Cookie policy

By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to allow us to collect information on and off Studee as outlined in our cookie policy.

Home

      Change currency

      Current currency

      United States Dollar

      Most popular

      Exchange rates updated in last 24 hours.

      Study animation abroad

      An in-depth guide to studying animation as an international student.

      Find animation programs

      Explore animation programs abroad

      See other programs in animation

      Animation degrees abroad

      Animation is becoming more and more common in the world around us, be it in the latest animated films, computer games, advertising or news media. For this reason, talented animators are in high demand, and a degree in has become a popular option for artistic students around the world.

      A degree in animation can teach you a wide range of skills and production methods, including 2D and 3D techniques, CGI, drawing and stop-motion. Most programs will include traditional techniques, as well as the use of innovative modern technologies that will shape the future of animation.

      Animation degree programs are offered in universities and art schools all over the world. Studying animation abroad will mean you’ll have a huge range of programs to choose from, and you might be able to access technology and facilities you might not be able to get at home.

      Animation program structure

      What’s covered in an animation program will depend on several factors, including the country or university your studying in, and the level of qualification you’re taking.

      Many universities and art colleges offer animation combined with other subjects, for example animation and games design, or animation and visual effects. If there is a specific area of animation you are interested in, consider a program that focuses on that area.

      Animation can be studied at undergraduate level as a BA over three to four years. Some universities offer a work placement year or year abroad as part of their program. Most programs will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars, and you’ll be assessed though design projects, portfolios, coursework and a final year dissertation.

      It’s also possible to study for a master’s in animation if you already hold a relevant undergraduate degree. These typically take between one and two years, and will expand your understanding of animation theory and practice.

      Some of the subjects and modules you will find on an animation degree program include:

      • 2D animation
      • 3D animation
      • Animation history and theory
      • Drawing for animation
      • Visual narrative
      • Visual effects (VFX)
      • Game arts
      • Computer animation
      • Motion capture and previsualization

      Best countries to study animation

      Best universities to study animation

      See all universities offering animation programs

      How to study animation abroad

      1. University & program search

        Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

      2. Application guidance

        We'll get you to the right place to start your application

      3. Visa & travel advice

        Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

      Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
      Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

      Start your search Get free advice

      Animation study abroad programs

      Animation undergraduate programs

      Bachelor's in animation

      • false

        Games Animation, Modelling and Effects - BSc (Hons) (with foundation) London Metropolitan University, UK

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        17,345 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 12,700 GBP

        Start date
        January, September
        Show program overview about Games Animation, Modelling and Effects
      • false

        Computer Animation and Visual Effects - BSc (Hons) (with placement) University of Portsmouth, UK

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        22,262 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 16,300 GBP

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Computer Animation and Visual Effects
      • false

        Creative Computing (Animation) - BSc (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        3 years
        Annual tuition fee
        19,530 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Creative Computing (Animation)
      • false

        Animation - 3D Animation - BFA DePaul University, USA

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        40,551 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 40,551 USD

        Start date
        January, March, September
        Show program overview about Animation - 3D Animation
      • false

        Animation - BA (Hons) Buckinghamshire New University, UK

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        3 years
        Annual tuition fee
        17,072 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP

        Start date
        September, February
        Show program overview about Animation
      See all bachelor's degrees in animation

      Associate in animation

      • false

        Digital Animation - AASc Mohawk Valley Community College, USA

        Program type
        Associate
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        6,892 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 6,892 USD

        Start date
        January, September
        Show program overview about Digital Animation
      • false

        Animation and Game Design - AA Berkeley City College, USA

        Program type
        Associate
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        7,950 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD

        Start date
        August, January, June
        Show program overview about Animation and Game Design
      See all associate degrees in animation

      Diploma in animation

      • false

        Animation - 3D - AdvDip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

        Program type
        Undergraduate diploma
        Duration
        3 years
        Annual tuition fee
        14,436 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 18,340 CAD

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Animation - 3D
      • false

        Animation – Digital Production - OCADip Durham College, Canada

        Program type
        Undergraduate diploma
        Duration
        3 years
        Annual tuition fee
        11,734 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 14,907 CAD

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Animation – Digital Production
      See all undergraduate diplomas in animation

      Certificate in animation

      • false

        Animation Level II - Cert Berkeley City College, USA

        Program type
        Undergraduate certificate
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        7,950 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD

        Start date
        August, January, June
        Show program overview about Animation Level II
      See all undergraduate certificates in animation

      Pathway in animation

      • false

        Computer Animation & Visual Effects (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

        Program type
        Undergraduate pathway
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        15,570 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 11,400 GBP

        Start date
        January, September
        Show program overview about Computer Animation & Visual Effects (Foundation)
      See all undergraduate pathways in animation

      Animation graduate programs

      Master's in animation

      • false

        Animation - MA Avans University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        9,955 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 8,198 EUR

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Animation
      • false

        Animation - MA University of Gloucestershire, UK

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        20,077 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 14,700 GBP

        Start date
        January, September
        Show program overview about Animation
      • false

        Visual Effects Animation - MFA Lynn University, USA

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        13,320 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 13,320 USD

        Start date
        January, May
        Show program overview about Visual Effects Animation
      • false

        Animation - MFA DePaul University, USA

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        27,680 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 27,680 USD

        Start date
        January, March, September
        Show program overview about Animation
      • false

        Animation & VFX - MSc University of Dundee, UK

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        24,789 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 18,150 GBP

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Animation & VFX
      See all master's degrees in animation

      Diploma in animation

      • false

        Animation - 3D - OCDip Centennial College, Canada

        Program type
        Postgraduate diploma
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        13,012 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 16,531 CAD

        Start date
        January, September
        Show program overview about Animation - 3D
      See all postgraduate diplomas in animation

      Certificate in animation

      • false

        Computer Animation Digital Character - PGCert Sheridan College, Canada

        Program type
        Postgraduate certificate
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        19,437 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 24,693 CAD

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Computer Animation Digital Character
      See all postgraduate certificates in animation

      Future animation careers

      Most animation graduates look for careers as animators in the media production industry, but there are several different roles you could consider. Popular careers for animation graduates include:

      • Animator
      • Concept artist
      • Games designer/developer
      • Illustrator
      • VFX artist
      • Animation director
      • Modeller
      • UI designer

      Many animation programs will help you build connections in the industry to help you find a career after you graduate. Some will include modules that will show you how to put together successful portfolios or showreels that will help you impress industry professionals.

      Some graduates choose to work as freelance animators, or you can look to find full time employment in a production company or in another industry like advertising or design.