Checkout the Animation Colleges and Courses in UAE....
Apr 21, 2025 05:10:43
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Communication – Concentration in Digital Media (includes Animation)
Courses cover animation principles, motion graphics, 3D modeling, and storytelling.
Approx. AED 85,000 – AED 95,000/year (~USD $23,000–$26,000)
Additional lab/material fees may apply.
Fall (September)
Spring (January)
Regionally ranked among the top private institutions in Dubai.
Accredited in the UAE and recognized in the US.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media & Communication – Electives in Animation & Digital Design
Emphasis on 2D & 3D animation, visual effects (VFX), and post-production.
Approx. AED 35,000 – AED 45,000/year (~USD $9,500–$12,300)
Spring (March)
Fall (August)
Good standing in the UAE as part of the global Manipal network.
Affordable for international students.
Bachelor of Animation
Diploma in 3D Animation
Certificate Courses in Motion Graphics, Game Art, etc.
Bachelor: AED 75,000 – AED 85,000/year (~USD $20,500–$23,000)
Diploma: AED 30,000 – AED 40,000
January
May
September
Part of the global SAE Creative Media network.
Highly specialized for media, audio, and animation industries.
BA Honours in Graphic Design – with Animation pathway
Includes modules on motion graphics, interactive design, and animation storytelling.
Approx. AED 55,000 – AED 65,000/year (~USD $15,000–$18,000)
September
January
Strong UK connection (Middlesex University London)
Internationally recognized UK degree from Dubai campus.
Bachelor of Media and Communication – Electives in digital media production & animation
Approx. AED 58,000/year (~USD $15,800)
January
May
September
Internationally accredited (Australian curriculum)
Part of the UOW Australia global network
Programs: Bachelor of Animation, short courses in 3D Animation & VFX
Focus: Hands-on learning with software like Maya, Blender, and Adobe Suite
Perks: Internationally recognized, great industry exposure
Program: BA Honours in 3D Animation and Games
Focus: 3D modeling, game development, animation principles
Cool Factor: UK-based curriculum, strong academic rep
Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication (Digital Media concentration)
Focus: Covers animation, graphic design, motion graphics
Bonus: Strong creative arts department, good campus life
Courses: Short-term and diploma programs in 2D/3D animation, VFX, and motion graphics
Focus: Industry-ready skills
Good For: Beginners or upskillers
Workshops: Short courses in animation, 3D modeling, and VR content
Industry Link: Connected with animation studios in the region
Autodesk Maya
Adobe After Effects & Photoshop
Blender
Cinema 4D
Unity (for game animation)
Do you want a degree or a short course?
Interested in film, games, or advertising?
Is online learning an option for you?
Program: Bachelor of Animation
Duration: Typically 3 years
Focus: 2D/3D animation, visual effects (VFX), storytelling, and industry-standard tools like Maya and Blender
Vibe: Creative, industry-focused, with a practical approach
Program: BA Honours in 3D Animation and Games
Duration: 3 years
Focus: 3D animation, character rigging, game development, digital environments
Vibe: Academic with hands-on projects and portfolio development
Program: BFA in Visual Communication – Digital Media Concentration
Duration: 4 years
Focus: Motion graphics, animation, visual storytelling, and multimedia design
Vibe: Artistic, multidisciplinary, and very design-centric
Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Multimedia Design
Duration: 4 years
Focus: Digital animation, video production, design, and interactive media
Vibe: Academic with emphasis on design and media theory
Program: BA in Animation & Multimedia
Duration: 3 years
Focus: 2D/3D animation, film-making, VFX, game design
Vibe: Career-oriented, with a balanced theory-practice approach
Program: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Communication
Focus: Advanced media design, motion graphics, storytelling, and some animation elements
Good For: Designers and animators looking to expand their creative skillset at a postgraduate level
Program: Master of Fine Arts in Animation (offered occasionally under special tracks or creative media programs)
Focus: Story development, advanced animation production, character design, and experimental media
Good For: Emirati nationals and expats in government or academic sectors
Program: Master of Communication (Specializing in Screen Production or Digital Media)
Focus: May include animation-related electives like digital storytelling, VFX, or motion design
Good For: Filmmakers or animators wanting a broader communication/media angle
Program: MA in Digital Design and Innovation
Focus: Covers creative technologies including motion graphics and interactive design, with room to integrate animation into your thesis or projects
Good For: Tech-savvy creatives interested in animation within a digital design context
Program: Developing Master’s programs in digital arts and animation-related fields (you’d need to check current status as they expand)
Focus: Multimedia arts, creative design, animation pipeline
High School Certificate (Grade 12 or equivalent)
Most universities accept any curriculum: CBSE, IB, American, British (A Levels), or national systems
Minimum GPA or equivalent (usually 60–70% or above)
English proficiency test (for non-native speakers):
IELTS: 5.5–6.0+
TOEFL: Around 500 (paper-based) / 61 (iBT)
Some universities offer internal English placement tests instead
A basic portfolio of creative work (drawings, sketches, digital art, short animations, etc.) is often requested
Not always mandatory for beginner-level programs but can strengthen your application
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Animation, Media, Design, Fine Arts, or Computer Science)
Some programs may accept applicants from unrelated backgrounds if they have a strong portfolio or professional experience
Typically 2.5–3.0 out of 4.0 minimum (or equivalent)
IELTS: 6.0–6.5+
TOEFL: Around 79 (iBT) or equivalent
Some universities might require an interview or statement of purpose
Almost always required at this level—showing previous animation or design work
Can include academic projects, freelance work, or personal creations
High school completion (Grade 10–12)
No strict GPA; just a general interest in animation or design
No English test usually required unless it’s an advanced diploma
May require a background in media, design, or computer graphics
Portfolio might be needed for specializations like VFX or game animation
Starts: September
Application Deadline: May to July (some close in August)
This is the main intake and usually has the highest number of available seats and scholarships
Starts: January or February
Application Deadline: October to December
Not all universities offer Spring admission for all programs, but many creative/media programs do
Starts: June or July
For: Short-term certificates, workshops, or diploma-level courses
Offered By: Institutes like SAE, Arena Multimedia, Pixelhunters, and some continuing education divisions
Intakes: February, June, and September
Apply: At least 1–2 months in advance (earlier if you need a student visa)
Intakes: September and January
Application Deadlines:
Fall: by early August
Spring: by early December
Intakes: September and January
Deadlines:
Fall: by July/August
Spring: by November/December
Intakes: August/September
Deadline: Rolling admissions, but earlier is better for scholarships or visa processing
Intakes: Flexible – often monthly or quarterly
Deadline: Usually 2–4 weeks before the start date
Program: Bachelor of Animation
Duration: 3 years
Total Fees: AED 180,000–200,000
Paid per trimester (~AED 20,000+ per term)
Program: BA Honours in 3D Animation and Games
Duration: 3 years
Annual Fees: AED 58,000–60,000
Total: Around AED 174,000 for the full program
Program: BFA in Visual Communication (Digital Media concentration)
Annual Fees: AED 85,000–90,000
Total: AED 340,000–360,000 (for 4 years)
Program: BA in Animation & Multimedia
Annual Fees: AED 30,000–35,000
Total: AED 90,000–105,000
Program: MFA in Visual Communication
Total Fees: AED 120,000–135,000
Program: MA in Digital Design and Innovation
Total Fees: AED 75,000–85,000
Program: Master of Communication (Digital Media specialization)
Total Fees: AED 90,000–100,000
Program: Animation & VFX Diplomas
Duration: 12–24 months
Fees: AED 18,000–30,000 (depending on course)
Workshops / Short Courses
Fees: AED 2,000–10,000
Great for beginners or industry-specific skill upgrades
Registration fees: AED 500–2,000
Materials/software: Depends on course (some provide student licenses)
Visa & health insurance (for international students): AED 7,000–15,000/year
