Kesley Birrell
Credits include:
How to Train Your Dragon
Certificate III in Information Technology ICT30120
C++ Programming Foundations
Do you want to learn how to program but don’t know where to begin? Do you dream of programming your own computer games? Did you know that C++ is still one of the most used programming languages in the games industry and is the gold standard when it comes to video game development?
Overview
Get into Game Programming
In this course, you will begin your journey as a video game programmer by learning the foundations of C++ programming for games. Starting with a solid introduction to the C++ programming language, you will learn the fundamentals of video game math before progressing to make your own video games in C++ using the RayLib graphical framework.
The course includes supplementary training on cyber-security awareness, operating systems and hardware, intellectual property, and ethics. You will also learn about video game testing, working as a tester on a game currently in development. Finally, you will plan and produce a game of your own design to consolidate all the knowledge you gained during the course.
The course is entirely self-paced and contains detailed video lessons, numerous practical exercises, and assessment tasks for each module. Course materials include a combination of video presentations, presentation slides and text-based exercises and tutorials (in Adobe Acrobat format), plus links to websites and additional resources where appropriate.
C++ Programming Foundation serves as a valuable bridge to further study in games programming and will build a portfolio for entry into AIE’s Diploma and Advanced Diploma level qualifications.
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.
Online
Commencing 2nd Mar 2026
This is a self-paced course that students complete online using the resources on AIE's online Learning Management System. We recommend students allow 8 hours per week over 40 weeks to complete this qualification. Students have 1 year / 52 weeks to access the course.
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (52 weeks)
Fee:$5900
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$2950
Commencing 6th Apr 2026
This is a self-paced course that students complete online using the resources on AIE's online Learning Management System. We recommend students allow 8 hours per week over 40 weeks to complete this qualification. Students have 1 year / 52 weeks to access the course.
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (52 weeks)
Fee:$5900
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$2950
Commencing 4th May 2026
This is a self-paced course that students complete online using the resources on AIE's online Learning Management System. We recommend students allow 8 hours per week over 40 weeks to complete this qualification. Students have 1 year / 52 weeks to access the course.
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (52 weeks)
Fee:$5900
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$2950
Commencing 1st Jun 2026
This is a self-paced course that students complete online using the resources on AIE's online Learning Management System. We recommend students allow 8 hours per week over 40 weeks to complete this qualification. Students have 1 year / 52 weeks to access the course.
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (52 weeks)
Fee:$5900
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$2950
Commencing 6th Jul 2026
This is a self-paced course that students complete online using the resources on AIE's online Learning Management System. We recommend students allow 8 hours per week over 40 weeks to complete this qualification. Students have 1 year / 52 weeks to access the course.
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (52 weeks)
Fee:$5900
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$2950
Commencing 3rd Aug 2026
This is a self-paced course that students complete online using the resources on AIE's online Learning Management System. We recommend students allow 8 hours per week over 40 weeks to complete this qualification. Students have 1 year / 52 weeks to access the course.
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (52 weeks)
Fee:$5900
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$2950
Commencing 7th Sep 2026
This is a self-paced course that students complete online using the resources on AIE's online Learning Management System. We recommend students allow 8 hours per week over 40 weeks to complete this qualification. Students have 1 year / 52 weeks to access the course.
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (52 weeks)
Fee:$5900
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$2950
Commencing 5th Oct 2026
This is a self-paced course that students complete online using the resources on AIE's online Learning Management System. We recommend students allow 8 hours per week over 40 weeks to complete this qualification. Students have 1 year / 52 weeks to access the course.
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (52 weeks)
Fee:$5900
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$2950
Commencing 2nd Nov 2026
This is a self-paced course that students complete online using the resources on AIE's online Learning Management System. We recommend students allow 8 hours per week over 40 weeks to complete this qualification. Students have 1 year / 52 weeks to access the course.
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (52 weeks)
Fee:$5900
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$2950
Commencing 7th Dec 2026
This is a self-paced course that students complete online using the resources on AIE's online Learning Management System. We recommend students allow 8 hours per week over 40 weeks to complete this qualification. Students have 1 year / 52 weeks to access the course.
Delivered ONLINE
2 Semesters (52 weeks)
Fee:$5900
Year 10, 11, 12 fee:$2950
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