Top 50 International Animation Schools and Colleges - 2024 College Rankings

Animation at Gobelins Paris (Gobelins) consists of a 3D Character Animator certificate, a preparatory program, and degree options at all levels. The certificate program emphasizes learning by doing through simulation exercises and experiential learning opportunities. Coursework covers 3D animation, acting, animation styles from cartoon to realism, character animation, body mechanics, and 3D layout. Other program benefits include trips to animation conferences; a two-month internship; and the production of a final individual demo reel.

The Gobelins 3D Character Animator certificate takes just one year to complete, full-time. Graduates have a 100% employment rate within six months of completing the program. Examples of career opportunities include 3D Animation Supervisor, 3D Character Animation, and Director of 3D Animation. 

Designed for students with a high school diploma, Gobelins’ preparatory program provides the opportunity for students to develop basic creative and technical skills through courses and topics such as Observation Drawing; Animation Techniques; History of Arts and Animation Cinema; Stop Motion; and Character Design. 

Animation Preparatory students also benefit from hands-on learning; workshops; mentorship; and optional internships during school holidays. This full-time program has both online and on-campus options that can be completed in just one year. 

The Animation Preparatory program culminates with a final project or portfolio of the students best work. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue an entre-level position or apply to one of Gobelins Animation degree programs. These include a BA in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking; a Bachelor in 3D Animation; an MA in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking; and a Visual Storytelling MA. Programs are provided in partnership with CITIA (la Cité de l’Image en mouvement d’Annecy). 

The Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking BA, and the 3D Character Animation program explore areas such as anatomy, special effects (SFX), 2D/3D animation, motion capture, acting, scriptwriting, character and background design, 3D layout, storyboarding, film analysis, direction, history of art, and editing. Students will also master digital tools specific to Animation such as Maya, Première, Photoshop, TV Paint, Animate, After Effects, and Storyboarder. 

For both programs, students will work their way through the entire Animation production pipeline. Both programs take three years to complete, full-time. All graduates enjoy a near 90% employment rate within six months after graduating. 

The Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking MA at Gobelins Paris is a two-year program that explores filmmaking, scriptwriting, 2D and 3D character animation, directing, graphic design, storyboarding, sound design, 2D and 3D layout, rigging, acting, special effects animation, rendering, and compositing. Students in this professional program will work in teams on projects and animated productions; complete an internship; and produce a demo reel and portfolio. 

Other program features include courses taught by professionals from major studios; participation in workshops and projects sponsored by partner companies and public institutions such as Netflix, the French Ministry of Justice, Dell, Universal Music, BMW, Olympus, and Musée Picasso; access to state-of-the-art equipment, studios, and dedicated workstations; and participation in a speed-recruiting event organized during the Annecy festival with more than 50 companies in attendance. 

Graduates of the Animation degree programs at Gobelins Paris are prepared to pursue titles such as 2D Animator, 3D Animator, Crowd and Series Animator, 2D Animation Director, Previz Artist, Film Director, Character Designer, Storyboard Artist, 3D Animation Supervisor, and Video Game Animator. 

The Visual Storytelling MA at Gobelins Paris is a two-year program that prepares students for careers in areas such as animation, video game design, illustration, comic book publishing, and motion design. The program explores character development, universe design, production pipelines, new and emerging technologies, audiovisual creation, adaptations, narrative forms, and group studies. 

This project-based program provides the opportunity for students to intern with a French or international company; complete a study trip and research paper on narrative techniques; or participate in an academic mobility at a partner school. Students will also learn how to pitch in teams or individually, and develop a project in animation, gaming, motion design, serious gaming, comics, or other related area. Each student's final pitch will be evaluated by a professional jury. 

Founded in 1964 by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP) of the Paris Ile-de-France region, Gobelins Paris is one of the oldest Animation schools in the world. Serving approximately 1,105 students today across two campuses in Paris and one in the French Alps, Gobelins provides a variety of programs leading to a BA, MA, or Professional Certificate. Single courses such as 2D Animation, From Storyboard to Animatic, and Drawing for Movement are available online. Gobelins Paris is a member of the French Animation School Network known as RECA, and IPAX—the U.S. network of schools recognized by Sony Pictures. 

VIA University College (VIA) is home to the School of Business, Technology and Creative Industries, which houses The Animation Workshop (TAW). Launched in 1988 and housed in an old military complex, TAW is a community of more than 650 students, staff, and professionals dedicated to the advancement of Animation. The Workshop also hosts the biggest Animation festival in Denmark known as the Viborg Animation Festival (VAF). 

TAW consists of seven departments including the Bachelor of Arts Department; Professional Training; Research and Development; the Animated Learning Lab; Business Development; the Open Workshop – Artist Residency; and the Visual Talent Center. TAW Research and Development is a Center for Animation, Visualization, and Digital Storytelling (CAV) that explores formal research areas such as Animated Learning; Aci-VI; Interactive Technologies and Games; Immersive Storytelling and Documentary; and ANIMOK. 

Other TAW features include access to nearly 119,000 square feet of facilities and buildings; courses taught by instructors who are professionals in the industry; relationships more than 100 external professionals and established companies; and 30+ Animation, Games, and New Media start-ups. Consisting of more than 650 students, staff, and professionals, TAW also 

The Animation Workshop has both formal degree programs and professional training (PT) options. Examples of PT programs include 3D Character Animation (14 weeks); ANIDOX:LAB (three modules over months); Animation Production Manager (one week); Unreal Engine Animation Training (one week); Creative Simulation Technologies (12 weeks); Animation (one week); and Summer School/Toon Boom Harmony 2D Animation (three weeks). 

Formal degree programs for Animators include BA degrees in Character Animation; Computer Graphic Arts (CGA); and Graphic Storytelling. Curriculums include assignments, lectures, individual projects, and a group project. Electives for all options allow students to focus one or more areas of interest. 

A major component of all Animation Workshop programs is the 10- to 14-week internship in the final semester. During this time, students will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with a production studio such as Aardman, Illumination, Cartoon Studio, Sun Creature, or Nørlum. 

All TAW programs culminate with a final project that typically takes four to five weeks to complete. Students focusing in Animation will complete an animated short film. All students will graduate with a portfolio and showreel. Depending on the program, students will graduate in 3.5-four years if attending full-time.   

Established in 2008, VIA University College is one of Denmark’s six university colleges. The school serves 19,000 full-time students enrolled in 42 degree programs across the Animation, Film, Technology, Design, Engineering, Business, Education, Health, and Social Studies disciplines. Programs at VIA University are taught in Danish and English. One of Denmark’s largest institutions of higher education, VIA has eight campuses and seven research centers in seven different cities across the Central Region of Jutland. 

All programs at VIA University College are accredited by the Danish Accreditation Council. VIA is also a certified holder of an ERASMUS+ charter; the school is a member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA); and it holds a Qualification Certificate from the People's Republic of China.

The College of Design and Social Context (DSC) at RMIT University (RMIT) houses nine schools, more than 21,000 students from Australia and Vietnam, and 1,000+ academics and instructors. DSC programs are interdisciplinary and range from certificates to PhDs in areas such as art, design, fashion, media and communication, architecture, education, social studies, and property management. 

The School of Design is part of the DSC. Within the school are 10 digital design programs, including three options that are ideal for animators. At the undergraduate level, students can earn an Animation and Interactive Media BDes. Graduate students can earn a Master of Animation, Games, and Interactivity (AGI), or a graduate certificate in AGI. 

RMIT also provides a vocational program—the Diploma of Screen ad Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects—for students seeking a degree that combines elements of communication, media, and film. Examples of areas of study for this program include video editing, graphic design, digital imaging, 2D and 3D animation design, motion design, visual effects, virtual and segmented reality (VR/AR), sound design, compositing, interactive and game design, concept development, and previsualization. 

Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue careers as digital media practitioners across industries. Program alumni are also guaranteed entry into the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation and Design). Potential job titles include 2D Animator, 3D Animator, Storyboard Artist, Game Designer, VFX Artist, Graphic Designer, Motion Design Artist, and Production Designer.    

The Animation and Interactive Media BDes at RMIT is a full-time, studio-based program with solid ties to the creative industry through organizations such as Experimedia, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), and Film Victoria. This three-year program also emphasizes studio-based, hands-on learning from day one; internships with major studios such as LucasArts, Method Studios, and Viskatoons; workshops; guest lecture series; and international learning opportunities with over 165 partner universities worldwide. 

In studios and the classroom, Animation BDes students will explore 2D and 3D Animation, Special Effects (SFX), and Interactive Media. Course examples include 2D and 3D Animation; Animation and Interactive Media Studio 1-4; Animation and Interactive Media Design for Movement; Advanced Visual Effects; Sound Design for Animation; and 3D Animation Practice. Students will also have opportunities to take electives to develop skills in areas such as alternative animation, experimental video, and sound design.   

In the final year of Animation and Interactive Media BDes program at RMIT, students will collaborate on projects, and produce a professional animated work individually. 

Graduates of the RMIT Animation and Interactive Media BDes program are Animators, 3D Visualizers and Modelers, Digital Artists, Art Directors, Character Designers, Motion Graphic Designers, Pre-Production Artists, and Visual Effects (VFX) Artists. Some program graduates teach, while others have launched their own studios or freelance businesses. 

Program alumni have exhibited at festivals and conferences such as Annecy, London International Animation Festival (LIAF), ACM SIGGRAPH (Association for Computing Machinery-Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques), and Melbourne International Animation Festival (MIAF). They have also been hired at major studios and agencies such as LucasArts, Viskatoons, and Method Studios (formerly Iloura). 

The graduate certificate in Animation, Games, and Interactivity at RMIT University is designed for immediate entry into the field or guaranteed entry into the master’s degree program. Students in this six-month program will take courses such as Animation, Games, and Interactivity Studio 1; The Illusion of Life; and Professional Preproduction. All certificate students have opportunities to attend industry events and work with professional from places such as the Melbourne International Animation Festival, and the creative co-working community known as ACMI X. 

Graduates of the RMIT Animation, Games and Interactivity certificate program will have the skills and expertise to pursue careers in areas such as character design, visual effects, 2D animation, interaction design, 3D animation, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), motion graphics design, game development, and pre-production art. 

The RMIT Master of Animation, Games, and Interactivity takes place in a collaborative, studio environment with access to state-of-the-art equipment and research centers such as the Centre for Games Design Research; participation in industry events; the opportunity to work with organizations such as Film Victoria and ACMI X; and the chance to exhibit at Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).     

Course examples for the master’s program include Character, Place and Simulation; Animation, Games, and Interactivity Studio 1-3; Advanced Play Design; Research Methods for Design and Digital Media; Animated Narratives; and Professional Preproduction. In year two of the program, students will complete the Professional Research Project (Animation, Games, and Interactivity) worth 24 credit points, and the Animation, Games and Interactivity Industry Portfolio, worth 12 credit points. 

The Master of Animation, Games, and Interactivity at RMIT University can be completed in two years full-time or four years part-time. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in all areas of Animation, Games, and Interactive Media. Program alumni are also prepared to launch their own studios or freelance businesses. 

Founded in 1887, RMIT University is one of Australia’s original tertiary institutions—and the largest. The school employs nearly 10,000 global staff members that serve more than 90,000 students across three campuses and two sites in Australia, two campuses in Vietnam, and a research and industry collaboration center in Spain. RMIT also provides programs to students through partners in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. 

The undergraduate and graduate programs at RMIT University are housed across four academic colleges and 16 academic schools. As part of RMIT, all programs are officially recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia.

The Animation program at Supinfocom Rubika consists of a 2D Animation and 3D Animation programs leading to a BAC+5 (master’s degree). A unique component of the programs is the mandatory internship requirement that allows students to complete several work experiences through Rubika’s partnerships with more than 300 companies. Examples include Pixar, Disney, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks Animation, Gameloft, Ubisoft, Illumination Aardman, and Framestore. 

Other program benefits include access to state-of-the-art studios and facilities outfitted with industry-standard digital tools such as Nuke, Maya, Adobe Animate, ToonBoom, Houdini, TVPaint Animation, and Arnold; learning that takes in a professional studio environment; multiple workshops throughout the program; and participation in festivals and contests. 

Students will also work in teams to produce a number of short films throughout the year. During these mandatory projects, students will master the animation production chain and engage in project management activities. 

The 2D and 3D Animation programs at Supinfocom Rubika culminate with a final project that will be presented to a professional jury. Graduates enjoy a 90% employment rate within a year of completing either program.  Alumni go on to become 2D/3D Animators, VR Animators, CG Animators, Technical Animators, Character Designers, Layout/Tracking Artists, VFX Artists, Modeling Artists, Compositing Artists, Shading & Texture Artists, Riggers, and Environmental Artists. 

Supinfocom Rubika animation alumni have been hired at major studios such as Industrial Pixar, Light and Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Disney Animation Studios, Illumination, Framestore, and Aardman. 

Supinfocom Rubika was created following the merger of the Institut Supérieur de Design (Higher Institute of Design, est. 1988), Supinfocom (est. 1988), and Supinfogame (est. 2001). Today, Supinfocom Rubika serves 1,200 students annually, across campuses in Valenciennes and Montbeliard, France; Montreal, Canada; and Pune, India. Diploma programs are available in animation, games, and design. Supinfocom Rubika students can also enroll in a number of one-year preparatory programs or two-week summer immersions.

Griffith Film School at Griffith University is the largest school of its kind in Australia and a Toon Boom Center of Excellence (COE). The school has a Bachelor of Animation program that allows students to collaborate peers across Griffith U’s Queensland College of Art (QCA) and Queensland Conservatorium. Students also have the opportunity to collaborate on productions with partner institutions such as Falmouth University and Beijing Film Academy.

Other program features include masterclass programs delivered by industry professionals from Disney,  LucasFilm, WETA FX, and Gobelins Paris; access to state-of-the art studios and labs; workshops and seminars; and participation in exchange study tours and film festivals. 

The Bachelor of Animation at Griffith University also has three majors including Animating, CGI Technical Direction, and Art Direction. Students in all programs have the option to work with traditional drawn animation; 2D, 3D, or motion-capture digital animation; experimental media; or 3D puppet or clay animation. 

All animation students will have opportunities to work on projects for real clients through LiveLab—Griffith Film School’s commercial production division. The Internship Program at Griffith U provides additional opportunities to gain valuable experience with a local studio such as Pixel Zoo Animation Studio, Liquid Animation, or Alt.VFX.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Animation program at Griffith University are successful animators, educators, and entrepreneurs. For example, Griffith U alum Joe Brumm (1998) created the hit children’s TV series Bluey. He has also won awards such as a Logie, an Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award (AACTA), and an International Emmy Award. 

Other program alumni have gone on to become Character Designers, Visual Effects (VFX) Artists, Illustrators, Storyboard Artists, Production Managers, 2D- 3D- and Stop-Motion Animators, Comics and Graphic Artists, Scriptwriters, Art Directors, Game Artists, and Pre-Visualization Artists. 

Established in 1975, Griffith University is named after Sir Samuel Walker Griffith, former Queensland Premier and the first Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, who was the first in the country to introduce degrees in Environmental Science and Modern Asian Studies. With more than 20 schools and departments managed by 4,000 instructors and staff, Griffith U serves over 55,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in Australia. 

The school provides more than 200 degree programs across five physical campuses in South East Queensland, Australia, and the Digital Campus. Griffith University is officially recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia. Many Griffith U programs are also individually accredited by accrediting agencies such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP).

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore or NTU) is home to the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CoHASS). Within the college is the School of Art, Design and Media (ADM), which provides interdisciplinary programs taught in a collaborative environment. Other ADM features include access to more than 50 labs, media studios, and editing suites; participation in fieldwork and a 10-week internship; a fully stocked library with over 19,000 titles; and study abroad opportunities in more than 60 countries. 

The ADM at NTU Singapore also houses a Media Art BFA program that combines animation, filmmaking, games, and photography. Students may specialize in Digital Animation, Digital Filmmaking, or Photography & Digital Imaging. The program also allows students to enhance the degree through a minor within CoHASS or any other NTU school. Minor examples include Art History; Communication Studies; Design and Systems Thinking; and Creative Writing. 

Course examples for the NTU Media Art BFA include Issues in Animation Practice; Writing for Animation; 3D Character Animation; Digital Compositing; Graphic Storytelling; Visual Effects (VFX) I-II; Cinematic Concepts and Motion Capture Applications; Game Design; 3D Production; Rigging for Animation; Lighting and Rendering Pipeline; Film Editing; Storyboarding & Production Design; and Advanced Stop Motion. 

The Media Art BFA program at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore culminates with the nine-unit Final Year Project (FYP). Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in animation, VFX, game art and design, film, and advertising. Some Media Art graduates go on to pursue an advanced degree such as NTU’s Art, Design and Media MA (ADM MA). The school also has an ADM PhD program. 

Students in both programs benefit from frequent ADM workshops, screening, and exhibitions; a designated graduate research lounge; and graduate communities, such TGIF (Thoughtful Gathering and Insightful Friday) and The Graduate Club. MA and PhD students also have access to animation and editing suites; motion-capture, virtual reality (VR), and sound mixing studios; 3D printing, print, and digital sound labs; movie theatres; and a dark room, 

The graduate ADM programs allow students to customize the curriculum to their academic and career goals. In addition, the School of Art, Design and Media has six formal graduate research areas. Options include Design Studies; Visual Art and Digital Humanities; Art, Design and Media Histories and Criticism; Audiovisual Art; Cultural Identity and Heritage, and Southeast Asian Art, Design, and Media. The MA also has a Digital Humanities Research Cluster. 

The Audiovisual Art area is ideal for Animators. The area explores character animation, experimental filmmaking, VR film, real-time 3D storytelling, sound art, motion graphics, stop-motion, data visualizations, art installation, and sound art. 

Graduates of the ADM MA and PhD programs at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore are prepared for faculty positions, research careers, and advanced roles in all areas of animation, games, film and television, sound design, advertising, and visualization, among others. 

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore traces its roots back to 1981, when Nanyang Technological Institute was established as a teaching university on the grounds of Nanyang University. Nanyang, Singapore was officially established in 1991. Today, this research-intensive school serves 35,000 students, making it the second largest public university in Singapore. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore provides hundreds of programs at all degree levels across four colleges and 14 schools.

École Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques (ESMA) has a five-year 3D Animation, Cinema & Special Effects program that leads to a master’s degree. Open to students with a BAC, the program begins with an integrated entertainment preparatory year that covers the fundamentals of Animation and the industry. In the following years of the program, students will work their way through the animation production pipeline. The program ends with an industry-ready animated short film created in groups of four to seven students. 

ESMA animation graduates enjoy a 92% employment rate within six months of graduation. Potential job titles include 3D Animator, FX Artist, Technical Director, Project manager, Concept Artist, Modeler, 3D Graphic Designer, CG Supervisor, Compositing Artist, 3D Studio Manager, and Director. 

ESMA Animation alumni have been recruited by major studios and agencies such Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, Weta Digital, Moving Picture Company (MPC), Ubisoft, Illumination, Framestore, Aardman, Fontes Architecture, Untold, A+Architecture, ba&sh, IKKS, and Mikros Animation. 

Founded in 1958, the École Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques (ESMA) campus is now located in the Creative Campus, which was built in Montpellier’s new district—The Creative City. The new location is outfitted with state-of-the-art classrooms, sound studios, an auditorium, and the FabLab. Other ESMA campuses include Montreal, Canada, and Lyon, Nantes, Toulouse, Rennes, and Bourdeaux, France.

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.

Through a partnership with Epic Games, Escape Studios was the first Unreal Authorized Training Center in the UK. Also an Unreal Engine Academic Partner and Houdini Certified School, Escape Studios provides programs that are developed and maintained in partnership with Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), PlayStation London, DNEG, Moving Picture Company (MPC), Jellyfish Pictures, Cinesite, Framestore, and Mikros Animation. The school’s partnerships with these major studios provide endless opportunities for students to network with established professionals in the industry. 

Other Escape Studios features include programs in Animation, Games, Visual Effects (VFX), and Motion Graphics; courses led by instructors who have worked with Disney, DreamWorks, Fox, and Warner Bros; intensive training sessions on industry-standard software such as Maya and Toon Boom Harmony; access to state-of-the-art studios and equipment; and internships with major studio for four weeks, three months, or a year. Students may also participate in the Annual VFX Festival hosted by Escape Studios. 

Escape Studios has 13 paths to study animation. For students seeking a shorter program, the school has eight-, 10-, 12-, 18- and 20-week options in everything from Character and Creature Creation to 3D Animation. Degree-seekers have five options including the BA (Hons)/MArt in The Art of Computer Animation (3D); BA (Hons)/MArt in The Art of Computer Animation (2D); the BSc (Hons)/MSci in Character Creation for Animation, Games & VFX; a 3D Animation MA; and the MA in Character & Creature Creation. 

Students at Escape Studios will learn in classrooms that simulate real animation studios. They will also have the opportunity to master all areas of the Animation production pipeline. Graduates are prepared to work in all areas of animation, film, game art and design, television, advertising, and more.

Escape Studios graduates have won 500 awards, 77 honorable mentions, 163 finalist nods, and 25 nominations. worked on productions and games such as Harry Potter, Assassin’s Creed, Top Gun: Maverick, Star Wars, Avengers, Unchartered 2, Captain America: Civil War, The Batman, Ex Machina, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Gravity, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; Interstellar, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Forza Horizon, and The Jungle Book. Escapees have also gone on to launch their own studios or freelance businesses. 

Escape Studios was established in 2002. To date, the school has produced 4,000 alumni known as “Escapees.” Escape Studios provides seven BA and BSc programs, five MA options, dozens of short programs, and industry training in VFX Compositing, Houdini, and Unreal Engine. These options can be completed on campus in London or entirely online.

Teesside University is the first Adobe Creative Campus in Europe. The school also provides a number ScreenSkills-recognized Animation Programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Housed in the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, undergraduate program options include BA degrees in Animation; 2D Animation and Stop Motion; Concept Art; and Visual Effects and Motion Graphics. 

At the graduate level, Teesside University has MA programs in 2D Animation and Stop Motion; Applied Immersive Technology (Creative Industries); Animation; Concept Art; Applied Immersive Technology (Creative Industries with Advanced Practice); and Visual Effects. All options are ScreenSkills Recognized. 

Across programs, students benefit participation in ExpoTees—Teesside’s annual exposition of final year student works; strategic partnerships major studios and companies such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Double Eleven, Ubisoft, Animmersion, and Creative Assembly; access to state-of-the-art engineering and production facilities; and networking opportunities with industry professionals through Animex—Teesside’s International Festival of Animation and Computer Games. Animex attracts professionals from Disney, Rockstar Games, Pixar, and Sony. 

All undergraduate programs provide the option to complete a foundation year or internship. Graduates may also complete an internship in their final year over the summer. Graduate internships last 11 weeks. Programs that last two years provide the option to complete an internship over three months in at the start of the second year of the program. 

Students in the BA and MA Animation programs benefit from courses taught by instructors who are active in the animation, film, and television industries. Course examples across programs include 2D Digital Art; Anatomy of a Film; Visual Development for the Moving Image; Art for Animation; 2D Animated Performance; Script and Pitch; Concept Art for Games and Animation; 3D Character Animation; Organic Modeling and Texturing; Creative Animation; Advanced Practice; and Production Design. 

The animation programs at Teesside University culminate with a film sequence or short film. Across programs, graduates have gone on to work for Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Rockstar North, Imaginarium Productions, Blue Zoo Animation Studio, and Animal Logic. Program alumni have also worked on films and AAA games such as Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Red Dead Redemption 2; and Spider-Man: Far From Home. 

Teesside University was founded as Constantine Technical College in 1930. The school serves approximately 22,700 students enrolled in dozens of programs across five schools including Arts & Creative Industries; Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies; Health & Life Sciences; Social Sciences, Humanities & Law; and Teesside University International Business School. Teesside University has campuses in Middlesbrough and London, England.

University of Melbourne is home to Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). Established in 1972, the VCA provides programs across the performing arts, media, and visual arts. Part of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music and co-located with the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, the VCA also houses an Animation BFA that takes just three years to complete, full-time. 

This professional program emphasizes learning that takes place in an intensive and experimental studio-based environment that allows collaboration with peers across all programs in the VCA. Courses for the program explore animation art, character design, worldbuilding, storyboarding, technical production methods, experimentation, screenwriting, research, and idea development. 

Course examples include Stories of Place; Animation History and Research; Animation Studio 1-3; Writing Animation; Introduction to Storytelling; Animation Lab 1-3; and Collaborative Production. 

All Animation BFA have access to state-of-the-art production facilities including animation and stop-motion studios; editing, mixing, and sound recording suites; viewing rooms for dailies; HD and audio post-production spaces; and cinemas that seat 90 to 220 people. 

The Animation BFA program at University of Melbourne culminates with an animated short film. Each student will have the opportunity to animate, direct, write, and edit their own films. Graduates are prepared for graduate study or to pursue a career in the art and entertainment industries. Possible roles include Animator (Film and Television), Screenwriter for Animation, Motion Graphics Artist, Game Artist, Exhibition Artist, Animator (Advertising), Storyboard Artist, Art Educator, and Installation Artist. 

Established in 1853, University of Melbourne is the oldest University in Victoria, and the second-oldest in Australia. Serving more than 52,000 students, University of Melbourne is also one of the top five largest universities in Australia. The school provides nearly 700 programs across 120 majors and approximately 90 study areas. University of Melbourne is officially recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia, with individual program accreditation by agencies such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).

Image Campus (Image) is South America’s first video game school and its first Unreal Authorized Training Center. Image is also one of the few schools in the region to provide comprehensive training in both 2D and 3D Animation. Other specializations include Production and Animation with Blender; Motion Graphics; and Blender. All animation programs explore the 12 Principles of Animation. 

Across programs, students will complete courses and projects in modules. Examples include Character Animation; Body Mechanics; Simulations in Maya; Drawing for Animation; Animated Camera; Performance of Characters; Procedural Modeling; Shape Layers and text Animation; Introduction to Programming in Blender; Simulations; 3D Space; and Character Rigging. 

All students will learn the concepts and techniques used by industry giants such as Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks; they will participate in intensive workshops and seminars; and complete an internship. Students have the option to complete any Image program on campus or 100% online. Programs take four to nine months to complete or three years. Shorter programs lead to a Certificate of Approval. Three-year programs lead to a post-secondary degree. 

Graduates of the animation programs at Image Campus will enter the job market with a demo reel or portfolio of their best work. Around 95% of Image Campus Animation alumni are working in the industry. Graduates are Character Animators, Game Artists, 3D Animators for Videogames, Advertising Animators, Cartoon Studio Animators, Concept Artists, 3D Designers, Layout Artists, Animation Directors, Visual Effects (VFX) Artists, Video Compositors, and Simulation Artists. 

Image Campus alumni have been hired at places such as AMC Networks, Ubisoft, Warner Media, Dwarf, Methanoia, Plenty, Nimble Giant Entertainment, Bleed, Collider Craftworks, Malditomaus, Dedalord Game Studio, 3dar - Virtual Reality, Jam City, Leder Games, Artear Multimedia, Gizmo, Plenty Studio, Globant, Paka, BITT, and Rudo Company. 

Established in 2000, Image Campus provides programs in Animation, 3D, Visual Effects (VFX), Art for Videogames, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Multimedia, Illustration, and Audio. In addition to degree programs, Image Campus has short programs that can be completed in four to nine months. The programs at Image Campus are delivered on-campus, online, and via streaming.

Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art is oldest College of Art and Design in Central Switzerland. Part of Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), the school provides two paths to study animation. At the undergraduate level, students can earn a BA in Film with a specialization in Animation. Students may focus in Animation 2D or 3D.

At the graduate level, Lucerne has an Animation MA that combines hands-on workshops, seminars, and coursework that explores format development, production processes, story development, virtual reality (VR), film history, experimentation, animation history and theory, artificial intelligence (AI), concept and design, and media history. Throughout the program, students will also have opportunities to work with mentors and interact with guest lecturers from the industry. Trips to festivals and professional conferences are also part of the program. 

Graduates of the Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art MA program have gone on to become Animation Filmmakers, Game Artists, Film Directors, Researchers, Art Directors, and Professors. Program alumni work at major film and animation studios, game design studios, television networks, advertising agencies, museums, and universities. 

The Lucerne Film BA with a specialization in Animation covers the 12 Principles of Animation. The curriculum also consists of modules, team-building projects (short films), workshops, individual projects (short films), lectures, and a professional internship. 

Course examples and topics for the program include Animatic; Narration by Animation; Character Design, Background Design, Layout; Animation I-III; Compositing; Dramaturgy in Short Formats, Leading a Team; Expanded Animation I-II; Motion Graphics; Experimental Narration; VFX I-II; Stop Motion: Motion Control; Simple Animations in CGI; and Research of a Visual World. 

The Animation BA program culminates with a thesis project and a portfolio of the student's best work. Graduates of the program are 2D Animators, Directors, Producers, Illustrators, and Game Artists. 

Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art was founded in 1877 as Lucerne School of Arts and Crafts, making it the oldest College of Art and Design in Central Switzerland. The school became part Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in 1997. Today, Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art serves more than 900 students enrolled in 20 programs leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. 

Serving more than 8,300 degree-seeking students and 12,000 continuing and executive education students, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is the largest university level institution in Central Switzerland. Founded on January 1, 1997, Lucerne employs approximately 2,000 professionals, which also makes it one of the largest employers in Central Switzerland. Programs at Lucerne are provided across the following areas: Engineering and Architecture; Design, Film and Art; Music; Computer Science; Social Work; Health Sciences; and Business.

National Institute of Design (NID) has two paths to study animation: the BDes and MDes in Animation Film Design. All students benefit from the NID Animation Film Design Lab, which features state-of-the-art classrooms and studios. This production hub allows students, faculty members, and industry professionals brainstorm and bring their creations to life. The Lab is equipped with technology and production tools such as HP Workstations, Wacom Cintiq, sound systems, Toon Boom Pencil Check Pro, Dragonframe, and TVPaint Animation. 

Other NID resources include the Exhibition Design Studio and Lab; Toy and Game Design Studio; Clay Studio; Printing Studio and Lab; Film and Video Communication Design Labs; Physical Computing Lab; Audiovisual (AV) Lab; IT Center; Photography Lab; Design Vision Center; and the Skills Development Lab. All resources are provided across NID’s three campuses. 

Part of the NID Faculty of Communication Design, the BDes and MDes programs also feature small class sizes of no more than 19 students; case studies and other interactive sessions; experiential learning opportunities such as field trips and internships; immersive workshops; membership in the NID Film Club; access to learning opportunities at more than 55 overseas partner institutions; and project-based courses. 

BDes and MDes students also have opportunities to present their works at the Student International Animation Festival Chitrakatha. This biennial event attracts professional Animators from independent and major studios from India and around the world.  

In 2017, National Institute of Design launched a Design PhD that allows students to complete research and creative works in areas such as Film and Digital Media. Students in the Design PhD program have access to the same opportunities and resources as students in the BDes and MDes programs. 

The BDes program may be completed in four years at the Ahmedabad campus. Available at all NID campuses, the MDes takes 2.5 years to complete. The NID Design PhD can be completed in four to six years at the Ahmedabad campus. 

Graduates of the BDes, MDes, and PhD programs at National Institute of Design are prepared to pursue roles at animation studios, production houses, digital gaming studios, UI/UX and e-learning companies, television networks, advertising firms, and more. Program alumni are Animators, Filmmakers, Character Designers, Storyboard Artists, Producers, Creative Directors, and Consultants at places such as Cartoon Network, MTV, Nickelodeon, Cognizant, Infosys, and Tata Interactive. 

NID alumni have also gone on to launch their own studios, freelance businesses, and careers as educators at NID and other universities around the world. 

Established in 1961 as the National Institute of Industrial Design, National Institute of Design is a statutory institute under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The school serves approximately 1,200 students enrolled 20 programs at the bachelor’s master’s and PhD levels. Focus areas include Industrial Design; Communication Design; Textile, Apparel & Lifestyle Design; IT Integrated (Experiential) Design; and Interdisciplinary Design Studies. 

Consisting of three campuses in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Bengaluru, National Institute of Design has been declared an ‘Institution of National Importance’ by the Act of Parliament, by virtue of the National Institute of Design Act 2014. The school is also recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research-Government of India as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) houses the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education, and Social Justice, which focuses on research and studies in areas such as film and animation; visual arts; communication and media studies; creative writing; visual communication and interaction design; performing arts; television and digital media; fashion design; and journalism and professional writing. 

Within film and animation are two paths two-degree options for Animators including the Animation BFA and the Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments (Animation). Both programs provide unlimited access to state-of-the-art studios and production facilities; internship opportunities; and study abroad experiences lasting one or two semesters, or during any semester break. 

The QUT Animation BFA is a studio-based program that explores animated filmmaking, visual effects (VFX), and game development. Students in this program will gain practical skill sin drawing, motion graphics, real-time modeling for virtual environments, and 3D graphics. Course examples for the program include Animation History and Context; CGI Technologies; Motion Design; Animation Aesthetics; Visual Storytelling: Production Design; Digital Worlds; and Advanced Animation Production 1-3. 

The Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments (Animation) at Queensland University of Technology explores the technical and creative aspects of game development as well as emerging animation techniques. Students will master 3D modeling and animation, character animation, motion graphics, and real-time 3D. Course examples for the program include Animation Aesthetics; Digital Worlds; Visual Storytelling: Production Design; Digital Creatures; and CGI Technologies. 

Across programs, animation students will work on real, practice-based projects. Students may enhance either degree by adding a second major and/or the Creative Industries minor. Second major examples include Integrated Marketing Communication, Advertising, and Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Minor examples include Interaction Design, Character Animation, Scriptwriting for Interactive Environments, User Experience, Screen Production, Design and Visual Storytelling for Animation, Entertainment, Visual Arts Practice, Digital Media Management, CGI, Public Relations, and Software Technologies. 

The Animation BFA program culminates with a final capstone. Games and Interactive students will work in teams to complete and market a final publishable game. 

Graduates of the Animation BFA program at Queensland University of Technology are prepared to pursue roles such as Animator, Illustrator, Visual Artist, Computer Games Developer, Multimedia Designer, Post-production Specialist, Film/Television Producer, Motion Graphics Designer, Artists, Web Designer, and Media Industry Specialist. 

Alumni have worked on major productions and games such I, Robot; Spider-Man: Far From Home; How to Train Your Dragon; Guardians of the Galaxy; Hellblade; Avengers: Endgame; Disney Infinity 3.0; and Godzilla. Companies that have hired QUT Animation BFA graduates include Disney Animation, LucasFilm, Weta FX, Animal Logic, DNEG, and Rising Sun Pictures. 

Graduates of the QUT Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments program are Animators, Software Engineers, Game Programmers, Post-Production Specialists, Motion Graphics Designers, Multimedia Designers, Digital Content Producers, Visual Artists, Web Designers, Game Developers, and Computer Systems Engineers. 

Queensland University of Technology began as Queensland Institute of Technology (QIT) in 1965. The school began operating under its current name in 1989. Today, this public research university serves nearly 50,000 students enrolled in more than 400 programs. QUT academic fields span the engineering, health, law, business, education, science, social justice, and creative industries. Programs at Queensland University of Technology are provided across two campuses and five faculties. 

Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT) Dún Laoghaire is the only school of its kind in Ireland with a specific focus on the technological and creative cultural sectors. Within IADT is the Faculty of Film, Art + Creative Technologies, which houses The National Film School (NFS) and the Departments of Design + Visual Arts; Film + Media; and Technology + Psychology. Across departments, students have access to design, film, technology, and visual arts programs. 

Other faculty features include curriculums that emphasize learning by doing; field trips; established partnerships within the creative, academic, commercial, and cultural sectors; immersive workshops; courses that focus on technology, production, research, and creativity; visiting artists; and access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs, studios, and digital tools. The IADT Faculty of Film, Art + Creative Technologies also provides several paths to study animation: the Animation BA, 3D Animation BA, and the 3D Animation MA. 

The Animation BA is a full-time, four-year program that emphasizes individual and group projects, professional studios, and work placements. Serving up to 30 students, the program consists of four modules that cover areas such as animation principles, technical skills, storyboarding, idea development, scripting, production, character development, visual culture, layout, and background design. Students will work with traditional and digital media to create works. The program culminates with a final studio project, dissertation, and presentation. 

Graduates of the Animation BA program at Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire have been nominated for Oscars; presented their films at Sundance Film Festival; and animated and produced award-winning TV series. Program alumni have been hired at studios and companies such as Brown Bag Films, Cartoon Saloon, JAM Media, Boulder Media, Weta Workshops, and JibJab. 

The 3D Animation BA at IADT was developed in partnership with Sheridan College, Toronto. The program explores storytelling, digital design, and the 3D animation pipelines including animation principles, rendering, lighting, character design, and world building. In addition to everything the Animation BA program has to offer, the 3D Animation BA provides the opportunity to study abroad under the Erasmus+ program or complete an internship in Ireland or abroad. 

Course examples for the program include Animating in a Virtual Space; Bringing a Character to Life; New Ways of Seeing; World Building; Advanced Tech Skills and Cinematography for Digital Film; Telling a Story in 3D; and Digital Studies and Research Methodologies. The final year of the 3D Animation BA at Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT) Dún Laoghaire culminates with a minor project, major project, and thesis.

The IADT 3D Animation MA was also developed in partnership with Sheridan College and it is the first master’s degree of its kind in Ireland. Ideal for graduates of Computer Animation, VFX, and Creature Development programs, the 3D Animation MA requires a seven-week course in Research Methods for Creative Practices (in Canada or Ireland) and a 15-week final term at IADT’s Dublin campus. Students can complete any research components for the program abroad. 

Course examples for the IADT Animation MA include Animating in a Virtual Space; Digital Creatures; Bringing a Character to Life; Telling a Story in 3D Preproduction; History of Film and Animation; Issues in Screen Studies; New Media Production; Advanced Tech Skills and Cinematography for Digital Film; and Acting with a Digital Character. 

All IADT Animation MA students benefit from technical and project-based modules; team productions and individual exercises; immersive 3D animation production studios; and portfolio development. This full-time, 18-month program culminates with a final self-directed project that will be presented during IADT’s Exhibition and Showcase in May. 

With a 92% employment rate within a year of graduating, IADT Animation MA alumni are prepared to pursue advanced roles across the animation, film, game, television, and advertising industries. 

Institute of Art, Design + Technology Dún Laoghaire was established on April 1, 1997 as one of the 13 publicly funded Institutes of Technology in Ireland. Serving more than 2,500 students from 50+ countries, the school provides more than 25 program options leading to a certificate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Disciplines include Design, Art, Film + Media, Business, Psychology, and Research. IADT is officially recognized by the Department of Education and Skills of Ireland.

Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) has several paths to study animation. Undergraduate options include BA degrees in a CG Animation and Illustration and Animation. At the graduate level, students can earn a Master of Animation Design. The CG Animation BA and Master of Animation Design are housed at the Milan campus. The Illustration and Animation BA program can be completed at IED’s Rome campus. 

Across all programs, students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities such as the video shooting, editing, and interactive labs; immersive animation workshops; and the opportunity to complete an internship. 

The CG Animation BA is a 180 credit hour, three-year program that explores animation, visual effects (VFX), interactivity, and games. Course examples include Digital Animation Techniques 1-3; Semiotics of Art; Digital Modeling Techniques with 3D; Filmmaking; Interactive Systems 1-2; Sociology of Communication, Digital Cultures; and Software 1-3. 

In the final year of the CG Animation BA program at Istituto Europeo di Design, students will complete an individual dissertation project.

The Illustration and Animation BA program at IED is a full-time, 180 credit hour program that allows students to experiment in areas such as comics, stop motion, character design, children’s illustration, Editorial illustration, and poster design. Course examples for the program include Digital Animation Techniques 1-2; Video Production Elements; Computer Graphics 1-2; Elements of Morphology and Form Dynamics; Illustration 1-4; and Film and Video History. 

In the final year of the Illustration and Animation program at IED, students will complete a dissertation project, develop a professional portfolio, and build a demo reel. 

The Master of Animation Design at Istituto Europeo di Design is a one year program that consists of three areas: Design, Production-Marketing, and Technical-Practical. Across areas, students will complete explore storytelling, special effects, animation design methods, character design, ambient design, production, and development. 

Technical areas include 2D Animation: ToonBoom Harmony; Toon Boom Storyboard; Compositing Advanced Techniques and Effects; and Workshop: Stop Motion - Performance Capture. Production-Marketing Areas include Production Critical Analysis; Marketing; and Production Management. The program culminates with an individual short that demonstrates the student's ability to produce a professional film. 

Graduates of the Master of Animation Design program at Istituto Europeo di Design are prepared to pursue leadership roles in animation production, special effects, game art and design, television and film production, advertising, multimedia, research, and art education. 

Founded in 1966, Istituto Europeo di Design is a private Design school that serves 10,000 students each year. The school provides more than 100 undergraduate programs and 300+ graduate programs across 11 campuses in Italy, Spain, and Brazil. Programs at IED are organized across the schools of Art and Restoration; Design; Visual Arts; Fashion; and Communication. Istituto Europeo di Design is accredited by the Brazilian Education Ministry.

Founded in 1992 and based in Montreal, the School of Digital Arts, Animation and Design at University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (NAD - UQAC) provides programs and research in areas such as digital arts, 3D animation, and visual effects (VFX). Also known as The NAD School, NAD began its partnership with UQAC in 2008, and has continued to welcome more than 460 students each year. 

For students seeking a degree in animation, NAD – UQAC has a Bachelor in 3D Animation and Digital Design that allows students to select a concentration in video games or VFX for film and video, along with a second area of specialization. Students also benefit from access to state-of-the-art labs, studios, and production facilities equipped with the latest industry software and tools; lecturers who are leaders in the industry; courses taught by expert faculty; and partnerships with Epic Games-Unreal Engine, Ubisoft, Framestore, Gameloft, and Cinesite, among others. 

Course examples for the program include Animation and Motion Capture; Character Animation; Real-Time Animation Practice I-II; Lighting Practice for Visual Effects and Animation; Practicing the Principles of Digital Animation I-II; Production Simulation Workshop: Visual Effects for Film and Video; Rigging for Visual Effects and Animation; Film Analysis and Review; and Production Management in the Digital Industry. 

Students will take other courses such as Science and Physical Phenomena; Context and Production Ethics; Image Integration: Case Studies; Ethical Issues in Professional Practice; and Digital Creation Mentorship. An internship is also part of the program. 

The 3D Animation and Digital Design program at UQAC culminates with the capstone project completed across two courses including Project: Design of an Animated Film and Production of an Animated Film. 

With an 80% job placement rate, NAD – UQAC graduates are prepared for careers in animation, games, feature film, television production, VFX, illustration, advertising, health, architecture, industrial design, aeronautics, and fashion. Program alumni are also prepared to pursue graduate study in areas such as art, digital design, and video game design.  

Founded in 1969, University of Quebec at Chicoutimi is a member of the University of Quebec System of 10 universities. The school serves approximately 6,500 students each year, with 1,000 students representing 50 countries around the world. More than 200 programs are provided in areas such as Art Computer Science, Literature, Nursing, and Engineering.

University of Technology, Arts and Design (U-Tad) is a Toon Boon Center of Excellence (COE) and Skydance Animation Partner. Affiliated with Camilo José Cela University (UCJC), the school provides digital education programs that emphasize real-world projects, teamwork across disciplines, and entrepreneurship. Across programs, students also benefit from courses taught by active professionals in the industry; access to state-of-the-art labs, studios, and production facilities; and additional partnerships with EA Games, PlayStation, Microsoft, and Ubisoft, among others. 

For students seeking an Animation degree, U-Tad has seven program options. At the undergraduate level, students can earn a BFA in Animation or a BA in Visual Effects. Graduate programs include MA degrees in 3D Character Animation; Production Direction for Animation, Games and VFX; Rigging & Character FX; and Digital Compositing for VFX. A postgraduate program is available for advanced students would like to develop a professional portfolio in character design for digital animation. 

While all options can prepare students for a career in Animation, the Animation BFA; 3D Character Animation MA; and Production Direction for Animation, Games and VFX MA are the most popular options. 

The Animation BFA at U-Tad is the first Official Degree in Animation taught and designed by top international professionals. Students in this program will focus on animation for animated films, live action, and video games. Examples of areas explored include character design, storytelling, visual development, lighting, concept art, storyboarding, VFX, 3D modeling, photography, and shading. The program also allows students to specialize (minor) in 2D Animation; Art for Video Games and Immersive Systems; or 3D Visual Effects for Animation. 

Courses for the U-Tad Animation BFA program guide students through the pre-production, production, and post-production phases of filmmaking and video game design. Course examples include Principles of Animation; History of Cinema and Animation; Principles of 3D Graphics; Storyboarding; 3D Character Animation; Experimental Animation; Organic Modeling; Digital Production; and Advanced Animation. 

Animation BFA students will complete an internship, training for employment course, and the final degree project across four courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue titles from 2D/3D Animator to Character Developer to Visual Effects Artist. 

The 3D Character Animation MA at University of Technology, Arts and Design focuses on developing advanced skills that can be applied to careers in animation, game design, advertising, and more. Courses include Production and Narrative for Animators. Each course covers many topics. Examples include Introduction to Maya for Animators; Narrative and Storyboarding; Advanced Physics; Animation Exercises/Dailies; Animation Reinforcement; Script; Advanced Acting; Rigging; and Production Pipeline. 

MA students will also participate in workshops and take masterclasses such as Animation Workflow Masterclass at DreamWorks Animation; Rigging Workship for Animators; and Process for Approaching an Animation Shot Masterclass. Graduates will enter or re-enter the market with a professional reel of their best work. Potential job titles include Character Animator, VFX Character Animator, and Crowd Animator. 

The U-Tad MA in Production Direction for Animation, Games and VFX focuses on supervision and production management. Students in this program will learn how to analyze projects, create and propose budgets, develop schedules, and establish plans. Areas explored include artistic and technical fundamentals of animation; project development and feasibility analysis; VFX pipeline; Animation Pipeline; monitoring, analysis, and learning; outsourcing control; methodology and tools for production control in Animation and Videogames (agile methodologies); intellectual property; financing and operation of a video game; and creative team management. 

The U-Tad MA in Production Direction for Animation, Games and VFX culminates with a master’s thesis. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as Production Manager, Executive Producer, Production Coordinator, and Production Supervisor at top studios across the animation, VFX, and video game industries. 

Graduates of the BA, BFA, and MA programs at U-Tad have won dozens of awards and received hundreds of credits across the entertainment, advertising, and other industries. U-tad alumni have worked on productions for studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Rockstar Games, Moving Picture Company (MPC), Ubisoft, DNEG, Weta FX, Blur Studio, Framestore, Cartoon Saloon, Skydance Animation, Giant Animation, and Illusorium Studios.   

University of Technology, Arts and Design was founded in 2011 by digital and technology industry professionals. Situated on a 3.45 acre Corporate Campus near technology companies, creative studios, and more, this four-year university serves nearly 2,000 students enrolled in Animation, Video Game Design, Computer Science, Digital Design, Physics, and Mathematics degree programs. U-Tad operates under the guidelines of the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS) of the Camilo José Cela University and those indicated by the European Higher Education Area.

ISART Digital (ISART) has 3D program with options in 3D Animation and Special Effects. Leading to a bachelor’s and eventually, the MA, this project-based program is delivered in a film studio setting equipped with the latest industry-standard tolls and technology. All students benefit from partnerships with Tokyo University of Technology (TUT) and Niigata Computer College, which allow them to spend one month or 6-12 months in Japan, while immersing in the local 3D, FX, animation, and game industries.   

During one-month stays, ISART students can participate in a Game Jam. During longer stays, students will have the opportunity to complete a research thesis project under the direction of a TUT professor. All study abroad opportunities are ideal for students who are interested in animating for games. Across programs, students will also complete up to two internships—locally or abroad.   

The ISART 3D bachelor’s is a three-year program that focuses on the fundamentals of 2D and 3D, character animation, shooting and editing, environment creation, and photography. Students will learn about the animation production process from pre- to post-production. Utilizing a variety of 3D tools, undergraduate students will complete several group and individual projects. 

Sample course content for the program includes 2D Animation; Storyboard; Organic Rigging; Animation and Special Effects; 3D Animation; Motion Design; 2D Character Design; Compositing; Vectorial Drawing; Roto-Animation; Lighting & Rendering; and History of Cinema. 

The master’s 3D program is dedicated to the completion of an end or studies film project. For 24 months, graduate students will develop advanced production skills while working in the studio to animate, rig, and compose all of the elements of a professional, industry-ready 3D film. Sample course content for program includes Character FX; Advanced Rigging; Dynamic Simulation; Advanced 3D Animation; 3D Sculpture; Realistic/Stylized Preproduction; and Rush Animation. 

Graduates of the 3D program at ISART Digital enjoy a 90% employment rate. Program alumni are prepared to pursue positions such as 3D Animator, Technical Director, Storyboard Artist, Art Director, Environment Artist, CG Supervisor, FX Artist or FX Director, Concept Artist, and Motion Designer. 

Launched in 2001, ISART Digital serves approximately 1,200 students across campuses in Paris, Nice, and Montreal, Canada. ISART provides more than a dozen degree programs in the 3D animation, visual effects (VFX), and game design disciplines. The degree programs at ISART Digital are accredited by the French & Canadian governments. In addition, ISART is a member of the Network of French Cinema Animation Schools (RECA) and Les Femmes s'Animent (LFA).

Haute Ecole Albert Jacques (HEAJ) provides undergraduate degrees in 2D Animation & Digital Illustration, and 3D Animation Movies. The 2D program explores computer graphics, still and moving image software, illustration, and 2D animation. Students will participate in workshops, collaborative projects, and a three-month internship in the final year of the program. 

Course examples for the program include Programming; 2D Computer Graphics Techniques; Visual Communication; VFX Animation; 2D Artwork & 3D Modeling; Digital Illustration; and Storyboard. 

The 2D Animation & Digital Illustration program at HEAJ culminates with an illustration book and/or 2D animation short film based on mixed or computer graphics techniques. 

The 3D Animation Movies program provides the technical training students need to master all phases of an animated production. A major component of the program is the workshop series, which attracts artists from Pixar, Disney, and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). During these workshops, 3D students have the opportunity to learn from leading figures in the industry. 

In the second year of the 3D Animation Movies program at HEAJ, students will produce a solo demo reel that demonstrates what they have learned so far. This reel helps students secure an internship with a studio. In the final year, students will work in groups of three to four to complete an animated short and complete the internship. The 3D program culminates with a film screening attended by students, faculty, and a professional examination board. 

The 2D Animation & Digital Illustration, and 3D Animation Movies programs at Haute Ecole Albert Jacques lead to a bachelor’s degree. Across programs, graduates are prepared to pursue positions such as Animator, Artistic Director, Storyboard Artist, 3D Animator, Motion Designer, 3D Computer Graphics Designer, Illustrator, InBetweener, Special Effects Director, Modeler, Director, and Layout Artist. 

Haute Ecole Albert Jacques was established September 15, 1995 after the merger of the Institute of Higher Pedagogical Education of the French Community in Namur (ESPENA) and the Institute of Economic Higher Education of the French Community in Tamines (IESET). Serving more than 2,000 students, HEAJ provides bachelor’s masters, bridge, and honors programs in business, communication, digital and creative media, education, and accounting.

Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (Limkokwing University) has several paths to study animation: the Animation & Multimedia Design diploma, an associate degree in Animation, and an Animation BA. All programs are delivered through the Faculty of Creative Multimedia. 

The diploma program explores emerging, advanced, and experimental digital animation. Course examples include Animation Methodology; Computer Graphics; Communication Studies; Animation Production Design; Analytical Drawing; Design Studies; and History of Animation. Students in this program will also complete a final project across two courses. 

Graduates of the Animation & Multimedia Design program at Limkokwing University are prepared for careers such as Assistant Animator, 2D Animator, Digital Ink Artist, Character Designer, Visual Development Artist, 2D Concept Artist, Background & Layout Designer, and Storyboard Artist. 

The Animation associate’s degree program at Limkokwing University explores the fundamentals of animation. Students in this program will also learn about storytelling, animation history, and special effects (SFX). Upon completion of this program students are prepared for entry-level positions in the entertainment industry or for admission to the Animation BA. 

In addition to storytelling, animation history, and SFX, the Animation BA also explores scriptwriting, industry software, classical animation, and the entire animation production pipeline. Animation BA students will also complete hands-on projects and coursework in a professional studio-like environment, while gaining real-world experience through the internship program. 

Course examples for the program include Animation Practice 1-4; 3D Modeling; Multimedia Imaging; 3D Environment & FX; 3D Animation; Video Production; and Animation Project Management. Animation BA students will also take the Professional Studies and Entrepreneurship courses. 

The Animation BA Program at Limkokwing University culminates with an animation dissertation and final project completed across two courses. 

Graduates of the Animation BA program at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in across the animation, games, television, feature film, and advertising industries. Potential job titles include Animator, 3D Animator, Character Animator, 3D Modeler, Texture Artist, Game Artist, Art Director, Digital Matte Artist, and Animation Supervisor. 

Limkokwing University of Creative Technology was established in 1991 under the name Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. The school, which serves more than 30,000 students from over 150 countries, has 13 campuses in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Limkokwing University of Creative Technology provides hundreds of accredited diploma, degree, and postgraduate programs across seven faculties, Limkokwing Sound & Music Design Academy, and the Limkokwing Post-Graduate Center (PBC).

Deakin University (Deakin) is home to the School of Communication and Creative Arts, which provides programs in the areas of Design and Creative Arts; Media and Communications; and Film, Television and Animation. Across all areas, students have access to state-of-the-art and industry-standard equipment, software, and production facilities; dedicated computer labs and Deakin Studios—the school’s virtual production, television, film, and animation studio; and industry partnerships with more than 500 companies, studios, businesses, and other organizations. 

Deakin’s School of Communication and Creative Arts also houses the Bachelor of Film, Television, and Animation program, which provides the opportunity to complete an internship at places such as Fox Sports and Dreamscreen. In addition, students may customize their studies through one of three majors and/or one of six minors. Majors include Animation; Producing Screen Content; and Screen Production. Minors include Animation and Motion Graphics; Film Studies; Visual Effects and Virtual Production; Screen Content Production; Scriptwriting; and Producing Screen Content. 

All options provide opportunities to work on projects with real clients. Course examples across majors and minors include Principles of Animation; Designing 3D Animated Environments; Character Design and Animation; Writing for Games: Designing Quests and Characters; Animated Motion Graphics; Visual Effects and Animation; Character Animation; Interactive Design Studio; and Character Design and Development for Animation; Screen Producing; Information Design; and Television Studio Production. 

As the culminating experience for the Bachelor of Film, Television, and Animation program, students will complete an animated film. Graduates are prepared for to pursue dozens of different careers across the entertainment, advertising, education, and digital media industries. Examples include animation and animation design; visual effects; story development; virtual production; game design and production; visual communication and advertising; VR and AR production; motion graphics; screenwriting; production design; corporate and digital media; production management; and education and eLearning. 

Established in 1974 Deakin University serves more than 60,000 students across four campuses in Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool Australia. The school provides more than 200 industry-designed programs across four faculties and 14 schools. This public university is accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia, and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency of the Australian Government (TEQSA).

Ecole Des Nouvelles Images provides intensive 2D and 3D Animation programs that are supported by the French government, South Region, the Department of Vaucluse, and the city of Avignon. Both programs consist of five years of intensive training. The 2D program consists of modeling and painting workshops; introductory courses in areas such as graphic design, 2D computer graphics, and digital painting; study in narrative structure, cinematography, storytelling, and directing; and the 12 principles of animation. 

In the third year of the program (summer session), all students will complete an internship with a local studio or organization. In year four, 2D Animation focus on character rigging, compositing, storyboard and layout, and character animation. Students will also complete group and individual projects. 

The final year of the program consists of a 10-month long project leading to a professional film. This final project will be presented to studio recruiters, peers, faculty, and family at a Diploma Jury event.

Graduates of the Animation programs at Ecole Des Nouvelles Images are prepared to pursue positions in all areas of animation, television, feature film, game design, multimedia, advertising, and education. 

The 3D Animation program at Ecole Des Nouvelles Images begins with an introduction to the artistic and technical aspects of 3D. Students will participate in creative workshops, 2D animation projects, and art history coursework. The second year focuses on drawing, animation, and modeling. Students will work individually and in teams to create animated projects. 

Year three of the 3D Animation program will have the opportunity to complete an individual short 3D animation film as well as coursework related to the entertainment and other business. In the fourth year, students will have the opportunity to select a specialty, work in teams to produce a 30 second 3D short, and prepare a demo tape. 

The last year of the 3D Animation program at Ecole Des Nouvelles Images, students will spend 10 months perfecting their final films to be presented at the Diploma Jury event. 3D Animation graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles all areas of animation, feature film, video game design, animation for television, advertising, multimedia, and education. 

Established in 2017, Ecole des Nouvelles Images is an independent, non-profit college that provides animation and video game design programs to students in France and abroad. All programs are supported by the Ministry of Culture and the French National Centre of Cinema (CNC).

L'Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués (LISAA) provides several paths to study animation. At the undergraduate level, LISAA has a bachelor’s degrees in 2D Animation; 3D Animation; 2D/3D Animation; and VFX. All programs are provided at the main campus in Paris. The 2D/3D program is also available at the Toulouse campus. 

At the graduate level, LISAA has a 3D Animation master’s that can be completed in two years at the Paris campus. Across programs, students benefit from partnerships with studios such as Illumination, Mikros Animation, and Method Studios; the opportunity to complete solo and team projects; and access to state-of-the-art facilities such as motion capture and post-production sound studios, a digital calibration station, and a computer park equipped with professional software. 

LISAA also has more than 50,000 contacts across 650+ professions, and additional partnerships with Wacom, the Toon Boom Center of Excellence, progiss/3DVF, and Adobe. 

In addition to taking courses such as Digital Color/3D Techniques, Shooting/VFX, Storyboard, 2D Animated and Motion Design, LISAA animation students will master industry-standard software such Maya, Toon Boom Harmony, Nuke, Houdini, Unreal Engine, Autodesk 3ds Max, Unity, and V-Ray. All programs culminate with a professional film and portfolio.  

LISAA animation graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as 2D Animator, 3D Animator, VFX Artist, Texturing Artist, Character Designer, Art Director, Animation & Special Effects Production Manager, CG Generalist, Storyboard Artist, Background Designer, Game Artist, Lighting/Rendering Artist, Modeler/Mapper, Tracking/Match Move Artist, Motion Designer, Texturing Artist, Rigger, and Screenwriter. 

Founded in 1986, L'Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués is a private higher/technical education institution that trains Artists in the fields of animation, graphic design, games, interior architecture, and fashion. Serving more than 4,000 students. LISAA has a main campus in Paris and six additional campuses from Bordeaux to Toulouse.