you stay ahead of the game and future-proof your career.
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
---|---|---|
Highest rank to receive an offer | 95.20 | 99.95 |
Median rank to receive an offer | 76.17 | 80.42 |
Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 61.00 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2025 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
---|---|---|
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 44 | 37% |
Vocational education and training (VET) study | 5 | 4% |
Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 28 | 24% |
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 14% |
International Students | 18 | 15% |
All students | 118 | 100% |
Get in touch with us to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
The type of documents you will need for your international application depends on what course you are applying for and which country you are a citizen of. Course requirements are stated on each course webpage. Examples of documentation you might expect to provide for your international application include a copy of personal identification, academic transcripts or a resume.
Once you have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter from Flinders University, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible as visa processing times can vary. You will receive your CoE letter after you have applied to study at Flinders, accepted your offer and paid the semester tuition fee.
No. Part-time study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
No. Online study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
If you don’t meet our English language or academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through our on-campus pathway provider Flinders University Academy. Alternatively, you can improve your English language proficiency through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
You can apply to study as an international student directly through Flinders University or an authorised agent in your country.
If you are from one of the countries listed here, you are required to apply via an education agent. If you reside onshore in Australia, you will not require an agent even if you are from the countries listed above.
Yes. As a student visa (subclass 500) holder, you and your dependents (family members) can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study is in session. If you have started a master degree by research or doctoral degree, this rule does not apply to you and working hours are not restricted.
Our dedicated International Student Services (ISS) team provide a range of programs supporting your enrolment, study and social life, as well as a referral service to facilities on campus and within the local community.
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South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
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