| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haute Ecole Albert Jacquard | Namur |
| 2 | Howest University of Applied Sciences | Kortrijk |
| 3 | LUCA School of Arts | Brussels |
For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor's degree or equivalent). For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
Haute Ecole Albert Jacquard (HEAJ) provides several paths so study animation. Options include bachelor’s degrees in 2D Animation and Digital Illustration; 3D Animation Movies; and 3D Visual Effects. Across programs, students benefit from workshops with visiting artists from places such as Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and Disney; courses taught by professionals in the animation, VFX, and illustration fields; experiential learning experiences such as a mandatory three-month internship; collaborative projects; and field trips to conventions and artist talks with figures from places such as SideFX, Framestore, and Pixomondo.
Programs culminate with a final project. Graduates can be found at places such as Ubisoft Ivory Tower Games, ILM, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Weta FX, Illumination, DNEG, and Framestore.
Howest University of Applied Sciences houses a Bachelor of Digital Arts and Entertainment (DAE) program with a 3D Animation major. The curriculum for the program covers the entire 3D animation production pipeline along with techniques such as texturing, shading, 3D modeling, sculpting, and rigging. In the second year of the program, students have a week off to take what they have learned so far and participate in a film or game jam. In the three days following the event, students will work in teams of five to produce a game or short film.
Other program highlights include guest speakers; study abroad trips; and an 18-week senior internship with a partner company or studio. Program alumni go on to land roles with most DAE partners, and at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, Netflix Animation, DNEG, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Bungie, Ubisoft, MPC, Unity, The Mill, Larian Studios, and Guerilla Games.
LUCA School of Arts provides several paths to study animation. Options include a BA in Animation Film; an Animation Film MA; and the joint Animation Film MA in partnership with IADT (Ireland) and Lusófona University (Portugal). Highlights across programs include guest lectures and seminars led by accomplished industry insiders; access to state-of-the-art production labs and studios; field trips to cultural institutions and the ANIMA animation film festival; and internship opportunities. Programs culminate with an animated short film and essay.
Graduates can be found at places such as Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Cartoon Saloon, Lighthouse Studios, DPG Media, and Studio 100. Some program alumni also go on to launch their own studios, build their own freelance businesses, or teach animation.
