Kesley Birrell
Credits include:
How to Train Your Dragon
Certificate II in Creative Industries CUA20225
3D Animation Foundations
3D Animation Foundations is designed to introduce students to the many career opportunities available for 3D artists, animators and designers. This course gives students an understanding of the creative potential of the 3D animation software used in the games, film and visual effects industry.
Overview
Get into 3D Animation
The course covers the fundamentals of 3D animation including:
- 3D modeling
- Texturing
- Animation
- Lighting
- Rendering
- Character design
- Environment design
- Short movie production
The course is focused on learning how to create a short animated film with a 3D character at an introductory level. Students start by planning and discussing their short animated film ideas through concept art and storyboards. Students learn how to model and animate their designs. They will then complete the production process with a short animated film that is presented on a video hosting website (such as Youtube).
Students will also learn how the 3D animation film industry works. They will learn about how studios are setup, the software they use and the people they employ.
3D Animation Foundations serves as a valuable bridge to further study in 3D animation, including 3D animation for games or film. Graduates leave with a portfolio of work, knowledge and skills useful in many other multimedia and design areas.
For students currently studying in year 11 or 12 at an ACT or NSW College/High School, this course may be counted towards your Higher School Certificate or Year 12 Certificate. For more information, please contact your school VET co-ordinator or AIE reception.
Why AIE
What makes AIE different
Practical Skills
Develop the skills demanded by industry making you immediately employable.
Courses are made by industry practitioners and developed to teach you industry relevant skills and prepare you for immediate employment.
Specialists
Learn from experienced industry professionals who have insights and connections.
AIE teachers are award winning trainers with industry experience and a passion for educating the next generation of learners.
Equipment
AIE provides state of the art, edge, game technology.
Studio Environment
You will use the latest, industry standard, hardware and software to create your own unique entertainment experience.
Start Your Own Studio
AIE is going beyond providing digital media training.
AIE Incubator
Education is only the first part – we want to help our graduates achieve their dreams – initiatives like the AIE Incubator Program make it possible.
Not For Profit
AIE is the world’s first non-profit specialist games and visual effects educator.
We Support Industry
We invest in our students, grow the industry and support graduate career opportunities.
Career Placement
Follow in the footsteps of graduates working on the top games and films worldwide.
Get A Job
Graduates can be found working in some of the worlds leading games studios, independent games studios and also creating their own digital content through the AIE incubator.
Other graduates are working in serious games/simulations for Defense and simulations for major mining companies.
Practical Skills
Develop the skills demanded by industry making you immediately employable.
Specialists
Learn from experienced industry professionals who have insights and connections.
Equipment
AIE provides state of the art, cutting-edge, game technology.
Start your own studio
AIE is going beyond providing digital media training.
Not for Profit
AIE is the world’s first non-profit specialist games and visual effects educator.
Career Placement
Follow in the footsteps of graduates working on the top games and films worldwide.
Course Information
Course dates and fees
Please see course start dates and associated fees below. Please see this page for more information on ACT Skilled Capital Funding.
** Please note: VET in School students should see their school’s VET Coordinator for fees.
Sydney
School Holidays
12 - 16th Apr |
12 - 16th Jul |
27 - 1st Oct |
2027
8:45 am - 4:30 pm | 5 days per week
3 x 1 week (40 hrs) delivered over consecutive school holiday periods over 1 year
VETiS course delivered ON CAMPUS
Fee:$3685
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$1842.50
School Holidays
12 - 16th Apr |
12 - 16th Jul |
27 - 1st Oct |
2027
8:45 am - 4:30 pm | 5 days per week
3 x 1 week (40 hrs) delivered over consecutive school holiday periods over 1 year
Delivered ON CAMPUS
Fee:$3685
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$1842.50
Canberra
Commencing 11th Mar 2026
4:00 pm - 7:30 pm | Wed session
1 afternoon per week. The final week runs 9am to 3pm over 5 days during the ACT school holidays.
Delivered ON CAMPUS
2 Semesters (28 weeks)
Fee:$3550
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$1775
Online
Commencing 8th Sep 2026
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Tues, Thu session
Two sessions per week, delivered Online.
(1 week term breaks aligned with ACT holidays)
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (15 weeks)
Fee:$3548
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$1775
Commencing 12th Oct 2026
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Mon, Wed session
Two sessions per week, delivered Online.
(break over Christmas to restart 4 January)
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (15 weeks)
Fee:$3550
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$1775
Mentors
Educators with real industry experience
When you learn at AIE, you’re learning from people that know the industry from the inside — because they’ve worked in it.
Tom Pugh
Tom Pugh
Credits include:
Mortal Kombat
Andy Rommie
Andy Romine
Credits include:
Avengers Infinity War
Lars Holmgren
Lars Holmgren
Credits include:
Wicked: For Good
Scott Lissard
Scott Lissard
Credits include:
Men in Black
Kane Senes
Kane Senes
Credits include:
Sissy
Mike Gordon
Mike Gordon
Credits include:
Love and Monsters
Upcoming Events
Discover more at one of our events
AIE runs campus and online events throughout the year and we encourage students to attend. AIE also broadcast regular livestreams with our alumni and industry professionals that provide insight into future career paths.
Open Day
August 16, 2026
Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation and visual…
Starts at 10am
Testimonials
What our graduates say
Graduate Success
AIE graduates work at the top studio worldwide and have worked on the biggest games and films!
Enrol Now
If you have any questions about the enrolment form or the course you are enrolling in please contact us.
AIE would like to ensure the course you have selected is the most suitable for your needs. We may contact you to discuss your requirements.
AIE’s Student Handbook and Policies can be accessed here
Students wishing to enrol as part of their HSC, VCE, VCAL or SACE
Please note that if you would like to enrol into this course as part of your year 11 and 12 studies, please contact your school’s careers advisor or your local AIE campus for more information.
Do you have a unique student identifier (USI)?
To complete this enrolment form you need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Creating a USI will only take a few minutes and it is free. You only need to create a USI once and it will stay with you for life. After you create your USI, you then need to give it to each training organisation you train with when you enrol.
To create a USI, visit https://www.usi.gov.au/students/create-usi