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What are the top Chinese schools with animation degree programs?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beijing Film Academy | Beijing |
| 2 | Jilin Animation Institute | Changchun and Jilin |
| 3 | Communication University of China | Beijing |
| 4 | China Academy of Art | Hangzhou and Zhejiang Province |
| 5 | Nanchang University | Nanchang and Jiangxi |
Our 2025 rankings of the top animation degree programs in China.
For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor's degree or equivalent). For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
1. Beijing Film Academy, Beijing, China
Beijing Film Academy (BFA) launched The Animation School (TAS) in 2000. China’s first college-level animation academy, TAS serves nearly 360 students enrolled in BA, MFA, and PhD programs in Computer Animation; Comics; Art of Animation; Game Design; Film; and Art Design. TAS graduates have worked on productions that have won awards at Cannes Film Festival, Shanghai International Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, and Berlin International Film Festival.
2. Jilin Animation Institute, Changchun, Jilin, China
The School of Animation Art (SAA) at Jilin Animation Institute (JAI) is one of the first schools in China to offer an animation undergraduate major. Today, the SAA houses 2D Animation, 3D Animation, and New Media Animation BA programs. Students in all programs will complete several industry-ready animated films and a professional internship. Graduates have been hired at places such as Tencent Games, Light Chaser Animation Studios, NetEase Games, and Perfect World Entertainment.
3. Communication University of China, Beijing, China
Communication University of China (CUC) is one of China’s first institutions of animation, game design, digital media art, and new media design. Paths to study animation include degrees in Animation Art Direction; 3D Animation and Special Effects; and Animation (Game Art Direction). Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Pixar, Disney, and Google. Some program alumni have also gone on to become educators or researchers at places such as Beijing Film Academy, Sichuan University, Zhejiang Media Institute, Beijing Normal University, and CUC.
4. China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
The School of Animation and Games at China Academy of Art (CAA) houses the Department of Animation. Launched in 2002, the department provides master’s and doctoral level programs that cover animation, game design art, digital interactive art, illustration and comics, among others. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles across these and many other creative disciplines.
5. Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
Nanchang University houses the School of Arts and Design. The school has an undergraduate Theater, Film and Television program with an Animation specialization. Students can also study animation through the undergraduate Drawing or Visual Communication Design programs, or the Fine Arts master’s degree program. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry as well as comics, advertising, cartooning, graphic design, illustration, and art direction.