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    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

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    3. Visa & travel advice

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    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Animation study abroad programs

    Animation undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in 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) University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,085 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Animation
    • false

      Animation - BA (Hons) Buckinghamshire New University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,389 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP

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

      Animation - BA (Hons) London South Bank University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,865 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,155 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Animation
    • false

      Animation - BA York St John University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,737 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,750 GBP

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

    Associate in 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
    • false

      Animation Production - AA College of the Canyons, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      10,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,000 USD

      Start date
      August, February, June
      Show program overview about Animation Production
    • 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
    See all associate degrees in animation

    Diploma in animation

    • false

      Animation - Dip Okanagan College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,100 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,926 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Animation
    • false

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

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,646 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,340 CAD

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

    Certificate in animation

    • false

      Introduction to Animation and Game Design - 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 Introduction to Animation and Game Design
    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
      15,859 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 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 - MA Teesside University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      18,085 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,000 GBP

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

      Animation - MA Avans University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      9,829 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 8,296 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Animation
    • false

      Animation Production - MA Arts University Bournemouth, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      25,736 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,500 GBP

      Start date
      February, October
      Show program overview about Animation Production
    • false

      Animation, Games and Interactivity - MA RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,327 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,680 AUD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Animation, Games and Interactivity
    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
      13,201 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
      19,719 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.