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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 2026 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
Vancouver Film School (VFS) is home to North America’s first multimedia program. Launched in 1994, the program led to the development of several additional options including 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX); Classical Animation; and Animation Conception Art. Leading to a diploma, these intensive 12-month programs are Houdini Certified and studio-based. Students can also enroll in the preparatory bridge program—Foundation Animation. This program allows students to build foundational skills for four months before applying to any of the VFS diploma programs.
Diploma-seeking students will graduate with a professional portfolio of their best work and a master demo reel. Graduates can be found at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, Paramount, DreamWorks, Netflix, Pixar, DNEG, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Electronic Arts (EA), and Warner Bros.
2. Vancouver Institute of Media Arts, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) is a Houdini Training Partner that provides several paths to study animation. Program options include 2D Character Animation (Toon Boom Harmony), and 3D Character Animation (Maya). These intensive training programs highlight an accelerated 12-month format; on-campus and online delivery; partnerships with places such as Microsoft, Pixologic, Adobe, and Toon Boom; and articulation agreements at four-year institutions such as Fairleigh Dickinson University, Media Design School, and Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
Programs culminate with a short film and professional demo reel. Graduates have established careers at places such as DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Disney Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Weta FX, DNEG, Sony Pictures Imageworks, WildBrain, ICON Creative Studio, and Atomic Cartoons.
3. Think Tank Training Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Think Tank Training Centre (Think Tank) provides two paths to study animation—the 3D Animation, Visual Effects and Game Art diploma, and a 16-week CG program. The immersive, 64-week diploma program has 12 specializations. Examples include Animation; Visual Effects; Characters and Creatures for Film; Look Development; and Props and Environments for Film. Other program highlights include small class sizes, access to state-of the-art production tools and facilities; hands-on workshops; and one-on-one mentorship.
Programs culminate with short film and 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 School of Animation and Visual Effects (AVFX) at Capilano University (CapU) is an Unreal Engine Authorized Training Center that houses a 2D Animation and Visual Development program. Leading to a diploma, the program highlights courses taught by veteran animators; hands-on experience through internships and other experiential learning activities; and intensive portfolio development. The program takes two years to complete, full-time. For students seeking a shorter program, the School of AVFX has a two-month Animation Fundamentals certificate that covers traditional and computer animation.
Programs culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates have secured roles at places such as Disney, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Pixar, DNEG, Eyeline (formerly Scanline VFX), WildBrain, Atomic Cartoons, Bardel Entertainment, and Mainframe Studios.
5. Vancouver Animation School, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Animation School (VANAS) provides several paths to study animation. Options include diplomas 2D Computer Animation; 3D Computer Animation; Animated Short Films; Concept Art; and Effects Animation. These intensive, industry-focused programs can be competed 100% online in just one year. Other program highlights include small class sizes with courses taught by animators from studios such as DreamWorks, Netflix, and Disney; access to the entire suite of animation production tools; and internship opportunities. Programs culminate with an original animated film and demo reel. Graduates have secured roles at places such as Disney Animation, Reel FX, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Gameloft, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Epic Games, Ubisoft, Zynga, DNEG, Bethesda, and Gearbox Software.