Arts & Humanities
Animation School (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
The Diploma in Digital Animation at The Animation School blends creative and technical training with hands-on production experience to prepare students for 2D and 3D animation jobs. It is a three-year programme taught on the Cape Town and Johannesburg campuses, and the full three years can also be completed online with the same curriculum.
Duration: 3 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
First year covers core animation skills across 2D and 3D (Context and Story, Visual Development, Technical Artistry, Animation). Second year focuses on 3D character design and animation including modelling, texturing, rigging, look development and compositing. Third year covers specialisation, a collaborative animated short film, professional development and an industry placement.
Graduates leave with a professional showreel and are prepared to step into a 2D and 3D animation job.
A background in art and a portfolio assessed for overall impression, proportions, technique, shading and storytelling (a six-panel comic strip plus six to twelve original artworks from the past three years; no traced, copied or AI-generated work), a one-page motivation letter, and basic Windows or Mac computer skills. Academic: a National Senior Certificate with admission to a Diploma or Bachelor's degree, or National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4, or an equivalent foreign qualification at NQF level 4 or higher. International applicants whose first language is not English need proof of English proficiency (for example TOEFL 550 or IELTS 6.5).
Domestic applicants: ZAR 131,000 a year (2027). 2027 annual tuition if paid in full (Payment Option 1: R32,000 deposit plus R99,000 balance due by 31 October 2026); the page also quotes R131,900 in one line for later registrants. Instalment plans cost more: R138,100 (deposit plus 4 instalments) or R144 Source
International applicants: ZAR 131,000 a year (2027). 2027 full-settlement tuition for international and rest-of-Africa applicants listed as R131,000 (deposit R32,000 non-refundable plus R99,000 balance due by 31 October 2026). Instalment plans do not apply to the quoted international option; financial assis Source
Main intake: February. The 2027 academic year starts with Term 1 on 8 February 2027 (Cape Town, Johannesburg and online).
Applications for international students for 2027 close on 31 October 2026. Registration for 2027 is open until 27 January 2027.
Applications are made online through the Apply Now page with a portfolio, followed by an interview.
Apply through the official page: https://theanimationschool.co.za/apply/
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