International Film & Games Industry Launchpad Scholarship
Applications are open for February 2027
Scholarship Overview
The International Film & Games Industry Launchpad Scholarships support students from outside of Australia who want to take their passion for the creative industries and pursue a CGSI Diploma or Bachelor qualification as their next step towards a career in games, VFX, animation, or digital art. The scholarships are for students ready to challenge themselves, develop industry-standard skills and build work that holds up, but who might be challenged by personal or financial circumstances.
What you can study
Scholarships can be applied to eligible CGSI Diploma or Bachelor courses commencing in the February 2027 intake. Whether you’re interested in animation, games, visual development, or digital art, you’ll study in a specialised pathway designed to help you develop industry-relevant skills and build a professional portfolio.
Eligible courses include:
- Diploma/Bachelor of Digital Art (2D Animation)
- Diploma/Bachelor of Digital Art (Concept Art)
- Diploma/Bachelor of Digital Art (Illustration)
- Diploma/Bachelor of Animation and VFX (FX)
- Diploma/Bachelor of Animation and VFX (3D Modeling)
- Diploma/Bachelor of Animation and VFX (3D Animation)
- Diploma/Bachelor of Game Development (Game Design)
- Diploma/Bachelor of Game Development (Game Programming)
Not sure which pathway is right for you?
Our Student Advisors can help you explore your options and find the course that best aligns with your interests, strengths, and career goals.Diploma scholarship valued at AUD 7,986
Who Can Apply
The International Film & Games Industry Launchpad Scholarships are for those passionate about their creative pursuits and interested in pursuing a career in the creative industries. You do not need professional-level work or previous industry experience to apply. We’re looking for potential, commitment, and genuine interest in the field.
Applicants must:
- Not be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Be applying for first-year entry into an eligible CGSI Diploma or Bachelor course
- Submit a scholarship application and a CGSI course application to be eligible for an offer
- Demonstrate an interest in a relevant creative or technical field through drawings, projects, animations, game ideas, personal work, or other creative examples
- Show passion, curiosity, and a willingness to develop their skills, regardless of their current experience level
- Demonstrate they have the financial means to pay their reduced tuition for the duration of their studies prior to beginning their chosen course, with a requirement to commence payments (monthly or first trimester) before commencement of studies
You don’t need a polished portfolio or professional-quality work. We’re interested in seeing your potential and what you could become with the right guidance, feedback, and support.
As an institute that values excellence, diversity and inclusivity, we recognise that talent, creativity and potential are not limited by circumstance or background. Our goal is to foster a student community that reflects the broad range of perspectives, experiences and voices that enrich the creative industries. We therefore particularly encourage applications from students who identify with one or more of the following:
- A member of a cultural minority group
- First in family
- Living with a disability
- Neurodiverse
- Experiencing financial hardship
- Rural/remote
- Belonging to other underrepresented groups within the VFX, Games or Animation sectors
How to Apply
To apply for an International Film & Games Industry Launchpad Scholarship, submit a short video (between 3 and 5 minutes) introducing yourself and telling us why you’re applying. This doesn’t need to be professionally produced. We’re interested in your ideas, interests, and potential.
In your video, tell us:
- Which scholarship you’re applying for
- Which CGSI Diploma or Bachelor course and specialisation interests you
- What inspires you about this field
- What creative projects, work, or ideas you’ve explored so far
- Why you believe you should receive the scholarship (and if applicable how you meet the diversity, equity and inclusion criteria)
- What you hope CGSI will help you build, improve, or become
You’re welcome to include examples of your work, such as drawings, animations, game projects, personal creations, or other relevant creative pieces.
As part of the application form, you’ll also be asked to nominate the CGSI course you’re interested in and provide supporting application details.
Successful applicants will be notified before the commencement of the February 2027 intake.
Applications are reviewed by a CGSI Scholarship Review Panel made up of senior academic and industry representatives. Scholarships are not awarded based on grades alone or on having the most polished portfolio. Instead, the panel looks for students who demonstrate genuine potential and a strong commitment to their chosen field.
The panel will assess applications based on:
- Passion and enthusiasm for the discipline you’re pursuing
- Commitment to developing your skills and pursuing a creative career
- Creative evidence that demonstrates your interest, curiosity, or potential
- Alignment with the scholarship’s stated intent (e.g. creative excellence and/or diversity, equity and inclusion) and chosen field of study
- The quality of your application video and how clearly you communicate your goals and motivations
We understand that students will be at different stages of their creative journey. You do not need professional-level work to be considered.
Examples of creative evidence may include:
- Games: game ideas, gameplay analysis, Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, level design concepts, personal projects, problem-solving examples, favourite games and what you would improve about them, or experience experimenting with tools such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
- 2D Animation: drawings, character designs, animation clips, school media projects, visual storytelling work, or evidence of a unique creative voice and interest in animation.
- Concept Art: a portfolio demonstrating artistic ability, creativity, and visual development skills. Applicants may stand out through a particularly strong artistic style, original ideas, or a distinctive perspective.
Most importantly, we’re looking for students who are ready to be challenged, eager to improve, and serious about building their creative future.
Application Deadline
Scholarship applications for the February 2027 intake close at 6:00pm AEST on Friday 18 December 2026.
We recommend submitting your application well before the deadline to allow time to complete your CGSI course application and upload any supporting materials.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application before the February 2027 intake commences. This includes both successful and unsuccessful applicants, so you’ll know where you stand before making your final study plans.
Apply
Apply for the Launchpad Scholarship
After submitting your details:
- Check your inbox for your application email.
- Follow the link and complete the application requirements.
- Submit your 3–5 minute video before 18 December 2026.
Applications close Friday 18 December 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. We’re not looking for polished portfolios or industry experience. We’re looking for potential, passion, and evidence that you’re interested in developing your skills.
No. The scholarships are designed for students at different stages of their creative journey. Whether you’re just getting started or have already begun exploring your chosen field, we encourage you to apply.
Yes, part of the scholarship award requires you to maintain academic standards in order to retain your scholarship for future trimesters. This means you are expected to submit all assessments, and pass your subjects. Failing the same subject twice, or failing to engage with your studies (missed classes or assessments) may result in the withdrawal of your scholarship.
You can share drawings, animations, game projects, coding projects, 3D work, school assignments, personal projects, creative ideas, or anything else that demonstrates your interest in the field.
Yes. Current high school students who intend to commence an eligible CGSI Diploma or Bachelor course in February 2027 are encouraged to apply.
You can submit your scholarship application before making a final study decision. However, to be awarded a scholarship, you must have completed a CGSI course application and received an offer for an eligible Diploma or Bachelor course.
For the International Film & Games Industry Launchpad Scholarship there is not a specific number of scholarships to be awarded. Instead, scholarships will be awarded until funding is exhausted, so get in early!
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application before the February 2027 intake commences.
Students should apply for the scholarship that best aligns with their background, interests, and circumstances. If you’re unsure which scholarship is the best fit, our Student Advisors can help guide you.
Yes, you can apply for both, however you are only able to be awarded a bursary OR a scholarship, not both.
Successful applicants will receive a partial tuition scholarship of 33% towards their eligible CGSI Diploma or Bachelor course. Scholarship details and conditions will be provided to successful recipients.