Best Schools for Animation In The World in 2025

Have you watched the 1937 Disney classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? Ever since Disney and its fabulous animated movies came into existence, we have seen the wonderful magic of animation and its possibilities. However, animation is not just restricted to movies.

Animation is widely used in many fields. In this blog, you will get to know the best schools for animation in the world, which can very well be your next place to study and even become part of a mega project in your career.

Countries like France, Canada, and the UK, among others, are home to some of the best animation schools in the world. In the blog, we have curated a list of the top 10 animation colleges in the world. However, before that, shall we just look into the evolution of the field? The Celluloid Shift (Using celluloid films for production), which the world saw between 1888 and 1914, The Magic Lantern (An image projector that used a glass plate and various light sources to project images, prints, paintings, and more), and Shadow Play ( A technique used by puppeteers manipulate flat images between a light and a translucent screen, with the audience seated on the other side) are some of the techniques used by animators throughout the world to show motion. But, with time, we have seen animation taking over our wildest imaginations and bringing it to reality like never before.

Animation isn’t an illusion of life, it is life.

So, using Chuck Jones's quote, let us find the top animation schools in the world for you.

What is Animation?

Animation is a way of binding photographs and making them into a live image. It is widely used in many fields like media, advertising, marketing, science, travel and many more. Animation has many aspects to it, which include 2-D animation, 3-D animation, stop motion animation, and motion graphics. You can learn all of this in the best schools for animation all around the world, where you will get professional and hands-on experience for industry requirements.

Top 10 Animation Colleges in the World

There are many schools for animation in the world. However, some stand out from the others, which in turn makes them some of the top animation schools in the world. The best schools for animation in the world are:

1. California Institute of the Arts

Location: 24700 McBean Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91355, United States
QS Ranking: #48
Acceptance Rate: 24.8%
Courses offered: Animation & Graphic Design
Scholarship offered: The Michael Eisner Scholarship Fund
Alumni: Chrisann Brennan (American Actor & Artist), Tom Franco (American Memoirist and Pianter), etc

The California Institute of Arts is one of the most popular schools for animation. There are many courses offered by this university for animation, which include courses such as BFA and MFA in experimental animation. Learning from industry professionals in the best animation school will surely give you hands-on experience to help you understand the requirements to become a successful animator.

2. Sheridan College

Location: 1430 Trafalgar Rd, Oakville, ON L6H 2L1, Canada
QS Ranking: #1315
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Courses offered: BA (Animation), Certificate in Computer Animation and many more.
Scholarship Offered: Sheridan Student Assistance Program
Alumni: Chris Williams (Director of The Sea Beast), John Kricfalusi (Animated TV Series creator: The Ren & Stimpy) and many more.

Sheridan College is one of the best schools for animation. Students have the best resources in the world to study animation. It is also called the “Harvard for Animation”. The University for Animation has produced many gems for the film industry and has also given 7 Oscar-winning works to the world. There are over 37 programs offered to the students, the most popular program being the Bachelor in Animation degree, which is a four-year program comprising a compulsory internship. It is one of the best animation colleges in the world if you want to make your way into the industry swiftly.

3. Royal College of Art

Location: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2EU, United Kingdom
QS Ranking: #51-100
Acceptance Rate: 27.2%
Courses offered: Digital Direction MA, Visual Communication MA, Information Experience Design MA
Scholarship offered: NA
Alumni: Sir Ridley Scott (English filmmaker), Margaret Calvert (Typographer & Graphic Designer), James Dyson (Founder of Dyson, Engineer & Designer), and many more.

The Royal College of Art is famous for its animation course. As one of the best schools for animation in the world, it offers an MA in animation course for students to have their best works out in the world. In recent times, the short film “Ice Merchants” made by Joao Gonzales was nominated for the short film category in the 2023 Academy Awards. The courses are taught by industry experts who have had professional experience in the field of animation.

4. Emily Carr University of Art + Design

Location: 520 E 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 0H2, Canada
QS Ranking: #25
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Courses offered: Principles of Animation, 3-D Design Visualization and many more
Scholarship offered: Emily Carr University Entrance Scholarships for BC High School and International Students, Audain Foundation Annual Entrance Scholarships for BC-based Students and many more scholarships
Alumni: Douglas Coupland (Canadian Novelist, Designer, & Visual Artist), Lynn Johnston (Author & Illustrator), and many more

Coined as one of the best schools for animation in the world, Emily Carr University is the best place to study animation and integrated design. The Bachelor's degree at the top animation school offers various subjects for students to choose from. The course includes subjects such as 2D and experimental animation, 3-D animation, and more. Companies that recruit from one of the top animation schools in the world include Walt Disney Animation Studios, Sony Picture Imageworks, and more.

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5. Griffith University

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
QS Ranking: #243
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Courses offered: Bachelor of Animation
Scholarship offered: Griffith University offers over 1000 scholarships for students.
Alumni: Joff Bush (Screen Composer), Tim Davies (Grammy Nominated Musician), and many more

Griffith University is considered one of the best schools for animation in the world. They offer an immersive program for animation where students can learn a plethora of knowledge about animation. The Bachelor of Animation programme provided by Griffith University, one of the best animation universities in the world, gives students a dive into majors like Animating, Art Direction and CGI Technical Direction. Students will also garner this knowledge by being taught by industry professionals and award-winning animators and filmmakers.

6. ArtFX

Location: 95 Rue de La Galera, France
QS Ranking: NA
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Courses offered: 3D and special effects, 3D character animation, Image programming, and technical Director of VFX or Video games.
Scholarship offered: NA
Alumni: Alumni have worked on projects like Venom, Arcane Game of Thrones and many more.

ArtFX is an animation school based in France. It is also considered one of the best schools for animation in the world. Gilbert Kiner started the top animation school in 2004. ArtFX has achieved many popular projects, and students have worked on projects like Venom, Arcane Game of Thrones, and many more.

Students get an insight into learning by leading industry professionals. Courses such as 3D Visual Effects and 3D Character Animation bring you to par with the most demanded skills in the animation industry. Studying at one of the best schools for animation in the world, your doors to the international job industry open with ease. The best animation school in the world has also partnered and has close ties with leading studios such as Mikoros, One of Us, Rovio and many more.

7. University of Technology Sydney

Location: 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
QS Ranking: #90
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Courses offered: Bachelor of Animation Production, Bachelor of Animation Production (Honours)
Scholarship offered: CNR Building Futures Scholarship 2023, Textbook Grant For Undergraduates 2024 and many more
Alumni: Martin Bean (Technology Leader & Innovator), Anthony Doole (Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at UTS), and many more

The University of Technology, Sydney, is a prestigious university which offers numerous courses for students. The Bachelor of Animation Production course is a popular course for pursuing a career in animation. The course gives students an insight into animation through techniques which are termed basic but are essential for animation. Students will also learn 2-D and 3-D animation. The university is also called one of the best schools for animation in the world because of its close ties to production houses such as Flying Bark Productions and Animal Logic.

8. University of Bournemouth

Location: 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
QS Ranking: #501-550
Acceptance Rate: 70%-80%
Courses offered: BA (Hons) Computer Animation & Visual Effects, MA 3D Computer Animation, MSc Computer Animation & Visual Effects
Scholarship offered: Chancellor’s Global Academic Merit Scholarship, EU Scholarship, and many more
Alumni: Emily Bisset (3D Artist), Freya Stafford (Environment Modeller & 3D Creator), and many more

Apart from the 2000-year-old human remains found in Dorset, the University of Bournemouth is famous as one of the best animation universities in the world. The Bachelor of Animation Production program helps you with the foundational nature of animation, including painting, drawing, sculpting, and unfathomable concepts. All the learning helps you move further in the field with a job or pursue the MA in 3D Computer Animation and become a trailblazer in the field.

The university has also partnered with the University of Glasgow to develop scientific theories into forms of art further. The interdisciplinary project is known as AfterGlow. At one of the best schools for animation in the world, you also have the opportunity to learn from your seniors and experiment st revolutionary studios equipped with jaw-dropping facilities, like PS5 and a range of cutting-edge technologies. Alumni of the animation courses have worked on projects like The Avengers, Star Wars, and Dunkirk, among many others

9. Savannah College of Art & Design

Location: Savannah, Georgia, USA
QS WUR Ranking: #15
Acceptance Rate: 72%-73%
Courses offered: BFA Animation, MFA Animation, Minor in Animation, Certificate in Animation, and more.
Scholarship offered: SCAD Achievement Scholarships, SCAD Honors Scholarships, and SCAD Challenge Scholarships.
Alumni: Jeff 'Swampy' Marsh (Co-Creator of Phineas and Ferb), Chris Buck (Co-Director of Frozen), and many more.

Savannah College of Art & Design, or SCAD, offers a top-tier animation education experience with cutting-edge facilities. It includes state-of-the-art animation studios equipped with the latest technology, such as motion capture labs, green screen rooms, and industry-standard software. BA (Hons) in Animation has accreditation of JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Services), a group of industry professionals and experts, making it one of the best animation schools in the world.

Additionally, SCAD's strong connections with leading animation studios and companies provide students with valuable opportunities for internships, mentorship, and networking within the industry. The university's diverse curriculum covers various aspects of animation, including 2D animation, 3D animation, stop-motion, visual effects, and more, allowing students to learn based on their interests and career goals.

SCAD encourages students to work on real-world projects, collaborate with peers, and showcase their work through exhibitions and film festivals, preparing them for successful careers in the animation industry.

10. School of Visual Arts, New York City

Location: 209 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010, United States
QS WUR Ranking: #32
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Courses offered: BFA Computer Art, Animation, and Visual Effects; MFA Computer Arts; MPS Digital Photography; MPS Directing; and more.
Scholarship offered: The Silas H. Rhodes Merit Scholarship, Alumni Scholarship, and Diversity Scholarship.
Alumni: Peter Sohn (Creative Director at Adam Lippes), Yvette Kaplan (Director, Producer, Story Consultant, Writer, Animator, Character Designer & Professor at SVA), and many more.

Situated in the bustling heart of New York City, the School of Visual Arts (SVA) stands out as one of the best animation schools in the world, offering a dynamic environment for aspiring animators. With an esteemed faculty comprised of accomplished artists, animators, and filmmakers, SVA brings a wealth of industry experience and expertise to the classroom, guiding students towards success in the animation industry.

Moreover, SVA's strong connections with top animation studios, production companies, and media organisations in New York City and beyond provide students with valuable internship opportunities, guest lectures, and networking events. Emphasising a multidisciplinary approach, SVA's animation programs, including the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Computer Art, Animation, and Visual Effects and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Computer Arts, encourage students to explore various techniques, styles, and mediums to develop their artistic voice and storytelling skills. Through hands-on learning experiences, studio-based courses, and collaborative projects, SVA prepares students for real-world challenges in the animation industry.

Eligibility Criteria for Top Animation Schools in the World

As a student looking forward to studying animation in the best animation schools in the world, you must look into some of the common eligibility criteria. However, we advise you to check the university’s official website for any particular factors considered during admission to the best animation school in the world you are aiming for. Below is a table with the basic criteria for admission:

Eligibility Criteria!

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Eligibility Criteria	Description
Academic Qualifications	High school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs; bachelor's degree for postgraduate programs.
Portfolio Submission	Showcase of artistic skills, creativity, and passion for animation through a portfolio of work.
English Proficiency	Proficiency in English demonstrated through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Letters of Recommendation	Submission of letters from teachers, mentors, or professionals familiar with the applicant's work and character.
Entrance Exams	Completion of entrance exams to assess aptitude and readiness for the program.
Statement of Purpose	Submission of a statement outlining motivation, career goals, and reasons for pursuing animation studies.
Interviews	Possible interview invitation to further evaluate suitability for the program.
Additional Requirements	Additional requirements may include essays, specific coursework prerequisites, or auditions.

Job Opportunities for Animation Graduates

An animation degree opens doors to lucrative career paths. Here are the top 5 job opportunities with salary ranges, providing exciting prospects for animation graduates.

Top Jobs in Animation!

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Top Jobs	Salary Range
Animation Director	$60,000 - $150,000
Character Animator	$40,000 - $100,000
Visual Effects Artist	$50,000 - $120,000
Storyboard Artist	$35,000 - $80,000
Game Animator	$45,000 - $100,000

(Sources: Glassdoor, Indeed, Payscale)

There are many top animation schools in the world, but what remains is your skillset and the experience of your future professors to turn that into an immaculate result of your hard work. You can apply to some of the best schools for animation in the world and fulfil your dream of becoming a successful animation expert.