NZ · Bachelor's
Auckland University of Technology
Bachelor of Communication Studies (Screen Production)
Auckland University of Technology
Course Overview
AUT's Bachelor of Communication Studies (Screen Production) is New Zealand's most industry-connected screen-production undergraduate, delivered from the South Campus in Manukau with full broadcast-grade studios, ARRI lighting, RED / Sony FX cameras, Avid Media Composer, and DaVinci Resolve colour-grading suites. Students learn directing, cinematography, editing, producing and post-production across three years, completing a final-year capstone short film or web series that screens at the AUT Showcase — attended by Sir Peter Jackson's Wingnut Films, Weta Workshop scouts, NZ on Air commissioners, and TVNZ / Sky / Three drama executives.
Sri Lankan applicants — particularly aspiring filmmakers connected to Sri Lanka's emerging genre cinema and digital production scene — choose AUT for the production-equipment access (most NZ unis are theory-heavy), the strong post-study work pathway (3-year PSWV), and the New Zealand film industry's reputation as a post-production hub for Hollywood franchises (Avatar, Lord of the Rings). AUT graduates have credited roles on recent Weta Workshop projects and Netflix-NZ productions.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle A Level: 3 passes with C grade minimum; English Language at C+ preferred.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 24 points minimum.
- check_circle Sri Lankan Local A Level: 2C + 1S minimum.
- check_circle Portfolio submission: a 3-5 minute showreel of any existing video work (school project, YouTube channel, freelance) — quality of editing and storytelling matters more than equipment.
- check_circle Personal statement linking specific NZ films / filmmakers to your interests.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.0 Overall (min 5.5 in each band).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 60 Overall (min 18 Writing).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 50 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your secondary schooling was in English-medium for the final 3+ years.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (NZD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | NZD 37,000 | Rs. 7,030,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Auckland) | NZD 20,000 | Rs. 3,800,000 |
| Equipment / Production Fees (per year) | NZD 1,200 | Rs. 228,000 |
| Student Visa & Insurance | NZD 1,500 | Rs. 285,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | NZD 59,700 | Rs. 11,343,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the 3-year Post-Study Work Visa. Top hirers: Weta Workshop, Weta FX, TVNZ, Sky NZ, Three, Park Road Post Production, Wingnut Films, plus freelance director / DOP / editor work on commercials and NZ on Air drama commissions. Sri Lankan returnees move into Production House DOP / Director / Senior Editor roles in Colombo's commercial-production scene (Asia Pacific Industries, Storymakers, Spectrum). NZ starting screen production salary: NZD 50,000-65,000.
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