Top 50 International Animation Schools and Colleges - 2025 College Rankings

Considered the Harvard of Animation, Sheridan College (Sheridan) houses the Sheridan Center for Animation and Emerging Technologies (SCAET). A proud partner of SideFX, Sheridan also houses a Bachelor of Animation program and graduate certificates in Computer Animation or Digital Creature Animation-Technical Direction. Across programs, students have the opportunity to produce industry-ready animated films in the SCAET.

Bournemouth University (BU) is home to the Faculty of Media and Communication, which houses one of the few research-intensive Animation centers in the UK—the National Center for Computer Animation (NCCA). BU is also one of the few Houdini Certified School’s in the UK. Program options include a BA in Computer Animation and Visual Effects; a 3D Computer Animation MA; an MSc in Computer Animation and Visual Effects; and a Digital Effects MA. Graduates go on to work with major studios such as DreamWorks, Pixar, and EA Games.

The College of Design and Social Context (DSC) at RMIT University (RMIT) houses the School of Design, home to the Animation and Interactive Media BDes; the Master of Animation, Games, and Interactivity (MAGI); and the AGI graduate certificate. RMIT is also home to the College of Vocational Education (VE), which houses the Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) program. Graduates of the animation programs at RMIT are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of animation, games, and interactive media. MAGI graduates are also prepared to launch their own studios or freelance businesses. 

RUBIKA provides 2D and 3D Animation programs leading to a BAC+5 (master’s degree). All students have the opportunity to complete several work experiences through partnerships with more than 300 studios such as Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Gameloft, and DreamWorks. Program alumni enjoy a 90% employment rate within a year of graduating. Some of the top hiring companies for RUBIKA animation graduates include Disney Animation, ILM, DreamWorks, Pixar, Illumination, Aardman, and Framestore. 

University of the Arts London (UAL) is a Certified Nuke Training Center and an Accredited Toon Boom Center of Excellence. Undergraduate program options include BA degrees in Animation, and Animation and Visual Effects. At the graduate level, UAL students can earn an MA in Animation; Character Animation; or 3D Computer Animation. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles at places such as DreamWorks, Pixar, and Aardman. 

ARTFX is a Toon Boom Center of Excellence that houses MA programs in 2D Film Animation and 3D Character Animation. Students have opportunities to work with ARTFX partners such as MPC, Illumination, DNEG, Cinesite, and Mikros Animation. Graduates enjoy a 95% job placement rate within six months to a year of graduating. Program alumni have worked on productions such as Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Ready Player One, and The Lion King. 

The School of Design at Université Laval provides two paths to study animation: the Bachelor of Animation (B. Anim.) and the Art and Science of Animation certificate (CASA). Both programs highlight project-based curriculums with opportunities to work on team projects and participate in the Université Laval Placement Service (SPLA) event, which attracts employers from the animation industry. Graduates go on to pursue advanced roles in film and animation, game design, and visual effects, among others. 

Media Design School (MDS) is New Zealand’s only Unity Authorized Training and Certification partner. Also, a Houdini Certified School, MDS houses the country’s first 3D Animation program. Accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), the program leads to a Bachelor of Art and Design in 3D Animation and VFX. Graduates have landed positions at DreamWorks, Lucasfilm, Disney, Warner Bros., Microsoft, and Weta FX.

The School of Communication at University of Technology Sydney (UTS) provides a Bachelor of Animation Production (BAP) that can be combined with the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation or the Bachelor of International Studies. At the graduate level, students can earn a Master of Animation and Visualization (MAV). Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in animation and film, visual effects (VFX), game art and design, simulations, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). 

Teesside University Europe’s first Adobe Creative Campus. The school provides ScreenSkills-recognized programs including a BA in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics; BA and MA degrees in Animation, 2D Animation and Stop Motion, and Concept Art; and a SideFX Certified Visual Effects MA. All animation programs culminate with a film sequence or short film. Graduates have been hired at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Blue Zoo Animation Studio, Rockstar North, Animal Logic, and Imaginarium Productions.

MoPA, the School of 3D Animation, has partnerships with major studios such as DreamWorks Animation, DNEG, Mikros Animation, Reel FX, and Aardman. The school provides a project-based 3D Design, Production, and Animation program that leads to an Expert Diploma (master’s). MoPA graduates are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of animation, film, and television production.

University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is an ARRI Certified Film School. Also accredited by the British Film Institute (BFI), the school provides Animation and Games Animation BA programs. At the graduate level, students can earn an Animation MA. Graduates have gone on to create characters such as Peppa Pig and Hey Duggee. Program alumni have also landed roles at partner studios such as Passion Pictures, Cinesite, Blink Productions, Animade, The Mill, Aardman, Black Dog Films, and Fudge Animation. 

Image Campus (Image) is South America’s first video game school and Unreal Authorized Training Center. As a vocational training educational institution, the school provides Higher Technician degrees in areas from Animation and VFX to Illustration and Virtual Production. All animation programs explore the 12 Principles of Animation. Image Campus alumni have been hired at places such as Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Discovery, AMC Networks. 

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) houses the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education, and Social Justice, home to the Bachelor of Creative Arts in Animation and the Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments (Animation). These studio-based programs culminate with a final capstone or publishable game. Graduates have been hired at place such as Disney Animation, LucasFilm, DNEG, Weta FX, Rising Sun Pictures (RSP), and Animal Logic. 

University of Hertfordshire (UH) provides an extensive list of SideFX accredited programs. Examples include BA degrees in 2D Digital Animation, 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX), and Digital Arts for Animation, Games, and Immersion; the BSc in Digital Technologies for Animation, Games, and Immersion; and MA degrees in Animation, 3D Modeling and VFX, and Character and Creature Animation. With a 96.5% employment rate, program alumni have been hired at places such as Sony Pictures Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and Blue Zoo Animation Studio. 

The Faculty of Communication Design at National Institute of Design (NID) provides two paths to study animation: the BDes and MDes in Animation Film Design. With less than 20 available seats per program, the BDes and MDes curriculums cover traditional animation, digital animation, and short film production. Graduates have been hired at paces such as Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, MTV, and Cognizant.

Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) has several paths to study animation. Undergraduate options include BA degrees in with tracks in Animation and Illustration. At the graduate level, students can earn a master’s in Animation Design. Across programs, students benefit from partnerships with Adobe, Toon Boom, and Wacom. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in animation, illustration, live-action films, game art and design, visual effects (VFX), television production, advertising, research, and art education.

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 Animation BA; 3D Animation BA; and the 3D Animation MA programs. Across programs, graduates have been nominated for Oscars; produced award-winning animated TV series; presented films at Sundance; and landed positions at places such as Weta FX, Brown Bag Films, JAM Media, Cartoon Saloon, and Boulder Media.

Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM) has two paths to study animation including the Media Art MFA and PhD. Students in both programs may focus Animation/3D Animation; Experimental Film; or Storytelling; among other areas. All KHM students will have the opportunity to complete four individual projects to be included in their professional portfolios. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in the entertainment industry, game design, and education.

The School of Creative Media (SCM) at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) houses a Creative Media (CM) program with options leading to a BA, BSc, MA, MFA PhD, or minor in Creative Media. A New Media BAS and joint degrees with Leuphana University (LU) are also available. Joint options include the CityU BACM or BAS + LU Digital Media BA). All programs highlight animation, games, new media, and cinema coursework. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in animation for entertainment, game art, animation (health and science), media art, and multimedia design.

Haute Ecole Albert Jacques (HEAJ) houses a Bachelor in Graphic Techniques program with options in 2D Digital Animation Drawing; 3D Animated Film; and 3D Visual Effects (VFX). All students will participate in workshops, collaborative projects, and a three-month internship in the final year of the program. Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as 3D Animator, VFX Artist, and Artistic Director.

The School of Communication and Creative Arts at Deakin University (Deakin) houses the Bachelor of Film, Television, and Animation program and the Animation minor. All students will have the opportunity to work on projects with real clients complete. Degree-seeking students can complete an internship at places such as DreamScreen and Fox Sports Australia. Both programs culminate with an animated film. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in animation, digital media, advertising, game art and design, television broadcasting, and corporate content production.

University of Portsmouth (UoP) is accredited by SideFX as a Houdini Certified School. Program options include an Animation BA; the BSc in Computer Animation and Visual Effects (VFX); and a Computer Animation MSc. Program alumni go on to work at independent and major studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Cartoon Network, Sony Pictures Animation, Framestore, MPC, DNEG, The Mill, Kuju Games, Milk VFX, and Centroid Motion Capture.

ISART Digital (ISART) houses a Cinema Animation 3D/VFX program that leads to a master’s degree. Provided at the school’s Paris, France and Montreal, Canada campuses, the program takes place in a professional production studio environment, with opportunities spend one month to a year in Japan at partner universities such as Tokyo University of Technology (TUT) and Niigata Computer College. With a 90% employment rate, graduates have been hired at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, and DNEG. 

The Faculty of the Arts at Kyoto University of the Arts (KUAD) provides several paths to study animation. These include the Character Design BA in the faculty’s Department of Character Design; the Illustration BA in the Department of Information Design; and the Film Production BA in the Department of Film Production. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in animation, film and television, game design, fine art, and advertising, among others.