2024

What are the top Canadian animation schools?

Top 5 Animation Schools in Canada - 2024 College Rankings
RankingSchoolProvince
1Sheridan CollegeOntario
2Emily Carr University of Art + DesignBritish Columbia
3Ontario College of Art and DesignOntario
4Université LavalQuebec
5York UniversityOntario

Our 2024 rankings of the top animation degree programs in Canada. 
 

For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor's degree or equivalent). For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here

1. Sheridan College, Brampton, Mississauga, and Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Sheridan College

Sheridan College (Sheridan) houses the Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design (FAAD). The largest art school and Canada and known as the “Harvard of Animation,” FAAD serves approximately 4,925 full-time students across 32 programs in Animation and Game Design; Film, TV, and Journalism; Visual and Performing Arts; Design, Illustration, and Photography; and Material Art and Design. 

Animation options include a Bachelor of Animation and graduate certificates in Computer Animation or Digital Creature Animation-Technical Direction. The bachelor’s program takes four years to complete and graduate certificates take one year to complete. Course examples for the Computer Animation program include Animation Design; Technical Direction; Lighting and Look Development; Animation Methodology; and Directed Projects. 

Students in the Digital Creature Animation-Technical Direction will take courses such as Digital Sculpting; Anatomy and Life Drawing; Digital Creature Systems; and Digital Creature Methodology. Bachelor of animation students will take courses such as Introduction to Digital Tools; Character Design; Composition and Rhetoric; Introduction to Life Drawing; Animation Principles; and Story Development. 

A major component of the Bachelor of Animation is the mandatory three-month work placement, which allows students to gain professional work experience in the field prior to graduation. Students will also participate in Sheridan’s Annual Industry Day, where they will meet with employers from across North America. Examples include DreamWorks, HP, Illumination, NVIDIA, Brown Bag Films, Big Jump, Atomic Cartoons, Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI), House of Cool, Switch FX, Wacom, Jam Filled, Wild Brain Studios, and Mercury Filmworks. 

Students in all FAAD animation programs also benefit from study abroad opportunities at Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art and Design (IADT) in Ireland; access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Sheridan Centre for Animation and Emerging Technologies (SCAET); and collaborative projects that take place in an immersive, hands-on, studio environment. 

The Computer Animation certificate program at Sheridan College culminates with a Capstone, while the Digital Creature Animation-Technical Direction program culminates with a directed project completed across two courses. Students in the Bachelor of Animation program will graduate with a professional demo reel of their best work. 

Graduates are prepared for careers across the feature film, animation, television, gaming, and advertising industries. To date, more than 80 FAAD program alumni have been nominated for Emmys, and nearly 20 have been nominated for Oscars. FAAD graduates can also be found at major studios across North America and around the world. They work in roles such as Animator, Layout Artist, Animation Director, Creature Animator, Rigger, TD Supervisor, Video Game Artist, Modeler, and Technical Director. 

Sheridan College serves approximately 40,065 students making it one of Canada’s largest universities by enrollment. With 3,380 employees, Sheridan is also one of the top 10 largest employer’s in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1967, Sheridan College provides more than 140 programs across five faculties and four campuses including Davis (Brampton, Ontario), Hazel McCallion (Mississauga, Ontario), Trafalgar Road (Oakville, Ontario), and the Virtual Campus. Of the school’s 140+ programs, more than 90 provide work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities.

2. Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Emily Carr University of Art + Design

Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU or Emily Carr) is home to the Ian Gillespie Faculty of Design + Dynamic Media. Within the faculty is a Bachelor of Media Arts (BMA) program with two options for Animators: 3D Computer Animation, and 2D + Experimental Animation. Emily Carr is the only school in British Columbia to offer a bachelor’s degree in 3D and CG Animation. 

All undergraduate programs at ECU begin with the 30 credit-hour Foundation Studies Year. Each student will be automatically registered for the Foundation Forum Lecture Series in the spring term of the first year. The series consists of speakers, guest artists, and sessions that cover important ECU program information. 

During this time, students will also get to know their peers, experiment, and participate in hands-on activities in dedicated foundation shops and studios. Students will learn about studio practices, develop technical skills, and take courses that explore art, media, and design. 

Other BMA program features include access to other state-of-the-art studios and facilities such as the Animation Studio, Editing Suites, Sound Lab, and the Film + Screen Arts Studio; admission to festivals, networking events, and conferences; the DDM Speaker Series; internships and connections to local Animation studios; access to sculpture areas and additional on-campus shops and studios such as the Integrated Motion Studio (motion capture), Digital Fabrication Lab, Mixed Reality Lab, Basically Good Media Lab, and the Soft Shop. 

All BMA students also have the opportunity to enhance the degree by selecting a minor in Art + Text, Social Practice + Community Engagement, or Curatorial Studies. 

The 3D Computer Animation BMA at Emily Carr is a 120 credit hour program that explores character animation, visual effects (VFX) techniques, texturing, 3D modeling, storytelling, lighting, grading, rendering, and production methodology. Students also have opportunities to partner with international institutes and work across film production, research, and game development. 

Course examples for the program include Introduction to 3D Character Animation; 3D Layout and Cinematography; Digital Compositing; Look Development for 3D Computer Animation; Lighting + Rendering Projects; 3D Character Creation; and Preproduction for 3D Animation.   

The program culminates with the Senior 3D Animation Production course, which consists of lectures, presentations, and one-on-one consultation with the instructor. Final projects are either student-initiated or initiated through partnerships with clients and research groups. Projects may include films, interactive environments, installations, or other works that demonstrate advanced 3D computer animation techniques. 

The 2D + Experimental Animation program at Emily Carr University of Art + Design explores traditional and digital drawing methods, filmmaking, industry-standard digital technologies, motion graphics, storytelling, stop motion, and advanced production techniques. Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Character Animation I & II; Experimental Animation; Creative Development for Animation Filmmaking; Character Design; Story & Structure for Animation; Layout; and Storyboarding. 

The ECU 2D + Experimental Animation BMA program culminates with Senior Animation Production I & II, where students will work through their final (capstone) projects with guidance and advice via one-on-one communication with instructors and peers. Students in these 400 level courses will also participate in workshops and attend lectures and presentations. Capstones are presented in a final public exhibition. 

Graduates of the Animation BMA programs at Emily Carr University of Art + Design are prepared for careers in animation, VFX, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), character animation, game production, advertising, feature film production, motion graphics, auteur filmmaking and gallery exhibition, studio direction, and illustration. 

Program alumni have been recruited by major studios and organizations such as DreamWorks Animation, Pixar, Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Universal, and the National Film Board. Graduates have also gone on to become professional filmmakers that routinely show their work at international film festivals. 

Founded in 1925, Emily Carr University of Art + Design is one of British Columbia’s oldest universities, and the only one that focuses on professional education and learning in Arts, Media, and Design. The school serves more than 1,800 degree-seeking students across four Faculties including Ian Gillespie Faculty of Design + Dynamic Media; Audain Faculty of Art; The Faculty of Culture + Community; and Jake Kerr Faculty of Graduate Studies. 

Programs at ECU include 15+ undergraduate options, three graduate options, and 12 continuing studies options leading to a certificate. In addition, Emily Carr University of Art + Design serves thousands of students enrolled in workshops and individual courses. All ECU students enjoy the school’s new 280,000 square foot state-of-the-art, LEED gold-certified campus. This is the first purpose-built center for visual arts, design, and media arts education and research in the country.

3. Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Ontario College of Art and Design

The Faculty of Art at Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD University or OCAD U) is home to the Experimental Animation program. Leading to a BFA, this four-year, honors degree combines 2D and 3D, stop motion, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and digital compositing with traditional and digital media. Students also have opportunities to develop skills in other areas of art and design through more than 90 elective options and 25 focused minors. Examples include Wearable Technology, Integrated Media, Games and Play, Creative Writing, Drawing and Painting, and on-Screen.

 The Faculty of Art at Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD University or OCAD U) is home to the Experimental Animation program. Leading to a BFA, this four-year, honors degree combines 2D and 3D, stop motion, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and digital compositing with traditional and digital media. Students also have opportunities to develop skills in other areas of art and design through more than 90 elective options and 25 focused minors. Examples include Wearable Technology, Integrated Media, Games and Play, Creative Writing, Drawing and Painting, and on-Screen. 

The OCAD University Experimental Animation program provides opportunities to participate in projects with real-world industry partners; summer internships; short, experiential learning experiences across hundreds of organizations; and study abroad experiences at the OCAD U campus in Florence, Italy or another art and design school the university’s Mobility/Exchange Program. 

Other program features freelance creative opportunities; automatic membership at the non-profit XSPACE Cultural Centre, which houses the student-run gallery—XSPACE; and the opportunity to participate in Toronto’s largest free art and design exhibition—GradEX. 

The Experimental Animation BFA program at Ontario College of Art and Design University prepares students to pursue careers in animation gaming, film production, video, and television. 

For students seeking a shorter path to study animation, Ontario College of Art and Design University has an Expanded Animation minor that can be added to any OCAD U major or taken as a post-graduate certificate. A collaboration between the Faculties of Art, Design, and Liberal Arts & Sciences, the minor combines drawing, graphic design, experimentation, and media art. 

Course examples include Animation Fundamentals; Exploring Drawing Processes; Animation: Stop Motion; Motion Design; 3D Modeling and Animation; Compositing and Digital Animation; Animated Illustration; Installation: Screen to Space; Advanced Animation Studio; Painting and Digital Imaging; Screenwriting; and History of New Media Art. 

OCAD University has an additional option for students seeking flexible continuing education program. The Animation Skills Certificate consists of five courses selected from nine options. Examples include 3D Animation Studio 1: Introduction to Blender; Introduction to Toon Boom Harmony; Character Design Studio; Storyboarding for Media Production; and Stop-Motion Puppet Making Studio. 

Across all programs, OCAD U graduates enjoy a more than 90% employment rate. Careers range from entry-level to leadership roles at animation studios, production companies, game design studios, television stations, advertising agencies, marketing firms, and more. 

Established in 1876 as Ontario School of Art, Ontario College of Art and Design was the first school in Canada dedicated exclusively to educating aspiring fine and commercial artists. Serving approximately 4,190 students, OCAD U is also the country’s largest art, media, and design school. Ontario College of Art and Design provides nearly 30 degree programs and close to 30 minors across the Faculties of Art, Design, and Arts & Science.

The OCAD University Experimental Animation program provides opportunities to participate in projects with real-world industry partners; summer internships; short, experiential learning experiences across hundreds of organizations; and study abroad experiences at the OCAD U campus in Florence, Italy or another art and design school the university’s Mobility/Exchange Program. 

Other program features freelance creative opportunities; automatic membership at the non-profit XSPACE Cultural Centre, which houses the student-run gallery—XSPACE; and the opportunity to participate in Toronto’s largest free art and design exhibition—GradEX.

The Experimental Animation BFA program at Ontario College of Art and Design University prepares students to pursue careers in animation gaming, film production, video, and television. 

For students seeking a shorter path to study animation, Ontario College of Art and Design University has an Expanded Animation minor that can be added to any OCAD U major or taken as a post-graduate certificate. A collaboration between the Faculties of Art, Design, and Liberal Arts & Sciences, the minor combines drawing, graphic design, experimentation, and media art. 

Course examples include Animation Fundamentals; Exploring Drawing Processes; Animation: Stop Motion; Motion Design; 3D Modeling and Animation; Compositing and Digital Animation; Animated Illustration; Installation: Screen to Space; Advanced Animation Studio; Painting and Digital Imaging; Screenwriting; and History of New Media Art. 

OCAD University has an additional option for students seeking flexible continuing education program. The Animation Skills Certificate consists of five courses selected from nine options. Examples include 3D Animation Studio 1: Introduction to Blender; Introduction to Toon Boom Harmony; Character Design Studio; Storyboarding for Media Production; and Stop-Motion Puppet Making Studio. 

Across all programs, OCAD U graduates enjoy a more than 90% employment rate. Careers range from entry-level to leadership roles at animation studios, production companies, game design studios, television stations, advertising agencies, marketing firms, and more. 

Established in 1876 as Ontario School of Art, Ontario College of Art and Design was the first school in Canada dedicated exclusively to educating aspiring fine and commercial artists. Serving approximately 4,190 students, OCAD U is also the country’s largest art, media, and design school. Ontario College of Art and Design provides nearly 30 degree programs and close to 30 minors across the Faculties of Art, Design, and Arts & Science.

4. Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Université Laval

Université Laval houses the Faculty of Planning, Architecture, Art and Design, home to the School of Design. Within the school are two paths to study animation: the Bachelor of Art and Science of Animation (BASA) and a certificate in the Art and Science of Animation (CASA). 

Consisting of 90 credits taken over three years, the BASA is a collaborative, project-based program that explores games, cinema, 3D virtual environments, and design. Students may also combine the BASA with other technical or university programs such as Architecture, Medicine, Law, Museology, Biology, Physics, or Music. This allows students to pursue careers in specialized fields beyond entertainment. Examples include Medical Animation; 3D Animation for Construction or Interior Design; Visual Litigation; and Aeronautical Simulation. 

BASA students will take courses such as History and Aesthetics of Animation I-II; 2D Digital Animation I-II; 3D Animation I-II; Dynamic Drawing I-II; Production Management in Animation; and Studio I-II. 

All Université Laval BASA students have opportunities to complete group and individual projects; complete an internship at a major studio; and design a professional portfolio of their best work. Students will also participate in the Université Laval Placement Service (SPLA) event, which attracts employers from the Animation industry. 

The Art and Science of Animation certificate at Université Laval is a 30 credit hour, fully online program that can be completed in one year, full-time. Students can complete the certificate as a standalone program or as part of a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree program. CASA course examples include 3D Modeling and Animation; Digital Image in Animation, Storyboarding; Animation Methodology; History and Aesthetics of Video Games; Sound Dimension of Animation; and Animation Production. 

All BASA and CASA students at Université Laval have access to state-of-the-art digital video studios; a motion capture and facial capture system; sound capture and editing laboratories; and an entertainment room with green screen. Graduates go on to pursue roles across all industries that utilize animation.  

Université Laval dates back to 1663, when Monsignor de Laval founded Séminaire de Québec to train the colony’s priests. The school was officially established in 1852 after Queen Victoria signed a royal charter allowing Séminaire de Québec to confer degrees and operate as a university. Today, Université Laval employs more than 10,440 professors, lecturers and staff that serve over 47,000 students. 

The school provides 600 programs of study across 17 faculties and 60+ departments, schools, and institutes. Université Laval also provides more than 150 and 2,500 courses 100% online.

5. York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
York University

The School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) at York University (York U) provides two paths to study animation: the BA in Digital Media Arts (DMA) and Media Arts BFA. The DMA BA is provided in partnership Lassonde School of Engineering and it is Ontario’s only degree program that integrates Computer Science, Art, and Engineering. 

The program has three focus areas including Digital Media Game Arts, Digital Media Arts, and Digital Media Development. Students in all areas will begin the DMA program with an 18-month common core. The Digital Media Game Arts focus features courses such as Introduction to 3D Animation; Interactive Sonic Arts; Game Mechanics; Time-Based Art: Video in the Expanded Field; and Generative and Parametric 3D Modeling for the Arts. 

Sample Digital Media Arts courses include Artificial Life, Generative Art, and Creative Code; Publishing in Digital Media; Modeling for 3D; Introduction to Interactive Digital Media I-II; and Making Interactive New Media Art. In Digital Media Development, students will take courses such as Introduction to Animation; Simulation and Animation for Computer Games; Interactive Sonic Arts; Advanced Topics in 3D Computer Graphics; and Introduction to Virtual Reality. 

Other program features include collaborative project development courses; opportunities to gain experience through the York University Technology Internship Program; public showings at the Ontario Science Centre, Digifest, and Interaccess; and access to state-of-the-art classrooms, studios, labs, and research facilities. 

The DMA programs at York University culminate with the Digital Media capstone project. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers across the entertainment, media, publishing, television production, advertising, and other fields. Program alumni have gone on to become Animators, VFX Artists, Cartoonists, Game Artists, Illustrators, UI/UX Designers, Art Directors, AI Software Developers, and New Media Artists. 

The Media Arts BFA program explores animation; mobile, interactive, and immersive media; storytelling; augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR); gaming; interactive cinema; artificial intelligence (AI); social media; and sound arts. Course examples include Introduction to 3D Animation; Animation and New Media; The Art of Animating; Games and Media; Virtual Worldbuilding: Methods and Issues; Motion Capture: Performance and Interactivity; Transmedia Storytelling; and Time-Based Art: Video in the Expanded Field. 

All York U Media Arts BFA students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs, and studios; masterclasses led by industry professionals; immersive workshops; and networking opportunities across the media and creative industries. 

The Media Arts BFA program culminates with a capstone project and a field placement in the media industries, including content creation on campus at York U’s Cinespace Film Studios. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles across the entertainment and media industries.

York University serves approximately 54,720 students from 170+ countries, making it the third largest university in Canada. Founded in 1959, this teaching and research university provides more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across three core campuses (Glendon, Keele, and Markham), numerous satellite locations, and 11 faculties and schools.

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