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What are the top French animation degree programs?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gobelins | Paris |
| 2 | RUBIKA | Valenciennes |
| 3 | ARTFX | Multiple |
| 4 | École Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques | Montpellier |
| 5 | MoPA | Arles |
| 6 | Ecole Emile Cohl | Lyon |
| 7 | ISART Digital | Paris |
| 8 | BRASSART | Paris |
| 9 | New3dge | Paris |
| 10 | Ecole Georges Melies | Paris |
Our 2025 rankings of the top animation degree programs in France.
For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor's degree or equivalent). For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
1. Gobelins, Paris, France
The animation programs at Gobelins Paris (Gobelins) boast a 100% employment rate within six months of graduating. Program options include a 3D Character Animator certificate; the Bachelor or Master in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking; the 3D Character Animation Bachelor; and the Master in Visual Storytelling. Programs are provided in partnership with CITIA (la Cité de l’Image en mouvement d’Annecy).
2. RUBIKA, Valenciennes, France
RUBIKA provides 2D and 3D Animation programs leading to a BAC+5 (master’s degree). All students have the opportunity to complete several work experiences through partnerships with more than 300 studios such as Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Gameloft, and DreamWorks. Program alumni enjoy a 90% employment rate within a year of graduating. Some of the top hiring companies for RUBIKA animation graduates include Disney Animation, ILM, DreamWorks, Pixar, Illumination, Aardman, and Framestore.
3. ARTFX, Montpellier, Lille, Paris, France
ARTFX is a Toon Boom Center of Excellence that houses MA programs in 2D Film Animation and 3D Character Animation. Students have opportunities to work with ARTFX partners such as MPC, Illumination, DNEG, Cinesite, and Mikros Animation. Graduates enjoy a 95% job placement rate within six months to a year of graduating. Program alumni have worked on productions such as Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Ready Player One, and The Lion King.
4. École Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques (ESMA), Montpellier, France
École Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques (ESMA) houses an intensive 3D Animation, Cinema and Special Effects program that can be completed in five years. Leading to a bachelor’s + master’s degree, the program culminates with an industry-ready animated short film. Graduates have been hired at major studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, Weta FX, Ubisoft, MPC, Illumination, Aardman, Framestore, and Mikros Animation.
5. MoPA, Arles, France
MoPA, the School of 3D Animation, has partnerships with major studios such as DreamWorks Animation, DNEG, Mikros Animation, Reel FX, and Aardman. The school provides a project-based 3D Design, Production, and Animation program that leads to an Expert Diploma (master’s). MoPA graduates are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of animation, film, and television production.
6. Ecole Emile Cohl, Lyon, France
Ecole Emile Cohl (EEC) has a Concept Artist program with two specializations including Animated Cinema and Animation Director. Students in both areas will complete a mandatory six-month internship and master industry-standard Animation tools such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, and TVPaint Animation. The Concept Artist program at EEC takes two years to complete, full-time. Graduates will earn the RNCP Level 7 Title: Artistic Director – Director in Animated Cinema.
7. ISART Digital, Paris, France
ISART Digital (ISART) houses a Cinema Animation 3D/VFX program that leads to a master’s degree. Provided at the school’s Paris, France and Montreal, Canada campuses, the program takes place in a professional production studio environment, with opportunities spend one month to a year in Japan at partner universities such as Tokyo University of Technology (TUT) and Niigata Computer College. With a 90% employment rate, graduates have been hired at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, and DNEG.
8. BRASSART, Paris, France
BRASSART is home to a five-year 3D Animation and Immersion program leading to certification at year four and a diploma at the end of year five. Provided at most of the school’s 15 campuses, the program culminates with a professional portfolio or demo reel of the student’s best work. BRASSART alumni can be found at places such as Disney Animation Studios, MPC, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Ubisoft, and Mikros Animation.
9. New3dge, Paris, France
New3dge has a Creative Media and Entertainment Design program with an option in 3D Animation and VFX. Leading to a master’s degree, the program culminates with an animated production and professional portfolio. With an 87% job placement rate, program alumni are prepared to pursue titles such as 3D Animator, VFX Artist, 3D Generalist, Game Artist, Render Wrangler, Environment Artist, CG Supervisor, 3D Character Artist, Computer Graphics Designer, and Storyboard Artist.
10. Ecole Georges Melies, Paris, France
École Georges Méliès School France’s only professional training center approved by Epic Games. Also a certified by the Unreal Training Center, the school houses an Animation Cinema master’s degree program that explores the production pipeline for both traditional and digital animation. This five-year program culminates with an industry-ready short film, produced in an environment that simulates today’s major studios. Program alumni are prepared to pursue careers in animation for film, television, and games. Graduates have won VFX Oscars and worked on productions such as The Jungle Book, The Life of Pi, and Passengers.