Master 3D modeling for film and video games in under 2 years with CG Spectrum. Get personalized career training online from leading 3D artists from major studios, plus career support and access to a vibrant community. Learn more.
What are the top animation training programs in British Columbia?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vancouver Film School | Vancouver |
| 2 | Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) | Vancouver |
| 3 | Think Tank Training Centre | Vancouver |
| 4 | Capilano University | North Vancouver |
| 5 | Vancouver Animation School | Burnaby |
Our 2025 rankings of the top animation training programs in British Columbia, Canada.
For this ranking we only consider professional training programs, that is, non-degree programs such as certificate, diploma, and similar programs that are not formal 4-year bachelor's degrees. For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
1. Vancouver Film School, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The Classical Animation program at Vancouver Film School (VFS) launched in 1994, becoming North America’s first multimedia program. Just a year later, the school launched its 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) program. Today, this Houdini Certified School also provides an Animation Conception Art program. All options lead to a diploma in just 12 months. Across programs. Students will graduate with a master demo reel and professional portfolio. VFS alumni have been hired at major studios such as Disney, Pixar, Paramount, DreamWorks, HBO, Netflix, Paramount, Warner Bros., and EA Sports.
2. Vancouver Institute of Media Arts, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) is a Houdini Training Partner with articulation agreements at four-year institutions such as Emily Carr University of Art and Design (Canada), Media Design School (New Zealand), and Fairleigh Dickinson University (USA). VanArts has additional partnerships with Microsoft, Toon Boom, Adobe, Pixologic (makers of ZBrush), and Autodesk. Program options include
2D Character Animation (using Toon Boom Harmony), and 3D Character Animation (using Maya). Programs culminate with a professional demo reel. Graduates go on to work with major studios such as Disney Animation, Weta FX, DreamWorks, and Animal Logic.
3. Think Tank Training Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Think Tank Training Centre (Think Tank) houses a 3D Animation, Visual Effects and Game Art diploma program that takes 5+ years to complete. A 16-week CG program is also available. The immersive diploma program has specializations in Animation; Characters and Creatures for Film; Visual Effects (VFX); Props and Environments for Film; and Look Development, among others. Programs culminate with professional portfolio. Graduates have been hired at places such as Disney, Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Sony, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM),Weta FX, Digital Domain, and DNEG.
4. Capilano University, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Capilano University (CapU) houses the School of Animation and Visual Effects (AVFX). An Unreal Engine Authorized Training Center, the school provides diplomas in 2D Animation and Visual Development; 3D Animation for Film and Games; Visual Effects for Film; and Streaming and Immersive Media. For students seeking a shorter program, the school has a two-month Animation Fundamentals certificate. CapU AVFX graduates have gone on to land positions such as Character Animator, Effects Artist, and Animation Director at local production companies and major studios around the world.
5. Vancouver Animation School, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Animation School (VANAS) provides animation training programs that can be competed 100% online. Examples include one-year diplomas in 2D Computer Animation; 3D Computer Animation; Animated Short Film; Concept Art; and Effects Animation. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in the entertainment and games industries. Program alumni can be found at major studios such Reel FX, Gameloft, Ubisoft, DNEG, Epic Games, Bethesda, Zynga, and Gearbox Software.