Diploma of Animation & VFX (CRICOS course code 0101950) is a Diploma delivered by Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 qualification falls under Graphic Arts and Design Studies (field 100501) and is designed to equip students with foundational skills in animation, visual effects, and digital storytelling. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 03392K), it is available to international students seeking a Student visa (Subclass 500). The indicative tuition fee is A$29,080, with no additional non-tuition fees charged by the provider. Australian College of the Arts, also known as Collarts, is a private institution based in Melbourne, delivering this program across three campuses in Collingwood and Fitzroy. This page provides a comprehensive guide covering fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, visa conditions, and application steps — all sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Diploma of Animation & VFX (CRICOS 0101950) is a 1-year (52-week) Diploma program at Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03392K). The course is classified under the field of Graphic Arts and Design Studies (100501), part of the Creative Arts stream. Students learn the principles of animation, visual effects, and digital production, preparing for roles in the creative industries or further study. As a single qualification (no dual awards), it is delivered in English and does not include a mandatory work component. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian education quality standards. All international students enrolled in CRICOS-registered courses benefit from protections under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act.
This Diploma provides a broad introduction to graphic arts and design, with a focus on animation and visual effects. Students typically explore areas such as 2D and 3D animation, storyboarding, compositing, digital imaging, and visual effects pipelines. The curriculum balances creative theory with practical software skills, preparing graduates for entry-level positions in animation studios, game design, film production, and advertising agencies. While exact subjects are set by Collarts, the qualification aligns with AQF Level 5 outcomes, emphasising problem-solving, communication, and technical proficiency in a specialised creative context. Graduates may also articulate into bachelor's programs in animation or related fields.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) on a full-time basis. All instruction is in English. It is a single qualification — no dual awards or foundation studies are included. Students are expected to attend classes at one of the three delivery locations in Melbourne (Collingwood and Fitzroy). As an on-campus program, it offers face-to-face learning with access to studio facilities. The standard study load meets Student visa requirements for full-time study.
Indicative fees as per the CRICOS register (April 2026) are: tuition A$29,080, non-tuition fees A$0, estimated total A$29,080. These fees are set by Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd and may change — always confirm with the provider. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$21,000–A$25,000 per year in Melbourne), and the Student visa application charge. For the most current fees, visit Collarts' official website. Note that all CRICOS-registered institutions must publish fee information transparently under ESOS requirements.
Applicants typically need an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent English language test) and completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. Prior study in arts or design is advantageous but not always required. As this is a Diploma level course, some providers may consider relevant work experience. Foundation or pathway programs are not part of this course, but students who do not meet entry requirements can explore alternative pathways via Collarts directly. All international applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for their Student visa.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Work placement is not a requirement of the program. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights do not guarantee employment, and students should focus on their studies first.
The course is delivered at three campuses in Melbourne's inner north: 208 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC; 67-69 Cromwell Street, Collingwood VIC; and Level 2, 156 George Street, Fitzroy VIC. Collingwood and Fitzroy are vibrant, culture-rich suburbs close to the CBD, with excellent public transport via trams and trains. Melbourne is home to over 200,000 international students and has the highest concentration of creative arts providers in Australia. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate: indicative weekly rent for a share house is around A$250–A$350, groceries A$80–A$120, and a Myki transport pass A$50–A$60. Choosing a campus near public transport makes commuting easy.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Visa conditions include: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, satisfactory course progress, and attendance. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement assesses your intention to temporarily stay in Australia for study. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent — consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa advice. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses, so you have many options.
Applying for Diploma of Animation & VFX at Australian College of the Arts (Collarts) is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses — filter by level (Diploma), field (Graphic Arts), and location (Melbourne). Verify CRICOS registration on cricos.teqsa.gov.au.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check Collarts' entry requirements (English test, academic transcripts) and deadlines. Submit your application online via their website. You may need to provide a portfolio or attend an interview.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, Collarts issues a CoE. With the CoE, you can lodge a Student visa (Subclass 500) application through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, with a thriving arts scene and a large international student community. For creative students, Melbourne offers numerous galleries, animation studios, and networking events. The city has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering creative courses, making it a hub for Graphic Arts study. When budgeting, consider rent (A$250–A$350/week for shared accommodation), groceries (A$80–A$120/week), transport (A$50–A$60/week), and OSHC (around A$600–A$700/year). The city's public transport network makes the Collingwood and Fitzroy campuses easily accessible. Is Melbourne right for you? If you thrive in a multicultural, creative environment with strong industry links, it's an excellent choice.
Ready to start your journey? Explore more Diploma courses in Victoria or visit Collarts' official website to apply.
View the full Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd profile →
Diploma of Animation & VFX is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.