SAE University College (Australia): Audio, Film, Animation & Games Fees and Guide

SAE University College is a creative media education provider in Australia, founded in Sydney in 1976 as the School of Audio Engineering. It is registered by TEQSA in the university college category and teaches degrees in audio, film, animation, games, design, and creative industries, with studios and production facilities on its campuses. It is part of the Navitas group. This guide covers 2026 fees, intakes, courses, and what to check.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: SAE University College, a creative media provider founded in Sydney in 1976
• Status: TEQSA-registered university college; part of the Navitas group
• Campuses: in major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth (check current locations)
• 2026 international fees (third-party and SAE course pages): about A$27,960 a year for degrees such as the Bachelor of Animation and Bachelor of Film, at A$3,495 per standard unit
• Some specialised units: A$6,990
• Intakes: February, May, and September (trimesters)
• Fields: audio, film, animation, games, design, and creative industries

Rankings and reputation

SAE is a specialist university college and is not ranked globally. In creative industries, portfolios and industry connections often matter as much as rankings. Judge SAE on facilities, teachers, and graduate work.

Academics and signature programs

SAE degrees combine practical studio work with theory and industry projects. Students build portfolios through projects in recording, mixing, filmmaking, animation, and game development. Trimesters allow faster completion. Ask about equipment access, class sizes, and teachers' industry experience.

Admissions and international eligibility

Entry depends on academic results and English, and some courses may consider portfolios. After an offer, you receive a Confirmation of Enrolment and apply for a student visa.

English language requirements

• English requirements depend on course; check SAE's requirement
• Studio work requires good spoken English
• Ask about English pathways
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, and passport details, and possibly a portfolio. Ask about the trimester calendar and refund policy.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

SAE's 2026 international fee for degrees such as the Bachelor of Animation and Bachelor of Film is about A$27,960 a year, based on A$3,495 per standard unit, with some specialised units at A$6,990. Fees for other courses may differ. Add OSHC, equipment, software, and living costs.

Estimated living costs

• Australian student visa applicants must show they can afford tuition, travel, and living costs
• Overseas Student Health Cover is compulsory for the length of the visa
• Student visa holders can work a limited number of hours in term under current rules
• Public transport concession fares are available in most cities
• Rents have risen in most Australian cities, so book housing early

Scholarships

Ask SAE about scholarships for international students.

Campus life and student support

SAE campuses have recording studios, film sets, animation labs, and post-production suites. Ask which facilities are at your campus and how much studio time students get.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Graduates work in music production, live sound, film and television, animation, games, and post-production, often as freelancers. Building a showreel or portfolio is essential. Ask for graduate outcomes and industry links.

Australia's Temporary Graduate visa

Eligible international graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows them to live and work in Australia after their studies, generally for two years after a bachelor's or coursework master's degree and longer after research degrees, with an age limit and study-requirement conditions. Rules change often, so confirm eligibility and current conditions with the Department of Home Affairs before relying on the visa.

Audio production

SAE began as an audio engineering school and remains known for recording, mixing, live sound, and music production. Students use professional consoles and studios. Ask about studio booking and access to industry-standard software.

Animation and games

SAE's animation and games degrees cover 3D modelling, animation, game design, and programming. These fields are competitive, and graduates often start with freelance or contract work. A strong portfolio is key.

Trimesters and course length

SAE runs three trimesters a year, so some degrees can be completed in about two years of continuous study. Ask how this affects your visa length, workload, and total cost.

Living costs and work

Australia's student visa requires evidence of funds for living costs, and student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours a fortnight during study periods. Creative industries can offer casual work, but do not rely on it for tuition.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover, prepare evidence of funds, and be ready to show you are a genuine student when applying for the visa. Budget for the visa application charge, flights, and a housing deposit.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, enrolment, and learning how Australian assessment works, with tutorials, assignments, and exams. Students who use academic support and English workshops early adjust faster.

A realistic budget

At about A$27,960 a year plus A$27,000 to A$30,000 in living costs, a year could cost about A$55,000 to A$58,000.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the total course fee?
• Which campus offers my course?
• How much studio time will I get?
• Can I complete the degree faster with trimesters?
• What equipment and software must I buy?
• Does the course qualify for the Temporary Graduate visa?

Who SAE suits best

SAE suits students committed to audio, film, animation, or games who want hands-on studio training. It may suit less well students who want a broad university experience or are unsure about creative careers.

SAE compared with universities and other creative colleges

Universities offer creative degrees within broader faculties, while other specialist colleges offer similar studio training. Compare facilities, portfolios, fees, and outcomes.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your course and check accreditation and fees.
2. Confirm the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer, pay the deposit, and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.
5. Apply for your student visa and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, passport, and financial evidence several months before your intake. Keep written confirmation of fees, scholarships, and any pathway credit.

Film production

SAE's Bachelor of Film covers directing, cinematography, editing, sound, and production, with access to cameras, lighting, and post-production suites. Students work on short films and collaborative projects. Ask about equipment loans and screening opportunities.

Support for international students

SAE offers orientation, academic support, and student services for international students. Ask about help with accommodation and settling in.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Confirm the total course fee and trimester calendar, check which campus offers your course, ask about equipment costs, check Temporary Graduate visa rules, and read the refund policy.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current SAE students about studio time, projects, workload, and industry links. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Building a realistic budget

Budget for tuition, OSHC, rent, transport, food, and creative equipment such as headphones, laptops, hard drives, and software subscriptions. Sydney and Melbourne rents are the highest. Keep a buffer for the first months.

Games programming and design

SAE's games courses cover game design, programming, art, and production, with team projects that mirror studio work. Australia's games industry is small but growing, and many graduates work for international studios remotely or freelance. A playable portfolio is essential.

Mistakes to avoid

Applicants sometimes underestimate equipment costs or assume creative jobs are easy to find. Build a portfolio from day one.

Planning your arrival

Arrive before orientation, set up a bank account, phone, and transport card, and check which software and equipment you need before classes begin. Join student clubs and collaborative projects early to build your network.

Building a creative portfolio

Creative employers hire on portfolios and showreels. SAE students should document every project, collaborate across disciplines, and enter festivals or competitions. Ask how SAE helps with showcases and industry nights.

Key takeaway

SAE suits committed creative students who will make full use of its studios. Confirm the total fee, equipment costs, and campus facilities, and start building your portfolio from the first trimester. Talk to graduates about how they found their first paid work.

Frequently asked questions