| Ranking | School | Province |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vancouver Film School | British Columbia |
| 2 | Vancouver Institute of Media Arts | British Columbia |
| 3 | Think Tank Training Centre | British Columbia |
| 4 | Capilano University | British Columbia |
| 5 | Algonquin College | Ontario |
| 6 | Vancouver Animation School | British Columbia |
| 7 | Seneca Polytechnic | Ontario |
| 8 | Cégep du Vieux Montréal | Quebec |
| 9 | Humber College | Ontario |
| 10 | LaSalle College Vancouver | British Columbia |
For this ranking we only consider professional training programs, that is, non-degree programs such as certificate, diploma, and similar programs that are not formal 4-year bachelor's degrees. For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
The Classical Animation program at Vancouver Film School (VFS) launched in 1994, becoming North America’s first multimedia program. Just a year later, the school launched its 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) program. Today, this Houdini Certified School also provides an Animation Conception Art program. All options lead to a diploma in just 12 months. Across programs. Students will graduate with a master demo reel and professional portfolio. VFS alumni have been hired at major studios such as Disney, Pixar, Paramount, DreamWorks, HBO, Netflix, Paramount, Warner Bros., and EA Sports.
Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) is a Houdini Training Partner with articulation agreements at four-year institutions such as Emily Carr University of Art and Design (Canada), Media Design School (New Zealand), and Fairleigh Dickinson University (USA). VanArts has additional partnerships with Microsoft, Toon Boom, Adobe, Pixologic (makers of ZBrush), and Autodesk. Program options include
2D Character Animation (using Toon Boom Harmony), and 3D Character Animation (using Maya). Programs culminate with a professional demo reel. Graduates go on to work with major studios such as Disney Animation, Weta FX, DreamWorks, and Animal Logic.
Think Tank Training Centre (Think Tank) houses a 3D Animation, Visual Effects and Game Art diploma program that takes 5+ years to complete. A 16-week CG program is also available. The immersive diploma program has specializations in Animation; Characters and Creatures for Film; Visual Effects (VFX); Props and Environments for Film; and Look Development, among others. Programs culminate with professional portfolio. Graduates have been hired at places such as Disney, Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Sony, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM),Weta FX, Digital Domain, and DNEG.
The Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Capilano University (CapU) houses the School of Animation and Visual Effects (AVFX). An Unreal Engine Authorized Training Center, the school provides diplomas in 2D Animation and Visual Development; 3D Animation for Film and Games; Visual Effects for Film; and Streaming and Immersive Media. For students seeking a shorter program, the school has a two-month Animation Fundamentals certificate. CapU AVFX graduates have gone on to land positions such as Character Animator, Effects Artist, and Animation Director at local production companies and major studios around the world.
The School of Media and Design at Algonquin College (AC) is a Certified Toon Boom Centre of Excellence. Program options include the three-year advanced diploma in Animation and a one-year certificate in Drawing Foundations for Animation and Illustration. Program coursework and hands-on projects are led by industry professionals from places such as Disney, Sony, Warner Bros. Animation, and Ubisoft Graduates are prepared f to pursue roles in entertainment, publishing, advertising, and other creative fields.
Vancouver Animation School (VANAS) provides animation training programs that can be competed 100% online. Examples include one-year diplomas in 2D Computer Animation; 3D Computer Animation; Animated Short Film; Concept Art; and Effects Animation. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in the entertainment and games industries. Program alumni can be found at major studios such Reel FX, Gameloft, Ubisoft, DNEG, Epic Games, Bethesda, Zynga, and Gearbox Software.
Seneca Polytechnic is a Toon Boom Center of Excellence and a Houdini Certified School that provides an advanced diploma in Animation; and graduate certificates in 3D Animation, and Game Art and Animation. Housed in the School of Creative Arts and Animation, all options are delivered in a hybrid format, with a mandatory internship requirement. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of animation for film, television, games, advertising, and art education. Program alumni hold titles such as 3D Animator, Texture Artist, Level Designer, and Modeler.
Cégep du Vieux Montréal (CVM) is the only college in Montreal to offer a Cartooning diploma (DEC) that explores animation, character design, storyboarding, environment design, and coloring. This Toon Boom Center of Excellence and Houdini Certified School also houses a 3D Production and Image Synthesis diploma that focuses on cinematography, 3D animation, and visual effects (VFX). Programs culminate with the production of an industry-ready animated film. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment, games, and advertising industries.
Humber College is home to the Faculty of Media and Creative Arts, which houses the 3D Animation graduate certificate program. Students will immerse in animation, modeling, storytelling, and visualization. In addition, the Virtual Reality (VR) Room provides a space where students can create works with peers across disciplines. The program culminates with an animated short and professional portfolio. Graduates have gone on to produce both animated and live-action films, video games, commercials, television series, and independent works.
LaSalle College Vancouver (LCV) provides diploma programs in Animation Art and Design (AAD) and 3D Modeling for Animation and Games (MAG). An Applied Arts Essentials: Animation (AAAD) certificate is also available. All programs feature hands-on projects led by industry professionals; immersive workshops; team-based projects; and internship opportunities. The diploma programs culminate with the Final Diploma Capstone. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as entertainment, game design and development, television production, advertising, and education.
