Does it require proprietary tools? Would like to use Linux and possibly Blender, but classes at school often use whatever big-tech tools they cut a backroom deal for.
Even if you aren't taking these classes, you can sign up for a free non-commercial license for Render Man. It comes with the full feature-set of the commercial version and there aren't any academic attendance requirements. While Renderman can also be installed on Linux, I can't personally vouch for feature parity with the Windows version as I haven't made the comparison myself.
Nuke also has a hobbyist license. No watermarking or end date, but there are limitations on output.
Nuke also has a hobbyist license. No watermarking or end date, but there are limitations on output.
https://renderman.pixar.com/install
https://www.foundry.com/products/nuke-family/non-commercial