36 Courses and Certifications

Online Visual Effects Courses & Certifications

What makes Avatar or Jurassic Park memorable? Or take the thrilling Avengers? Other than the awesome acting, script, storyline and direction, it is the fact that you get to witness unreal things in the most realistic way possible. Before the dawn of Visual Effects, you had Superman who flew with the help of wires and cranes. But with visual effects, Superman can fly! This artistic and technical field is a crucial part of not just the entertainment industry (TV, film, and game) but also part of any other industry which needs appealing storytelling to sell its products or services. Anything that requires advertising might need the help of some good old (pun intended) Visual effects. As the industry of Animation, VFX and Video Games was estimated to be 264 billion dollars, it provides you with great opportunities. So take the best Visual Effects courses to land a rewarding career.

What are Visual Effects?

Popularly known by the short form VFX, Visual Effects is the method of creating or manipulating on-screen imagery that does not physically exist in real life. The VFX artists create characters, objects and environments that do not exist in the real world and then incorporate it into the live-action shot.

Also Read: Free Visual Effects Courses & Certifications

Difference between VFX and CGI

VFX is about creating on-screen imagery with no real existence and then incorporating that to live footage after capture. Whereas in CGI everything is digitally created, whether (2D or 3D) So VFX focuses on adding effects to the existing imagery or film. 

Who can pursue Visual Effects courses?

  • You are an artist at heart, (high school student or undergraduate) sketching gripping graphics onto the page. Now you wish to learn Visual effects to make them more lifelike.
  • You are already a professional in the industry (production, marketing)and wish to bridge any gap that you might have

If this is you, then Visual Effects courses are for you.

Eligibility Criteria for Visual Effects courses

For UG Visual Effects courses, you must have (10 + 2) qualification with a minimum passing percentage of 50%.

 For PG Visual Effects courses, you must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum passing percentage of 50%.

Depending on the institute as well as the course, the admission criteria could either be merit-based or through entrance exams.

Entrance Exams for Visual Effects courses

You can also take online visual effects courses to learn visual effects online.

Important skills for Visual Effects courses

  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Excellent visualisation 
  • Observational skills
  • Time Management
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Attention to detail

Also Read: Popular providers offering Visual Effects courses and certifications

Udemy Visual Effects Courses & Certifications
Coursera Visual Effects Courses & Certifications
Edx Visual Effects Courses & Certifications
Udacity Visual Effects Courses & Certifications
Google Visual Effects Courses & Certifications
TCS iON Visual Effects Courses & Certifications
Futurelearn Visual Effects Courses & Certifications
Unity Technologies Visual Effects Courses & Certifications
Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics Visual Effects Courses & Certifications
Yeppar Visual Effects Courses & Certifications

What will you learn in Visual Effects courses?

VFX courses online aim to teach you all the foundational aspects and the practical application of the said aspects. You learn how to use the most advanced tools in creating the best effects. This makes you stand out in your field. Here are some core concepts taught in Visual Effects courses.

  • Digital Design
  • 3D Design
  • Basics of Photography
  • Advanced Particle Effects
  • Advance Paint Technique
  • Creating Visual Effects Element 
  • Compositing
  • Match moving or motion tracking
  • Rotoscoping
  • Keying
  • Matte painting
  • 3D modelling

Popular Visual Effects courses Certification courses

Are you good at rotoscoping or tracking? Or in plain words, can you insert your visual effects into the live footage in the most seamless way possible? Most of these skills you learn in two different ways. One way is through college and another is by experience. But you might miss out on things in both these ways. Any gap that you have in these visual effects certification courses can fill it for you. Here's the list of VFX certificate courses offered by top e-learning providers. 

Course

Offered by 

Duration

Fee

3D Art and Audio Pipeline

Unity Technologies via Coursera

4 weeks

Free

Introduction to Extended Reality Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality Foundations

Unity Technologies via Coursera

4 weeks 

Free

Lighting Reflection and Post Processing Effects

Unity Technologies via Coursera

5 weeks

Free


Career Opportunities after Visual Effects courses 

VFX Artist

As a VFX Artist, you have to develop digitally-generated imagery that is realistic looking. Then you will integrate them into live-shoot imagery. Your expertise is required in feature films, television gaming, and others. With state-of-the-art technology, you will also have to create characters, surroundings, and more. 

Graphic designer 

As a graphic designer, you will make graphic designs that are aesthetically appealing. This way you can communicate the message of the producer to the consumer. You will also use the latest technical skills and combine your originality to make the design unique. 

Game Designer

In this role, you will be able to create the concept and then set about designing it with the latest tools and techniques in the trade. You will also work with your team in developing everything from the storyline and characters to even the smallest elements in the story.

Animator

As an animator, you will use multiple frames together, sequencing them to bring characters and surroundings to life. You will work with 2D, 3D model-making, stop-frame or computer-generated animation to make this happen.

Other Careers

Salary Trends

According to PayScale, the average salary of a VFX Artist is Rs 359,929 per annum and can go up to Rs 8 lakhs per annum. Here is a list of some of the professions related to visual effects along with their compensations. The below-given salary details may vary depending on experience, skills, company, location and other factors.

Profession

Average Base Salary p.a.

Graphic Designer

Rs 301,319/- 

Game Designer

Rs 658,452/-

Animator

Rs 327,662/-

VFX Producer

Rs 88,665/month

** Source of Salary Details: Payscale, Glassdoor

Popular Online Design Courses and Certifications

Scope after Visual Effects courses

This is a multi-billion dollar industry which has a massive impact on the world. Without visual effects, the film industry wouldn’t be the same. You could be a freelancer, name your price or work in companies or even start your own company! Let’s take a look at the industries that require demand in visual effects: such as media and journalism, gaming, advertising, and others. With technology advancing at an exponential rate your creative side will have more space to explore and this talent will be sought after both in the country and abroad. Hence take the best Visual effects courses online to become a highly qualified professional.

Top Recruiters

  • Pixar
  • Animal Logic
  • Studio Liddell 
  • Framestore
  • DreamWorks Animation
  • Walt Disney

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FAQs

Q: What are some of the VFX software that every professional should be adept at using?

A: Some of the best VFX software are: 

  • Nuke
  • Fusion
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Blender VFX
  • Krita
  • 4D Cinema
  • ZBrush
  • Hitfilm Express

Q: What is the duration for different visual effects courses?

A: It takes 3 years to complete UG visual effects courses and 2 years for PG visual effects courses. For a diploma in visual effects courses, it could be 2-3 years. You can complete most VFX courses online within a few months.

Q: How much does it cost to complete visual effects courses?

A: This would depend on the visual effects courses as well as on the institute. For UG visual effects courses, it can cost from Rs 6.50 lakhs (private) and 1.78 lakhs to 1.96 lakhs (public). For PG visual effects courses, it can cost from Rs 1.02 lakhs (private) and 1.15 lakhs to 1.61 lakhs (public). When it comes to a diploma in visual effects courses it is around Rs 3.35 lakhs (private). Most visual effects certification courses are free of cost.

Q: What are the best colleges in India offering visual effects courses?

A: Some of the top colleges for studying visual effects courses are:

Q: How do you become a visual effects designer?

A: Since the field is so diverse, you can learn most of the skills online. There are many visual effects certification courses available. And if you can prove to your employer your skills, then you are hired. But a traditional approach gives a better chance at a job. So to have at least a degree or diploma in visual effects courses. Along with that, online visual effects courses can amplify your skills.

Q: What is the difference between Visual effects and special effects?

A: Visual effects are the digital creation of effects into real-life footage. Whereas special effects or practical effects are traditional approaches in the tv/film industry. They were the only effects before the advent of VFX. So special effects could be a real fire, water, snow, and more. 

Career Category
Specialization
Job Role
Skills

Pricing

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To
Master Certificate in Unreal Engine Virtual Production

Offered by

Certificate

Master Certificate in Unreal Engine Virtual Production

Master Certificate in Unreal Engine Virtual Production is a professional offline certificate course offered by EDGE which functions under the EDGE Metaversity. The EDGE Metaversity offers numerous interactional certifications in animation, virtual production, visual effects, and game development. Master Certificate in Unreal Engine Virtual Production Course is a 9-month (300 hours) training course in  Virtual Production that is provided in-person mode in the well-equipped campuses across India. 

Master Certificate in Unreal Engine Virtual Production Syllabus will equip the learners with all aspects of unreal engine virtual production. The learners will learn from very basics including computer graphics, storytelling, and camera technique to the advanced aspects of advanced computer GFX, advanced compositing, and the like.

Master Certificate in Unreal Engine Virtual Production by EDGE Metaversity can be taken by anyone who is passionate about storytelling and merging visual effects and does not require any previous background or experience in game design, CG, or VFX. In the end, Pearl Edge will help you to have a  Portfolio Film showcasing your prowess and proficiency in virtual production.

...Read More
11 Months
2,97,050
Brochure
Certificate

Master Certificate in VFX Compositing with NukeX

The Master Certificate in VFX Compositing with NukeX course is an exclusive professional offering of the EDGE by Pearl Academy, which is affiliated with Trazos which is one of the most outstanding schools in Animation in Spain, #3 in Europe & #7 in the World. The outline of the course is 9 months which is taught offline on the Pearl Campus. This master certificate course by Maya on VFX will assist in building a dream career.

This NukeX technology is actually one that is behind the environments, and fantastic backgrounds that are seen in different action movies like Ready Player One, and Blade Runner 2049. Hence keeping this technology in mind this Master Certificate in VFX Compositing with NukeX training course was knitted to equip the candidates with the knowledge of VFX animation technologies.

...Read More
9 Months
2,97,050
Brochure
Skills Covered:
Animation skills
Certificate

Master Certificate in VFX with Houdini

The Master Certificate in VFX with Houdini is a professional certificate course for 9 months which is the offline offering of the EDGE under the institute of Pearl Academy. SideFX Houdini is one of the most sought-after software for creating visual effects in local and world movies or television series. Hence once the thought of learning about this software comes, the students can directly pursue this Master's certificate programme.

The Master Certificate in VFX with Houdini training will help all the participating trainees to create stunning effects in movies just like in TV series like Game of Thrones, and movies like Avengers. This Master's course will push successful students toward their dream career prospects. Any passion for visual effects and animation will be satiated with this Pearl Edge course.

...Read More
9 Months
2,97,050
Certificate

Master Certificate in Unreal Engine Virtual Production

Master Certificate in Unreal Engine Virtual Production is a professional offline certificate course offered by EDGE which functions under the Pearl Academy. The EDGE by Pearl Academy offers numerous interactional certifications in animation, virtual production, visual effects, and game development. Master Certificate in Unreal Engine Virtual Production Course is a 9-month (300 hours) training course in  Virtual Production that is provided in-person mode in the well-equipped campuses across India. 

Master Certificate in Unreal Engine Virtual Production Syllabus will equip the learners with all aspects of unreal engine virtual production. The learners will learn from very basics including computer graphics, storytelling, and camera technique to the advanced aspects of advanced computer GFX, advanced compositing, and the like.

Master Certificate in Unreal Engine Virtual Production by EDGE by Pearl Academy can be taken by anyone who is passionate about storytelling and merging visual effects and does not require any previous background or experience in game design, CG, or VFX. In the end, Pearl Edge will help you to have a  Portfolio Film showcasing your prowess and proficiency in virtual production.

...Read More
9 Months
2,97,050
Master Certificate in VFX Compositing with NukeX

Offered by

Certificate

Master Certificate in VFX Compositing with NukeX

The Master Certificate in VFX Compositing with NukeX course is an exclusive professional offering of the EDGE Metaversity, which is affiliated with Trazos which is one of the most outstanding schools in Animation in Spain, #3 in Europe & #7 in the World. The outline of the course is 9 months which is taught offline on the Pearl Campus. This master certificate course by Maya on VFX will assist in building a dream career.

This NukeX technology is actually one that is behind the environments, and fantastic backgrounds that are seen in different action movies like Ready Player One, and Blade Runner 2049. Hence keeping this technology in mind this Master Certificate in VFX Compositing with NukeX training course was knitted to equip the candidates with the knowledge of VFX animation technologies.

...Read More
9 Months
2,97,050
Brochure
Skills Covered:
Animation skills
Master Certificate in VFX with Houdini

Offered by

Certificate

Master Certificate in VFX with Houdini

The Master Certificate in VFX with Houdini is a professional certificate course for 9 months which is the offline offering of the EDGE under the institute of EDGE Metaversity. SideFX Houdini is one of the most sought-after software for creating visual effects in local and world movies or television series. Hence once the thought of learning about this software comes, the students can directly pursue this Master's certificate programme.

The Master Certificate in VFX with Houdini training will help all the participating trainees to create stunning effects in movies just like in TV series like Game of Thrones, and movies like Avengers. This Master's course will push successful students toward their dream career prospects. Any passion for visual effects and animation will be satiated with this Pearl Edge course.

...Read More
9 Months
2,97,050
Brochure
Virtual Reality Development and its Applications

Offered by

Certificate

Virtual Reality Development and its Applications

The ‘Virtual Reality Development and its Applications’ online certification program is developed for the students to get an understanding of the concepts and functionalities of virtual reality along with learning about their applications in the business context. This industry-oriented certification is provided by the TCS iON digital learning hub for students with a background in programming languages. This online course is conducted for five to six months.

The course study is done through online lectures, tutorials, practical sessions while the students get to work on industry assignments and projects. The mentors of this TCS iON industry honors certification course are, Professor Manisha Mohan from the school of design at the university of petroleum and energy studies and Jyotheeswaran M.P., who is an applied games consultant at TCS. The academic and industrial guidance will equip the students with industrial exposure and knowledge. The ‘Virtual Reality Development and its Applications’ online course provides digital certificates to students with opportunities for career development.

...Read More
6 Months
20,000
Skills Covered:
Innovative Animation skills Technical skills Game designing skills
Visual Effects

Offered by

Rays VFX Academy
Certificate

Visual Effects

The Visual Effects (VFX) by Rays VFX Academy is a 6-month course with 400 hours of learning. This certification course has six modules providing learners with the fundamentals of VFX while enabling them to master the more advanced VFX techniques. With the Visual Effects (VFX) certification by Rays VFX Academy, students will learn about the techniques of visual effects and the technical skills required to excel in VFX careers and become effective VFX Artists. They will also be exposed to industry-relevant applications like Silhouette, Mocha, Nuke, and others.

The Visual Effects (VFX) certification course exposes learners to a panoramic vision of photography, basic editing skills, and chroma-keying techniques. They will be able to execute clean plate and wire removal techniques without leaving any mark in the frame. They will also have further learning in the development of particle effects.

...Read More
6 Months
90,000
Enquire
Skills Covered:
Knowledge of photography
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Offered by

Certificate

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Mordor Intelligence have estimated that the market for XR will grow from USD 26.05 billion in the year 2020 to USD 463.7 billion by the year 2026. This is a 63 % CAGR. So the field is quite promising. The Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality certification course offers a comprehensive curriculum that takes candidates through XR technologies. The students will gain valuable insights from MIT faculties as well as industry leaders. 

The Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality certification course by Emeritus and MIT takes the candidates through crucial XR (Extended Reality) concepts. This will enhance their skills in XR system elements. The candidates will learn about various processes, approaches and design principles. They will also develop the skills to consider requirements of clients in XR design and incorporate them into specific applications in Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Thus the candidates will be better positioned to conceive XR system ideas, communicate them with developers, and make recommendations to clients and other key stakeholders. The candidates taking the in a nutshell will learn to define, visualize, and pitch your XR game concept. 

...Read More
8 Weeks
$ 2,381
Creating Virtual Reality Apps

Offered by

Certificate

Creating Virtual Reality (VR) Apps

6 Weeks
Intermediate
Free
Lighting Reflection and Post Processing Effects

Offered by

Certificate

Lighting, Reflection, and Post Processing Effects

The Lighting, Reflection, and Post Processing Effects online course is the second part of a 5-part specialisation offered by Unity Technologies and Coursera. If you wish to appear for the Unity Certified 3D Artist exam, you will benefit from this course series. This is an online training programme offered by Unity and will be taught by Joy Horvath. 

The Lighting, Reflection, and Post Processing Effects syllabus focuses on the Kitchen Configurator application. This application allows users to observe a realistic rendering of a kitchen space and swap out the materials to customise the design. You will also add lighting effects that include simulated sunlight, ambient lighting from a custom skybox, interior lights, and realistic reflections. 

Furthermore, Lighting, Reflection, and Post Processing Effects by Coursera is an intermediate course that you can join for free. You can earn a certificate for completing the course and use it to enhance your credentials and get better job offers. 

...Read More
5 Weeks
Intermediate
Free
Skills Covered:
Animation skills
Introduction to Extended Reality Virtual Reality Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality Foundations

Offered by

Certificate

Introduction to XR: VR, AR, and MR Foundations

The Introduction to XR certification programme is developed to make you familiar with Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), as well as Mixed Reality (MR) technologies, collectively called Extended Reality (XR). You will understand how these technologies are used.

Throughout the four-week duration of the Introduction to XR online programme by Coursera, you will explore the history of each technology, its shortcomings and possibilities for improvement in the future. Also, you will get hands-on experience through practical exercises.

Coursera’s Introduction to XR online course will enable you to develop two simple XR apps on your smartphone using Unity – An Augmented Reality app and a ‘VR Museum’ app. Moreover, you will get to define, iterate, brainstorm and visualise your original XR app concept.

The Introduction to XR syllabus includes numerous quizzes, reading material and high-quality video lessons to deliver in-depth information. You will also have a peer-reviewed XR product brief at the end of the course.

...Read More
4 Weeks
Beginner
6,473
Skills Covered:
Animation skills
3D Art and Audio Pipeline

Offered by

Certificate

3D Art and Audio Pipeline

The 3D Art and Audio Pipeline online course is the fourth and final part of the ‘Unity Certified Programmer Exam Preparation Specialization’ series. This course series helps you prepare for the  Unity Certified Programmer examination and provides you with skills to create real-time 3D applications such as video games, automotive, training, film, and more. You will learn how to solve Unity programming problems related to the topics covered in the exam. 

The 3D Art and Audio Pipeline syllabus focuses on the Stealth application introduced in the third course. You will be challenged with some basic art implementation tasks with audio assets and modifying art at runtime. For instance, you will implement a 'red alert' mode where the lighting will change, and an alarm will go on. 

Finally, you will be reviewed based on the high-level considerations you’d have to face to adapt to a virtual reality platform or add networked features to the app. Furthermore, 3D Art and Audio Pipeline by Coursera is a flexible and self-paced intermediate certification course which is part of Animation and candidates can join it for free.

...Read More
4 Weeks
Intermediate
Free
Skills Covered:
Animation skills
Certificate

ADVFX PLUS - Advanced Program in Visual Effects

Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics is the media & entertainment brand of Aptech Ltd. It provides courses in visual effects, animation, gaming, filmmaking, multimedia, and graphic designing. The ADVFX PLUS - Advanced Program in Visual Effects course has been designed by experienced faculty to provide the learners with an understanding of the new-age production workflow. 

It will help the participants master the fundamentals as well as the advanced techniques of VFX artistry. This course covers various concepts of visual effects namely, digital designing, editing, motion graphics, storyboarding, and pre-production. This course will enable the participants to enhance their skills and meet industry standards. 

They will be provided a studio-like environment for their practical training sessions, which will provide them with the experience of a professional VFX artist. They will be trained in various concepts such as fxray, firereal, adobe photoshop, adobe after effects, adobe premiere, and adobe audition. They will be skilled enough to use the latest technologies and tools and develop a successful career in this domain of industry.

...Read More
576 Hours
Skills Covered:
Designing skills Animation skills
Visual Presentation

Offered by

RIT via Edx
Certificate

Visual Presentation

3 Weeks
Beginner
Free
Certificate

VFX PLUS- Program in Visual Effects

Maya academy aims to provide quality education in the domains of animation, visual effects, filmmaking, multimedia, web design, graphic design through job-oriented courses. VFX PLUS- Program in Visual Effects has been built by experienced faculty to help the learners master their skills in visual effects. 

Participants will learn various concepts such as digital designing, layer-based compositing, wire removal, clean plate, concepts of set extension, CG integration, and match moving and camera tracking. They will gain knowledge about software like Mocha, Nuke, Fusion, RealFlow, PFTrack, Photoshop, After Effects, and various other software. They will be prepared to work upon various projects in an authentic studio environment making them industry ready. They will be trained in the latest tools and technologies, ensuring expertise in the field of special effects. Participants of this course shall be skilled enough to join the VFX industry at lucrative profiles like Video editor, Motions Graphic Artist, Match Moving Artist, and amongst others.

...Read More
432 Hours
Skills Covered:
Designing skills

Offered by

Certificate

Complete Adobe After Effects Bootcamp: Basic to Advanced

Motion graphics and visual effects are becoming highly emphasized and crucial in the creation of any video. Discovering how to create these animations in Adobe After Effects has become critical. Adobe After Effects: Complete Course from Novice to Expert online course is an extremely powerful programme for learning the fundamentals and beyond of Motion Graphics and Visual Effects. New resources are published regularly to provide the individual with the entire Adobe After Effects Creative Cloud Course.

Adobe After Effects: Complete Course from Novice to Expert online certification is created by Louay Zambarakji - Founder of Ultimate Results Group, VFX Designer & Instructor and is made available through Udemy, a web-based learning platform that trains people in both technical and non-technical domains. With Adobe After Effects: Complete Course from Novice to Expert certification course individuals will be guided through the process of developing effective and practical animations as well as learning how to use basic and complicated animation methods. They will also learn about essential transformations using practical animations and examples. Individuals will be taught to create projects and videos from scratch to practically learn more about After Effects' extensive features and functions.

...Read More
3,099
Skills Covered:
Animation skills

Offered by

Certificate

Learn 3ds max full course from 20 plus years Experienced sir

3ds Max is a professional 3D modeling, rendering, and animation program that allows users to build large scenes and high-quality graphics. 3ds max enables users to develop 3d models of landscapes and sceneries utilizing sophisticated modeling tools, as well as detailed designs and objects with natural texturing and shading capabilities. Mukesh Kulshrestha - VFX Artist & 3d Generalist created the Learn 3ds max full course from 20 plus years Experienced sir online certification, which is delivered through Udemy.

Learn 3ds max full course from 20 plus years Experienced sir online training is developed for the candidates who want to learn the functionality of 3ds max to become professional architects, civil engineers, and mechanical engineers. Learn 3ds max full course from 20 plus years Experienced sir online classes contain more than 28.5 hours of digital lessons accompanied by 168 downloadable resources, practice tests, and assignments that discuss topics like texturing, rigging, rendering, snapping, shading, modeling, lighting, architectural modeling, product modeling, cloth modeling, environment modeling, edge modeling, furniture modeling, face modeling and more.

...Read More
2,299

Offered by

Certificate

Introduction to Virtual Reality

The phrase "virtual reality" refers to a three-dimensional, computer-generated space which an individual may explore and interact with. This individual joins this fictional environment or is completely involved in it, and while there, they can manipulate items or carry out a series of tasks. The Introduction to Virtual Reality certification course, which is offered by Udacity, was created by Vasanth Modan, a content developer, and instructor Matt Sonic.

Introduction to Virtual Reality online course is designed for participants who want to learn the principles and approaches used in the creation of virtual reality technology, including orientation tracking, display, optics, and the main hardware platform. Participants in Introduction to Virtual Reality online classes will also learn how to install and deploy a VR application on Google Cardboard and how to use game engines like Unity to develop convenient high-performance VR applications.

...Read More
Beginner
Free

Offered by

Offered by

Offered by

Offered by

Certificate

Fundamentals of VFX

Beginner
1,999