CADA | CGI Essentials - Education in Games, VFX, Animation

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START DATE

10. August 2026

DURATION

5 Months

FORMAT

Online / Onsite

From beginner to confident 3D creator in one semester

You start with no real experience and finish with the foundations you need to continue into more advanced 3D work. CGI Essentials is a focused one-semester program that takes you through the core skills of 3D modelling, texturing, lighting, rendering and basic animation. It is designed to give you clarity, confidence and momentum, whether you plan to continue into our Certificate Program or simply want to understand if 3D is the right direction for you. You do not need any prior knowledge. You only need commitment and curiosity.

Early Bird Offer

Apply by 22 December 2025 to save DKK 1,000 on tuition fee and get the DKK 1,000 registration fee refunded.

Who this program is for

CGI Essentials is a good fit if you are exploring 3D for the first time or if you have experimented on your own but lack structure. It is built for people who want a serious introduction, not just a short tutorial or weekend workshop.

It works well for:

Complete beginners who want to learn 3D the right way
Students considering the Certificate or Diploma/Degree but unsure if the full commitment is right
Artists from other fields who want to add 3D skills to their toolkit
Career changers looking for a realistic starting point
Anyone who wants a structured foundation before choosing a specialisation
People who want to understand 3D workflows before committing long term

If you want to go from curiosity to capability in one semester, this program is built for you.

What will be different after 5 months

By the end of CGI Essentials you will be able to:

Navigate a 3D software environment with confidence
Create simple but well-structured models
Work with materials, textures and lighting
Produce small rendered scenes
Understand basic animation principles
Communicate your work clearly and receive feedback productively
Decide with certainty whether to continue into more advanced education.

The outcome is not to master everything. It is to make 3D feel understandable, manageable and exciting.

Program Overview

You are introduced the fundamental skills in 3D production as well as an understanding of the different roles in a traditional workflow.

Subjects will include:
Essential design principles, Essential 3D Tools & Techniques (Modelling, shading, lighting, rendering) fundamental animation and rigging and introduction to Real-Time engines.

In the end of the semester you will be applying your skills in a group environment art project.

COURSES:

Introduction to 3D modelling
Introduction to shading, lighting & rendering
Introduction to RealTime engines
Design principles
Introduction to specializations
Pipeline & Workflow for 3D Productions
Production: 3D Environment

Study Format

You can join the program in two ways. The curriculum is aligned across formats. What changes is how you experience the day to day studies.

ONLINE

Learn from anywhere. Live sessions, feedback, community and mentor support delivered online.

ONSITE

Study full time in Copenhagen, be in the same space as other students and mentors and treat your education like a studio job.

Meet our people

Hear from graduates, staff, and guest instructors through a variety of interview series that provide insight into CADA and the exciting journey towards a career as a Digital Artist.

Career Opportunities

3D skills are used across far more fields than most people realise. Games, animation and VFX are well established fields, and continue to grow, but so do industries such as virtual production, advertising, architectural visualisation, simulation, digital twins and interactive experiences. Companies across the globe are hiring artists who understand modern pipelines and can deliver work that fits into real production environments.

My experience at CADA has been very fulfilling. I’ve met a lot of amazing people through the school and the projects we have done, which have opened gateways into the industry. But CADA has also helped me go from a basic skill set within 3D to a very advanced level. They helped me find my passion and supported me in pursuing it. For me, CADA is about the people you get to know, work with, and connect with.

Freya Tuwel Rasmussen

The amount of knowledge I have learned about the principles and work methods within the world of 3D here at Copenhagen Academy of Digital Arts is immeasurable.

Especially the teachers at the school who's previously worked in the industry has given me invaluable insight and know-how and what to expect when we enter the industry in the future."

Christian Just Skjøt

Attending CADA has been a transformative experience. I discovered that going to school doesn't have to be draining, it can be revitalizing and fun! Along the way, I made lifelong friends and valuable industry connections.

Marie Alsing

I went into CADA knowing I would NEVER want to become an animator. But then CADA taught me the beauty of it, and now I'm a full time animator and I don't regret it one bit. It's actually pretty fun.

Mathias Gregersen

I am very happy to have chosen CADA, where I discovered my passion for 3D. I have connected with and gotten to know fascinating students, teachers, and industry professionals. The projects have taught me invaluable skills such as collaboration, receiving feedback, and more. While you could choose to learn on your own through websites and videos, the true value of the education lies in the collaborative experience, industry networking, and pipeline insight it offers.

Signe Harremoës Feldstein

Studying at CADA has allowed me to explore a side of myself I’ve always wanted to know. Learning the many kinds of creativity that 3D has to offer, alongside like-minded people has been exactly what I needed to find my passion. Everything from the competitions to the collaborations has made me a better artist and team player.

Simon Kaarfast

At CADA, I was provided with a class full of like-minded people that I could learn and grow with. Being part of a community is very helpful when you're first starting out, as it also facilitates a lot of feedback.

Gregers Berth

When I started out at CADA I knew nothing about 3D or animation. They taught me everything I know within the field. Today I am an educated 3D Digital Artist, working in the games industry. At CADA I was part of various film and game productions, and I was taught by leading professionals from around the world. I worked with like-minded, passionate, and creative students and teachers, and some have become lifelong friends of mine. Attending CADA was a dream come true. I found an unending passion and newfound creativity within 3D arts.

Oliver Lundt

Signe Harremoës Feldstein

Tuition Fee

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Application Process

STEP 1: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Fill out the application form and include a short motivational letter of up to one page. This helps us understand your background and goals.

STEP 2: BOOK YOUR ADMISSIONS MEETING

After your application submission, you will be redirected to schedule a meeting with our admissions team. This is an opportunity to ask questions and confirm that the program is the right fit.

STEP 3: COMPLETE YOUR ENROLLMENT

Complete enrollment, pay registration fee, and secure your spot in the next cohort.

Apply Now

You'll be redirected to book an admissions meeting after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the program conducted in English?

Yes, the program is conducted in English, so it is a requirement that you have an acceptable level of fluency in the language.

Does this program require an admissions portfolio?

No. You don’t need to submit a portfolio when you apply for this program.

Are there any financial aid options available?

There are no financial aid options available for this program.

How do I reserve my spot in the education?

Upon successful submission of your application and acceptance into the education programme, a non-refundable registration fee of 1,000 DKK is required to secure your place. This fee will guarantee your spot and ensure your enrolment.

Can I apply if I'm an international student?

Yes, international students are warmly welcomed at our institution.

Please note, international students seeking to study onsite must secure permanent residency in Denmark on their own, as our status as a private institution limits our capacity to assist in this process. This requirement is particularly relevant for non-EU residents.

Is there an application deadline for the education?

We have a rolling admissions policy for our programme, without a fixed application deadline. We advise submitting your application promptly once you decide to join, as enrolment is on a first-come, first-served basis among qualified candidates.

Are there any age limits for students wishing to enrol in CADA's programmes?

Our programmes have no age restrictions. Whether you're just starting your artistic journey or looking to enhance your skills later in life, we welcome students of all ages who are passionate about CGI, Digital Arts, and 3D.

Contact our Admissions Counsellor

Contact us with your questions or book a meeting with our admissions counsellor.

Phone: +45 70 27 77 87
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 15:00 CET

Contact Us