collageAmong the many degree program options for future animators, the B.F.A. in Computer Animation is the top choice. The B.A. in Cinema Art + Science, which focuses on the fundamentals of film production, also has a specialization in Animation. An animation degree is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 4% job growth for artists and animators over the next 10 years. Common animation careers include art director, animation artist, craft or fine artist, graphic designer, and web developer.
top animation schools in the world 2021
Top and Best Animation Schools: These are the top 10 worldwide animation schools to attend if you’re seeking for career-based training in the industry. You can choose certificate programs or complete challenging four-year degree programs to land high-paying positions at some of the greatest businesses, including Disney, MediaWorks, etc. Since hiring managers are scrambling to find new talent, if you graduated from one of these prestigious animation schools, you may be in line for a lucrative position. The animation industry has expanded significantly over the last ten years. Professional animators are in high demand, but there are only a few positions available, therefore one must possess the necessary talent.
1. Sheridan | Oakville,Canada
- School Location : 1430 Trafalgar Rd, Oakville, ON L6H 2L1, Canada
- About School : Sheridan is one of the most sought after animation school in the world. One must have a strong profile to enroll themselves in Sheridan.
- Animation courses offered : Sheridan offers an intensive 4 yr Bachelor of Applied Arts(Animation)
- Website Url : https://www.sheridancollege.ca/
2. California Institute of Arts | USA – Top Animation Schools
- School Location : 24700 McBean Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, United States
- About School : It’s also known as CalArts and is a popular college in U.S. for students seeking an education in animation.
- Animation courses offered : They teach courses relating to multimedia, documentary making, dramatic narrative, experimental live-making, life drawing, storytelling, character animation and so on.
- Website Url : https://calarts.edu/
3. Gobelins | France – Top Animation Schools
- School Location : 73 Boulevard Saint-Marcel, 75013 Paris, France
- About School : Gobelins is one of the best schools in Europe. Aspiring animation seekers will be put through a rigourous 3 hour entrance test, which is extremely tough to crack. Gobelins boasts of some of the best teaching facilities and their students have won many prizes in some of the popular film festivals.
- Animation courses offered : Gobelins provides courses in Character animation and Animated Film Making, Direct admission into 3rd yr character and animated film making and 3D Character animator.
- Website Url : http://www.gobelins.fr/en
4. Savannah College of Art and Design | Hongkong – Top Animation Schools
- School Location : 292 Tai Po Rd, Hong Kong
- About School : Savannah College of Art and Design is a popular animation school in Hongkong. It has branches in other countries like Atlanta, USA. Students who graduate from this school get selected into top companies like Disney, Pixar,Sony, Dreamworks etc.
- Animation courses offered : BFS, MFA and BA
- Website Url : http://scad.edu.hk/en
5. Digital Animation and Visual effects School(DAVE) | Florida – Top Animation School
- School Location : Florida
- About School : Studying at Dave school is like a breeze as they have broken down the teaching modules into easy ones. It’s a well known school, located in Florida offering animation courses for the students around the world.
- Animation courses offered : Offer Digital Modelling and texturing, 3D production, visual effects and Studio production
- Website Url : http://www.daveschool.com/
6. Rhode Island School of Design | USA – Top Animation Schools
- School Location : 2 College St, Providence, RI 02903, United States
- About School : Rhode Island School of Design is one of the most sought after animation schools in the world.
- Animation courses offered : Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelors in Graphic Design
- Website Url : http://www.risd.edu/
7. The Maryland Institute College and Art(MICA) | USA – Top Animation Schools
- School Location : 1300 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, United States
- About School : MICA is one of the oldest institutions offering animation courses in the world. It’s one of the best animation and design schools in USA.
- Animation courses offered : MICA offers 19 programs leading to the MFA, MA, MBA, MAT, MPS, and post-baccalaureate certificate.
- Website Url : http://www.mica.edu/
8. Ringling College of Art and Design | Florida, USA – Top Animation Schools
- School Location : 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234, United States
- About School : Ringling College of Art and Design is located in Florida and this is the campus, where recruiters throng to take in fresh graduates. One of the important reasons for such rush is, all important and basic concepts in animation is covered in their 4 year course.
- Animation courses offered : They offer a specialized 4 year computer animation degree, where one can develop skills in modeling, lighting, motion and sound.
- Website Url : https://www.ringling.edu/
9. Carnegie Mellon’s University Lab | Pittsburgh – Top Animation Schools
- School Location : Pittsburgh
- About School : Carnegie Mellon’s University Lab in Pittsburgh offers a unique course in graphics along with animation. If you are interested in game development, then this is the best place to study.
- Animation courses offered :Physical modelling, interactive simulation, character animation, computer games, creation of natural human motion.
- Website Url : http://www.cmu.edu/
10. Vancouver Institute of Media Arts | Canada – Best Animation Schools
- School Location : 570 Dunsmuir St #600, Vancouver, BC V6B 1Y1, Canada
- About School : If you are interested in exploring different kinds of art form, then this is the best place to study. Courses in 2D and 3D animation, allows students to excel in their area of expertise.
- Animation courses offered : 2d animation, 3d character animation diploma courses, acting, broadcasting for radio, digital photography, game arts etc.
- Website Url : http://www.vanarts.com/
11. Full Sail University | Florida – Best Animation Schools
- School Location : 3300 University Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792, United States
- About School : Located in Winter Park, Florida (just outside of Orlando), Full Sail University is an educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. Established in 1979, the school’s on-campus and online programs provide students with an innovative and accelerated style of education geared toward career opportunities in recording, music, film, show production, video games, design, animation, entertainment business, Internet marketing, and sports management.
- Animation courses offered : Campus based degree courses: MS in film production, MS in Game Design, BS in Digital Arts and Design and BS in Film and also provide online courses such as BS in Computer Animation, BS in Graphic Design, BS in Digital cinematography
- Website Url : http://www.fullsail.edu
12. Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design | Colorado – Best Animation Schools
- School Location : 1600 Pierce St, Lakewood, CO 80214, United States
- About School : Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) offers students the opportunity to enroll in campus-based or online degree programs. Students enrolled in campus-based programs complete courses through mixed-model delivery.
- Animation courses offered : BFA in Animation – 2D, BFA in animation – 3D, BFA in animation – 3D(Online) and certificate courses in 3D Character Animation, 3D Pre – Production
13. ITT Technical Institute | Indianapolis – Best Animation Schools
- School Location : 9511 Angola Ct, Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States
- About School : ITT Technical Institutes offers programs in a range of technology-focused fields and industries. With locations across the country, ITT Technical Institutes allows students to combine traditional academic learning with hands-on, real world work experience.
- Animation courses offered : Associate in Web Design Technology
- Website Url : http://www.itt-tech.edu/
14. Colorado State University Global | USA – Best Animation Schools
- School Location : 7800 E Orchard Rd, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, United States
- About School : Colorado State University-Global Campus is designed for working professionals looking to improve their careers. CSU-Global Campus programs are online and fit the busy schedule of a working student who wants the quality of a world class education, but needs a more flexible schedule. Undergraduate applicants must be a high school graduate or have completed GED and completed some college. Master’s degree applicants must have a bachelor’s or higher.
- Animation courses offered : BS in communication
- Website Url : https://csuglobal.edu/
15. Ferris State University | Michigan – Best Animation Schools
- School Location : 1201 S State St, Big Rapids, MI 49307, United States
- About School : Ferris State University is a four-year, public university located in the western lower peninsula of Michigan, in the city of Big Rapids. Ferris State University focuses on providing students with degree and certificate programs that can help them gain employment.
- Animation courses offered : Graphic communications in Animation, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
- Website Url : http://www.ferris.edu/
16. Rochester Institute of Technology | New York – Best Animation Schools
- School Location : 1 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, NY 14623, United States
- About School : Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), founded in 1829, is a private school located about six miles outside of downtown Rochester, New York. RIT has nine colleges with more than 200 academic programs culminating in associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Many courses of study are offered virtually through one of the largest online learning programs in the nation.
- Animation courses offered : BFA in 3D Digital Design, BFA in Film and Animation.
- Website Url : http://www.rit.edu
17. University of Phoenix | Arizona – Best Animation Schools
- School Location : 1625 West Fountain head, Parkway, Tempe AZ 85282
- About School : With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education accessible for working students. Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of working students. You can choose to learn at a local campus or online—and you’ll receive a real-world education with real value.
- Animation courses offered : BS in Communication
- Website Url : http://www.phoenix.edu
18. Grand Canyon University | Arizona – Best Animation Schools
- School Location : 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017, United States
- About School : At Grand Canyon University, you can complete your degree faster with our efficient 4–credit courses. With undergraduate programs that include just 30 courses, or even less if you have transfer credits, and graduate programs with only 8 to 13 courses, you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your career.
- Animation courses offered : BA in Communications, BA in Advertising and Public Relations with an emphasis in Advertising Design which is available as online learning.
- Website Url : http://www.gcu.edu
19. Ashford University | San Diego
- School Location : 8620 Spectrum Center Blvd., San Diego, CA 92123
- About School : At Ashford University you can earn the degree you’ve always wanted with innovative online instruction and a supportive faculty and student environment. You can stay in close contact with your instructors and classmates with the Ashford Mobile App and social media tools. Students interested in an undergraduate and graduate education can save time and money by enrolling in Ashford University’s Smart Track program.
- Animation courses offered : BA in Communication Studies offered online
- Website Url : http://www.ashford.edu
20. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)| Manchester
- School Location: 2500 North River Road, Manchester, NH 03106
- About School: SNHU Online is proud to offer small classes and a supportive learning community of students, faculty and advisors, at one of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation. Online learners have access to SHNU’s Shapiro Library’s digital resources, personalized academic advising, online tutoring and technical support.
- Animation courses offered : MA in Communication – New Media& Marketing, MA in Communication, BA in Communication, BS Game Programming and Development, BA in Graphic Design
- Website Url : http://www.snhu.edu
Best Animation Schools In Europe
Our 2019 rankings of the top animation colleges in Europe. For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
Top 10 European Animation Schools – 2019 College Rankings
| Ranking | School | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rubika | France |
| 2 | MoPA | France |
| 3 | Bournemouth University | England |
| 4 | Ecole Superieure des Metiers Artistiques (ESMA) | France |
| 5 | Animation Workshop/VIA University College | Denmark |
| 6 | ArtFX | France |
| 7 | Royal College of Art | England |
| 8 | Teesside University | England |
| 9 | University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield | England |
| 10 | Escape Studios/Pearson College London | England |
best 3D animation schools in Europe
There are more than 50 animation schools in Europe. Even though most animation students attend college temporarily, there is no set time frame for doing so. Some students opt for a Bachelor’s degree, others go for an apprenticeship or take professional training courses. The best animation schools in Europe are based in the main animation hubs of the continent, including London (UK), Paris (France), Rome (Italy), Zurich (Switzerland), Madrid (Spain) and Milan (Italy).
| Ranking | School | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gobelins | France |
| 2 | Rubika | France |
| 3 | Bournemouth University | England |
| 4 | Ecole Superieure des Metiers Artistiques | France |
| 5 | MoPA | France |
| 6 | Animation Workshop/VIA University College | Denmark |
| 7 | Royal College of Art | England |
| 8 | Teesside University | England |
| 9 | ArtFX | France |
| 10 | Pearson College | England |
| 11 | University of Hertfordshire | England |
Our 2020 rankings of the top animation colleges in Europe. For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
1. Gobelins, Paris, France
Founded in 1975, Gobelins, The School of Image, offers Photography, Animated Filmmaking, 3D Animation, Motion Design, and Video Gaming programs. The school’s offerings cater to needs of professionals, businesses, international students, other schools, festivals and even cultural services of embassies. Program options for animators include a BA in Animated Filmmaking (four years, full-time), an MA in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking (two years, full-time) and one-year Diplomas in 3D Character Animation and Motion Design. The Character Animation Program includes a two-month internship with a studio, in France or abroad. Gobelins alumni have landed positions at studios such as DreamWorks Animation, and have worked on productions such as Despicable Me, Shark Tale, and A Monster in Paris.
2. Rubika, Arles, France
Since 1988, Rubika has been producing “high-level creatives” that go on to successful careers in the Animation and Digital Visual Effects (VFX) industries. The school serves more than 1,200 students annually across four campuses in Arles (France), Montreal (Canada), Pune (India) and Nairobi (Kenya).
With a 90% employment rate within a year, Rubika offers a Bachelor of Animation with specializations in 3D Animation and FX/VFX Special Effects. The program consists of five Intensives, including Video, Motion Design, Character Creation, Stop Motion, and BD Project, along with five years of apprenticeship leading to the production of a short animated film. The short films of Supinfocom are recognized by industry professionals around the world, including prestigious animation festivals such as MIFA Annecy, SIGGRAPH, ITFS Stuttgart, and many others.
3. Bournemouth University, Poole, England
Bournemouth University (BU) has been in existence since 1992. Though young, the school serves more than 19,000 students and ranks among the top 200 young universities in the world. Home to the prestigious National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), BU offers a BA (Hons) in Computer Animation Art and Design, and a BA (Hons) in Computer Animation Technical Arts. Per the school, the Computer Animation Art and Design program “combines traditional art disciplines like life drawing and cinematography with more technically focused disciplines to produce computer animation using industry-standard tools and software.”
Computer Technical Arts is a “50/50 mix of art and science, reflecting practice relevant to the production of computer graphics and animation for a range of industries and applications.” Graduates of the programs enjoy a 93.6% employment rate (or further study) within six months of graduation and many have worked on films such as Blade Runner 2049, The Avengers, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Dunkirk, and many others.
4. Ecole Superieure des Metiers Artistiques (ESMA) Montpellier, Montpellier, France
Graduates of the CG Animation & FX Program at Ecole Superieure des Metiers Artistiques (ESMA) Montpellier enjoy a 100% employment rate within just nine months after graduation. The program, which leads to a master’s degree, focuses on “both artistic and technical knowledge,” says the school, while teaching students to master 3D software used by animation studios, production companies, and video game firms. In addition to the Montpellier campus, the four-year CG Animation & FX Program is offered at the Lyon, Montreal, Nantes, and Toulouse, France campuses.
For students who aren’t quite ready for a master’s program, ESMA offers a Certificate of Collegial Studies (CCS/ACS/AEC) in 3D Animated Cinema and Visual Effects. Launched in September 2018, the program is offered at the Montreal, France campus.
5. MoPA, Arles, France
MoPA, the Computer Graphics Animation School, began as Supinfocom Arles in 1988. Since then, the school has trained hundreds of “top-level professionals” who are now working in all major international studios. MoPA offers a five-year Advanced Diploma as CG filmmaker, Certified Level 1, by the National Committee for Professional Certification (Level 7 Europe). This is the equivalent of a master’s degree. Throughout this upper-level program, students will work on the same equipment and software used in professional studios. A render farm and 200 computers loaded with 3DS Max, Nuke, Substance Painter, Houdini, and more are available. In the final year of the program, students will produce an animated short film, which is presented to a jury made up of industry professionals.
6. Animation Workshop/VIA University College, Viborg, Denmark
VIA University College is home to the School of Business, Technology and Creative Industries, which houses The Animation Workshop (TAW). Founded in 1988, TAW consists of seven departments, 650 students, staff and professionals, and the biggest animation festival in Denmark—Viborg Animation Festival (VAF). The program, which leads to a BA in Animation, has an optional specialization in Computer Graphic Arts. Students in the program have access to an Animated Learning Lab, Visual Talent Center, Business Development, and internship opportunities. Students also have opportunities to learn and network via Arsenalet—a creative business cluster of more than 30 companies, freelancers and start-ups in the animation, new media and the games industry.
In addition to the BA, the Animation Workshop offers a four-year Bachelor in Graphic Storytelling. Launched in 2013, the program celebrated its first graduating class in the summer of 2017.
7. Royal College of Art, London, England
In existence since 1837, London’s Royal College of Art (RCA) consists of four schools serving more than 2,000 students across three sites in Kensington, Battersea, and White City. The School of Communication has been teaching animation for more than 30 years. The school offers an MA in Animation with three specialist pathways: Documentary Animation, Experimental Animation, and Narrative Animation. The program consists of 240 UK credits and it takes two-years to complete, full-time. Program highlights include workshops, multi-disciplinary electives, visiting artists and professionals, and experiential learning opportunities such as field trips to animation studios, exhibitions, museums, and archives. At the end of the program, students will present a final Graduation Project (animated film) to the Examination Board.
8. Teesside University, Middlesbrough, England
Founded as Constantine Technical College in 1930, Teesside University serves around 18,400 students enrolled in dozens of programs through five schools. The School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies offers a number of undergraduate programs for aspiring animators including the BA (Hons) in 2D Animation and Stop Motion, Computer Animation, Computer Character Animation, and Visual Effects. At postgraduate level, an MComp (Hons) in VFX is available. Students in all programs have access to dedicated life drawing spaces, recording and motion-capture studios, and a fully equipped soundstage including green screen facilities and motion-control cameras. Other program highlights include access to industry recruiters that routinely visit the Teesside campus, speakers from Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks and Industrial Light & Magic, and the opportunity to participate in Animex, the UK’s largest animation festival, which takes place on campus.
9. ArtFX, Montpellier, Lille, Paris, France
In 2004, professionals from the film, animation, video game and visual effects industries created ArtFX, School of Digital Arts. With around 470 students, 70 graduates annually, and 510 alumni working abroad, ArtFX is one of the few European schools that specializes in both filming techniques and compositing. Degree pathways include a Bachelor of 2D Animation or Stop-Motion, and a Master of 3D Animation, CGI & Visual Effects or Video Games. A Professional Certificate in Programming for Video Games & VFX are also available. The Bachelor’s degree programs take three years to complete and the Master’s programs take five years. All programs include workshops, internships, presentation in front of a jury of professional artists, meetings with professional artists, and completion of a short 2D or Stop Motion animated film. Master’s program students will also create a demo reel, and develop and direct a short animated film.
10. Escape Studios/Pearson College London, Holborn, London
Escape Studios is part of Pearson College London, which is part of Pearson plc—the only FTSE 100 company in the UK to design and deliver degrees. The Studio, which has more than 4,000 alumni, offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and short programs in Animation, Game Art, Motion Graphics, and Visual Effects. Courses for all programs are designed by industry partners such as MPC, Cinesite, Framestore, The Mill, Jellyfish, Milk and BlueBolt, to name just a few. Degree options for aspiring animators include a BA/MArt in The Art of Computer Animation (Integrated Masters), and an MA in 3D Animation.
The school also offers 17 short programs ranging from four weeks to 18 weeks. Just a few options include Animation Technical Direction with Maya and Houdini, 2D Animation with Toon Boom Harmony, 2D Character Design and Animation Production. Graduates (known as Escapees) have gone on to work on projects such as The Jungle Book, Thor: Ragnarok, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Ex Machina, The Revenant, Interstellar, Gravity, Harry Potter, and many others.
11. University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield – Hertfordshire, UK
University of Hertfordshire (UH) dates back to 1952, when the school was known as Hatfield Technical College. When it began, the school served 1,738 students. Today, UH serves more than 25,000 students.
A large number of students are enrolled in the School of Creative Arts, which offers a BA (Hons) in 3D Computer Animation and Modeling. The program helps students develop their “creative curiosity by putting the latest technology at (their) fingertips,” says the school. This includes 3D printers, a motion capture studio, a construction and carving workshop, jewelry benches, sound control rooms, darkrooms and post-production suites. Other program highlights include courses led by “talented artists, experienced lecturers, and industry experts,” hands-on experience, live projects and collaborations, and access to an “extensive network of industry contacts and graduates.” University of Hertfordshire graduates enjoy an excellent 96.5% employment rate.
best animation schools in the world
Best Animation Schools
I present to you my curated list of the best animation schools. If you are thinking about getting into the world of animation and visual effects I hope you’ll find this resource useful. The schools are not listed in any particular order and will cover all the basic information such as tuition, notable alumni and some impressive student work. Each school was carefully selected and was not placed in the list lightly.
School of Visual Arts (SVA)
School information: Founded in 1947 by Silas H. Rhodes and Burne Hogarth as the Cartoonist and Illustrators School, and then renamed in 1956. Part of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design as one of 36 leading art colleges in the United States.
The school offered its first degree in 1972, and it’s first master’s degree in 1983 in Fine Arts for painting, drawing and sculpture.
- Location: New York, NY. USA
- Courses: Animation, Computer Animation and Visual Effects
- Tuition cost: $16,780 per semester + Department fees (Animation: $900, Computer Animation and visual effects:$1,340)
- Notable alumni: Bill Plympton (Academy nominated animator), John.R.Dilworth (creator of Courage the Cowardly Dog), Pres Antonio Romanillos (supervising animator at Disney and Dreamworks animation)
- Start of Academic year: September
- BFA Animation: 270 students
- BFA Computer Art, Computer Animation & Visual Effects: 325 students
- Notable graduate film: Kiwi! (Dony Permedi, 2006)
Ringling College of Art and Design
School information: Founded in Sarasota, Florida, by Dr. Ludd M. Spivey as an art school in 1931, and as a branch of the Southern College in Orlando. Became an independent college in 1933.
Qualified as a full degree-granting institution in 1971. Ringling College is named after John Ringling, a circus magnate, who was interested in funding an art college, but wasn’t interested in Southern College as he wanted to establish his own at his wife’s museum.
However, he lost his museum and residence in bankruptcy, and it was all given to the state just before he died. Ringling’s nephew made a deal with Southern College to open an art college in Sarasota, and it was named School of Fine and Applied Art of the John and Mable Ringling Art Museum.
- Location: Sarasota, Florida. USA
- Courses: Computer Animation
- Tuition cost: $18,400 per semester
- Notable alumni: Aaron Blaise (Director of Disney’s Brother Bear)
- Start of Academic year: August
- Notable graduate film: Dia De Los Muertos (Ashley Graham, Kate Reynolds, and Lindsey St. Pierre, 2013) Won Student Academy Award, 2013
Vancouver Film School
School information: Founded in 1987 with a single class of six students. Hosts the annual Game Design Expo since 2007.
3D animation & VFX and Classical Animation are only one year study. Character Animation is 6 months.
- Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Courses: 3D Animation and VFX, Classical Animation, Character Animation
- Tuition cost: $35,250 (Canadian Dollars) per semester
- Notable alumni: Chad Moffitt (Academy-award winning animator on Lord of the Rings), Andrew Overtoom (Animation director on Spongebob Squarepants)
- Start of Academic year: October
- Notable graduate film: The Story Tree (Stephanie Sim, 2006) Won best Classical or Stop Motion Animation, CAEAA awards 2006
Sheridan College
School information: Sheridan College was founded in 1967 as The School of Graphic Design at a converted public school until it was eventually moved.
The Canadian animation industry was virtually non-existent during the 60’s and 70’s, but President Porter decided to start a course in Classical Animation at the college in 1968 in hopes of getting trained animators. It is considered one of the best animation schools for 2D traditional animation.
- Location: Toronto. Canada
- Courses: Animation, Computer Animation, Digital Creature Animation, Visual Effects
- Tuition cost: $9,356.05 (Canadian dollars) per semester
- Notable alumni: Dean DeBlois (Disney animator), Dan Lee (Pixar animator), John Kricfalusi (Creator of Ren and Stimpy show), Dan Antonucci (Creator of Ed, Edd ‘n, Eddy)
- Start of Academic year: September
- Notable graduate film: Night Light (Qing Han, 2014)
CalArts
School information: CalArts was founded in 1961 by Walt Disney, when Chouinard Art Institute and the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music merged together due to financial difficulties.
Nelbert Chouinard, founder of the Chouinard Art Institute, started a professional relationship with Walt Disney in 1929, and agreed to train animators for him on a pay-later basis as Disney was struggling financially.
- Location: Valencia, California. USA
- Courses: Film/Video (Includes animation)
- Tuition cost: $41,700 Full-time enrolment
- Notable alumni: Tim Burton (Disney animator and Director), Brad Bird (Director, Disney and Pixar), John Lasseter (Pixar), Jennifer Lee & Chris Buck (Directors of Frozen)
- Start of Academic year: September
- Notable graduate film: Trust & Estates (Jeanette Bonds, 2013) Official Selection, Melbourne International Animation Festival 2013
top 100 international animation schools
The animation education industy has never been so competitive, with schools competing for students and students competing for a small number of available industry jobs. The job rate and student employability has dropped to the lowest in years, so a top-notch animation education has never been so critical.
All this has made choosing the right animation school extremely difficult. To help students navigate through the world of animation schools, we’ve put together the Top 100 most highly-regarded and sought after animation schools on the planet. This list of the Top 100 Schools in Animation, Gaming and Design was compiled via a mixture of school reviews, industry-reviewed lists like the Princeton Review, and via a survey of the animation industry professionals and recruiters from companies like Pixar, J.J. Sedelmaier and DreamWorks who were featured in our Interview Series.
best animation schools in asia
Our 2021 rankings of the top animation colleges in Asia. For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
Top 10 Asian Animation Schools – 2021 College Rankings
| Ranking | School | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ChungKang College of Cultural Industries | South Korea |
| 2 | Beijing Film Academy | China |
| 3 | Nanyang Technological University | Singapore |
| 4 | Tokyo Animation College | Japan |
| 5 | Hongik University | South Korea |
| 6 | Digital Hollywood University | Japan |
| 7 | City University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| 8 | Limkokwing University of Creative Technology | Malaysia |
| 9 | National Institute of Design | India |
| 10 | Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design | Israel |
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