| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RMIT University | Melbourne |
| 2 | Griffith University | Brisbane City and Queensland |
| 3 | Media Design School | Auckland |
| 4 | University of Technology Sydney | Sydney |
| 5 | University of Melbourne | Melbourne and Victoria |
| 6 | Queensland University of Technology | Brisbane |
| 7 | Swinburne University of Technology | Melbourne |
| 8 | Deakin University | Melbourne and Victoria |
| 9 | Australian National University | Canberra |
| 10 | Billy Blue College of Design | Sydney |
For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor's degree or equivalent). For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
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.
Griffith Film School (GFS) at Griffith University is the largest school of its kind in Australia. Also, a Toon Boom Center of Excellence (COE) and a member of the World Film School Association (CILECT), GFS houses a Bachelor of Animation program with majors in Character Animation; 3D Art and Environments; Virtual Production and VFX; Art Direction; Writing and Development; and Post-Production. Across majors, graduates have landed positions at both local and global studios.
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).
Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) at University of Melbourne was established in 1972 with the goal to provide programs in the performing and visual arts. This includes an Animation BFA that takes just three years to complete, full-time. Graduates are prepared to pursue an advanced degree or careers in areas such as film and television, game design, advertising and marketing, theme park design, and education.
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.
Swinburne University of Technology (Swinburne) is a recognized Toon Boon Center of Excellence. The school provides six paths to study animation including the Bachelor of Animation; Bachelor of Games and Interactivity/Bachelor of Animation; Bachelor of Animation/Bachelor of Applied Innovation; Diploma of Screen and Media-Animation; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media-Animation; and the Certificate IV in Screen and Media. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in animation, game design and development, film, and television production.
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.
The College of Arts and Social Sciences at Australian National University (ANU) houses the School of Art and Design. Within the school is a studio-based Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVART) with a major in Animation and Video. Areas explores include 2D and 3D animation, virtual reality (VR), compositing, and production. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in film and television, game design, visual arts, AR/VR, advertising, and education.
Billy Blue College of Design is a school within Torrens University Australia. This Houdini Certified School houses a 3D Design and Animation program leading to a diploma or bachelor’s degree. All students have the opportunity to complete a 120-hour internship at a professional studio such as Luminary, Technicolor Creative Studios, or Blowfish. Programs culminate with a major project, reel, and/or portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as 3D Animator, VFX Artist, Creative Director, Game Artist, Motion Graphics Designer, Storyboard Artist, Illustrator, and 3D Visualization Artist.
