Griffith Film School
Portfolio entry requirements
Griffith Film School portfolio entry
At Griffith Film School, we know that creativity isn’t measured in just one way, and that success in the screen and interactive industries can come from different pathways. That’s why admission to our programs is designed to recognise both academic achievement and creative potential, depending on the degree you choose.
For some programs, entry is primarily based on ATAR/Rank or guaranteed offers, while others continue to place a strong emphasis on portfolio entry as a way to experience your creativity first-hand. Where portfolios are used, they give you the opportunity to showcase your skills, ideas and potential through your work.
See requirements for:
Please note: international students are required to apply via the international application process.
Film and Screen Media Production
Admission to our Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production is by ATAR/Rank entry (primary pathway), or portfolio entry (optional pathway).
ATAR/Rank entry – Film and Screen Media Production
The primary pathway for admission to the Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production is by ATAR/Rank.
We encourage you to review the degree page for requirements and application information including whether Guaranteed Admission Schemes apply (VET Guarantee and Early Offer Guarantee) and any other pathway or eligibility advice:
There is a guaranteed ATAR/Rank of 75.00 for the Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production, which means if you achieve an ATAR/Rank of 75.00 (or higher) and meet other basic entry requirements, you’re guaranteed an offer into the degree.
Optional portfolio entry – Film and Screen Media Production
Limited offers will be made via portfolio admission for those who do not meet the ATAR/Rank or are not on an ATAR pathway. If you’re not on track to meet the ATAR/Rank, you can apply via a portfolio submission that demonstrates your creative capability, noting that places are limited for portfolio entry.
If you expect to receive an ATAR/Rank of 75.00 or higher, apply via ATAR/Rank only (no portfolio required).
How to apply (optional portfolio entry – limited offers available via portfolio)
For study in Trimester 1, 2027, Film and Screen Media Production portfolios are open for submission from 4 August until 30 October 2026.
If you choose to submit a portfolio for the Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production:
Step 1
Submit your application via QTAC
See degree page for details:
Step 2
Pay your portfolio submission fee
Applications have a $55 portfolio submission fee, payable via GriffithPay. This fee is due within the noted application period.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, or need help with this step, contact us: portfolioadmissions@griffith.edu.au
Fees and deadlines apply for all portfolio entry applicants (including via internal transfer).
Step 3
Upload your portfolio and written responses
When portfolios are open for submission, upload your portfolio and written response via the online portal, Slideroom.
Preparing your portfolio
Your portfolio includes an analysis and a creative submission.
Remember, we want to get to know you and your ideas, so be sure you present only work that is 100% your own and give credit to those whose ideas, words and images you reference.
Analysis
Review a film, television show or online content in up to 300 words. Alternatively, you can do the review in a two-minute audio or video recording. Choose work that strongly resonates with you in a positive or negative way and, to some extent, tells us something about you.
Briefly describe the work. How does it make you feel and why? What makes this a good or bad example of screen production in your opinion?
In reviewing this work, you might wish to focus on the directing, acting, camera work, sound design, lighting, production design, editing, or other aspects you find particularly interesting.
You'll be assessed on your ability to follow the portfolio brief, your understanding of the medium and ability to communicate thoughts and feelings about a piece of work.
Creation
This element is a collection of your creative work. You will be assessed on your ability to clearly express an idea, your technical potential to create stories and your ability to present engaging and original ideas.
Submit ONE of the following:
- Share one or two samples of your previous creative work. These can be creative writing (of no more than 300 words in total), video, music, sound work or samples of games (of no more than 2-minutes in length each), or up to 10 photographs, computer works, graphic design, drawings, etc.
- Submit one new creative project that deals with the theme Empathy. Your creative project can be either a: 2-min video, 300-word short story, 3-page script, 10-image photo essay, 2-min audio story, 2-min podcast or filmed interview
- In no more than 300 words, describe a large project or event that you planned and where you were required to work within a team. Explain some of the challenges you faced, how you handled them, and how the project ultimately turned out. How might you handle a large project differently next time?
- In no more than 300 words, write a true story about something that has happened to you or someone you know.
If you have questions about your portfolio, contact us at portfolioadmissions@griffith.edu.au.
ATAR/Rank entry – Diploma of Technical Screen Production
Admission to the Diploma of Technical Screen Production is by ATAR/Rank only.
We encourage you to review the degree page for requirements and application information including whether Guaranteed Admission Schemes apply (VET Guarantee and Early Offer Guarantee) and any other pathway or eligibility advice:
Completion of the Diploma of Technical Screen Production provides 60 credit points of credit into the Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production. Additional credit may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Animation
Admission to our Bachelor of Animation is by portfolio entry (primary pathway), or ATAR/Rank entry (limited places).
Portfolio entry (primary entry pathway) – Animation
Portfolio entry is the primary form of admission to the Bachelor of Animation.
Submitting a portfolio is required for most applicants and is strongly encouraged for your best chance of entry.
Limited offers may be made in later rounds via ATAR/Rank, if places remain.
How to apply (portfolio entry)
For study in Trimester 1, 2027, Animation portfolios are open for submission from 4 August until 30 October 2026.
Step 2
Pay your portfolio submission fee
Applications have a $55 portfolio submission fee, payable via GriffithPay. This fee is due within the noted application period.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, or need help with this step, contact us: portfolioadmissions@griffith.edu.au
Fees and deadlines apply for all portfolio entry applicants (including via internal transfer).
Step 3
Upload your portfolio and written responses
When portfolios are open for submission, upload your portfolio and written response via the online portal, Slideroom.
Preparing your portfolio
Remember, we want to get to know you and your ideas, so be sure you present only work that is 100% your own and give credit to those whose ideas, words and images you reference.
Your portfolio includes an analysis and a creative submission.
Analysis
Review an animated film, television show or online video in up to 300 words. Alternatively, you can do the review in a two-minute audio or video recording. Choose work that strongly resonates with you in a positive or negative way and, to some extent, tells us something about you.
Briefly describe the work. How does it make you feel and why? What makes this a good or bad example of animation in your opinion?
In reviewing this work, you might wish to focus on the story, art direction, character design, camera work, sound design, editing, or other aspects you find particularly interesting.
You'll be assessed on your ability to follow the portfolio brief, your understanding of the medium and ability to communicate thoughts and feelings about a piece of work.
Creation
This element is a collection of your creative work. You will be assessed on your ability to clearly express an idea, your technical potential to create stories and your ability to present engaging and original ideas.
Part 1: 10 Pieces of you
We want to get to know you! Share 10 pieces of your work that best demonstrate your creativity, personality, ambitions and abilities. No more, no less than 10 pieces. Some of the things you might want to include:
- Life Drawing – observational drawing of people, places, buildings and objects
- Colour work
- Creative computer work – models you’ve made or animation or digital paintings
- Storyboards or sequential images
- Models or three-dimensional work like sculptures
- Work in a variety of media – show us how you can be creative using different materials or media.
Part 2: Creativity in motion
Please also submit one of the following:
- A one-minute showreel of any animation or visual effects work you have completed in the past; or
- A new short animation of between 20 and 40 seconds duration in any medium. Across Mac, PC , iPad or Android, you may wish to use software such as Open Toonz, Pencil 2D Animation, Procreate, Flip a Clip, Stop Motion Studio, Blender.
If you have questions about your portfolio, contact us at portfolioadmissions@griffith.edu.au.
ATAR/Rank entry is available for the Bachelor of Animation, however there will be limited offers through this pathway, and only if places remain.
We encourage you to review the degree page for requirements and application information including whether Guaranteed Admission Schemes apply (VET Guarantee and Early Offer Guarantee) and any other pathway or eligibility advice:
Game Design and Production
Admission to our Bachelor of Game Design and Production is by ATAR/Rank entry (primary pathway), or portfolio entry (optional pathway).
ATAR/Rank entry – Game Design and Production
The primary pathway for admission to the Bachelor of Game Design and Production is by ATAR/Rank.
We encourage you to review the degree page for requirements and application information including whether Guaranteed Admission Schemes apply (VET Guarantee and Early Offer Guarantee) and any other pathway or eligibility advice:
Optional portfolio entry – Game Design and Production
If you expect to meet the Minimum Selection Rank (MSR), apply via ATAR/Rank only (no portfolio required).
If you’re not on track to meet the ATAR/Rank, you can apply via a portfolio submission that demonstrates your creative capability, noting that places are limited for portfolio entry.
How to apply (optional portfolio entry)
For study in Trimester 1, 2027, Game Design and Production portfolios are open for submission from 4 August until 30 October 2026.
If you choose to submit a portfolio for the Bachelor of Game Design and Production:
Step 1
Submit your application via QTAC
See degree page for details:
Step 2
Pay your portfolio submission fee
Applications have a $55 portfolio submission fee, payable via GriffithPay. This fee is due within the noted application period.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, or need help with this step, contact us: portfolioadmissions@griffith.edu.au
Fees and deadlines apply for all portfolio entry applicants (including via internal transfer).
Step 3
Upload your portfolio and written responses
When portfolios are open for submission, upload your portfolio and written response via the online portal, Slideroom.
Preparing your portfolio
Remember, we want to get to know you and your ideas, so be sure you present only work that is 100% your own and give credit to those whose ideas, words and images you reference.
Your portfolio includes an analysis and a creative submission.
Analysis
Review a video game in up to 300 words. Alternatively, you can do the review in a two-minute audio or video recording. Choose work that strongly resonates with you in a positive or negative way and, to some extent, tells us something about you.
Briefly describe the game. How does it make you feel and why? What makes this a good or bad example of game design in your opinion?
In reviewing this work, you might wish to focus on the player experience, level design, art direction, sound design, storytelling, or other aspects you find particularly interesting.
You'll be assessed on your ability to follow the portfolio brief, your understanding of the medium and ability to communicate thoughts and feelings about a piece of work.
Creation
This element is a collection of your creative work. You will be assessed on your ability to clearly express an idea, your technical potential to create stories and your ability to present engaging and original ideas.
We want to get to know you! Share one or two samples of your previous creative work. These pieces of your work should best demonstrate your unique creativity, personality, ambitions and abilities. Some of the things you might want to include could be an idea you had or something you've created from the following list:
- Board or computer game (photos, a short video or playthrough, or a 300 word description of a concept)
- Website, software or app (photos or short video of software/app, or provide a link)
- Game mods or level (photos or short videos of playthrough, or provide a link)
- Code (copy into a . pdf )
- Drawing and artwork such as a game character or vehicle design
- Environment art - Level blueprint, sketches, thumbnails or silhouettes
- Creative computer work – 3D model, animation or digital painting
- Storyboard or sequential images (no more than 2 pages)
- Narrative or story (no more than 200 words)
- Creative Photography or image editing (no more than 5 pieces)
- Model or three-dimensional work (ideally as .obj or .ply files)
- Work across a variety of media – show us how you can be creative using different materials or media
Alternatively:
- In 300 words, submit an idea for a new board game that deals with the theme "Empathy". You should include a description for your board game that outlines the goal, rules and materials required for it.
If you have questions about your portfolio, contact us at portfolioadmissions@griffith.edu.au.
FAQs
Is there a minimum age to apply?
For details on minimum age requirements, please refer to the QTAC webpage.
Do I have to pay to apply?
Yes, a flat $55 fee will apply for each application on top of any QTAC fees that apply. Should you be experiencing financial hardship and need help with your application fees, please contact portfolioadmissions@griffith.edu.au.
Do I need to apply via portfolio if I'm an international student?
International students are required to apply via the international application process.
Can I apply directly to Griffith University?
Most applicants for undergraduate Griffith Film School degrees will be submitted via QTAC . Current Griffith University students may apply directly via the Internal Transfer application process. Applicants may also apply via UAC, or eligible mature applicants may be able to submit via Direct.
When will offers be made?
When offers are made depends on the program, pathway and cohort. Dates for offers will be shared here when available. Internal transfer offers will be sent at the same time.
Are there any subjects required for entry?
Year 12 English is Assumed Knowledge for all GFS degrees. While Assumed Knowledge is not assessed as part of your application, it is considered the equivalent level of knowledge that is expected to successfully complete a degree.
What if I miss the deadline?
You must apply, pay the portfolio fee and submit your portfolio by the relevant close date to guarantee it will be assessed for the first round of offers. Post the major round in December, offers will continue to be made, should places be available.
Do I have to make a new creative piece just for my application?
You can submit existing creative work. You can also choose to make something new or use a mix of old and new works in your portfolio.
Can I get help with my portfolio?
Each year we host an experience week during the June-July School holidays. Experience Week is tailored to current Year 10, 11 and 12 students considering study at Griffith Film School. It’s a great opportunity to develop a creative piece for your portfolio.
Find out more about Griffith Film School Experience
Can I email my portfolio?
No, you must submit it via our online portal. The portal will help guide you through the submission process and help ensure you meet the portfolio requirements. Submissions made outside the portal will require written approval prior to the submission deadline.
Slideroom portal submissions
View our PDF guide to manage assets for upload to Slideroom: SlideRoom - how to guide (PDF 4MB)
Are there any examples of previous portfolios?
No, we do not share any portfolio examples on purpose. Remember that the portfolio is not about showing us something you think we might want to see. It is your opportunity to express yourself and show us something about you. Make it meaningful to you.
Can I defer my studies once I get in?
Yes, you will be able to defer your commencement for 12 months.
Prior to the offer round, you may receive advice from Griffith University about your eligibility for a portfolio pathway offer.
When will I hear the outcome?
- 14 November – Griffith University sends advice about your eligibility for an offer
- 18 November – Due date to change your QTAC preference in time for the offer round by 11:45am
- 20 November – First offers will be made via QTAC.
For more information on key QTAC dates please visit: QTAC course offers and vacancies.
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Admission requirements
Toggle between disciplines using the navigation on the left to see specific requirements and steps to apply for our film and screen media, animation and game design offerings.
Animation and Film and Screen Media Production admission
Admission to the Bachelor of Animation and the Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production is via portfolio. Limited offers may be made in later rounds via ATAR/rank should places remain.
Game Design and Production admission
There are two admission pathways to the Bachelor of Game Design and Production. Applicants may be considered via submission of a portfolio, or via guaranteed ATAR/rank of 70.00 or higher.
Please note for all degrees, international students are required to apply via the international application process.
Griffith Film School Portfolio Requirements
Your portfolio includes an analysis and creative submission, with some differences between the submissions for each of our degrees.
Remember, we want to get to know you and your ideas, so be sure you present only work that is 100% your own and give credit to those whose ideas, words and images you reference.
Analysis
For the analysis submission, you will write 300 words reflecting on a piece of content that you like. You will be assessed on your ability to follow the portfolio brief, your understanding of the medium and ability to communicate thoughts and feelings about a piece of work.
Creation
This element is a collection of your creative work—you can submit existing creative work or make something new, or a mix of old and new. You will be assessed on your ability to clearly express an idea, your technical potential to create stories, images, audio or code, and your ability to present engaging and original ideas.
Requirements by degree
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Steps to apply
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Missed our application support webinar?
Our expert staff walk through the portfolio application process, with insider tips and frequently asked questions
Steps to apply
Submit your application via QTAC*
Applications for Trimester 1 2025 will open on 1 August 2024, closing on 4 September 2024. Register for updates via the form below. When applications open, apply for the following programs via QTAC:
- 241312 Bachelor of Animation
- 214302 Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production
- 251772 Bachelor of Game Design and Production
*Griffith University students can apply via Internal Transfer. Fees and deadlines for portfolio admission outlined on this page will still apply.
Pay your portfolio submission fee
Pay the $55 portfolio submission fee via Griffith Pay. Payment is due from 1 August 2023 and must be paid by 4 September 2024.
If you need help with this step, contact us: portfolioadmissions@griffith.edu.au
Upload your portfolio and written response
Upload your portfolio and analysis via the online portal, SlideRoom. The GFS SlideRoom portal will open from 1 August to 4 September 2024 and can be accessed from this webpage.
Attend an interview
Applicants will be shortlisted for interview based on their portfolio. Invitations for interviews will be sent mid-September and interviews will be held during the week of 23-27 September 2024.
Post-Portfolio Timeline
Prior to the offer round, you may receive advice from Griffith University about your eligibility for a portfolio pathway offer.
When will I hear the outcome?
- 14 November – Griffith University sends advice about your eligibility for an offer
- 18 November – Due date to change your QTAC preference in time for the offer round by 11:45am
- 20 November – First offers will be made via QTAC.
For more information on key QTAC dates please visit: QTAC course offers and vacancies.
Slideroom submission tips
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Portfolio admission at Griffith Film School
A short message from Griffith Film School Director, Professor Herman van Eyken about the portfolio admission process.