George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Visual Effects
(Postgraduate) (P408)
Program Details
- Program Code: P408
- Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate
- Duration: 1 year (3 semesters)
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: September
- Domestic Tuition: $12,572.00 *
- International Tuition: $34,840.00 **
- Fall 2026 Delivery: Semester 1: Not Available
- Winter 2027 Delivery: Not Available
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Winter 2027 | Suspended | Suspended |
| Spring 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
- PGWP Eligible: No
- CIP Code: N/A
Program Description
Program Overview
The Visual Effects one-year graduate certificate program will expand your knowledge of concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics and audio/video editing for film and television. After graduating from this program, you’ll be able to hit the ground running as a visual effects artist across many dynamic platforms.
The School of Media is ranked as one of Canada’s best film schools by both CourseCompare and Degrees & Careers.
Full Description
In this exciting three-semester Visual Effects graduate certificate program, you’ll increase your skills in 3D procedural animation, compositing, virtual production and visual effects workflows for film, television and the video game industry. Preparing for a career in the post-production industry, you’ll learn to combine technical skills with the creativity of a designer.
As a visual effects student, you’ll hone your visual storytelling capabilities by using elements like digital lighting, surface attribute design, 3D compositing and virtual engines. You’ll also get to work with our LED wall, which will give you hands-on experience working with industry-leading technology.
This program offers you the chance to learn from leading industry professionals who will guide you through classroom training as well as other relevant collaborative and extracurricular activities.
Program Specific Computer Requirements
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
The visual effects field in Toronto is a strong and well-established industry. With a long history of providing cutting-edge work to an international market, Toronto is a beacon for companies that film within Canada and worldwide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across various industries.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| VSFX1001 | Digital Visual Effects |
| VSFX1002 | Digital Compositing |
| VSFX1003 | Photorealistic Modelling |
| VSFX1004 | Procedural Modelling and Animation |
| VSFX1005 | Immersive Environments |
| VSFX1006 | Visual Effects Project I |
| VSFX1007 | Visual Effects Models and Shaders |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| VSFX1013 | Photorealistic Rendering |
| VSFX1014 | Particle System Effects |
| VSFX1015 | Cinematography For Visual Effects |
| VSFX1016 | Visual Effects Project II |
| VSFX1018 | Visual Effects Rendering |
| VSFX1019 | Matte Painting |
| VSFX1020 | Portfolio |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| VSFX2010 | Entrepreneurship |
| VSFX2020 | Experiential Thesis |
Course Outline URL
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Design visual effects sequences using storyboarding and pre-visualization that meet production requirements.
- Use filmmaking and game terminology to communicate effectively throughout all stages of production.
- Complete the production of live-action plates for use in visual effects.
- Manage the production of visual effects projects to meet production schedules.
- Identify hardware and software protocols specific to the field of visual effects.
- Analyze images and physical sets to digitally re-create lights, cameras, locations and objects.
- Create photo-real images to match live-action footage.
- Recreate natural phenomena by using appropriate particle or dynamic effects.
- Integrate 2D and/or 3D computer-generated imagery and live-action elements.
- Create customized tools through software or scripting to allow for more advanced application of visual effects techniques.
- Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams on the production of visual effects.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$12,572.00 *
International Tuition
$34,840.00 **
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
- bachelor’s degree OR diploma/advanced diploma
- digital portfolio
- letter of intent (in digital format/web link)
*Instructions for submitting the portfolio will be provided to successful applicants during the application process. Please also see the special requirements below.
English Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown Polytechnic English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit English Proficiency for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Portfolio Requirements
This program requires a digital portfolio featuring at least five examples of two or more of the following mediums: video design, motion graphics, digital art, traditional art, 3D modelling/texturing/rigging/animation/lighting, illustration, and concept art.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Media & Performing Arts
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2015
Email: media@georgebrown.ca
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered through our School of Media and Performing Arts and classes take place at our St. James Campus, mainly at 230 Richmond Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
On-campus information sessions are available. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown Polytechnic classroom. Sign up for an information session.
Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up for a campus tour. You can also check out our virtual tour.
Program Description
Program Overview
The Visual Effects one-year graduate certificate program will expand your knowledge of concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics and audio/video editing for film and television. After graduating from this program, you’ll be able to hit the ground running as a visual effects artist across many dynamic platforms.
The School of Media is ranked as one of Canada’s best film schools by both CourseCompare and Degrees & Careers.
Full Description
In this exciting three-semester Visual Effects graduate certificate program, you’ll increase your skills in 3D procedural animation, compositing, virtual production and visual effects workflows for film, television and the video game industry. Preparing for a career in the post-production industry, you’ll learn to combine technical skills with the creativity of a designer.
As a visual effects student, you’ll hone your visual storytelling capabilities by using elements like digital lighting, surface attribute design, 3D compositing and virtual engines. You’ll also get to work with our LED wall, which will give you hands-on experience working with industry-leading technology.
This program offers you the chance to learn from leading industry professionals who will guide you through classroom training as well as other relevant collaborative and extracurricular activities.
Program Specific Computer Requirements
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
The visual effects field in Toronto is a strong and well-established industry. With a long history of providing cutting-edge work to an international market, Toronto is a beacon for companies that film within Canada and worldwide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across various industries.
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| VSFX1001 | Digital Visual Effects |
| VSFX1002 | Digital Compositing |
| VSFX1003 | Photorealistic Modelling |
| VSFX1004 | Procedural Modelling and Animation |
| VSFX1005 | Immersive Environments |
| VSFX1006 | Visual Effects Project I |
| VSFX1007 | Visual Effects Models and Shaders |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| VSFX1013 | Photorealistic Rendering |
| VSFX1014 | Particle System Effects |
| VSFX1015 | Cinematography For Visual Effects |
| VSFX1016 | Visual Effects Project II |
| VSFX1018 | Visual Effects Rendering |
| VSFX1019 | Matte Painting |
| VSFX1020 | Portfolio |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| VSFX2010 | Entrepreneurship |
| VSFX2020 | Experiential Thesis |
Course Outline URL
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$12,572.00 *
International Tuition
$34,840.00 **
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
- bachelor’s degree OR diploma/advanced diploma
- digital portfolio
- letter of intent (in digital format/web link)
*Instructions for submitting the portfolio will be provided to successful applicants during the application process. Please also see the special requirements below.
English Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown Polytechnic English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit English Proficiency for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Portfolio Requirements
This program requires a digital portfolio featuring at least five examples of two or more of the following mediums: video design, motion graphics, digital art, traditional art, 3D modelling/texturing/rigging/animation/lighting, illustration, and concept art.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Design visual effects sequences using storyboarding and pre-visualization that meet production requirements.
- Use filmmaking and game terminology to communicate effectively throughout all stages of production.
- Complete the production of live-action plates for use in visual effects.
- Manage the production of visual effects projects to meet production schedules.
- Identify hardware and software protocols specific to the field of visual effects.
- Analyze images and physical sets to digitally re-create lights, cameras, locations and objects.
- Create photo-real images to match live-action footage.
- Recreate natural phenomena by using appropriate particle or dynamic effects.
- Integrate 2D and/or 3D computer-generated imagery and live-action elements.
- Create customized tools through software or scripting to allow for more advanced application of visual effects techniques.
- Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams on the production of visual effects.
Contact Us
School of Media & Performing Arts
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2015
Email: media@georgebrown.ca
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered through our School of Media and Performing Arts and classes take place at our St. James Campus, mainly at 230 Richmond Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
On-campus information sessions are available. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown Polytechnic classroom. Sign up for an information session.
Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up for a campus tour. You can also check out our virtual tour.
Visit St. James Campus
Book campus tourVisit
Our Virtual Tour showcases the following areas:
- Campus Facilities
- Student Services
- Applied Learning Environments
- Labs & Classrooms