Name: Advanced Visual Effects (VFX) and Virtual Production
Brand: Advanced Visual Effects (VFX) and Virtual Production

all about

Advanced Visual Effects (VFX) and Virtual Production

Advanced Visual Effects (VFX) and Virtual Production is a full-time, two-year program at the Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA). You’ll learn the basics of visual effects and how virtual production workflows come together. You’ll work in areas like modelling, sculpting, texturing, lighting, compositing, FX, and 3D matte painting using industry-standard tools such as Unreal, Nuke, and Houdini.

The program focuses on real-world skills, including cinematography, data capture, match moving, photography, lighting, and basic scripting to improve your workflow. You’ll get hands-on experience preparing, modifying, and filming VFX assets while building teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration skills in fast-paced environments.

By the end of the program, you’ll create a professional demo reel with both individual and group projects to showcase your technical and artistic abilities. This program is perfect for students with a creative background, and technical skills will help prepare you for careers in VFX, games, and virtual production.

Software and hardware taught and provided to students during this program:

Maya
zBrush
Substance Designer
Substance Painter
Houdini
VRay
Arnold
Mari
Nuke
Shotgun
Unreal Engine
QuixelMegascans
Davinci Resolve
Python
Deadline Renderfarm
3DEqualizer
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Premiere
Adobe Creative Suite
Microsoft Office 365

Available intakes

Starts in

Registration opens in

Domestic

International

September 2026

Transcripts due:

Domestic

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Open

Applications closes:

Application Opens:

Transcripts due within two weeks of application submission.

Transcripts due:

International

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Open

Starts in

Registration opens in

March 9, 2026 for May 2026 course start dates

July 6, 2026 for September 2026 course start dates

To register in an Open Studies course, find the course in the list below and click on the course code. Select the offering of the course that you would like to take, add it to the cart, proceed to checkout, and pay with a credit card.
‍Registration for all courses opens at 9:00 A.M. Calgary time.

Program availability and start dates are subject to change. Admission is based on first applied, first qualified.

Admission requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent

English 30-1, English 30-2 or equivalent

Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admission and Placement Test

and

Portfolio submission of 15 to 20 pieces of artistic work (for example: sketches, renderings, design variations) in digital format. Successful portfolios reflect a broad range of techniques, influences, styles, and subject matter. Submissions must represent the original work of the applicant. If an item is a collaborative piece, list all contributors and describe your contribution.

If you have questions or would like an informal pre-assessment of your portfolio, please email ceaportfolio@bowvalleycollege.ca. Watch this video for more information.
‍

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English proficiency

If English is not your first language, please review the English language proficiency requirements.

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Academic upgrading

Missing a required admission criteria? Complete academic upgrading before applying.

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Transfer credit

Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. See where this program can transfer to.

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Provincial equivalencies

If you studied outside of Alberta, you can see which of your courses is equivalent to an admission requirement.

International Students:
‍Check whether your previous studies completed outside Canada meet the admission requirements using our country-specific document list.

Tuition and fees

Term

Tuition fees

Additional fees

Total fees*

Term 1

$6,768

$605

$7,373

Term 2

$6,768

$564

$7,332

Term 3

$6,768

$564

$7,332

Term 4

$6,768

$605

$7,373

Term 5

$6,768

$564

$7,332

Term 6

$8,826

$564

$9,390

Estimated total tuition:

total cost

Term

Tuition fees

Additional fees

Total fees*

Term 1

$10,468

$605

$11,073

Term 2

$10,468

$564

$11,032

Term 3

$10,468

$564

$11,032

Term 4

$10,468

$605

$11,073

Term 5

$10,468

$564

$11,032

Term 6

$15,931

$564

$16,495

Estimated total tuition:

total cost

*All tuition and fees are subject to change. Program tuitions are estimates only. Your actual tuition and fees are calculated on actual course registrations and can be viewed under "Statement of Account" in MyBVC or by requesting a Statement of Account from Registrar Services.

Courses

Legend:

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Zero Textbook Cost

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Course is eligible for PLAR

Not all delivery modes are available for all courses or programs, and not all courses are available each term. Students should follow up on their individual program areas or their MyBVC for information for courses delivery types and availability.

‍Delivery modes, descriptions, and availability of courses each term are subject to change.

Term 1