Bachelor of Digital Design (Game Design) (CRICOS course code 102461M) is a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) delivered by University of Canberra over 3 years. This course is designed for international students who want to build a career in game design, focusing on digital design principles, interactive storytelling, and game development. Hosted at the UC - TAFE Queensland, South Bank campus in South Brisbane, Queensland, this program combines academic theory with practical industry skills. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00212K), it meets Australian standards for international education. University of Canberra is a government-funded institution with a strong reputation in creative arts and design. The indicative tuition fee is A$109,200, plus non-tuition fees of A$1,095, totalling approximately A$110,295. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are not included. All fees are set by the institution and subject to change. At HeadStart Academy, we provide free, unbiased information sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you compare courses and providers. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and ESOS Act protections apply to all listed institutions.
The Bachelor of Digital Design (Game Design) is a comprehensive undergraduate program that equips students with the creative and technical skills needed to excel in the game design industry. This CRICOS-registered course (code 102461M) falls under the field of Graphic and Design Studies (n.e.c.), at AQF Level 7. The course is delivered by University of Canberra, a government-owned institution with CRICOS provider code 00212K. The program spans 3 years (156 weeks) and is taught in English. It is a single qualification with no dual degree or foundation studies component. The course is offered at the UC - TAFE Queensland, South Bank campus in South Brisbane, Queensland. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is subject to the ESOS Act, ensuring quality and consumer protection for international students. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), which lists 1,556 providers and 26,433 courses across Australia.
This Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) focuses on the intersection of digital design and game development. Students typically learn about game mechanics, interactive storytelling, 3D modelling, animation, user experience (UX) design, and project management for digital media. The course emphasises creative problem-solving and practical application of design software. While specific subjects are set by University of Canberra, graduates of similar programs often develop portfolios demonstrating game prototypes, design documents, and interactive experiences. The field of education (1005 - Graphic and Design Studies, n.e.c.) covers a broad range of visual communication and digital arts. This general guidance is based on the AQF level and industry standards. For a detailed syllabus, please refer to the provider directly.
The course duration is 3 years (156 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time study load, with instruction delivered in English. It is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include a foundation studies or VET component (VET national code: N/A). The program is designed to be completed over six semesters, with a standard academic calendar. Students should plan for approximately 40 weeks of study per year, with scheduled breaks. The language of instruction is English, so meeting the English language requirement is essential. The CRICOS register confirms the duration and mode, ensuring international students have reliable information to plan their studies.
The indicative fees for this course as per the CRICOS register (April 2026) are: tuition A$109,200, non-tuition fees A$1,095, for a total of A$110,295. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included in this amount. OSHC is mandatory for student visa holders and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs vary by city; in Brisbane, students typically need A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for accommodation, food, and transport. These fees are indicative only and set by University of Canberra — they may change. Always confirm the latest fees with the provider before applying. HeadStart Academy provides fee data from the CRICOS register but does not guarantee amounts.
To gain admission to the Bachelor of Digital Design (Game Design), international students must meet both academic and English language requirements. The general English requirement is IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0. Other English tests like TOEFL or PTE are usually accepted — check with University of Canberra. Academically, students should have completed Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) with satisfactory results. Some applicants may enter via foundation or pathway programs offered by UC College. This guidance is general; exact requirements vary by country and individual circumstances. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the provider's website for detailed entry criteria.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work experience or internships are not part of the assessed curriculum, but students may seek voluntary work placements to enhance their skills. Always check visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs.
The course is delivered at UC - TAFE Queensland, South Bank, located in South Brisbane, Queensland. This campus is part of the TAFE Queensland South Bank campus, a vibrant educational precinct near the Brisbane River and cultural hubs like QPAC and the Queensland Museum. Brisbane, the state capital, is home to over 100 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student population. The city offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment around $200–$350, groceries $80–$120, and public transport $30–$50. The campus is well-served by buses and trains, with South Bank station a short walk away. Brisbane's warm climate and thriving creative industries make it an attractive destination for game design students.
Brisbane offers a unique blend of urban lifestyle and access to nature, with a growing tech and creative sector. The city has a strong game development community, with events like the Brisbane Games Week and studios such as Halfbrick and The Behemoth. The cost of living is generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, making it appealing for international students. Public transport is reliable, and the city is bike-friendly. Cultural diversity is high, with many international students choosing Brisbane for its safe, friendly environment. However, consider that Brisbane is smaller than Sydney, so opportunities for industry networking may be less extensive. For students who prefer a relaxed pace and warm weather, Brisbane is an excellent choice. Always visit the city if possible and research the local job market for game design graduates.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. The visa requires you to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your stay, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of the latest regulations, student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited work during scheduled breaks. Dependents may accompany you, subject to conditions. The ESOS Act provides consumer protection, ensuring your rights as an international student. For detailed visa guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs website or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Digital Design (Game Design) at University of Canberra:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy's free resources to filter courses by level (Bachelor Degree), field (Game Design), and location (Queensland). Confirm the provider's CRICOS registration (00212K) and course code (102461M).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit University of Canberra's website (canberra.edu.au) to review entry requirements, submit your academic transcripts, English test scores, and a portfolio if required. Note application deadlines and any supporting documents needed.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa online through ImmiAccount. Ensure you have OSHC and evidence of financial capacity. For visa assistance, consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
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Bachelor of Digital Design (Game Design) is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of Canberra. 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.