Students

Study animation abroad: Scholarships and application process

Do you want to study animation overseas? Discover the best scholarships to study animation abroad and fulfill your creative dream.

If you’re looking to grow your skills in drawing, 3D modeling, and visual effects—and want to study animation abroad but find the costs overwhelming (because let’s face it, it’s an expensive field)—this guide is for you. We’ll go over the top scholarships available for studying animation internationally, along with the 2025 application calls. Take a look at the universities offering programs this year and start your application as soon as possible.

As an international student heading abroad, don’t wait until you arrive to sort out your internet connection. If your stay is temporary, why bother getting a local SIM card? Instead, get set up with Holafly Plans before you travel—you’ll be online the moment you land, ready to start your new adventure with just one step. The best part? It works in over 170 countries! Don’t leave this to the last minute—staying connected is essential for both your studies and keeping in touch with loved ones.

In this article

How much does it cost to study animation abroad?

When you factor in tuition, housing, transportation, and food, studying animation can feel out of reach for many creatives who simply don’t have the financial means. Depending on the country, the school, and the cost of living in each city, pursuing animation requires solid financial planning. In countries like Spain, the UK, Canada, or the U.S., annual costs can range anywhere from $15,000 to $80,000. That’s why applying for a scholarship to study animation abroad is a smart way to ease the financial burden—and bring you one step closer to your dream career.

Top 5 scholarships to study animation abroad

1. Resolution 2025 Vancouver Film School (VFS) Scholarship, Canada

The Resolution Scholarship 2025 will award three full scholarships this year, covering 100% of tuition for one-year programs. It’s open to aspiring creatives across a range of artistic disciplines—including the Animation and Visual Effects School, which has been shaping talent since 1995:

3D animation and visual effects.
Classical animation.
Conceptual art for animation.

This scholarship opportunity to study animation abroad is open to creatives and students of all ages and nationalities. To apply, you’ll need to show talent, skill, and merit in the field, as well as meet the eligibility requirements.

Coverage and exclusions:

Tuition covered at 100%, for one year.
Accommodation and living expenses are not included. The student must assume these expenses.

General requirements:

Previous experience in 3D design.
Link to visual art portfolio: Maximum 12 pieces. Include drawings or sketches, three-dimensional art made in digital.
Upload files to Dropbox or Drive and share properly. If you don’t include the portfolio, the admissions team will consider your application incomplete.
English proficiency.

How to apply?

Complete the online form with your personal details, the specific program you’re applying to, academic background, a short statement about why you want to join the program, and a financial explanation covering how you plan to handle additional expenses over the year.

Opening and closing dates:

Opening date: Call for applications for the Resolution 2025 Fellowship was announced in January 2025.
Closing date: February 2025.
You will be notified by email if your scholarship was approved or denied. Programs start in March, May and June 2025.

2. International Graduate Scholarships, University of the Arts London (UAL), England

UAL offers several master’s scholarships for international students with strong academic merit in creative and artistic fields like animation—provided they meet the university’s strict eligibility criteria.

Types of scholarships and benefits:

International postgraduate scholarship: £14,000 (30 scholarships): Tuition fee waiver for a full- or part-time master’s degree.
International Graduate Scholarship: £7,000 (300 scholarships): Tuition fee waiver for part-time or full-time courses.

Eligibility:

Have an offer to study a course taught at any of the UAL campuses, in the 2025/26 period.
The program to choose is face-to-face, online courses do not apply to the scholarship. In this case: Master of Animation.
Hold a bachelor’s degree of outstanding or high merit level.
You must not hold a postgraduate degree or equivalent at this level in the UK.
Be resident in Latin America or Africa for the £14,000 scholarship. If you are a resident of another continent for the £7,000 funding option.
Personal statement about your academic and professional background and aspirations after taking the course.
Satisfactory personal, academic or professional reference, translated into English.

How to apply?

Once you receive an offer to participate in a UAL master’s program, you will have access to the funding program in your applicant portal.
Fill out the scholarship application form by March 21 (first round) and June 25 (second round).
The selection committee will announce final decisions between May and July 2025, depending on when you submitted your application. This applies to programs starting between September and October. If your course begins in January 2026, you can expect to hear back by mid-December 2025.
If you’re awarded the scholarship, you’ll need to accept it through your UAL student portal. The amount will be automatically applied toward your annual tuition. If you’re enrolled in a part-time program and the scholarship exceeds your tuition fees, the remaining balance will roll over and be applied to the following year.

3. Erasmus+ scholarships, RE:ANIMA program, Europa

RE:ANIMA – the European Joint Master in Animation – is a scholarship program funded by the European Union’s Erasmus Mundus initiative. It offers the chance to study animation abroad, with a focus on animation, visual production, and film, in collaboration with top-tier European institutions specializing in these fields.

Erasmus agreements with institutions to study an international master’s degree in animation:

Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal.
LUCA School of Arts, Genk, Belgium.
Aalto University, Helsinki, Finland.

This fully English-taught program spans two years, during which students spend each semester at a different partner institution (listed above). The goal is to sharpen artistic skills, learn new tools, and deepen storytelling techniques in animation. In the final semester, students complete their master’s degree at the university that best aligns with their thesis project.

Benefits:

Tuition covered
Travel expenses.
Monthly living expenses of $1,000 for the duration of the program.

Requirement to apply:

University degree in arts, animation or related field, translated into English, certified and stamped by the university.
Recent certified English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79 or CBT 213, PBT 550 or other).
Copy of passport, preferably valid for the duration of the Master’s program.
Recent photo.
CV.
Two or three recommendation letters with the person’s data, telephone number and e-mail address.
Cover letter (1,000 characters).
Expectation of the program (one thousand characters).
Project proposal (short film or animation). Explain the theme and perspective to be addressed, the emotions you want to convey and how you plan to do it (300 words).
Portfolio of at least four projects.
Certificate of residency or proof of work.

Call for applications and selection:

The application for the Erasmus scholarship is made alongside the application to the RE: ANIMA program
Applications open in October of each year, unless otherwise communicated through the relevant channels and official sites.
Erasmus scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit.

4. CROUS Scholarship for GOBELINS School, Paris

This scholarship, offered by the Regional Center for University and School Services (CROUS), is aimed at French nationals, as well as European and international students who are facing financial challenges in pursuing higher education in France.

In partnership with GOBELINS School in Paris—a renowned institution in visual arts—the scholarship covers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, including the Bachelor’s in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking.

This scholarship to study animation abroad targets:

French students,
European students who have resided in France for one year.
or international students as refugees or residents, living at least two years in the country.
Those under 28.
In unstable social and financial situation to assume tuition fees.

Benefits:

Based on the family’s current economic situation, a calculation is made of the percentage of aid granted to the student. Generally, between €1,000-6,000 ($1,020-1,700), for tuition, food, and other expenses.
Access to university residences of the CROUS, according to availability.
Discounts in university dining halls for being a beneficiary of this scholarship.

Application and requirements:

On the official website of the CROUS, www.crous-paris.fr, fill out the Dossier Social Étudiant (DSE) correctly without mistakes about your personal and economic data.
Parents’ tax return.
Documentation proving the family’s current financial situation, bank statements, proof of income.

Call 2025:

Applications will be received until May 31. The GOBELINS School will receive the eligibility list from CROUS between July and September.

5. Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) Scholarship, Germany

BSBI hosts a portfolio competition open to both local and international students, where participants submit their best work for a chance to win a scholarship to study a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Animation, or Illustration at the Faculty of Creative Industries on the Hamburg, Germany campus.

There are more than 30 scholarships offered by this institution in different days during the year:

1st place: 100% tuition scholarship
2nd Place: 20 scholarships with 50% tuition.
3rd place: 10 scholarships with 40% of tuition.

Next call for applications: February 28, 2025.

Announcement of the winners: March 12.

How to participate for one of the scholarships?

Prepare your portfolio: Up to 12 pieces of digital art (sketches, drawings, audio and video files).
Follow the guidelines: BSBI has put together a style guide outlining how your work should be presented. You can download it from the competition page on their website under “Scholarship Competition.” Make sure to review it carefully and meet all the requirements.
Submit your portfolio: Or provide the link to Vimeo or YouTube.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Buy Global eSIM

Tips for winning scholarships to study animation abroad

1. Prepare a killer portfolio

If you’re applying for an animation scholarship abroad, remember this: creativity is key. It’s not just about having strong language skills or meeting the GPA requirements. What really grabs the attention of selection committees is raw talent and potential—and your portfolio is your chance to make a powerful first impression. Showcase your best work, walk them through your creative process, share what inspires you, and highlight a range of styles and techniques that show off your versatility. This is your space to be yourself and show exactly what you’re capable of.

2. Be clear about your objectives and projects

When applying for an animation scholarship abroad, it’s important to have a clear vision of your goals and final project. Many institutions will ask about your expectations for the program, how it will shape you professionally, and what specific topic or project you aim to develop during your studies. Having a solid, well-thought-out plan from the start not only reflects your professionalism and artistic focus, but also helps you stand out in interviews and make a strong impression.

3. Keep your documents up to date

Check your passport’s expiration date before you get accepted. Most animation programs abroad last at least a year, so make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of the course. If it’s not, start the renewal process early—you don’t want to be scrambling with paperwork at the last minute.

Frequently asked questions about scholarships to study animation abroad

1. Which scholarships are the best to study animation abroad?

Some of the top scholarship options include: the Resolution Scholarship from Vancouver Film School, the University of the Arts London’s International Postgraduate Scholarships, Erasmus scholarships through the RE:ANIMA program in Europe, and the CROUS Scholarship to study animation at GOBELINS in France.

2. What expenses are covered by scholarships to study animation?

It depends on the scholarship. Some, like the Erasmus+ program, offer full funding that covers travel, living expenses, and tuition. Others, like the Resolution Scholarship, cover only the full cost of the academic program’s tuition.

3. What are the requirements to apply for a scholarship to study animation abroad?

The requirements vary by institution, but generally include: fluency in English, a strong creative portfolio, a cover letter, and personal or professional references. Some scholarships, like those offered by UAL, may also require residency in a specific country and a high level of academic achievement.

4. How can I increase my chances of obtaining a scholarship?

Make your portfolio stand out—it’s your strongest asset when applying to programs like these. Research the institution thoroughly and clearly explain why it’s the right fit for your studies and final project. Be sure to communicate that clearly in your cover letter and interviews.

5. When do applications for animation scholarships open and close?

Deadlines vary depending on the scholarship. Erasmus+ applications typically open in October, while UAL offers two application rounds between March and June. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the official channels of your chosen institution so you don’t miss any important updates.