Last Updated on May 6, 2025
Best Countries To Study Animation- Love sketching characters in the margins of your notebook? Always wondered what it would be like to bring them to life on screen? Then it might be time to take your passion global. In this guide, we’re breaking down the best countries to study animation—places where creativity meets opportunity. Whether you dream of working in anime studios in Japan, game design in the US, or artsy animation projects in France, studying abroad could be your first big step toward making animation your career.
And it’s not just about classes and grades. You’ll get to learn from industry pros, build a killer portfolio, and meet other creatives who are just as obsessed with storyboards and character rigs as you are. Plus, you’ll be living in a new country, so in between classes, you could be exploring Tokyo, sketching street scenes in Paris, or grabbing coffee in Vancouver. Sounds like your kind of adventure? Let’s dive in.
Key Factors for Choosing the Best Countries to Study Animation Abroad!
While we will list the best countries to study animation in this blog, the term ‘best’ can often be subjective and influenced by various personal factors. Let’s discuss these variables.
- Quality of Education
- Curricula and Specialisations
- Industry Connections
- Cultural Influence & Exposure
- Language of Instruction
- Cost of Education
- Student Support Services
- Work and Visa Regulations
- Post-graduation Opportunities
10 Best Countries to Study Animation For Indian Students
Following are the 10 best countries to study animation in 2025, take a note-
| Country | Top Institute/College |
| France | Gobelins, l’École de l’Image |
| Japan | Tokyo University of the Arts |
| Canada | Sheridan College |
| Germany | Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg |
| New Zealand | Media Design School |
| Netherlands | Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU) |
| UK | Bournemouth University (National Centre for Computer Animation) |
| USA | California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) |
| South Korea | Korea National University of Arts |
| Australia | RMIT University |
France
Reasons why France is one of the best countries to study animation abroad-
- World-class schools like Gobelins, Rubika, and ESMA.
- Affordable tuition, especially in public institutions.
- Huge industry exposure via Annecy Animation Festival.
- Easy post-study work visa + part-time work options.
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Gobelins | To be ranked | $8,560− $12,840 |
| ArtFX | To be ranked | $9,630− $10,700 |
| École Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques | To be ranked | $8,560− $11,770 |
| ISART Digital | To be ranked | $8,025− $12,840 |
| Mopa School Of Animation, Arles, France | To be ranked | $10,700− $12,840 |
Japan
Reasons why Japan is one of the best countries to study animation abroad-
- Deep anime & manga culture with hands-on learning.
- Schools like Tokyo University of the Arts and Yoyogi Animation School.
- Opportunities to intern in anime studios like Toei or Studio Ghibli.
- Unique aesthetic and storytelling styles to learn from.
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Tokyo Animation College | Yet to be ranked | $7,200 – $10,800 |
| Kyoto University of the Arts | Yet to be ranked | $9,000 – $13,500 |
| Kyoto Seika University | Yet to be ranked | $7,200 – $13,500 |
| Tokyo University of the Arts | Yet to be ranked | $8,100 – $11,700 |
| Osaka Animation School | Yet to be ranked | $7,200 – $10,800 |
Canada
Reasons why Canada is one of the best countries to study animation abroad-
- Renowned schools like Sheridan College and Vancouver Film School.
- Strong job market—Vancouver is a global animation/VFX hub.
- Work while studying + easy post-grad work permit (up to 3 years).
- Friendly immigration pathway for international students.
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Sheridan College | To be ranked | $22,500 – $27,000 |
| Vancouver Film School (VFS) | To be ranked | $26,250 – $30,000 |
| Seneca College | To be ranked | $11,250 – $16,500 |
| OCAD University | To be ranked | $26,250 – $30,000 |
| Vancouver Institute of Media Arts | To be ranked | $15,000 – $23,250 |
Germany
Reasons why Germany is one of the best countries to study animation abroad-
- Low to no tuition fees—even for international students.
- High-quality education with practical, portfolio-based training.
- Schools like Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg rank globally.
- English-taught programs in media and animation are increasing yearly.
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Film university Babelsberg Konrad Wolf | To be ranked | $1,600 – $ 3,800 |
| Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences | To be ranked | $1,100 – $2,200 |
| Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences | To be ranked | $1,100 – $2,200 |
| Academy of Media Arts Cologne | To be ranked | $1,600 – $3,200 |
| Uppsala universitet | 103 | $13,200 – $19,800 |
New Zealand
Reasons why New Zealand is one of the best countries to study animation abroad-
- Industry ties with Weta Digital (behind Lord of the Rings, Avatar).
- Excellent schools like Media Design School.
- Scenic inspiration + creative learning culture.
- Student-friendly visa policies and a safe environment.
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Media Design School | To be ranked | $13,800 – $19,500 |
| Auckland University of Technology | 412 | $17,800 – $22,500 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 244 | $17,800 – $24,000 |
| University of Canterbury | =261 | $19,000 – $20,500 |
| South Seas Film School Campus – Yoobee College of Creative Innovation | To be ranked | $10,800 – $15,600 |
Netherlands
Reasons why the Netherlands is one of the best countries to study animation abroad-
- Innovative approach to visual storytelling and design.
- Affordable tuition with many English-taught programs.
- Schools like HKU and Willem de Kooning Academy offer strong animation tracks.
- Great quality of life and student-friendly cities.
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Media Design School | To be ranked | $13,800 – $19,500 |
| Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | 412 | $17,800 – $22,500 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 244 | $17,800 – $24,000 |
| University of Canterbury | =261 | $19,000 – $20,500 |
| South Seas Film School Campus (Yoobee College) | To be ranked | $10,800 – $15,600 |
UK
Reasons why the UK is one of the best countries to study animation abroad-
- Globally recognised schools (e.g., Bournemouth, UAL, NFTS).
- Strong links to animation and game studios in London, Manchester.
- Access to industry events like the BFI Film Festival and the London Comic Con.
- One-year master’s programs save time and money.
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| University of the Arts London (UAL) | Top 2 in Art & Design | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| Royal College of Art | Top 100 (QS Art & Design) | $22,000 – $30,000 |
| Bournemouth University | 501–550 | $18,000 – $22,000 |
| Falmouth University | Not ranked | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Edinburgh College of Art (University of Edinburgh) | Top 50 in Art & Design | $20,000 – $25,000 |
USA
Reasons why the USA is one of the best countries to study animation abroad-
- Top-tier schools like CalArts, SCAD, Ringling.
- Access to major studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, and Disney.
- Cutting-edge tech and software training.
- Strong alumni networks and on-campus career fairs.
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) | Top 50 in Art and Design | $52,850 |
| Ringling College of Art and Design | Not ranked | $51,170 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) | Top 100 in Art and Design | $38,475 |
| School of Visual Arts (SVA) | Top 100 in Art and Design | $45,000 |
| University of Southern California (USC) | 28 | $63,468 |
South Korea
Reasons why South Korea is one of the best countries to study animation abroad-
- Strong anime-inspired and digital animation culture.
- Tech-driven learning with a focus on gaming, AR/VR, and webtoons.
- Affordable tuition and living costs compared to other Asian countries.
- Growing global influence in K-animation and creative exports.
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts) | To be ranked | $3,560 |
| Hongik University | To be ranked | $9,600 – $12,800 |
| Seoul Institute of the Arts | To be ranked | $8,000 – $11,200 |
| Dongseo University | 779 | $6,400 – $9,600 |
| Chungkang College of Cultural Industries | To be ranked | $5,600 |
Australia
Reasons why Australia is one of the best countries to study animation abroad-
- Great animation schools like RMIT, Griffith, and UTS.
- Close ties with local and international studios.
- Work while you study + post-study work visa options.
- Creative culture and balanced lifestyle.
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| RMIT University | 8 globally for animation | $43,760 |
| University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | 90 | $46,176 |
| Griffith University | 243 | $27,000 – $32,000 |
| Swinburne University of Technology | To be ranked | $43,760 |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | To be ranked | $42,000 – $45,000 |
General Procedure for Applying to a Business Program Abroad
Here are some general steps to follow while applying to a business program-
- Research and Shortlist Programs
- Understand Admission Requirements
- Prepare Application Materials and Documents
- Submit Your Application
- Prepare for Interviews (if required)
Read Also:
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The 10 Best Countries to Study Robotics
5 Best Countries to Study Interior Design
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal country for animation studies involves balancing rankings, costs, and career opportunities. Let Admissify’s expert advisors personalise your journey with specialised guidance on applications, scholarships, and admissions. Comment on this blog to get in touch with us today!
FAQs
Which country is best for studying animation?
The USA tops the list with world-renowned schools like CalArts and SCAD, offering cutting-edge training and studio connections. Other strong contenders include Japan, Canada, and France.
What is the best place to study animation?
Places like Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Paris are hotspots, thanks to their mix of top schools, thriving animation industries, and creative culture.
Which country is most famous for animation?
Japan is globally iconic for its anime industry, while the USA dominates with Hollywood giants like Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks.
Are animators rich in India?
While animators in India may not start rich, skilled professionals in top studios or freelancers with global clients can earn very well over time.
Which country is best for VFX?
Canada and the UK lead in VFX education and jobs, with major studios and generous tax incentives attracting blockbuster film production.
Manasvi’s writing abilities stem from her previous experience working with bootstrap start-ups, advertising and PR agencies, as well as freelancing. She is currently employed as a Content Writer and Editor at Admissify, contributing to its thriving ecosystem.
