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Application Process

Information about the next important step in your educational journey

Getting Started

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

We're here to assist you at every stage of your learning journey, including the application process. Before applying, it's helpful if you can answer the following questions:

  • Which course do I wish to enrol in? This includes the discipline or major/specialization you'd like to learn.
  • Am I aware of the associated fees? You might also need to consider financial aid, which is available for all courses.
  • What is my preferred method of study? Depending on your course option, you might need to decide if you will study full-time or part-time, or in a small group or private class.

If you are unsure about your direction, explore our courses page or check out our FAQ page for guidance. You can also reach out to our knowledgeable admissions team, who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you're ready to apply, check out the process below.

application-process-overview
STEP 01

Choose Your Course

    We understand that everyone's learning journey is different, which is why we offer courses that cater to different budgets, schedules, and skill levels. Our course options include:

    It's also important to remember that course you choose to study should coincide with your interests and/or career aspirations.

Step 02

Apply Online

    Once you have chosen your course, we invite you to complete the application form to initiate the application process.

    Our dedicated student admissions team reach out to you shortly to confirm your details and guide you through the rest of the enrollment process. 

    They're not just about paperwork; they want to get to know you better and iron out all the finer details, like your start date, study options, class scheduling, and portfolio review.

    APPLY NOW 

STEP 03

Confirmation of Enrollment

    Next, we’ll email you the required documents to secure your course enrollment.

    Once your contract is signed and payment has been received, you'll receive a confirmation email. Now you can officially call yourself a CG Spectrum student! 
Entry Requirements

Degrees & Diplomas

All CGSI-accredited courses offer government-assisted FEE-HELP to eligible students. Here’s a summary of how it works:

Australian Citizens & Residents: School Leavers
School leavers must satisfy the following requirements:

EITHER An Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12 certificate) or equivalent; A Certificate IV or higher qualification (for example, a TAFE Diploma) or higher

 

Australian Citizens & Residents: Non-school Leavers
EITHER An Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12 certificate) or equivalent; A Certificate IV or higher qualification (for example, a TAFE Diploma) or higher

Domestic applicants whose qualifications were completed in programs where English was not the language of instruction must also meet CGSI’s IELTS (or equivalent) entry requirements specified in the English Language Proficiency Assessment Policy (see bullet points below).

Non-visa Holding Online International Student
Non-visa-holding online international students must also satisfy one of the following requirements:

EITHER A Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or equivalent; A Certificate IV or higher qualification (for example, a TAFE Diploma) or higher

Applicants for admission to all courses at the Institute are required to demonstrate and meet one of the following minimum English Language Proficiency standards:

EITHER Successful completion of secondary education, or an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) award at Level 4 or above, in which English was the medium of instruction and assessment, and the final year of study was undertaken during the five (5) years immediately prior to commencement of study with CGSI; 

OR achieving the minimum requirements of an approved English Language test (as per the bullet points below) within two (2) years prior to the commencement of study. Minimum requirements for each respective test are as follows:

  • IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): Overall Band Score 6.0 with a minimum sub-score of 5.5 in writing, reading, speaking and listening.
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet-Based Test (iBT): 75 or better overall and no score less than 17.
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): Overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46.

Applicants to any of the CGSI courses must provide documentary evidence that they meet English Language Proficiency requirements.

Credit may be granted for one or more subjects on the basis of formal, non-formal, and informal learning (see definitions just below) when demonstrable expertise derived from that learning can be documented to be equivalent to the satisfaction of the Faculty Dean/Course Director. 
 
  • Formal learning: learning that takes place through a structured program of learning that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially accredited qualification. 
  • Non-formal learning: learning that takes place through a structured program of learning but does not lead to an officially accredited qualification. 
  • Informal learning: learning gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities and experiences. 

Maximum credit granted

The maximum credit that can be granted for prior learning is 33% of the total credit points (or 80 credit points—equivalent to 2 full trimesters of study) for bachelor-level courses and 50% for diploma-level courses. 
 
The assessment of the amount of credit to be granted in particular courses shall be determined by the Course Director (or other academic leader as relevant/available) and will be based on the following:
  1.  The evidence provided by the student includes their ability to show their level of achievement (via grades, artifacts or portfolios).
  2. The subjects completed are well matched to the CGSI ones in terms of content and learning outcomes addressed.
  3. Subjects are sufficiently recent in terms of completion dates to ensure that the skills learned and software programs used remain relevant.  

What you may need to provide

In order to secure credit(s), you may need to provide:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Portfolio or evidence of coursework with a recency of completion
  • Proof of attendance/completion of course or unit
  • Letter of recommendation from your teacher/mentor
  • Proof of recent relevant industry experience 
Entry Requirements

Career Track & Short Courses

We strive to make our industry certificate courses accessible to a broader range of aspiring artists and creators by offering a variety of financial aid options designed to fit different needs and budgets. These options include:

Age Minimum
The general minimum age to be able to enroll in our industry certificate courses is 16. We require parent or guardian consent during the enrollment process for applicants under 18.

Students under 16 will require a further assessment before they can officially enrol. This may include an interview with a course advisor and the creation of a study plan to ensure they have considered how they will manage a college-level workload.

English Proficiency
We expect our students to have a good understanding of written and spoken English. There’s no specific ’level'; however, you must be able to understand video tutorials in English (no subtitles) and speak with your mentor in English during your live Q&A session.

Computer Literacy
To be successful in this program, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

Portfolio Review (Concept Art Only)
Our concept art course has one additional entry requirement. Students must submit a portfolio demonstrating their skill level before their application will be considered.

Need Help Applying?

We try to give you as much information as possible but sometimes it's just best to talk to someone! Hit the button below and a friendly admissions member will reach out and help you through the application process.

GET IN TOUCH

I've just accepted an internship role at Pixar!

As my final semester of the Advanced 3d Modeling course is coming to an end, I've just accepted an internship role at Pixar! I've learned so much over the past year and am thrilled to have the skills now to make a career change for my dream job. I'm excited to begin this new phase of my journey—thanks so much CG Spectrum!

Michelle V
Michelle V
3D Modeling

I landed a job immediately after finishing the course.

When I started CG Spectrum's animation program, I wasn't sure what to expect. Now, I can surely tell that choosing CG Spectrum was the best decision I've ever made. My mentors were incredibly knowledgeable, dedicated and supportive.

Vanessa R
Vanessa R
Animation

I enrolled looking for a career change...

I didn't have any knowledge about digital arts. Now I can accomplish my dream of creating cinematics within fantasy worlds to tell stories or apply any artistic idea and make it happen with all the new tools under my belt. If you have passion, and need time flexibility, consider joining the amazing community and start your new journey exploring, exchanging, sharing and, most importantly, learning.

Marc C
Marc C
Real-Time 3D & Virtual Production

CG Spectrum prepares you to work as a professional game designer from day one.

The most impressive quality CG Spectrum offers is a course that makes study as if you were on your first job. If you are willing to put the energy into studying and do the assignments as if you were on the job, and if you are ready to hear your mentor's suggestions and challenge yourself to push your limits, you will get an experience very similar to the workplace. 

Loris C
Loris C
Game Design

If you're considering a career change for the CG Industry, try CG Spectrum. You won't regret it!

I wanted to give special thanks to CG Spectrum's career coach for all her time and guidance. She will go out of her way to help guide you! She will take the time to listen to your specific drives, needs and weaknesses, then help you set your goals and craft methodologies to fulfil them. I am really thankful for all her unconditional help!

Miguel G
Miguel G
3D Modeling

I have never experienced such an explosive evolution in my art since attending CG Spectrum.

I have learnt an incredible amount, not only from my amazing mentor Eric Wilkerson but from the entire CGS community. Being part of such an amazing program has opened my eyes to techniques that have streamlined my process and increased my confidence tenfold. I highly recommend the Advanced Illustration Course. Buckle up, and knuckle down – this could be the course that changes everything for you.

Oliver H
Oliver H
Digital Illustration

I’d take the course again if I could!

I can’t praise CG Spectrum enough for the quality of teaching and dedication to their students. Mark was by far the best mentor I’ve ever had. He really took the time to help design the course around what it is that I wanted to get out of it. I’ve studied other animation courses in the past, but none even come close to the depth and speed of development as CG Spectrum. 

Ned C
Ned C
Animation

I'm so glad I've chosen CG Spectrum's FX course.

I can honestly say that the amount I've learned in a year studying here is more than I could've ever learned in a traditional school or by myself. The mentors are incredibly knowledgeable about their field, and they're very helpful and patient. You get to be a part of an incredible community of talented students and mentors, I think that's one of the biggest advantages that this school offers.

Laura L
Laura L
Houdini FX