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What are the top Canadian animation training programs?
| 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 | Cégep du Vieux Montréal | Quebec |
| 8 | Seneca Polytechnic | Ontario |
| 9 | LaSalle College Vancouver | British Columbia |
| 10 | Humber Polytechnic | Ontario |
Our 2026 rankings of the top animation training programs in Canada.
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.
1. Vancouver Film School, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Film School (VFS) is home to North America’s first multimedia program. Launched in 1994, the program led to the development of several additional options including 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX); Classical Animation; and Animation Conception Art. Leading to a diploma, these intensive 12-month programs are Houdini Certified and studio-based. Students can also enroll in the preparatory bridge program—Foundation Animation. This program allows students to build foundational skills for four months before applying to any of the VFS diploma programs.
Diploma-seeking students will graduate with a professional portfolio of their best work and a master demo reel. Graduates can be found at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, Paramount, DreamWorks, Netflix, Pixar, DNEG, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Electronic Arts (EA), and Warner Bros.
2. Vancouver Institute of Media Arts, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) is a Houdini Training Partner that provides several paths to study animation. Program options include 2D Character Animation (Toon Boom Harmony), and 3D Character Animation (Maya). These intensive training programs highlight an accelerated 12-month format; on-campus and online delivery; partnerships with places such as Microsoft, Pixologic, Adobe, and Toon Boom; and articulation agreements at four-year institutions such as Fairleigh Dickinson University, Media Design School, and Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
Programs culminate with a short film and professional demo reel. Graduates have established careers at places such as DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Disney Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Weta FX, DNEG, Sony Pictures Imageworks, WildBrain, ICON Creative Studio, and Atomic Cartoons.
3. Think Tank Training Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Think Tank Training Centre (Think Tank) provides two paths to study animation—the 3D Animation, Visual Effects and Game Art diploma, and a 16-week CG program. The immersive, 64-week diploma program has 12 specializations. Examples include Animation; Visual Effects; Characters and Creatures for Film; Look Development; and Props and Environments for Film. Other program highlights include small class sizes, access to state-of the-art production tools and facilities; hands-on workshops; and one-on-one mentorship.
Programs culminate with short film and 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.
4. Capilano University, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The School of Animation and Visual Effects (AVFX) at Capilano University (CapU) is an Unreal Engine Authorized Training Center that houses a 2D Animation and Visual Development program. Leading to a diploma, the program highlights courses taught by veteran animators; hands-on experience through internships and other experiential learning activities; and intensive portfolio development. The program takes two years to complete, full-time. For students seeking a shorter program, the School of AVFX has a two-month Animation Fundamentals certificate that covers traditional and computer animation.
Programs culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates have secured roles at places such as Disney, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Pixar, DNEG, Eyeline (formerly Scanline VFX), WildBrain, Atomic Cartoons, Bardel Entertainment, and Mainframe Studios.
5. Algonquin College, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Algonquin College (AC) houses the School of Media and Design. This Certified Toon Boom Center of Excellence provides several paths to study animation. Options include a one-year Pre-Animation and Illustration certificate; a one-year Drawing Foundations for Animation and Illustration certificate; and a three-year advanced diploma in Animation. Across programs, students benefit from hands-on projects; courses taught by veteran animators and illustrators from places such as Warner Bros. Animation, Disney, Sony, and Ubisoft; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities. Diploma students also have opportunities to complete one or more internships.
The culminating experience for the diploma program is a final project and portfolio. Graduates can be found at places such as Disney Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Animation, Pixar, Mercury Filmworks, Pixomondo, Atomic Cartoons, Guru Studio, Jam Filled Entertainment, and Pipeline Studios.
6. Vancouver Animation School, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Animation School (VANAS) provides several paths to study animation. Options include diplomas 2D Computer Animation; 3D Computer Animation; Animated Short Films; Concept Art; and Effects Animation. These intensive, industry-focused programs can be competed 100% online in just one year. Other program highlights include small class sizes with courses taught by animators from studios such as DreamWorks, Netflix, and Disney; access to the entire suite of animation production tools; and internship opportunities. Programs culminate with an original animated film and demo reel. Graduates have secured roles at places such as Disney Animation, Reel FX, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Gameloft, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Epic Games, Ubisoft, Zynga, DNEG, Bethesda, and Gearbox Software.
7. Cégep du Vieux Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Cégep du Vieux Montréal (CVM) is a Toon Boom Center of Excellence and Houdini Certified School that houses the only Cartooning Diploma of College Studies (DEC) in Montreal. The program incorporates studies in animation, character design, storyboarding, coloring, and environment design. CVM also houses DEC programs in 3D Production and Image Synthesis and 3D Animation. Across programs students benefit from workshops; small class sizes; courses taught by veteran animators; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and internship opportunities.
Programs culminate with the production of an original animated film. Graduates have secured roles at places such as Toon Boom Animation, Gameloft, Framestore, Cinesite, Mikros Animation, and Rodeo FX.
8. Seneca Polytechnic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Seneca Polytechnic (Seneca) is a Houdini Certified School and Toon Boom Center of Excellence. Within the institution is the School of Creative Arts and Animation, which provides several paths to study animation. Options include a three-year advanced diploma in Animation with specializations in 2D Animation, Gaming, Digital Animation, and Visual Development; and post-graduate certificates in 3D Animation, Game Art and Animation, and Visual Effects. All programs highlight hands-on curriculums; access to a dedicated state-of-the-art animation lab; and required internships.
Programs culminate with a demo reel. Graduates have been recruited by studios such as Pixar, Ubisoft, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Titmouse, and Jam Filled Entertainment.
9. LaSalle College Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
LaSalle College Vancouver (LCV) provides three paths to study animation. Options include diplomas in Animation Art and Design (AAD), and 3D Modeling for Animation and Games (MAG), and the Applied Arts Essentials Animation (AAAD) certificate. Across programs, students benefit from immersive workshops; courses and hands-on projects led by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art workstations, a virtual reality suite, and the Emerging Technologies Lab; collaborative projects; and internship opportunities.
To graduate, diploma students will complete the Final Diploma Capstone course. AAAD students will complete a final project. LCV animation graduates are frequently hired at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Framestore, Electronic Arts (EA), Titmouse, and Sony Pictures Imageworks.
10. Humber Polytechnic, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
Humber Polytechnic (formerly Humber College) provides an Animation 3D Advanced Diploma program that takes three years to complete. Students seeking a shorter program can enroll in the 3D Modeling and Visual Effects Production certificate, which takes just two semesters to complete. Highlights across programs include small class sizes; instructors with extensive experience in the entertainment industry; team projects with students in other majors; access to state-of-the-art facilities; and internships. Programs culminate with an animated short (or other work), and professional portfolio.
Graduates can be found at places such as Lucasfilm, Ubisoft, Keyframe Digital Productions, Frantic Films, Jam Filled Entertainment, Snowball Studios, Sinking Ship Entertainment, and Soho VFX.