| Ranking | School | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vancouver Film School | Canada |
| 2 | Film Academy Baden-Württemberg | Germany |
| 3 | National Film and Television School | England |
| 4 | Vancouver Institute of Media Arts | Canada |
| 5 | Nanyang Polytechnic | Singapore |
| 6 | Think Tank Training Centre | Canada |
| 7 | Aardman Academy | England |
| 8 | Animum Creativity Advanced School | Spain |
| 9 | Trazos School of Digital Arts | Spain |
| 10 | The Animation School | South Africa |
| 11 | Algonquin College | Canada |
| 12 | La Poudrière | France |
| 13 | Seneca Polytechnic College | Canada |
| 14 | Capilano University | Canada |
| 15 | FX Animation | Spain |
| 16 | The Game Assembly | Sweden |
| 17 | Vancouver Animation School | Canada |
| 18 | CG Spectrum | Australia |
| 19 | Faculdade Melies | Brazil |
| 20 | The One Academy | Malaysia |
| 21 | Lightbox Academy | Spain |
| 22 | Humber College | Canada |
| 23 | The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague | Czech Republic |
| 24 | Cégep du Vieux Montréal | Canada |
| 25 | 9Zeros | Spain |
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.
Vancouver Film School (VFS) launched a Classical Animation program and North America’s first Multimedia program in 1994. Just a year later, the school launched a one-year 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) program. In 2013, Vancouver Film School opened a new Animation Campus outfitted with an animation rig from Long Winter Studios, and Qube! render farm.
Today, VFS is a Houdini Certified School that provides 24/7 access to expanded state-of-the-art computer labs equipped with industry standard software, studios, theaters, film sets, motion and performance capture facilities (among the largest in North America), production spaces, and screening rooms. VFS facilities are housed across eight campuses and more than 42,000 sq. ft. of space.
Other VFS features include numerous partnerships with major technology companies and software developers such as HP, Unreal Engine, Pixologic (makers of Zbrush), Dell Technologies, Autodesk, Unity, NVIDIA, Final Draft, and Adobe; visiting artists; internship opportunities with both independent and major studios; workshops, training sessions, and industry social events hosted by VFS; and access to career services through the VFS Alumni Directory & Job Board.
The Classical Animation program at Vancouver Film School is 12-month diploma program that explores the basics of animation, rendering, background design, animating characters, layout, storyboards, and art direction. Course examples for the program include Animation 1-4; Character Design 1-2; Effects Animation 1-2; Digital Ink and Paint; History of Animation; Composition; 2D Digital Animation; Storyboarding 1-2; and Premiere.
Classical Animation students may also take a number of non-credit courses to enhance the program. Examples include Maya Intro; Photoshop; and Art Direction. The program culminates with the completion of the students demo reel and professional animation portfolio.
The 3D Animation & VFX program at Vancouver Film School is a 12-month diploma program that allows students to focus in Animation, Modeling, or Visual Effects. All students will learn the basics of the 3D pipeline; storytelling through the Pre-visualization course; and lighting, rendering, and compositing techniques. Course examples for the program include History of Animation + VFX; Animation 1-3; Advanced Animation; Visual Effects 1-3; Creative Development; Visual Effects: Data Acquisition; Advanced Modeling; Surfacing; Digital Sculpting 1-2; Design; Previsualization; and Life Drawing.
In the fourth term of the VFS 3D Animation & VFX program, students will enter the studio component of the curriculum, which focuses on the production of a demo reel in collaboration with industry mentors.
Regular group reviews and one-on-one feedback take place during the fifth term of the program. In the final term, students will put the finishing touches on their projects for the VFS Industry Night event.
In addition to the Classical Animation and 3D Animation & VFX programs, Vancouver Film School has an Animation Conception Art program that explores drawing, worldbuilding, storytelling, drawing, and character design. In the fifth term is this 12-month diploma program, students will begin working on a pitch package and professional portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in comic arts, games, animation, film and television, interactive media, and illustration (publishing, advertising, science and medicine, architecture, etc.).
Across all VFS animation programs, graduates have established careers at top studios around the world. Program alumni have worked on more than 100 feature films, 25+ TV/web series, over 20 3D Animation projects, and more than 30 games. Examples include Game of Thrones, Ghostbusters Afterlife, Overwatch, The Grinch, Justice League, Spider-Man No Way Home, Luigi’s Mansion, Halo Infinite, League of Legends, Sonic the Hedgehog, Child’s Play, Free Guy, Toy Story 4, God of War, and Dune.
Vancouver Film School opened in 1987 with 12 Film Production students. Today, the school serves more than 1,000 students enrolled in 15 programs across eight campuses, including Shanghai VFS (SHVFS). Vancouver Film School is accredited by the B.C. Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, and the British Columbia Education Quality Assurance (EQA). VFS is also holds a Designation Certificate under the Private Training Act.
Film Academy Baden-Württemberg (FABW) helps students produce some 250 films each year. Many of these films go on to win prizes at the Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards and SIGGRAPH. Other FABW highlights include intensive, project-based programs; partnerships with companies such as Kodak, Dolby, and CILECT; hands-on training through internships and other experiential learning experiences; interdisciplinary collaborations across the academy and with media partners such SWR, ZDF, ProSiebenSat.1, HR, RTL, and ARTE.
Film Academy Baden-Württemberg is also home to the Animation Institute. Established in 2002, the institute trains students in animation, visual effects, directing, interactive media, producing, and games. Institute features include guest lecturers from the U.S., Europe, and Germany; study abroad opportunities at partner schools in places such as South Africa, France, Argentina, Poland, and Lebanon; and the opportunity to focus in Animation, Animation/Effects Producing, Technical Directing, Visual Effects, or Interactive Media.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the Animation, Games, Effects, and Immersive Media event known as the Annual Spring FMX Conference. Hosted by the Animation Institute since 1994, the conference attracts directors, producers, and major studios from across Europe. Approximately 4,000 participants from more than 60 countries attend FMX each day, as well as dozens of celebrated speakers from around the world.
Other program benefits include access to state-of-the-art production facilities and studios; seminars and workshops; private individual workstations equipped industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, SideFX Houdini, Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe After Effects, TV Paint, and Dragonframe; and individual and team mentoring sessions supervised by accomplished industry professionals.
The Animation program at Film Academy Baden-Württemberg culminates with the diploma project and presentation. Graduates have gone on to establish careers at studios in Germany and abroad. Some alumni have launched their own independent studios or freelance businesses.
Founded in 1991, Film Academy Baden-Württemberg serves approximately 500 students who are mentored and taught more than 300 film and media experts. The school provides film and media; film music and sound design; production; and interdisciplinary programs across the Institute of Animation, Visual Effects and Digital Postproduction, the Academy of Performing Arts, and the Atelier Ludwigsburg-Paris. Film Academy Baden-Württemberg is a subsidiary of the State of Baden-Württemberg.
National Film and Television School (NFTS) is the only film school in the UK with its own in-house television and film studios known as Beaconsfield Studios. This allows the school to operate like a major studio, with professional state-of-the-art production facilities for animation, film, television, games, design, and more.
NFTS has several paths to study animation including a two-year Directing Animation MA; a one-year Model Making for Animation post-graduate diploma; and the three-week Storyboarding for Animators program. The MA and diploma program are delivered at the main campus (Beaconsfield Studios).
Funded by ScreenSkills Animation Skills Fund, the Storyboarding for Animators program explores film language; storyboarding for the animated TV series; acting; storyboarding for audio; Storyboard Pro; and pitching and revising. The program culminates with an online networking event.
Across all programs, students benefit from interactions with guest speakers such as Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, The Boxtrolls) and Glen Keane (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast); courses taught by instructors who are active in the industry; participation in workshops and student showcases; and partnerships with Prime Video, the Film Distributors Association, ITV, The National Lottery, BBC, the UK Cinema Association, and many others.
The Directing Animation MA is delivered in module format, with the opportunity to choose a specialization from the following options: Producing, Screenwriting, Production Design, Cinematography, Sound Design, Editing, and Composing. Modules include: 1 - Animation Screen Language with Sand; 2 - From Ideas to Animatics; 3 - Character of Place; 4 - The Character Film; 5 - Animation Techniques and Sound; 6 - Animation Graduation Film: Ideas; and 7 – Animation Graduation Film.
The film consists of three stages: Pre-Production, Production, and Post Production. Final films are presented in Central London in front of a live audience at the end of the school year. Films are also entered into major festivals. In addition to the final film NFTS MA students will complete a dissertation consisting of a written piece or video essay.
The Model Making for Animation diploma program is the only UK-based program of its kind located in a dedicated film studio environment. Provided in partnership with Mackinnon & Saunders (animation producers), the program features courses and modules created by the professional animators from Aardman Animations. Examples include Miniature Set Building to Scale; Stop Frame Animated Puppet; Introduction to Pattern and Mouldmaking; and 1:1 Propmaking.
Other program features include the opportunity to collaborate with students from other NFTS programs to create films and complete projects; participation in the Screen Arts Program and Cinema Club; and masterclasses at NFTS and venues in London. Diploma students may also have opportunities to obtain work experience at places such as Warner Brothers, Aardman Animations, Mackinnon & Saunders, Arch Model Studios, and BGI Supplies.
Graduates of the NFTS Model Making for Animation program have gone on to work as prop artists, animators (traditional, puppet, etc.), and modelers at places such as Aardman Animations, Factory Create, Arch Film Studio, and Mackinnon and Saunders. Program alumni have worked on productions such as Spitting Image, Wicked, Dune 2, Wonka, Masters of the Air, Pinocchio, Barbie, Chicken Run 2, Isle of Dogs, and The House.
Overall, graduates of the Animation programs at National Film and Television School enjoy a 90% employment rate. Other studios that have hired NFTS animation alumni include Blue Zoo, Jellyfish Pictures, Blinkink – London Animation Studio, and Animortal - Stop-Motion Animation Studio.
National Film and Television School launched in 1971 as The National Film School. Today, the school provides more than 30 MA, diploma, and certificate programs; short programs across the games, film, and television disciplines; and specialized programs in cinematography, script supervision, directing, and production accounting. Serving more than 700 students each year, National Film and Television School was awarded both the BAFTA for Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema, and the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2018.
Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) has a 2D/3D Character Animation program that can be completed in person at the Vancouver campus or 100% online. The school is also a Houdini Training Partner with articulation agreements at four-year institutions such as Woodbury University (USA), Media Design School (New Zealand), and Emily Carr University of Art and Design. This allows students to complete a BA in as little as one year after earning a diploma at VanArts.
VanArts has additional partnerships with Pixologic (makers of ZBrush), SideFX, Toon Boom, Adobe, Microsoft, and Autodesk.
The 2D/3D Character Animation program provides the opportunity to choose a specific stream: 2D (using Toon Boom Harmony) or 3D (using Maya). Both streams explore the 12 principles of animation, Life drawing, character animation, storyboarding, body mechanics, dialogue, performance, and pantomime. All students will also complete the History of Animation course; Adobe Premiere workshops; and the Story/Visual Language course.
The 2D/3D Character Animation program at Vancouver Institute of Media Arts culminates with the completion of a professional demo reel.
Graduates of the diploma programs at Vancouver Institute of Media Arts enjoy a 92% employment rate within six months of graduation. 2D/3D Character Animation alumni are prepared for positions in animation for film, television, and games. Students can also use their animation skills for to pursue careers in advertising, the science and medial fields, architecture, graphic design, web design, the legal field, health, corporate training, and education.
VanArts graduates have worked with major studios such as DreamWorks, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Animal Logic, and Weta FX. Alumni have worked on productions such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Transformers: Rescue Bots, 101 Dalmatian Street, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Teen Titans Go, Mega Man, The Dragon Prince, and Hilda.
Founded in 1995 by Academy-Award winning Animator and Director Lee Mishkin, Vancouver Institute of Media Arts serves hundreds of students from around the world. The school focuses on diploma programs in character animation, game art and design, visual effects, web design, acting for film and television, and professional photography. Vancouver Institute of Media Arts is designated the Registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training; Education Quality Assurance (EQA); and EduCanada.
The School of Design & Media (SDM) at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) has an Animation, Games & Visual Effects (VFX) program that takes just three years to complete. Leading to a diploma, the program allows students to gain real-word work experience at studios in Singapore, Hong Kong, Finland, China, Sweden, and France through the NYP Internship Program (ITP).
Since 1998, the NYP ITP has been placing students at major studios such as Blizzard Entertainment, Pixar Animation, Disney, Lucasfilm, Ubisoft, Blizzard Entertainment, and Weta Digital. NYP internships are mandatory and last 24 weeks.
The Animation, Games & Visual Effects program at NYP allows students to specialize in Animation, Games or Visual Effects. Animation students will take Character Animation; Look Development; Rigging; Digital Sculpting, and Virtual Production. Games students will take Immersive Media technology; Level Design; Business for Digital Media Industry; Principles of Game Design; and Project Management. Visual Effects student will complete Dynamic Simulations; VFX Cinematography; Virtual Production; Procedural Effects; and Film Production.
Across specializations, students will take a number of common courses. All Animation, Games & VFX courses are taught in state-of-the-art facilities and classrooms by industry professionals who have worked with Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), The Walt Disney Company, and Ubisoft. Examples of common courses include 2D Animation; 3D Animation; Storyboard and Animatics; 3D Workflow; Visual Development; Storytelling Through Media; 2D and 3D Asset Cration; Digital Painting; User-Centered Studio Practice; Cinematic Production; Real-Time Engine; and Pre-Visualization Production.
Animation, Games & VFX students can develop skills in other areas through elective courses such as Creative Producing; Sequential Art; Game Story Creation; Mixed Reality Experience Design; Cinematography for Visual Effects; Business for Digital Media Industry; Audio Creation; and Digital Photography. Students may also earn industry certifications through NYP partners such as Epic Games.
In addition to completing several projects throughout the program, NYP Animation, Games & VFX students will complete a final project that will be the centerpiece for their professional portfolios.
Graduates of the Animation, Games & Visual Effects program at Nanyang Polytechnic are prepared to pursue a graduate degree or a position at a major studio. Program alumni have been accepted at Nanyang Technological University, Academy of Art University (USA), DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore, and National University of Singapore, among others.
Program alumni have also gone on to become 2D/3D Character Animators, VFX Artists, Storyboard Artists, Production Designers, Art Directors, Illustrators, Visual Development Artists, Animation Producers, Creative Directors, Character Designers, and 3D Modelers at places such as Sony Pictures Imageworks, Netflix Animation, Method Studios, AMC Studio, DNEG, CraveFX, and Polygon Pictures.
Established in 1992, Nanyang Polytechnic serves more than 15,000 students enrolled in 37 full-time diploma programs across seven schools. Students at Nanyang also have access to a full suite of Continuing Education and Training (CET) options. Many CET programs are housed in the school’s Asian Culinary Institute; Singapore Institute of Retail Studies; and the National Centre of Excellence for Workplace Learning. Nanyang Polytechnic operates according to the policies set forth by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of Singapore.
Think Tank Training Centre (Think Tank) has a 3D Animation, Visual Effects & Game Art program that can be completed in 64 weeks. This immersive diploma program explores all aspects of animation, VFX, computer graphics, and games. Consisting of 40-60 hours of coursework/projects per week, the program provides the opportunity to select a specialization from 12 options. Examples include Animation; Characters & Creatures for Film; Visual Effects; Props and Environments for Film; and Look Development.
Students in all specializations will take courses such as 3D Animation; Production Pipeline (all terms); Experiential Learning Lab (all terms); 3D Animation; Game Engines; Acting for Animation; Character Production; Compositing & VFX; Traditional Sculpting; Advanced Tools; Environment Production; and Final Project (All terms).
Students will also master software such as Unreal Engine, ZBrush, Nuke, Maya, Substance Painter, Mudbox, Photoshop, Mari, V-Ray, UVLayout, and Substance Designer.
In the final term of the 3D Animation, Visual Effects & Game Art program at Think Tank, students will take the following courses: Presentation Skills; Portfolio Packaging; and Job Search. Students will also take their final Experiential Learning Lab, Production Pipeline, and Portfolio Production courses. Graduates will leave the program with an industry-ready portfolio.
In addition to the 64-week diploma program, Think Tank Training Centre has a shorter program designed for students with advanced skills in CG. Students in this 16-week program will learn and create at personal, state-of-the-art workstations, with opportunities to be mentored by industry professionals. Mentees have access to studio tours with partner organizations, portfolio workshops, and additional job-readiness tutorials.
Courses for the program include Production Pipeline, Job Readiness, and Final Portfolio Production. At the end of the program, students can take advantage of four additional months of facility access to complete their demo reel and job hunt.
Graduates of the Animation and CG programs at Think Tank Training Centre have been hired at local and global studios such as Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM),Weta FX, Digital Domain, Framestore, Disney, BioWare, DNEG, Animal Logic, Phoenix Labs, Method Studios, Hellbent Games, Waterproof Studios, Scan Line VFX, and ZOIC.
Founded in 2005, Think Tank Training Centre prepares students for careers in the CG Industry through a number of online, campus, and hybrid programs. The school serves hundreds of students at its North Vancouver location and thousands of online students from around the world. Program examples include 3D Animation, Visual Effects & Game Art; CG Asset Creation for Film or Games; and CG + 3D Asset Creation for Film ore Games.
Aardman Academy has partnerships with a number of top universities and art schools—a testament to the value of this hands-on training school. In 2024, the academy signed a five-year partnership with University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand to train students in its’ signature stop-motion animation style
Other Aardman partners include the experimenta.l. animation lab at the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology (BAHT) at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas); Northern Art School (est. 1874); University of the West of England (UWE); Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology; and the Animation Department at the University of Westminster.
Aardman Academy also provides in-studio training; remote industry training programs; online foundation courses; and short courses (events) such as Animated Insights (online guest speakers from the animation industry) and the Lecturer Development Program (two-day event). Online foundation courses are four weeks and include Stop Motion; Model Making; and Storyboarding Foundation.
Courses are taught by industry professionals and consist of practical masterclasses, weekly assignments, and core principles.
Remote industry training programs are 12 weeks and are delivered using Aardman’s online, immersive teaching platform. Other features include individual mentors for the entire program; live online lectures; meet-ups and drop-ins; and 24/7 access to a community of Aardman Directors, Animators, Producers, Artists, and other program participants.
Programs include Stop Motion 1: Character Body, Mime and Pantomime; and Stop Motion 2: Full Face & Body Character Performance. Upon completion of the programs, all students will have the opportunity to participate in a formal graduation event at Aardman’s Gas Ferry Road Studios.
In-studio training at Aardman Academy includes the five-week, full-time Stop Motion Character Animation program, and the seven-month Stop Motion Film Production program. Both options feature hands-on training, projects, and coursework led by Aardman staff. Stop Motion Character Animation students will complete a professional body of work, culminating in an industry-ready showreel.
For the Stop Motion Film Production option, students will spend six of the seven months of the program at Aardman studios. For five days a week, every week, students will learn from Aardman staff and work with the team to produce individual short animations. The final month of the program will be spent finalizing student shorts.
The Stop Motion Film Production program at Aardman Academy provides the same number of teaching weeks as a standard master’s degree.
Upon completion of the Animation programs at Aardman Academy, students are prepared to pursue titles such as Director, Animator, and Model Maker across the animation, film, games, television, and advertising industries.
Aardman began as a short animated sketch created by teenagers Peter Lord and David Sproxton. The piece was purchased by the BBC for their Vision On series. When the duo received their first check from the BBC, they registered their bank account under the name Aardman Animations. The duo went on to produce Oscar winning shorts and famous productions such as Chicken Run, Wallace and Gromit’s World of Invention, and Shaun the Sheep: Adventures from Mossy Bottom.
Aardman Animations launched Aardman Academy in the late 1990s, when the studio needed more animators to work on Chicken Run. Today, Aardman Academy provides independent animation programs of all kinds at Gas Ferry Road Studios (headquarters) in Bristol, UK. Some Aardman programs are also provided online.
Animum Creativity Advanced School (Animum) provides an endless number of flexible programs and courses for artists looking to pursue a career in animation. Examples of “master” programs include 3D Animations, Games, and Interactive Environments; Digital Drawing and 2D Animation; Animation of 3D Characters; 3D Character Modeling; Rigging and 3D Animation; and Concept Art of Characters.
Examples of shorter programs include Animation for Video Games (nine months); 3D Character Animation for Video Games (nine months); Advanced 3D Character Rigging (six months); Cartoon Animation (three-months); and Fundamentals of 2D Animation (course, 30 hours).
Across programs, students will use industry-standard software to work on classroom projects and films for their professional portfolios. Software includes Autodesk Maya, Unity, Adobe Photoshop and Substance 3D Painter, Zbrush, Nuke, and Marmoset. In addition, all Animum students will benefit from tutors and guest speakers who work at major studios such as Disney, Sony Pictures, Gameloft, and Weta FX.
Graduates of Animum Creativity Advanced School will have the opportunity to promote their professional portfolios or reels to major studios, companies, and agencies in Malaga and around the world. With an 80% job placement rate, Animum alumni have established careers at animation studios, game design companies, VFX studios, creative firms, and motion graphics production studios.
Top studios such as Framestore and Illumination Studio Paris often hire Animum graduates. Framestore has locations Los Angeles, New York, Mumbai, Chicago, London, Vancouver, Melbourne, and Montreal. Animum alumni have also been hired at places such as Sony Pictures Imageworks, Ubisoft, Skydance Animation, Disney Animation Studios, MPC, Digital Domain, Blue Zoo Animation Studio, and Jellyfish Pictures.
Founded in 2002, Animum Creativity Advanced School provides Art and Design, 3D Production, and Postproduction training programs. Curriculums are focused on the animated film, live action film, and video game industries. Each year, this postgraduate institution serves more than 500 professionals from all over Spain and Latin America. Since 2022, Animum has been a member of AD Education. This international training group consists of more than 20 European schools focused in the fields of design, animation, and video games, among others. Animum Creativity Advanced School is also certified by Autodesk, Houdini, and Adobe.
Trazos School of Digital Arts (Trazos) is the first school of its kind in Spain. This Houdini, Toon Boom, and Apple Authorized Training Center has programs for individuals seeking a career in animation or single courses for established professionals looking specialize in an additional tool or area. Examples of single courses include Adobe After Effects; Cinema 4D; Nuke X; DaVinci Resolve; Premiere; ZBrush; Unreal Engine; Maya; Illustrator; 3ds Max; Framer; and InDesign.
Examples of professional training programs include 2D Animation; 3D Animation; Illustration; Visual Effects; Composition; Concept Art; 3D Production; Digital Art; Motion Graphics; and Digital Design. Students can complete a Trazos PT program in two to three years (to receive a “higher degree”) or between five and 10 months (to receive a “masters”). Courses are 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 hours.
All programs feature small class sizes; access to state-of-the-art facilities that function like professional studios; personal studio spaces; project-based learning; courses taught by industry professionals; and the opportunity to produce a number of animated productions, including a final industry-ready film. Trazos students also benefit from the school’s numerous partnerships with Autodesk, Unreal, Unity, Pixar Renderman, Nuke, The Foundry, HP, Pixologic, V-Ray, and Wacom.
Trazos graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles across industries such as entertainment, games, advertising and marketing, fine art, and education. Trazos alumni have been hired at places such as Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, Autodesk Training Centers, Y&R, and Adecco. Animation graduates have also been hired at studios in Spain and around the world.
Trazos School of Digital Arts launched in 1990 as the first school of digital arts in Spain. When it opened, the school provided a Photoshop course in a small office in Madrid. Since then, Trazos has trained more than 15,000 students for careers in animation, motion graphics, visual effects, game design, digital production, graphic design, UX/UI design, web development, and more. Programs lead to a “higher degree,” “master,” “expert master,” or certificate of completion.
The Animation School provides several paths to study animation. Students can earn a Digital Animation diploma or take a six- to seven-week course in 2D Cartoon Animation, 3D Animation or Digital Drawing.
The Digital Animation diploma is a three-year program that allows students to begin animating on day one. In addition, all students will complete a mandatory two-week internship with an animation studio in the third year of the program. Other features include 24/7 access to l state-of-the-art production facilities, labs, and studios; participation in lectures, seminars, and workshops; the chance to enter works in local and international film festivals; and the opportunity to study abroad at the Emile Cohl School in Lyons, France.
In the first year of the Digital Animation program at The Animation School, students will focus on introductory coursework in Animation; Context and Story; Visual Development; and Technical Artistry. In the second year, students will take advanced courses in these areas. The third year is dedicated to developing skills in the students chosen specialization through electives; the internship; professional development; and the group animated short film. This project will be presented at the Third Year Student Showcase with the chance to be released on The Animation School YouTube site at the conclusion of the film festival season. Final films will also become a part of the student’s professional demo reel.
Graduates of the Digital Animation diploma program at The Animation School enjoy a 90-95% employment placement rate. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Sunrise Animation Studios, Polycat Visual Effects, Clear Angle Studios, Triggerfish, Luma Animation, Balisti Studios, The Boiler Room Productions, Giant Animation, and Luncan Studio. Some program alumni have returned to The Animation School as educators.
The Animation School opened in 2000. Today, the school is known as the leading source of specialist animation education in South Africa. With full service campuses in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, the school serves hundreds of students each year. The Animation School is a proud member of the Honoris United Universities Network—the first and largest pan-African private education network. The school is also registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Algonquin College (AC) is home to the School of Media and Design which houses more than 20 programs leading to a diploma or a certificate. For students interested in pursuing a career in animation, the school has an advanced diploma in Animation that takes three years to complete, and a certificate in Drawing Foundations for Animation and Illustration, which takes just one year to complete.
Industry professionals who have worked with studios such as Disney, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Warner Bros. Animation, Ubisoft, and Atomic Cartoons lead all coursework, projects, and activities for the Animation diploma program. Course examples include Animation Practices and Principles I-II; Life Drawing for Animation I-VI; Animation Design I-IV; 2D Digital I-II; and 3D Animation I-II.
Courses for the program are delivered in a variety of modes including in the classroom or lab, in hybrid format (online/on campus), or 100% online. Graduates of the Animation diploma program will enter the job market with a portfolio and demo reel of their best work. Potential job titles include Animator, 3D Animator, Character Designer, Rigger, Modeler, Game Animator, Tradigital Rigger, Layout Artist, Location Designer, and Background Artist.
The Drawing Foundations for Animation and Illustration program at Algonquin College explores creature traditional animation and illustration, design, character design, life drawing, environment design, and sculpting—all in an immersive studio setting. Students will have additional opportunities to explore and perform research in areas such as comic books, gaming, anime, concept art, book illustration, and graphic novels.
Course examples for the program include Life Drawing 1-2; Character Design 1-2; Layout and Environmental Design 1-2; Digital Painting and Sculpting; Drawing Career Pathways, and Foundations of Communication.
This certificate program culminates with a final project to be displayed at the School of Media Design’s Annual Showcase. Students will also develop a professional portfolio of their best work. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in the entertainment, publishing, advertising, and other creative fields. Students will also have the credits needed to apply for admission to the Animation or Illustration and Concept Art diploma programs.
Algonquin College formed in 1967 after the merger of the Eastern Ontario Institute of Technology (est. 1957) and the Ontario Vocational Centre (est. 1965). The school serves approximately 20,000 students enrolled more than 200 programs across three campuses—Ottawa, Pembroke, and Perth—and online. The Online Campus at Algonquin College launched in 2019 and it enrolls students from around the world.
La Poudrière is one of just three film schools recognized by the French Ministry of Culture. The school provides a two-year Author Director of Animated Film (ADAF) program, and short programs such as Creating the Storyboard for an Animated Film; Writing for an Animated Series, and Writing Music for Animated Films.
The two-year Author Director of Animated Film (ADAF) program at La Poudrière is recognized by the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP). Students in this program will receive advanced training and direction from 80 professionals in the film and television industries. Examples of areas explored include writing and animating for films, television series, and trailers; directing actors; editing; and sound and music.
All La Poudrière ADAF students have the opportunity to participate in film festivals such as the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, and pitching events such as Cartoon Movie and Cartoon Springboard. To date, La Poudrière student films have won 190 awards in international film festivals.
Other program benefits include access to state-of-the-art production facilities; partnerships with Festival d'un Jour, Lyon National Music Conservatory (music for film), Lux Scène nationale, the Comédie de Valence (the National Drama Centre), and 'Le Navire' cinema; and study abroad opportunities with the Academy of Arts Architecture & Design in Prague (Umprum).
The Author Director of Animated Film program at La Poudrière culminates with several professional films. After graduating, La Poudrière alumni automatically gain access to networking opportunities, and direct connections to producers.
La Poudrière Animation Film School supports all graduates with additional short film projects through the Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers (SACD), Ciclic (the cultural agency of the Centre-Val-de-Loire Region), the European Conservatory of Audiovisual Writing, and the European Conservatory of Audiovisual Writing (CEEA).
More than 90% of ADAF graduates are employed in the animation industry. To date, more than 285 films have been made by graduates including four feature-length films (two won Césars ); 128 short films (2 Césars ); nearly 60 television series and specials; and 90+ commissioned films.
La Poudrière is a boutique, not-for-profit, animation film school housed in a former military cartridge factory known as La Cartoucherie. Launched in 1999, the school attracts artists who are already on the on the path to becoming animation directors and filmmakers. Since its inception, La Poudrière has welcomed more than 200 artists, with 120+ certified since 2009, and 95% obtaining global certification in the last several years.
In addition to being recognized by the French Ministry of Culture, La Poudrière has dual standing as a private institution of higher education and a vocational training center.
The School of Creative Arts and Animation at Seneca Polytechnic College (Seneca Polytechnic) has several paths to study Animation. All programs provide the same benefits and opportunities. Examples include co-op experiences, field placements, work terms, and the study abroad program; partnerships and programs such as Computer Animation Studios of Ontario (CASO), Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI), and Toon Boom Center of Excellence program; and access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Animation, Computer, and the Digital Animation Labs.
Seneca Polytechnic also participates in a number of associations and groups such as Polytechnics Canada, Colleges Ontario, and Colleges and Institutes of Canada.
Program options include an advanced diploma in Animation, and graduate certificates in 3D Animation and Game Art & Animation. The certificate programs are delivered in a hybrid format and they can be completed in eight months.
The Animation program at Seneca Polytechnic College takes three years (six semesters) to complete. Delivered in a hybrid format, the program follows the Seneca Animation Model. Among the first of its kind, the model focuses on skills development through four specialization streams. These include 2D Animation; Game Art and Animation; 3D Animation; and Visual Development.
In addition to focused coursework, all streams explore computer animation, storyboarding, character animation, digital technology, environment and scene design, and animation production. Courses for the program are hands-on and cross-disciplinary, with titles such as Storyboarding – Film Structure; Character Design; Animation Applications; Storytelling; Character Development; Character Acting; Layout – Environmental Design; and History of Animation.
In addition, all first-year students will explore Animation Foundations. This helps students develop skills in life drawing; film language, animation, design, and structural drawing for animation. In the second and third year of the program, students will immerse in their chosen stream while collaborating with peers across areas. Students will also participate in workshops, interact with visiting artists, and complete an internship.
Graduates of the Seneca Polytechnic College Animation program are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of animation for film, television, games, advertising, and art education. They work at animated feature film studios, visual effects studios, 2D and 3D television animation studios, gaming studios, pre-production and concept art studios, virtual production companies, and advertising agencies.
Seneca Polytechnic Animation alumni are also prepared to pursue the Animation BA at partner schools such as University of Gloucestershire and Munster Technological University (MTU).
The 3D Animation program at Seneca Polytechnic College explores 3D computer modeling and animation. Students will learn the principles of animation, develop project management skills, and master storyboard drawing techniques. Graduates are prepared for careers in animation and 3D animation for film, television, and games; forensic animation; and industrial design. Sample job titles include Digital Animator, Modeler, Character Rigger, Lighting Specialist, and 3D Painting/Texturing.
The Game Art & Animation program at Seneca Polytechnic explores animation, texturing, design, modeling, lighting, scene staging, production management, and art direction. Students will master high-end hardware and software, while learning about how the production pipeline works within AAA game studios. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as Animator, Level Designer, Texture Artist, Modeler, Prop Artist, Level Builder, and Lighting Artist.
Established in 1967, Seneca Polytechnic College serves 63,200 full-time, part-time, and continuing education students enrolled in more than 300 programs leading to a diploma, degree, or certificate. Around 24,600 Seneca students come from 150+ countries. This means the school has serves Canada’s largest number of foreign students. Seneca Polytechnic College is accredited by the Canadian Association of Colleges and Universities (ACU) and it is the only college in Ontario to have programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
The Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Capilano University (CapU) is home to the School of Animation and Visual Effects (AVFX). This Unreal Engine Authorized Training Center provides several paths to study Animation. For students seeking a diploma, the School of AVFX has the following programs: 2D Animation and Visual Development; Visual Effects for Film, Streaming & Immersive Media; and 3D Animation for Film and Games.
For students seeking a short program, the School of AVFX has an eight-week Animation Fundamentals program that leads to a certificate (citation). The diploma programs can be completed in two years, full-time.
Across programs, features Unreal Engine workshops; study abroad experiences in places such as China, Denmark, England, Japan, and the U.S.; and access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs, and equipment across two campuses in North Vancouver and Sechelt.
Facilities include the Bosa Center for Film and Animation, which houses dedicated classroom workspaces, film, animation, sound recording, and mixing suites, and an 8,000 square foot sound stage; industry standard labs equipped with high-end graphics workstations; a motion capture studio; green screen; and Black Magic Design Cameras.
AVFX 2D, 3D, and Visual Effects students can expect to take courses such as Animation: Emerging Technologies; The Art of Visual Storytelling; 3D Animation I-IV; Visual Effects Modeling and Texturing; Character Animation; Animation: Timing and Principles; Visual Effects Production; Advanced Production Design for Animation; Technical Direction and Rigging; Animation Action Analysis; Studio: Gesture and Form; and Visual Effects Animation.
Students will also take other courses such as Business Writing for Digital Visual Effects and Entrepreneurship in the Animation Industry.
In the final year of the Animation programs at Capilano University, students will have the opportunity to complete an internship at a local studio and/or a professional demo reel and portfolio. All programs culminate with the CapU School of AVFX Gradshow, which attracts industry leaders from Vancouver and abroad.
Graduates of the Animation diploma programs as CapU have gone on to become Animators, Storyboard Artists, 3D Modelers, Layout Artists, VFX Artists, and Texture Artists at local production studios and major studios around the world. Some program alumni have launched their own studios or freelance careers.
Capilano University was founded in 1968 as a college. When it opened on September 10, 1968, the school welcomed 784 students enrolled in a few evening courses. Today, CapU serves approximately 12,700 students across five faculties, more than a dozen schools, and 100 programs. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree, diploma, associate degree, certificate, or graduate degree. Capilano University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
FX Animation provides a number of paths to study animation. Options include Certified FX degrees in Character and Creature Animation, Modeling and Concept Art, and 2D and 3D Animation; and Higher Master programs in 2D Animation and 3D Cartoon Animation.
Features across programs include small class sizes (up to 15 students); partnerships with companies such as ASUS, HP, Wacom, Polford, and 22 Barcelona; access to state-of-the-art facilities, workshops, labs, studios, and technical classrooms; and the opportunity to complete one or more internships. FX Animation students have interned at studios such as El Ranchito, Digital Legends, Scarecrow Studio, The Game Forge, Entropy Studio, Deluxe, Music Has No Limits, and B-Water Animation Studios.
Students in the Certified FX degree programs will master industry-standard software such as Maya, Mudbox, MotionBuilder, Unreal Engine, Sketchbook, Zbrush, Painter, Alchemist, Blender, and Photoshop. Programs are delivered in a module format. For example, the Character and Creature Animation program include modules such as 3D Advanced Character Animation; Realistic Animal Animation; FXExperience; Fantastic Creatures Animation; Animation Film Production; and CGI.
Modeling and Concept Art students will compete modules such as Digital Drawing and Painting; 3D Techniques; FXExperience; Concept Art; 3D Advanced Techniques; Preproduction and Production in Concept Art; and Training in Companies (250-hour internship). Students in this program will work in teams to complete several projects. Programs culminate with a final project (industry-ready film), a professional demo reel, and portfolio.
Higher Master students will master industry-standard tools and software such as Maya, Mudbox, TVPaint, Sketchbook, and MotionBuilder. All FX Animation students also benefit from intense training in other industry-standard tools and software such as Houdini, Nuke, Avid, LightWave, Premier Pro, V-Ray, 3ds Max, After Effects, DaVinci, Cinema 4D, RailClone, Mari, SynthEyes, Cara VR, Forest Pack, and Pro Tools.
Higher Master programs explore everything from the 12 principles of Animation to cartooning and illustration to advanced creature animation. Students will graduate with an industry-ready film, demo reel, and portfolio.
FX Animation has a near perfect 99% job placement rate, with graduates landing positions at more than 800 companies in Europe and around the world. Examples include DreamWorks, Disney, Gameloft, DNEG, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Ubisoft, MPC, Framestore, Method Studios, Mikros Animation, BMW, Technicolor, Digital Legends Entertainment, Cubica VFX, Volkawagen, Ilion Animation Studios, El Ranchito, Zinkia, Hampa Animation Studio, Warhorse, Digital Legends Entertainment, Mediapro, Arx Anima Animation Studfio, Gestmusic, and 3 Doubles Productions.
Established in 2007, FX Animation provides training in 3D Animation and Film. Programs are led by more than 40 professionals with expertise in animation, filmmaking, and education. FX Animation serves approximately 300 students. FX Animation is SideFX Certified.
Students at The Game Assembly (TGA) have the unique opportunity to spend a third of their time working at a studio or other creative environment. TGA students also benefit from small class sizes and collaborative activities across programs; partnerships with local gaming studios; apprenticeship programs provided in partnership with Kaplan, Aardvark Swift, Into Games, and Grads in Games; and courses taught by active industry professionals.
The Game Animator program at TGA is an ideal option for students seeking careers in animation. This immersive program focuses on 3D. The curriculum explores the 12 Principles of Animation, motion capture, keyframe animation, and rigging 3D models. Students will also master industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya and MotionBuilder.
Because the Game Animator program is immersive and accelerated (2.5 years to completion) most courses are advanced. Course examples include Game Animation 3D; Cinematics; Body Mechanics; Motion Capture; Acting; and Creatures. Students will select a specialization (advanced, worth 35 credits) and complete the eight games at a rate of two per term. Projects will consist of individual and group works.
The Game Animator program at The Game Assembly leads to a diploma. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in animation for games, films, television, advertising, education, and training.
The Game Assembly was founded in Malmo, Sweden in 2008. Today, this Higher Vocational Education Institution serves hundreds of students each year at the main campus in Malmo and an additional campuses in Stockholm, Sweden and the UK. The Game Assembly is HBTQI Certified and it has been a member of Ukie since 2023. Ukie is the trade body for the UK games and interactive entertainment industry.
Vancouver Animation School (VANAS) has many paths to study animation. At the diploma level, VANAS has 2D Computer Animation, 3D Computer Animation, Effects Animation, Animated Short Films programs, and Concept Art programs. Diploma Programs take 12 months to complete. Short programs include Introduction to Digital Arts and Writing for Animation. Both programs take three months to complete.
The Animation programs at VANAS can be completed 100% online or in a hybrid (online/on campus) format. Students who choose the hybrid option will spend three hours each week on campus, where they will interact with industry professionals and other students.
Graduates of the Animation programs at Vancouver Animation School are prepared to pursue roles across the animation and game design industries. Program alumni have landed positions at places such as DNEG, Reel FX Animation, Epic Games, Ubisoft, Gearbox Software, Bethesda Game Studios, Zynga, and Gameloft.
Established in 2010, Vancouver Animation School is the first online institution to be fully accredited by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB). With campuses in Canada and Blaine, Washington (USA), the school is also accredited by the British Columbia Education Quality Assurance (BCEQA), The Canadian Information Center for International Credentials (CICIC), EduCanada, and the Washington Education Training Board. VANAS provides certificates, diplomas, and university pathways in the art, media, design, and technology fields.
CG Spectrum (CG) is a Toon Boom Authorized Training Center and the only 100% online 2D animation school to hold this designation. Students in all CG programs learn from veteran Animators from studios such as Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, Disney, Ubisoft, Sony, Warner Bros., Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and Weta.
CG Spectrum provides personalized job-focused training for artists looking to pursue careers in the film and games industries. School features include small class sizes; flexible class schedules; and live weekly sessions with individual industry mentors from more than 90 countries.
For students who would like to focus in animation, CG Spectrum has three-month 2D and 2D Animation Essentials programs; six-month 2D and 3D Animation Foundations programs; and nine-month 2D and 3D Animator specialization programs. Programs feature courses such as the 12 Principles of Animation; 2D and 3D Foundations; Character Animation; Creating Fight Scenes; Advanced Character Acting; Rigs and Posing; Creature Animation; Animating Walk Cycles; and Cut-Out Animation.
All programs provide extensive training in Maya software, Toon Boom Harmony, and other industry-standard software. Students can take the three-month, six-month, and nine-month programs separately or together for a total of 18 months for an advanced level certificate.
The Animation programs at CG Spectrum culminate with a professional portfolio of the students best work. Upon completion of the programs, students will have the opportunity to take part in career development activities such as workshops, webinars, internships, portfolio and demo reviews, resume/CV assistance, interview prep, and networking events.
Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as 2D or 3D Animator, Game Artist, Storyboard Artist, Character Animator, Layout Artist, Pre-Vis Animator, Game Animator, Character Rigger, and Creature Animator. CG Spectrum alumni have been hired at studios such as Sony Pictures Animation, Framestore, Pixar, Ubisoft, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, MPC, Electronic Arts (EA), and Weta.
Established in 2015, CG Spectrum is an Online Digital Animation School that provides job-focused career training and mentorship from industry professionals. The school serves hundreds of students enrolled in programs ranging from Animation and Games to Digital Painting and Visual Effects (VFX). CG Spectrum is an Unreal Authorized Training Center and a Houdini Certified School.
Faculdade Melies (Melies) provides programs for students seeking careers in animation, games, film, and visual effects. The school also has single courses for students looking for an introduction to 3D character rigging, art history, narratives, and 3D animation. Single courses are free. With partnerships including Copa Studio, Flamma, and Mono Animation, Melies also features networking opportunities; individual mentoring; guest lecturers and speakers; and portfolio development.
Long programs include 2D Animation; Animation Design; Digital Games; Art for Games; Visual Effects; and Art for Games. Programs are delivered in module format, with opportunities to complete several films or games, including a final industry-ready work. All students will learn and create using Harmony Toon Boom and Adobe Animate.
Sample modules across programs include 2D Animation; Scenario Development; Art History; Production Design; Game Design; ACE: Shadow of the Phoenix; Team Management; Asset Modeling; Modeling; ACE: Dinosaur’s First Steps; Workflow; Digital Painting; 2D Art; Design History; Programming Fundamentals; Graphic Tools; and Art Direction.
Graduates of the Animation programs at Faculdade Melies have been hired at animation and game design studios, film studios, creative agencies, and television networks. Program alumni have gone on to become Animators, Art Directors, VFX Artists, Digital Animators, Modelers, Game Artists, Film Producers, and Animation Designers.
Melies graduates have worked on games and films such as Avengers: Infinity War, Game of Thrones, and The Last of Us Part II.
Faculdade Melies was established by a group of professional artists in 2005. The school opened as Melies School of Cinema, 3D And Animation, taking its name from Georges Méliès—the creator of visual effects in film. Since then, Melies has trained more than 15,000 professionals currently working at studios around the world. Faculdade Melies gained accreditation by MEC in 2014 as Brazil’s first college specializing in animation. The school provides undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online.
The One Academy (TOA) has a Digital Animation (with Game Development) program that takes three years to complete. In addition to studying figure drawing, visual storytelling, and concept design, students will select a specialization in Animation or Modeling. Other program features include immersive workshops; assignments and projects that take place in a studio environment; access to state-of-the-art labs and production facilities; opportunities to work with mentors who are professionals in the animation industry; and all of the benefits that come with being an Academic Partner of Unreal Engine Malaysia.
In addition to 22 course modules, the TOA Digital Animation program requires contextual (liberal arts) courses including History of Art & Design; Language & Communication Skills; Survey of S.E.A. Art & Culture; Malaysian Studies; Culture & Humanities; and Business & Marketing. Students will also take personal development courses such as Advanced Rigging Workshop and Team Building, as well as software courses such as Maya, Zbrush, After Effects, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and Marvelous Designer.
Sample courses modules include 3D Animation; Design Fundamentals; Drawn Animation; Digital Video Creation; 3D Environment Modeling; Visual Storytelling; Advanced Drawing; and Concept Art.
In the final year of the TOA Digital Animation Program, students will complete the Studio for Animation & Modelling module; the Animation Short Film: Pre-Production, Production and Post-Production module; a professional portfolio; and a demo reel.
Graduates of the Digital Animation program at The One Academy are prepared to pursue a variety of roles in the entertainment industry, advertising, education, and more. Potential job titles include Animator, Effects Animator, Game Animator, 2D Animator, 3D Animator, Storyboard Artist, Rigger, Technical Artist, Character Modeler, Concept Artist, Videographer, Art Director, 3D Producer, Lighting & Shading Artist, Lecturer, Professor, and Researcher.
TOA alumni can be found at places such as DreamWorks, Leo Burnett, Ubisoft, Pixar Animation Studios, Young & Rubicam (Y&R), Lucasfilm Animation Singapore, BBDO, Weta, Sony Interactive Entertainment, MPC, Ogilvy, Bear Down Studio, and AMBER China.
The One Academy was established in 1991 as The One Academy of Communication Design. This private art and design school serves hundreds of students enrolled in diploma, degree, and certificate programs. The One Academy is fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA); endorsed by the Malaysia Status Institution (MSC); approved by the Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia; and Recognized by the China Embassy.
Lightbox Academy (Lightbox) is the only school in Spain founded by a major animation studio. The school is also accredited by Erasmus—the EU’s program to support education and training in Europe. Other Lightbox features include participation in events, workshops, and masterclasses; access to an extensive job and internship bank of more than 500 companies and institutions; and the opportunity to create animated, visual effects (VFX), and other productions.
For students looking to pursue a career in animation, Lightbox Academy has a number of flexible programs lasting anywhere from five months to 2.5 years. Options include the Double Master in Animation; 3D Animation for Cinema Master; 2D Animation Higher Master; 3D Animation Higher Master; Advanced 2D Animation Master; Advanced Animation Master; 2D Animation Master; and the Animation Master.
Students in all programs will work and learn in state-of-the-art classrooms and studios equipped with the latest industry software and tools. All programs culminate with an industry-ready project and portfolio of the student's best work.
Around 95% of Lightbox Academy graduates find employment in the entertainment industry shortly after graduation. Alumni can be found at major companies and studios in Europe and around the world.
Lightbox Academy is the learning institution of Lightbox Animation Studios—one of the top animation studios in Spain. This digital arts school employs a team of active professionals with at least 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Areas of specialization include animation, illustration, visual effects (VFX), motion graphics, video games, graphic design, and web design. Lightbox Academy training programs lead to direct employment in the entertainment industry.
The Faculty of Media & Creative Arts at Humber College has a 3D Animation program that leads to an advanced diploma. Areas explored include animation, modelling, art, narratives, and visualization. Students will work their way through the entire production pipeline, while mastering industry-standard 3D animation software and tools. Course examples for the program include Animation Art 1-5; An Introduction to Arts and Sciences; Life Drawing for Animation 1-5; Acting for Animators; Production Art 1-4; Animation History; and Film Art.
Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to work in teams to design characters, scenes, and objects; develop films; and build virtual worlds in the school’s state-of-the-art production facilities and the Usability Lab. Students also have access to the Virtual Reality (VR) Room, where they can create works with peers across disciplines.
In the last several semesters of the program, students will complete the following courses: Animated Short Development, Capstone 1 and 2, and Portfolio (ANMN 355).
Graduates of the Humber College 3D Animation program are prepared to pursue positions in the film, video games, television, marketing, and advertising industries. Program alumni go on to produce live-action and animated films; video games; real-time applications; commercials; and television productions.
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning (Humber College) serves more than 18,000 students across three campuses, making it one of the largest colleges in Canada. The school provides programs leading to a bachelor’s degree, diploma, advanced Diploma, or certificate. Other options include apprenticeship certificate programs; more than 60 online continuing education and professional training programs; and 400+ online courses. Programs are housed across eight academic schools, with many featuring work placements, clinical practice, or industry-related experiences.
The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU) is one of the three schools of the Academy of Performing Arts. Within the school is the Department of Animation (KAT), which provides both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Animated Film, as well as a new one-year program leading to a certificate. This animation certificate program focuses on hands-on training in indie animation in a professional studio environment. Students will have the opportunity to produce their own indie animated short before the end of the program. Graduates are prepared to pursue an entry-level-level position at a studio or transfer to a four-year degree program at any college or university.
The undergraduate Animated Film program at FAMU leads to a bachelor’s, and it can be completed in six semesters. The graduate program (master’s) can be completed in four semesters. Across programs, students will explore all the animation production pipeline, directing, and screenwriting.
Curriculums include hands-on exercises, projects, and creative workshops led by department instructors. Other features include access to state-of-the-art production facilities; internship opportunities; and a final project to be presented at an exhibition.
FAMU Animated Film students will also graduate with a professional portfolio of their best work. Program alumni are prepared to pursue positions at animation, film, television, and game studios in Prague and around the world. FAMU alumni have gone on to win many awards, including at least six Oscars.
The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague was founded in 1946, making it the fifth oldest film school in Europe. Serving approximately 1,500 students, the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague is the largest arts school in the Czech Republic. An incubator for young artists, FAMU provides six accredited programs across twelve departments.
Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague is a founding member of the European League of Institutes of the Arts (ELIA), the European Film Academy, the International Association of Film and Television Schools (CILECT), and the European Grouping of Film and Television Schools (GEECT). FAMU is also an institutional member of the Czech Society for Film Studies (CEFS) and the Association for Film and Audiovisual Education (ASFAV).
Cégep du Vieux Montréal (CVM) has two paths to study animation across two departments. The Animation Department at Cégep du Vieux Montréal (CVM) is a Toon Boom Center of Excellence (COE). Within the department is a Cartooning diploma (DEC) program that explores animation, storyboarding, character design, coloring, and environment design. Projects for the program will be completed in a traditional format (pencil and paper) and computer-generated using the latest 2D digital animation software.
Other program benefits include dedicated studios; access to state-of-the-art production facilities and labs; and internship opportunities. The Cartooning DEC culminates with the production of a professional animated film. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as Animator, Character Designer, and Illustrator at animation studios, game design studios, television production studios, advertising agencies, and film studios. Program alumni may also pursue a bachelor’s degree in areas such as visual arts, film studies, or digital creation.
The Cinema Animation Department at CVM is a Houdini Certified School. Within the department is a 3D Animation and Image Synthesis DEC that explores cinematography, 3D animation, and visual effects (VFX). All full-time students in this three-year program are eligible to receive a $1,500 scholarship after each successful session for a total of $9,000.
Other program benefits include access to several animation labs, video editing rooms, a professional film studio, and technical support; courses taught by experienced professionals in the film, animation, and visual creation fields; and a first year of coursework and projects that count towards a bachelor’s degree in 3D Creation (Animated Cinema or Exploration concentration) or Video Game Creation with a concentration in Art at the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)-Montreal or the School of Digital Arts, Animation and Design at the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (NAD).
For 3D Creation students, the time commitment to complete the bachelor’s degree will be reduced from three years, to just two. Video Game Creation students will have a lighter courseload over three years. CVM 3D Animation and Image Synthesis students also qualify to apply for bachelor’s degree programs in fields such as graphics; 3D animation and digital design for video games; film studies; and 3D animation and digital design for VFX.
The 3D Creation program culminates with a final animated film or other work. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions at 3D animation and VFX companies, game design studios, film studios, interactive media companies, television production companies, advertising agencies, and web design studios. Possible job titles include 3D Animator, VFX Specialist, Modeler, Lighting and Visual Development Specialist, Rigger, Texturing Artist, and Compositing Artist.
Founded in 1968, Cégep du Vieux Montréal is a public college that serves more than 5,000 students enrolled in 50+ programs, tracks, and options. Examples include Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Glass Arts, Textile Construction, Professional Photography, and Animation. CVM also provides pre-college programs such as Computer Science, Literature, Visual Arts, Social Science, and Media. Cégep du Vieux Montréal programs are recognized by the Ministry of Education.
9Zeros - Escola de Cinema de Barcelona (9Zeros/ECIB) is in one of the only institutions in Europe that integrates all aspects of film in its training programs. For animators, the school has degree programs, courses, and workshops in the following categories: 2D Animation; 3D Animation, Concept Art, and Stop-Motion Animation.
With a focus on cartoon animation, 2D Animation options include the Master in Animation and 2D Realization, and the 2D Animation Initiation course. 3D options focus on developing skills that can be applied to the film, animation, video game, and advertising industries. Programs include Master in Character Animation, Generalist 3D Animation, and 3D Modeling and ZBrush; the Animation course in Autodesk Maya; and the Intensive Introductory course in 3D Modeling and ZBrush.
For Concept Art, 9Zeroes/ECIB has a Master in Concept Art and Character Design that focuses on concept art for the animation, video game, and live action industries. Stop-Motion programs include the Master in Stop-Motion Animation and Production, and the Stop-Motion Animation Workshop. The 9Zeros/ECIB Stop-Motion Master is the oldest program of its kind in Spain and the only master’s degree in the country to help several students land positions at stop-motion animation studio Aardman Animations.
Across programs, features include state-of-the-art production facilities, labs, and classrooms; collaborative projects; both module and course learning formats; the chance to enter projects in dozens of national and international film festivals; and career guidance through 9Zeroes own production studio. Sample modules and courses across programs include Body Mechanics and Pantomime; Digital Animation; 2D Animation; Storyboard; Drawing (visual development); Character Design and Manufacturing; Script; Scenography; Stop-Motion Animation; Production; Acting; Concept Art; Rigging; UVS and Textures; Modeling; Development of the 9ECTS Project; and Polishing the Demo Reel.
Graduates of the animation programs at 9Zeros/ECIB have gone on to land positions at major studios such as Pixar, DNEG, Weta Digital, Lightbox Animation Studios, and Aardman Animations. 9Zeros graduates have worked on productions such as Brave, The Hunger Games, X-Men: Apocalypse, The Chronicles of Narnia, Cars 3, The Jungle Book, and Inside Out.
Since 2015, Escola de Cinema de Barcelona has incorporated the 9Zeroes Training Program into its curriculums. Founded in 1995, this private school serves hundreds of students from Spain and several other countries. Escola de Cinema de Barcelona is associated with the University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic) and Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic-UCC).
