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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, Jilin |
| 3 | Communication University of China | Beijing |
| 4 | China Academy of Art | Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province |
| 5 | Nanchang University | Nanchang, Jiangxi |
Our 2026 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
The Animation School (TAS) at Beijing Film Academy (BFA) is China’s first post-secondary animation school. The school provides BA, MFA, and PhD programs across the animation, film, and games disciplines. All students benefit from courses taught by industry insiders; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; participation in campus-based competitions; and internship opportunities. Programs culminate with a final project.
Graduates have worked on productions that have won awards at Tokyo International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, and Shanghai International Fim Festival. Program alumni have also secured roles at places such as DreamWorks, Tencent, Ubisoft, Shanghai Animation Film Studio (SAFS), Virtuos, and Base FX.
2. Jilin Animation Institute, Changchun, Jilin, China
Jilin Animation Institute (JAI) is home to the School of Animation Art (SAA). Established in 2000, the SAA is one of China’s first schools to provide undergraduate major in animation. Today, SAA students can earn a BA in 2D Animation, 3D Animation, and New Media Animation. Program highlights include visiting professors who have worked on major productions such as Kung Fu Panda; professional internships; and the opportunity to produce several market-ready animated films. Graduates have been hired at places such as Tencent Games, Light Chaser Animation Studios, Pixomondo, Fantawild Animation, NetEase, miHoYo, Perfect World Entertainment, CCTV, Alpha Group, and 37 Interactive Entertainment.
3. Communication University of China, Beijing, China
Founded in 1954, Communication University of China (CUC) is one of the first schools of its kind in China. Within the university is the School of Animation and Digital Arts. Launched in 2001, the school houses the Department of Animation and Comics, and the Department of Game and Esports. Across departments, program options include BA degrees in Animation: 3D Animation and Special Effects or Animation Art; Animation: Game Art; and Art and Technology (Digital Entertainment). A major component of all options is the opportunity for students to collaborate across programs. Other program highlights include access so state-of-the-art labs and studios; immersive workshops; and internships.
Programs culminate with an independent project at design exhibition. Graduates have secured roles at places such as Tencent, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, Electronic Arts (EA), Pixar, and Google.
4. China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
The Department of Animation at China Academy of Art (CAA) launched in 2002 as one of the first units to specialize in teaching animation. Part of the School of Animation and Games, the department provides programs that focus on traditional Chinese animation styles, games, illustration, comics, digital art, and digital interactive media. Specific programs for animator's include an Animation bachelor's degree and a master's in Animation Film. Program highlights include award-winning mentors; immersive workshops; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; and professional internships.
Programs culminate with a final project. Graduates can be found at places such as Tencent Games, Light Chaser Animation Studios, NetEase Games, miHoYo, Lilith Games, Hypergryph, and ByteDance.
5. Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
Nanchang University houses the School of Arts and Design. Within the school is a Theater, Film and Television bachelor's degree program with an Animation specialization. Students can also study animation through the Drawing or Visual Communication Design bachelor's programs, or the Fine Arts master’s degree program. All students benefit from experiential learning opportunities; access to state-of-the-art facilities; immersive workshops; individual and group projects; and portfolio development.
Programs culminate with a final project that focuses on the students chosen specialization. Graduates have secured positions at places such as Tencent Games, Light Chaser Animation Studios, NetEase Games, and Jiangxi Xingju Network Media Technology Co. Ltd.