Frequently asked questions

ARC offers two main types of programs:

Preliminary programs for beginners – Foundations in Digital Arts, Foundations in Game Art & Design, Foundations in 2D Animation and Foundations in 3D Modeling;

Long-term specialized programs for students with some prior experience, namely Concept Art, 3D Art, Game Design, 2D Animation and Game Art.

They differ in length, depth and learning outcomes. The preliminary programs build essential artistic and technical foundations, while the specialized ones prepare students for entry-level roles in the creative industries.

Each program follows a dedicated curriculum focused on the competencies required for that discipline. You will learn through a mix of lectures, hands-on assignments and real projects, developing your creative abilities in game development, digital arts and visual storytelling.

This depends on the program, but all courses use industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, Unreal Engine and other tools specific to the discipline.

Yes. ARC Academy provides mainly practice-oriented training. Depending on your program, you may create character concepts, 3D models, showreel animations, game presentations or even complete playable games.

All ARC Academy programs are taught in English.

On-campus lessons are held on weekday evenings and during the day on weekends. Students typically have 4–6 live classes per week. Please plan additional time for self-study, as most lectures include follow-up assignments.

Preliminary online programs take place on weekday evenings and weekend days, with 2–3 live lessons per week. The long-term distance learning program follows a similar structure but is slightly more intensive, with 3–5 live sessions weekly. Additional self-study time is required.

Yes. Our programs are designed to allow students to study while managing full-time work or university commitments.

On-campus programs start in the autumn, typically in October. Distance learning programs start in the spring. Preliminary programs start either in spring or autumn, depending on the discipline.

Preliminary programs last 5 months each. The distance learning program is 18-month long and our on-campus programs take 2 years to complete.

The tuition fees for the different programs can be found here.

The admission fee includes the verification and processing of application documents, as well as support and communication throughout the admission process.

Yes, tailor-made payment plans are available and can be arranged at the time of enrollment.

Scholarships for the different programs are available throughout the year. More information can be found here.

Shortly after the scholarship period ends, each participant will receive a detailed email with more information.

Yes. For Bulgarian citizens, the Academy partners with DSK Bank to offer a tuition loan option. More information can be found here.

We support our students’ career growth from day one. Internship and job opportunities are shared through our internal community channels. Each year, we also host an on-campus Career Day, where students can explore real opportunities in the industry.

Absolutely. We maintain close relationships with game studios and creative companies in Bulgaria and Europe. Every year we host a Career Day for our campus students, bringing together students and industry representatives for networking and recruitment discussions. Throughout the year, we also organize studio-visits and invite guest lecturers.

Our graduates work in a wide range of creative fields, including: game development (concept art, 3D modelling, game design, animation); book illustration and cover art; graphic design and branding; visual storytelling; poster and music/event artwork; advertising and digital media; animation and multimedia production.
Many graduates choose careers in game studios, while others build strong freelance practices or join creative agencies.

As of 2025, 79% of ARC Academy graduates are employed in the game industry or in a related creative field.

Students who successfully complete our programs receive an ARC Academy Certificate. In addition, the Academy has a licensed Vocational Training Center. Students who meet the national requirements may also receive a state-recognized Certificate of Professional Training under the Bulgarian Vocational Education and Training Act.

Yes. ARC certificates are well recognized within the game and creative industries, especially in Bulgaria, where many of our graduates are already employed. Employers value the practical, industry-oriented training and the strong portfolios students develop during their studies.

No, ARC Academy is not a university. ARC Academy has a licensed training center under the Vocational Education and Training Act in Bulgaria. As such, it conducts vocational training in vocational fields 213 “Audio-visual arts and techniques; production of media products” and 481 “Computer science”. You can see more detailed information here.

Our partnership with Saxion University provides ARC students and alumni who wish to continue their education abroad with the opportunity to apply for an accelerated pathway in the Creative Media and Game Technologies bachelor’s program (typically entering into the third academic year). ARC has gone through a detailed comparison of curricula, admission criteria and academic requirements, ensuring a smooth transition between our programs and those at Saxion. Eligible students may be admitted after a brief meeting with an educational consultant from Saxion and a portfolio review for additional evaluation.