A Masters in Animation abroad offers access to over 60 specialized programs across leading global institutions, including the California Institute of the Arts, Royal College of Art, and Emily Carr University.

These programs typically last 1–2 years, with tuition fees ranging from $15,600 CAD (INR 9.5 lakh) at St. Thomas University to £30,415 (INR 32.3 lakh) per year at the University of the Arts London. Graduates from these programs are frequently recruited by top studios such as Walt Disney Animation Studios and Sony Pictures Imageworks.

For those seeking to study abroad, top-ranked universities like the Royal College of Art and Sheridan College are recognized for alumni earning Academy Award and Emmy wins. This guide covers the latest Masters in Animation Abroad rankings, standout achievements, and key application deadlines.

Masters in Animation Abroad: Overview

A Masters in Animation Abroad is available at more than 30 top-ranked universities worldwide, such as the University of the Arts London, which has an acceptance rate of 26 percent and charges an annual tuition fee of £30,415 (INR 32.3 L). 

At the Savannah College of Art and Design, the acceptance rate is 69.9 percent and tuition is $42,100 per year (INR 35 L).

Programs typically last 1–2 years, with tuition fees varying from $15,600 CAD (INR 9.5 L) at St. Thomas University to $61,000 USD (INR 52.5 L) at leading US institutions.

Here’s a quick overview of Masters in Animation Abroad :

Before you finalize your study destination, consider the unique advantages that a Master’s in Animation abroad can offer.

Why Pursue a Master's in Animation Abroad?

A Master's in Animation abroad provides access to modern facilities, industry connections, and a booming global job market. With the animation industry projected to surpass $531 billion by 2029 and over 220,000 professionals employed in the US alone, international graduates gain a competitive edge through exposure to advanced technology, multicultural collaboration, and direct links to top studios.

Here’s a detailed look at why you should pursue masters in animation abroad: 

• Access to a $500+ Billion Industry: The global animation market is set to reach $531 billion by 2029, growing at nearly 7% annually, fueled by streaming, gaming, advertising, and VR/AR demand.
• World-Class Facilities & Technology: Top universities abroad offer advanced animation labs, motion capture studios, and industry-standard software, ensuring real-world production training.
• Direct Pipeline to Leading Studios: Over 60% of animation graduates secure jobs in film, TV, or gaming, with entry-level salaries averaging $75,000 (INR 64 L) in the US and £40,000 (INR 42 L) in the UK.
• Global Networking & Multicultural Teams: Study alongside peers from 50+ countries, building a creative, multicultural network valued by employers and leading to international project opportunities.
• Specialization & Career Mobility: Choose from 25+ specializations like VFX, game design, and motion graphics; the US animation sector alone employs over 220,000 professionals.
• Work Experience & Post-Study Visas: Countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia offer post-study work visas, up to 2–3 years of professional experience after graduation.

Let's now have a look at the top 10 universities for Master's in Animation Abroad with their annual tuition fees and admission deadlines. 

Top Universities Offering Masters in Animation Abroad

Top universities for Masters in Animation abroad are recognized for their modern curricula, industry partnerships, and award-winning alumni. 

For instance, the Royal College of Art (UK) is ranked #1 globally for Art & Design (QS 2025) and boasts Oscar-nominated graduates, while the Savannah College of Art and Design (USA) has a 99% graduate employment rate within 10 months.

Below are the top 10 universities from the best countries to study masters in animation abroad:

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Beyond these top 10 institutions, numerous other universities also provide exceptional animation education, offering strong industry connections.

Popular Universities Offering Masters in Animation Abroad

Several universities outside the global top 10 have built strong reputations for their Masters in Animation programs by offering targeted specializations such as 2D/3D animation, VFX, and interactive media, all supported by modern studio facilities and direct industry mentorship. 

These institutions, like UTS Sydney, RMIT University Australia, University of Surrey, University of Dundee, Coventry University, and Kingston University London, stand out for their close collaborations with major animation studios, high graduate placement rates, and flexible admission cycles.

The table below outlines some other popular universities for doing masters in animation abroad: 

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Let’s have a look at the eligibility criteria you must meet for pursuing a master’s in animation abroad: 

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Animation Abroad

You must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree in animation, film, design, architecture, or a closely related field, with most programs requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. 

A strong portfolio demonstrating original animation work is mandatory, and many universities require at least 12 months of relevant professional experience. English language proficiency is essential, proven by an IELTS band score of 6.5 or TOEFL 79–100.

Here is a detailed, country-specific breakdown of eligibility criteria for a Master's in Animation abroad: 

Note: Scores must be valid within two years before the course start date. Check individual university pages for program-specific language score requirements.

Here’s what you need to know about the application process and upcoming deadlines for top Masters in Animation programs abroad.

Application Process for Masters in Animation Abroad

The main intakes for Masters in Animation are Fall (August–September) and, in some universities, Spring (January). For example, the University of the Arts London opens applications for the 2026/27 intake in autumn 2025, while TH Köln (Germany) accepts international non-EU applications for Winter 2026/27 from April 1 to 24, 2026.

Here’s the step-by-step application process for Master's in Animation Abroad:

Step 1. Research Programs and Eligibility

Identify universities offering your preferred animation specialization, review eligibility (degree, portfolio, language), and note intake periods and deadlines.

Step 2. Prepare Portfolio and Documents

Compile a portfolio with 10–15 original works, academic transcripts, CV, proof of English language proficiency, and letters of recommendation. Some programs also require a project outline or motivation letter.

Step 3. Complete Online Application

Submit your application through the university’s portal or a centralized platform (e.g., Uni-Assist for German programs). Pay any required application fees (e.g., CHF 200/INR 21.5K at HSLU).

Step 4. Submit Additional Materials and Entrance Tasks

Complete any required artistic or aptitude entrance exams, project proposals, or interviews. For example, TH Köln requires an artistic-scientific aptitude test, while IADT offers a pre-application symposium and portfolio review.

Step 5. Track Application Status and Notifications

Monitor your application portal for updates. Universities typically notify successful applicants by May or early September for Fall intakes, and provide written feedback on your application.

Step 6. Accept Offer and Complete Enrollment

Accept your offer, pay any required deposits, and submit final documents. Complete enrollment between August and September for most Fall programs.

Step 7. Apply for a Student Visa

Once you receive your admission letter, apply for a student visa by submitting proof of admission, financial statements, and other required documents per country regulations.

Before selecting your ideal program, it’s crucial to understand the breadth and depth of specializations offered in Masters in Animation abroad.

Masters in Animation Abroad: Course Details & Specialization

There are over 25 distinct specialization tracks available for international students pursuing a Master’s in Animation abroad, with leading institutions offering focused programs in areas such as 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), Game Design, Motion Graphics, Character Animation, and more.

Many programs emphasize hands-on studio work, portfolio development, and direct collaboration with animation studios.

Here is a detailed table of top specializations for Masters in 3D design and Animation Abroad, with specific universities, and annual tuition fees: 

Note: INR values are approximate, based on current exchange rates.

Tuition fees vary significantly by country and institution, impacting your total investment and funding strategy. So let’s view the cost of masters abroad in animation in the top countries.

Cost of Pursuing Masters in Animation Abroad

Annual tuition fees for a Masters in Animation abroad range from $11,220 (INR 9.66L) in the USA to £30,415 (INR 32.3L) in the UK, with Canadian programs like St. Thomas University charging CAD 15,600 (INR 9.5L) and top schools in France such as GOBELINS Paris at €10,000 (INR 8.7L). 

Here’s the breakdown of the cost of studying abroad for Indian students in masters in animation programs across various countries:

Note: Cost estimates are yearly and may vary by city and university. Also, INR values are approximate, based on current exchange rates.

Securing financial aid can make masters in animation abroad accessible. Here's how top scholarships can support your journey.

Scholarships for pursuing Masters in Animation Abroad

Scholarships for Masters in Animation abroad are highly competitive and often require both academic excellence and a strong creative portfolio. For example, the University of the Arts London offers up to £50,000 (INR 53.5L) for international postgraduates in animation. 

At the same time, the Fulbright Program in the US covers full tuition and living costs for select candidates. The WIA Scholarship Program supports women and non-binary students in animation globally, awarding cash grants and industry software.

Below is a country-wise overview of major study abroad scholarships, their types, eligibility, and benefits:

Note: Always check the official university and government scholarship portals for the most up-to-date eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and award values.

Next, let's look at the job opportunities you can have after completing masters in animation from abroad.

Job Opportunities After Masters in Animation Abroad

A Masters in Animation opens doors to more than 250,000 jobs globally, with significant growth in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and India. Over 60% of animators work in film and television, while the gaming sector alone is worth $3.9 billion in India and employs 220,000 professionals in the US. 

The freelance segment is also booming, with a 21% increase in global animation freelancers. Employers include major studios like Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, Sony, and leading gaming and VFX companies.

Below is the list of some of the high-demand job opportunities after completing masters in animation abroad from foreign universities: 

Source: Glassdoor

Note: All salary figures are approximated based on the current INR exchange rate. 

Next, let's have a look at global recruiters and industry leaders eager to hire top talent.

Top Recruiters for Masters in Animation Abroad

Graduates from leading animation programs are recruited by global giants such as Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Animation, Ubisoft, and Technicolor. 

Entry-level animators at these studios typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 (INR 58–83L) annually, with salaries rising significantly for specialized or senior roles.

The table below outlines a career in animation, along with the top recruiters, the roles they offer, and average annual salaries:

Source: Glassdoor

Note: All salary figures are approximated based on the current INR exchange rate. 

Handling the complexities of international admissions can be overwhelming, but expert guidance can help you choose the best foreign university for masters in animation.

How upGrad Can Help You Study Masters in Animation Abroad?

upGrad offers a comprehensive suite of services customized for students aspiring to pursue a Masters in Animation at top international universities. The support is highly personalized and spans the entire application journey, ensuring you maximize your chances of admission to leading programs in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and France.

You’ll benefit from one-on-one counseling, visa guidance, and career mentorship, ensuring you secure admission to top foreign universities for an MA in Animation in the USA, Canada, Germany, Australia, and beyond.

Ready to start your global animation career? Book a free one-on-one counseling session and connect with upGrad’s experts today for a customized study abroad roadmap and unlock your dream university!