8 Best 3D Animation Courses, Training & Classes in Toronto [2025] – Best-Courses.CA

Looking for the most up-to-date and practical way into 3D careers this year? Below is our 2025 selection of the best 3D animation courses, training and classes in Toronto—from full diplomas and graduate certificates to short, skills-focused workshops you can take online or in person. Expect clear details on price, duration, level, format, exact location, and credential, plus who each course is best for.

Note on 2025 changes: Centennial College has suspended new intakes for its 3D animation programs for the 2025/26 academic year and is relocating Story Arts Centre programs to Progress Campus in 2026; we’ve therefore prioritized alternatives that are open to applicants. (kidscreen.com)

At-a-glance: Top 3D animation courses in Toronto (2025)

Prices are the most recent published figures (often shown per semester). Always confirm current totals with admissions before applying.

Why these programs made the list

1) Seneca Polytechnic – 3D Animation (DAN)

• Best for: Designers, animators, or grads pivoting into 3D who want a focused, portfolio‑driven postgrad in under a year.
• Highlights: Intensive 8‑month pipeline across modeling, rigging, lighting, texturing, rendering and compositing; hybrid delivery lets you mix on‑campus and online sections; taught at Seneca’s industry‑known Creative Arts & Animation school. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Format, duration, level: Hybrid; 2 semesters (8 months); Graduate Certificate. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Price (2025): Domestic ~$5,541.71/semester; International ~$13,195.44/semester; books/supplies ~$900–$700 per term. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Exact location: Seneca@York, 70 The Pond Rd, Toronto, ON M3J 3M6. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate. (senecapolytechnic.ca)

2) Seneca Polytechnic – Animation (ANI) with 3D stream

• Best for: High‑school graduates seeking a comprehensive 2D/3D base, then specializing in 3D in years 2–3.
• Highlights: Choose from 2D, 3D, game art, or visual development streams; strong drawing and storytelling foundation with production pipeline skills. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Format, duration, level: Hybrid; 6 semesters (3 years); Advanced Diploma. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Price (2025): Domestic ~$4,482.21/semester; International ~$11,372.94/semester; plus books/supplies. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Location: Seneca@York, 70 The Pond Rd, Toronto. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma. (senecapolytechnic.ca)

3) Humber Polytechnic – Animation – 3D (AN311)

• Best for: Students who want a 3‑year, studio‑style program with capstone and portfolio development on a large Toronto campus.
• Highlights: Team‑based projects mirroring studio environments; extensive sequencing from 2D/3D art to post‑production and demo reel; optional co‑op/WIL experiences. (mediaarts.humber.ca)
• Format, duration, level: In person; 6 semesters (3 years); Advanced Diploma (course‑based schedule). (mediaarts.humber.ca)
• Price (2025): Domestic ~$7,159 (two semesters); International ~$22,078 (two semesters). (mediaarts.humber.ca)
• Location: North Campus, 205 Humber College Blvd, Toronto, ON M9W 5L7. (humber.ca)
• Credential: Advanced Diploma. (mediaarts.humber.ca)

4) Toronto Film School – Video Game Design & Animation Diploma

• Best for: Career‑switchers wanting an accelerated, industry‑connected pathway into game modeling and animation with mocap exposure.
• Highlights: 18‑month, hands‑on program taught by working game artists; small classes; mocap and AI workflow exposure; four intakes/year. (torontofilmschool.ca)
• Price (2025): Domestic total ~$38,164; International total ~$61,101 (6 terms). (torontofilmschool.ca)
• Format & campuses: In person across downtown locations; the program operates primarily out of 415 Yonge St (computer lab) with additional facilities at 460 Yonge St and 10 Dundas St E. (videogameschool.ca)
• Credential: Diploma (Ontario career college). (torontofilmschool.ca)

5) George Brown College – Animation – 3D for Extended Reality (P113)

• Best for: Creators targeting 3D for virtual production, LED walls and XR workflows alongside traditional 3D fundamentals.
• Highlights: Emphasis on storytelling, storyboarding, and content creation for LED/virtual production as part of a two‑year diploma. (georgebrown.ca)
• Status for 2025/26: Fall 2025 suspended; Winter 2026 intake open (on campus). (georgebrown.ca)
• Price: Domestic ~$7,836/year; International ~$23,300/year. (georgebrown.ca)
• Location: St. James Campus, 200 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A 3W8. (georgebrown.ca)
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma. (georgebrown.ca)

6) Seneca Polytechnic – Visual Effects for Film & Television (VFT)

• Best for: Artists who want a Houdini/Maya/Nuke‑based VFX route (3D simulations, lighting, 2D/3D integration) in 8 months.
• Highlights: Houdini‑certified school; portfolio‑driven assignments mirroring studio tasks; strong link to Toronto’s VFX scene. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Format, duration, level: Hybrid; 8 months; Graduate Certificate. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Price (2025): Domestic ~$5,541.71/semester; International ~$13,195.44/semester; books ~$975–$775 per term. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Location: Seneca@York, 70 The Pond Rd, Toronto. (senecapolytechnic.ca)

7) OCAD University School of Continuing Studies – 3D Animation Studio 1: Intro to Blender

• Best for: Beginners who want a fast, budget‑friendly start in 3D modeling/animation to test the waters or upskill.
• Highlights: Live‑online classes (18 hours) using free Blender; counts toward OCAD U’s Animation and 3D Animation Skills micro‑credentials. (continuingstudies.ocadu.ca)
• Price & format: ~$575; 6–7 weeks, online synchronous. (continuingstudies.ocadu.ca)
• Provider location (administration): OCAD University, 100 McCaul St, Toronto. (join.ocadu.ca)
• Credential: Non‑credit course; micro‑credential/certificate eligible via OCAD U SCS. (continuingstudies.ocadu.ca)

8) MTM College of Animation, Art & Design – Animation Diploma (4 years)

• Best for: Students seeking a boutique, art‑first private career college with small cohorts and industry instructors.
• Highlights: Deep foundation in drawing, design and both 2D and 3D pipelines; downtown campus near transit. (mtmcollege.ca)
• Format, duration, level: In person; 4 years; Private Career College Diploma. (mtmcollege.ca)
• Price (2025): Domestic ~$12,500/year; International ~$18,000/year (plus small tech/student fees). (mtmcollege.ca)
• Location: 260 Spadina Ave #500, Toronto, ON M5T 2E4. (mtmcollege.ca)

How to choose the right 3D animation course (quick guide)

• Define your goal:
  • Want a studio‑ready reel in <1 year? Consider a postgrad like Seneca DAN or Seneca VFT. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
  • Prefer a comprehensive 2D+3D foundation? Choose a 3‑year advanced diploma like Humber AN311 or Seneca ANI. (mediaarts.humber.ca)
  • Need a fast, affordable start? Take OCAD U’s Blender short course, then ladder up. (continuingstudies.ocadu.ca)
  • Focused on game pipelines? Toronto Film School – Video Game Design & Animation emphasizes game art with mocap. (torontofilmschool.ca)
  • Interested in virtual production/XR? George Brown P113 targets LED wall/XR content. (georgebrown.ca)
• Match format to your life:
  • Need flexibility? Hybrid options at Seneca allow some online components while retaining on‑campus access. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
  • Prefer full campus life and labs? Humber North and TFS downtown offer extensive in‑person facilities. (humber.ca)
• Budget smartly:
  • Public college fees are typically charged per semester; international fees are significantly higher—budget for software/hardware as listed by programs (e.g., Humber recommends a high‑end 3D‑capable computer). (mediaarts.humber.ca)
• Check intake status:
  • Some 2025 intakes are paused (e.g., George Brown P113 fall term), so confirm availability before applying. (georgebrown.ca)

My recommendations by learner profile

• Absolute beginner on a budget: Start with OCAD U – Intro to Blender to validate fit, then stack into longer credentials. (continuingstudies.ocadu.ca)
• Recent BA/BFA/Design grad pivoting into 3D: Seneca 3D Animation (DAN) for a compact, portfolio‑oriented postgrad. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• High‑school grad wanting a complete pathway: Humber AN311 or Seneca ANI (3 years) for a robust foundation, team projects, and a capstone/portfolio. (mediaarts.humber.ca)
• VFX‑oriented artist (Houdini/Nuke): Seneca VFT for simulation, lighting, and 2D/3D integration. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Game‑focused animator: Toronto Film School – Video Game Design & Animation for accelerated, industry‑linked training and mocap experience. (torontofilmschool.ca)
• XR/Virtual Production enthusiast: George Brown – Animation 3D for Extended Reality (P113) (apply for Winter 2026). (georgebrown.ca)
• Small‑cohort, art‑intensive route: MTM College (4‑year Animation Diploma) for boutique mentorship and drawing‑heavy training. (mtmcollege.ca)

Program snapshots (what stands out)

• Seneca@York cluster (DAN, ANI, VFT): Three proven routes housed on the York campus with hybrid options and specialized facilities; all list transparent, semester‑based fees and clear learning outcomes. (senecapolytechnic.ca)
• Humber North: A large, well‑equipped campus with field experience/WIL options and clear equipment guidance for home setups. (mediaarts.humber.ca)
• Toronto Film School (downtown hub): Multiple downtown sites close together (415 & 460 Yonge, 10 Dundas) offering labs, studios, and small classes. (torontofilmschool.ca)
• George Brown St. James: Strong media school presence downtown; XR‑focused animation diploma reopens for Winter 2026 intakes. (georgebrown.ca)
• OCAD U Continuing Studies: Short, stackable courses with micro‑credential pathways; ideal for quick upskilling or testing the field. (continuingstudies.ocadu.ca)
• MTM College: Central location and career‑college format with published annual tuition and industry instructors. (mtmcollege.ca)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need drawing skills to study 3D?
  Strong drawing helps with anatomy, posing, and visual storytelling—many diplomas (e.g., Humber, Seneca ANI) include life drawing and design fundamentals to build this. (mediaarts.humber.ca)

• Which software will I learn?
  Expect a mix of industry tools—Blender (OCAD U short courses), Maya/Houdini/Nuke (Seneca VFT/DAN), plus game engines and mocap at Toronto Film School. (continuingstudies.ocadu.ca)

• Are these programs in downtown Toronto?
  Yes for OCAD U, Toronto Film School, George Brown, and MTM College; Seneca@York and Humber North are in Toronto’s north/west regions with subway/GO/TTC access. (torontofilmschool.ca)

• When should I apply for 2026 starts?
  Many programs run January and September intakes; check current intake pages since some Fall 2025 seats are suspended (e.g., George Brown P113) while Winter 2026 is open. (georgebrown.ca)

• What about Centennial College’s 3D program?
  Centennial’s 3D Animation and related programs are suspended for 2025/26, with a campus relocation planned for 2026—monitor official updates if you prefer their offerings. (kidscreen.com)

Final tips

• Shortlist 2–3 programs that fit your timing, budget, and target role. Visit campus or attend virtual info sessions.
• Align your hardware budget (GPU, RAM, tablet) with program recommendations (e.g., Humber lists high‑end specs for home work). (mediaarts.humber.ca)
• Build a focused portfolio: character performance for animation roles; clean topology and materials for modeling; sims/compositing for VFX.

Good luck with your next step into 3D. If you want a one‑page comparison tailored to your portfolio and goals, ask and I’ll generate a personalized shortlist.