Top 10 Best Universities for Animation in Europe (2025)
by Erik Mclean
Dreaming of a career in animation? Europe is home to top animation schools that offer cutting-edge education, strong industry connections, and a collaborative creative environment. With a rich tradition in visual arts and digital media, these universities provide the perfect setting to refine storytelling and technical skills.
The animation industry is evolving fast, and AI is playing a growing role in streamlining workflows and even generating content. While this creates new opportunities, it also means that future animators need to be adaptable, combining traditional techniques with modern tools to stay ahead in the game. Artists with a solid foundation will always be valued.
Animation is a competitive field, and a degree from a top university—combined with a strong portfolio—can set you apart. Whether in 2D, 3D, motion graphics, or game design, the right programme will equip you with the skills to thrive.
Let’s explore them!
Find Bachelors & Masters in Animation
Unlike other disciplines, there isn’t an official global ranking for animation degrees. However, we’ve compiled a list of the most recognized schools, based on their reputation in industry circles and features in rankings from sources like , , and World University Rankings for Art & Design.
| Institution | Country | Degrees | Number of students |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOME Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design | Budapest, Hungary | 1 Bachelor, 1 Master | - |
| Royal College of Art | London, United Kingdom | 1 Master of Arts | 1,200 |
| GOBELINS Paris | Paris, France | 2 Bachelor’s, 2 Master’s, Short courses, Summer School | 1,100 |
| Falmouth University | Falmouth, United Kingdom | 3 Bachelor’s | 5,000 |
| Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) | Dublin, Ireland | 2 Bachelor’s, 1 Master’s, Short courses | 2,500 |
| University of the Arts London | London, United Kingdom | 1 Bachelor, 1 Master | 23,000 |
| Howest University of Applied Sciences | Kortrijk, Belgium | 2 Bachelor’s | 10,000 |
| Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts and Technology | Berlin, Germany | 1 Bachelor of Arts | - |
| ArtFX | Montpellier, France | Bachelor’s, Master’s | 600 |
| Escape Studios | London, United Kingdom | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Short courses | 4,000 |
Looking for more top art schools? Check out this list.
Animation Bachelors and Masters in Europe cover a mix of practical and theoretical subjects, depending on the programme.
Some universities focus on hands-on learning through group projects and industry collaborations, while others take a more academic approach.
Here are some of the typical modules:
2D Animation – Hand-drawn animation techniques and digital tools.
3D Animation – Modeling, rigging, and animating characters in a 3D environment.
Storytelling – Crafting compelling narratives and understanding visual storytelling principles.
Motion Graphics – Creating animated graphics for media, advertising, and branding.
Process and Production – Understanding the animation pipeline from concept to final render.
Post-Production – Editing, compositing, and sound design.
Visual Effects (VFX) – CGI, compositing, and special effects.
Game Development – Designing and animating assets for video games.
Additional courses may include color theory, graphic design, UI/UX design, and even coding basics like HTML and CSS. When choosing a degree, look for programmes that emphasize portfolio development, as this will be crucial for landing a job after graduation.
It’s always a good idea to expand your portfolio as much as possible within your means. Taking on volunteer or low-paying gigs (for now!) can help you showcase real-world work. Just be sure to get your client’s agreement before featuring the project in your portfolio (or, for that matter, even before accepting the offer).
Study Animation in Europe: Degrees fully taught in English
Studying animation can be a big financial commitment, with tuition fees varying widely depending on the country and university.
Bachelor’s degrees typically range between €5,000 and €15,000 per year.
Master’s degrees can cost between €10,000 and €20,000 per year.
Non-EU students often face higher tuition fees, sometimes reaching €40,000 per year.
If budget is a concern, some universities offer scholarships making the degree less expesive. For example, the Royal College of Art provides a variety of scholarships and has no application fee.
50業子 tip: Salaries for animation depend a lot on the country and the job position, but they are usually not high during the first years. If that makes you unsure about investing in a degree, start with free online courses to build your skills and portfolio before committing.
Admissions requirements vary by university, but most animation programmes expect applicants to provide:
A motivation letter
A CV
Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)
Past grade reports
References
Portfolio (often the most crucial part)
Some universities may also require an entrance exam or interview.
Previous experience with animation software (like Blender, Maya, or Toon Boom) can be a plus. Many applicants start by creating their own short animations or collaborating on indie projects to build a strong portfolio.
As mentioned before, expanding your portfolio as much as possible will always set you apart. If you’re unsure how to go about it, look up tips on refining your portfolio, finding first collaborators, and pitching your work. There’s plenty of great (and free!) advice out there from experienced artists.
Speaking of experienced artists…
The animation industry is exciting, but it’s also demanding. Here’s what you should know before you take a plunge:
Highly competitive – A degree alone won’t guarantee a job. Networking and internships are key.
Time-consuming – Expect long hours, especially in the early stages of your career.
Salaries can be low initially – Many junior animators start with modest salaries before climbing the ladder.
AI is changing the industry – Learning new tools and staying adaptable is crucial.
Choosing a university that offers career support, internships, and strong industry connections can help set you up for success.
Not 100% sure if animation is for you? A broad degree in design, media, or technology can allow you to specialize later with a Master in Animation. Here are some related fields:
If you’re passionate about storytelling, dream of a creative career, and working with digital media excites you, an animation degree in Europe can be a fantastic stepping stone into the industry.
Just remember: your success will depend not only on where you study but also on how much effort you put into developing your craft. Creativity and discipline go hand in hand.
Good luck in your exploration!
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