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

Intro — find the right 3D animation training in Vancouver (2025)

Looking for the best 3D animation training in Vancouver? This guide lists the 9 best 3D animation courses, training & classes in Vancouver (2025), from intensive studio diplomas to university degrees and short certificates. Each entry includes a concise Overview:, Best for:, Highlights: and the key facts: Price (2025):, Duration:, Level:, Format:, Location: and Credential: so you can compare programs quickly.

Top 9 3D animation courses in Vancouver (2025)

1) Vancouver Film School — 3D Animation & Visual Effects

Overview: Vancouver Film School (VFS) runs an intensive, industry-focused 3D Animation & VFX diploma that emphasizes story, pipeline skills and a demo reel.
Best for: Aspiring production-ready animators who want a fast, studio-style year.
Highlights: Strong industry connections, final demo reel, mentorship and frequent industry nights.
Price (2025): approx. CAD 35,000–54,000 (varies by intake/residency).
Duration: 12 months.
Level: Intensive post-secondary diploma.
Format: On-campus (full time); online short certificates also available.
Location: Downtown Vancouver (West Cordova).
Credential: Diploma / Certificate options.
(vfs.edu)

2) Think Tank Training Centre — CG / 3D Asset & Animation Programs

Overview: Think Tank offers focused campus and online programs (diplomas, portfolio production & short mentorships) in 3D modelling, asset creation, VFX and animation with very small class sizes.
Best for: Artists who want intensive portfolio-driven training and 1:1 mentorship.
Highlights: Small cohorts, portfolio-focused terms, online and campus options, industry mentors and bursaries for portfolio upgrades.
Price (2025): depends on program — from mentorships (~CAD 12,750–16,500) up to full diplomas (CAD ~30,000–50,000).
Duration: ranges (16 weeks mentorship → 32–64 weeks diploma).
Level: Beginner → Advanced (program-specific).
Format: Campus (North Vancouver) and online/hybrid.
Location: North Vancouver / Online.
Credential: Diploma / Certificate / Mentorship.
(therookies.co)

3) Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) — 2D/3D Character Animation & VFX

Overview: VanArts offers 12‑month diplomas in 2D/3D Character Animation and Visual Effects for Film & TV, with both on-campus and 100% online delivery.
Best for: Character animators and VFX artists who want a one-year concentrated diploma with showreel focus.
Highlights: Industry-standard tools (Maya, Houdini), ROOKIES/Houdini certifications, free software licenses for grads, clear degree pathways.
Price (2025): Canadian: CAD ~28,750; International: CAD ~36,750.
Duration: 12 months.
Level: Intensive diploma.
Format: On-campus (Vancouver) or online.
Location: Vancouver or online.
Credential: Diploma.
(vanarts.com)

4) Capilano University — 3D Animation for Film & Games (Diploma)

Overview: Capilano University (North Vancouver) runs a two‑year 3D Animation for Film & Games diploma emphasizing fundamentals, production and demo‑reel creation.
Best for: Students who prefer a public-college pathway with a balanced art + technical curriculum and PGWP eligibility for international students.
Highlights: Two-year curriculum, industry-experienced instructors, clear fee breakdowns and student supports.
Price (2025): Domestic total ~CAD 35,889; International total ~CAD 69,917 (two‑year totals — see school for details).
Duration: 2 years.
Level: Diploma (public university/college).
Format: On-campus (full time).
Location: North Vancouver (Cap U campus).
Credential: Diploma (PGWP-eligible).
(capilanou.ca)

5) Emily Carr University — Bachelor of Media Arts (Animation majors: 2D / 3D)

Overview: Emily Carr (ECUAD) offers full-degree programs (BMA/BFA) in Animation with options to specialize in 3D computer animation and experimental approaches.
Best for: Students seeking a broad, art-led degree that balances concept, craft and critical practice.
Highlights: Studio-based learning, festival/showcase opportunities, strong art + technical foundations, multi-year degree pathways.
Price (2025): approx. Domestic CAD 8–12k/yr; International CAD ~24k/yr (varies by program/term).
Duration: 4 years (undergraduate).
Level: Bachelor’s degree.
Format: On-campus (studio-based).
Location: Vancouver (Granville Island / campus sites).
Credential: Bachelor of Media Arts / BFA (Animation).
(ecuad.ca)

6) BCIT — 3D Modeling, Art & Animation (Diploma)

Overview: British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) offers an 18‑month 3D Modeling, Art & Animation diploma focused on real‑world pipelines for game, film and TV production.
Best for: Students who want a technical, professionally-oriented program from a public polytechnic.
Highlights: Full 3D pipeline training (modeling, rigging, texturing, lighting, compositing), industry‑current tools and lab access.
Price (2025): approx. CAD ~19,000–26,000 (program and residency affect fees).
Duration: ~18 months (5 semesters / 1.5 years).
Level: Diploma (public institute).
Format: On-campus (Burnaby/Vancouver area).
Location: BCIT Burnaby campus.
Credential: Diploma.
(educatly.com)

7) Langara College — Diploma / Continuing Studies in Advanced 3D Animation

Overview: Langara’s Continuing Studies and partnered offerings provide multi-term Advanced 3D Animation diplomas designed to prepare artists for production work in Vancouver’s entertainment district.
Best for: Career changers and those seeking publicly credentialed continuing-education diplomas with industry links.
Highlights: Studio-style schedule, curriculum aligned to local VFX/games employers, possible PGWP pathways (program-dependent).
Price (2025): approx. CAD 24,000–32,500 (program-dependent).
Duration: ~24–36 months (program variants).
Level: Continuing Studies / Diploma.
Format: On-campus (Centre for Entertainment Arts partnerships).
Location: Vancouver (Langara / partner facilities).
Credential: Continuing Studies Diploma / Certificate.
(edmissions.com)

8) Centre for Digital Media (CDM) — Master of Digital Media (MDM)

Overview: The Master of Digital Media is a professional, project-based graduate program that supports digital media creation (including 3D, VFX, games and interactive media). It’s ideal if you want leadership-level, multi‑disciplinary experience.
Best for: Graduates and professionals aiming for mid/senior-level roles or cross-disciplinary studio leadership.
Highlights: Multi‑institution partnership (SFU/UBC/ECU/BCIT), client projects, internships and funded scholarships.
Price (2025): Domestic ~CAD 37,952; International ~CAD 68,343 (2025 figures).
Duration: 16 months (full-time; includes work-integrated learning).
Level: Master’s (professional).
Format: On-campus (Creative District, Great Northern Way).
Location: Vancouver (Centre for Digital Media).
Credential: Master of Digital Media (MDM).
(stage.thecdm.ca)

9) Vancouver Community College (VCC) — Continuing courses: Intro to 2D/3D Asset Creation & short credits

Overview: VCC offers part‑time credit and continuing‑education courses such as Introduction to 2D/3D Asset Creation, game engine primers and short animation modules — ideal for skill‑building or sampling the field.
Best for: Beginners, hobbyists, or working professionals looking for affordable, part‑time training.
Highlights: Short, credit-bearing courses (60–70 hours), practical software skills and flexible scheduling.
Price (2025): Course fees vary by credit/term (check VCC continuing studies for current fees).
Duration: Short courses (60–70 hours typical) or multi-course certificates.
Level: Introductory → intermediate.
Format: Part-time / in-person and some blended options.
Location: Vancouver (VCC campuses).
Credential: College credits / continuing education certificates.
(vcc.ca)

Comparison table — top Vancouver 3D animation programs (quick view)

(Program prices and durations are program-dependent and can change by intake/residency — check each school’s official pages for the latest fees, start dates and enrollment requirements.)
(vfs.edu)

How to choose the right 3D animation course

• Define your goal: character animation, VFX, game art or 3D modelling. Choose programs that explicitly focus on that area.
• Consider time vs. depth: one‑year diplomas (VFS, VanArts) get you production-ready quickly; two‑year diplomas (Capilano, BCIT) and four‑year degrees (Emily Carr) provide deeper foundations.
• Budget & ROI: compare tuition and career services, demo‑reel support and industry nights — a strong reel often pays back tuition in job opportunities.
• Format & schedule: if you work or travel, look for part‑time/online options (VanArts, Think Tank Online, VCC).
• Credential & immigration (international students): public institutions (Capilano, BCIT, Emily Carr, CDM pathways) may be PGWP‑eligible — verify with the institution.
• Visit, ask for outcomes: check alumni reels, graduate employment stats, and talk to admissions to confirm software, hardware, and mentor access.

Best picks by profile

• Beginner with limited time: VanArts 12‑month 2D/3D Character Animation or VFS short certificates for focused skills.
• Career switcher / portfolio builder: Think Tank (portfolio programs) or Langara’s CS diploma.
• Student seeking an academic degree & broad foundation: Emily Carr University (BMA/BFA in Animation).
• Want the fastest entry to industry (demo reel focus): VFS 12‑month intensive or VanArts 12‑month diplomas.
• Aspiring leader / cross‑discipline creator: Centre for Digital Media — Master of Digital Media (MDM).
• On a budget / testing the waters: VCC part‑time courses and short certificates.

FAQ (short answers)

How long does it take to finish a 3D animation course in Vancouver?

Most intensive diplomas run 12 months (VFS, VanArts). Public college diplomas are commonly 18–24 months (BCIT ~18 months, Capilano 2 years). Degrees take 3–4 years; short courses run weeks → months. (vfs.edu)

Are Vancouver animation programs eligible for a Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

PGWP eligibility depends on institution and program. Many public colleges and universities (Capilano, BCIT, Emily Carr, CDM pathways) are PGWP‑eligible; private, for‑profit schools vary — always confirm with the school’s admissions/immigration office. (capilanou.ca)

Which program is best for learning Maya, Houdini or Unreal?

VFS, VanArts, Think Tank and BCIT teach industry standard tools (Autodesk Maya, Houdini, Unreal Engine) as part of production pipelines. Check individual curricula for exact software coverage and licensing. (vfs.edu)

Can I study 3D animation part‑time or online in Vancouver?

Yes — VanArts, Think Tank and some VFS short certificates offer full online or hybrid options. VCC and continuing studies through Langara/BCIT provide part‑time courses. (vanarts.com)

Do these programs help with hiring and industry connections?

Most top Vancouver programs include industry nights, mentor reviews and job‑support services. VFS, VanArts, Think Tank and CDM highlight strong local industry ties — review each school’s career services and alumni success pages. (vfs.edu)

Final notes — next steps

• Shortlist 2–3 programs that match your focus (character animation vs VFX vs modelling).
• Check intake dates, portfolio/app requirements and exact 2026/2027 tuition on each official school page before applying.
• If you want, tell me your profile (experience, budget, time available) and I’ll recommend the 2 best options and a sample application checklist.

Would you like a tailored shortlist (budget, experience level, career goal)?