Animation is one of the most exciting fields in the arts today. Major studios such as Pixar and DreamWorks produce animated films and series watched around the world. Europe is home to many respected animation schools. Today, we will discuss several strong options for students who want to get involved in this art.
Top Animation Schools in Europe
1. Berlin School of Business and Innovation
Berlin School of Business and Innovation offers a BA (Hons) Animation program at its Hamburg campus in Germany. The program is delivered in partnership with the University for the Creative Arts and combines theory with practical training in 2D and 3D animation, character design, storytelling, visual effects, and industry-standard software. Students work on practical briefs and exercises, build a portfolio, and can take study abroad options as part of the program.
The Hamburg campus gives animation students access to one of Germany’s major creative cities. Students can look for inspiration in Hamburg’s film, design, music, and visual arts scenes while building their technical and creative skills.
2. Aalto University
One of Finland’s leading art and design universities, Aalto University offers a Master of Arts in Animation. The program explores both theory and practice and is described by Aalto as the first of its kind in Finland. Aalto states that there is no intake in 2026, with the next planned intake in 2027.
While enrolled in this program, students focus on storytelling and visualization, pre-production, directing, character design, character animation, and a wide range of 2D and 3D animation techniques. The two-year, full-time program totals 120 ECTS.
The university is highly ranked internationally. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Aalto University is ranked joint 114th globally, so students can be confident that the degree they earn from Aalto is recognized internationally.
3. La Salle Barcelona
La Salle Barcelona, a founding member of Ramon Llull University, is an excellent school for animation in Europe and offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Animation & VFX. Students study the entire production process, including pre-production, 3D modeling, texturing and shading, rigging, animation, lighting, rendering, FX, composition, editing, color correction, motion graphics, and industry topics such as distribution and project management. By completing the degree, students develop a digital portfolio and a final thesis project.
Ramon Llull is an internationally oriented university in Spain, and La Salle describes the program as having a strong practical and technological focus. La Salle-URL’s Animation and VFX degree was also recognized in The Rookies 2025 ranking, placing third in Spain for both Production Excellence – 3D Animation and Visual Effects.
4. Gobelins, l’École de l’image
- Study Program
- Location: France | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Gobelins, l’École de l’image, is one of Europe’s best-known animation schools. Its animation curriculum includes bachelor’s and master’s programs in character animation and animated filmmaking, as well as related programs such as 3D character animation and visual storytelling.
The Bachelor in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking teaches traditional and digital animation techniques, including 2D and 3D work from pre-production to post-production. The Master in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking is a two-year English-taught program focused on directing, storytelling, and an end-of-studies film produced in conditions similar to a professional environment. Shorter courses and summer programs are also offered, though availability varies by year.
5. Bournemouth University
With roots going back to the early 20th century, Bournemouth University is home to the National Centre for Computer Animation, a recognized center of international excellence in computer animation. The university is home to more than 16,400 students.
For students interested in animation, Bournemouth’s range of undergraduate and postgraduate options is strong. Its BA (Hons) Computer Animation & Visual Effects covers art direction, animation, 3D sculpting, visual effects, and scripting, while its MA 3D Computer Animation prepares students for work across film, TV, games, and interactive media. The National Centre for Computer Animation’s facilities include industry-standard 2D and 3D software, motion capture, green screen studios, and animation labs.
The university’s campus life is also active. Students can explore many clubs and societies through Bournemouth University and the Students’ Union, giving them opportunities to make friends and find inspiration outside the classroom.
6. The Animation Workshop
Located in Viborg, Denmark, The Animation Workshop at VIA University College is a strong animation school in Europe. Prospective students have several bachelor’s paths to consider, including Character Animation, Computer Graphic Arts, and Graphic Storytelling.
One of the school’s most distinctive opportunities is Filmværksted Viborg, formerly Open Workshop. The residency and talent-development unit supports animation artists and projects with space, materials, consultations, access to the TAW community, and, depending on the residency, facilities, housing, equipment, or financial support. This makes it an appealing option for artists looking to develop animation projects beyond the classroom.
7. Royal College of Art
The Royal College of Art in London is home to another of the UK’s best-known postgraduate animation programs. Its MA Animation program supports critical and creative artistic investigation across analog, digital, and hybrid forms.
RCA is ranked number one in the world for Art & Design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, marking its 12th consecutive year at the top of that subject table. While studying animation at the RCA, students can experiment with analog and digital tools, including motion capture, XR, pre-cinematic animation, classical approaches, and stop-motion animation. Completing this course can help students build the creative and technical skills needed for professional animation practice.
In conclusion, Europe is home to several excellent animation schools. All of the colleges discussed above give students the chance to improve their skills and develop a portfolio that can support their future careers.
FAQs about Studying Animation
Does Animation Require Drawing Skills?
Not always. Drawing skills are very helpful for many animation paths, especially 2D animation, storyboarding, character design, visual development, and portfolio preparation. However, they are not required for every animation role. Some 3D animation, VFX, technical art, motion graphics, and production pathways focus more on software, movement, storytelling, design thinking, timing, and technical problem-solving. Still, building drawing skills can make you a stronger animator because it improves your understanding of anatomy, perspective, composition, and movement. We have plenty of Design Courses available on our website for students who want to pursue a degree in animation. Feel free to browse through our Open Courses Page for more related programs.
We hope that this article on the Best Animation Schools in Europe was helpful. If you’re interested in pursuing quality education in Europe, make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
