Masters in Animation in Canada: Eligibility Requirements, Tuition Fee and Placements

Masters in Animation in Canada is one of the popular choices among animators professionals and creatives looking for advanced levels of training in storytelling, character development, storyboarding, graphic designer, 3D modeling, and digital production and much more. Masters in Animation in Canada is a 1–2 year PG Program. Some of the Top Canadian institutions who offer Masters in Animation in Canada are Sheridan College, Emily Carr University, and OCAD University and more. Canada is one of the perfect destination for Animation studies because of its good and high quality Education System, Global Exposure, and Booming Digital Entertainment Industry.
Masters in Animation in Canada average tuition fee ranges between CAD 18,000 to CAD 45,000 (₹11 to ₹27.5 lakhs) annually and Living expenses of Canada is around CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 (₹6 to ₹9.2 lakhs) per year. For doing Masters in Animation in Canada students must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with portfolio, and English language proficiency score IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 90+. After finishing the course, graduates average salary is between CAD 45,000 to CAD 80,000 per year.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pursuing a Master in Animation in Canada. From top universities to fees, scholarships, eligibility, job opportunities and salaries, you will get to know about every detail in the same blog.
Masters in Animation in Canada: Quick Highlights
The table below highlights all the important points about the Masters in Animation in Canada, which includes from top universities to fees, scholarships, eligibility, job opportunities and salaries.
Particulars | Details |
Course Name | Masters in Animation in Canada |
Course Duration | 1–2 years |
Top Universities | Sheridan College, Emily Carr University, OCAD University, and Concordia University. |
Course Eligibility |
|
Entrance Tests Required | GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS |
Average Annual Tuition Fee | CAD 18,000 to CAD 45,000 (₹11 to ₹27.5 lakhs) |
Living Expenses | CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 (₹6 to ₹9.2 lakhs) annually |
Average Salary Package | CAD 45,000 to CAD 80,000 per year |
Application Mode | Online |
Intake Sessions |
|
Top Recruiters | Disney, Ubisoft, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures, Pixar, EA Games, Nelvana. |
Masters in Animation in Canada: Important Dates and Events
The important dates and events for taking admission and studying Masters in Animation in Canada are mentioned below in tabular form.
Important Events | Tentative Dates |
Fall enrollment | September 2025 |
Winter Intake | January 2026 |
Spring Intake | Starts from May 2026 |
Application Deadline | 6–9 months before intake |
Masters in Animation in Canada: Visa Application Timeline
If you are planning to study for a Masters in Animation in Canada. Then, Check out the following table to understand the visa processing times in the USA for international students.
Events | Timeline |
Study Permit Application | 4 to 8 weeks |
Biometrics & Interview | Within 30 days of receiving request |
Final Decision | Typically within 60 days |
Apply for Visa | After receiving Letter of Acceptance (LOA). |
Masters in Animation in Canada: Course Fees
Masters in Animation in Canada Tuition fee is highlighted below in the table format in Canadian Dollar($) and Indian rupees(₹) both for better understanding.
University | Annual Tuition Fees in Dollars (CAD$) | Annual Tuition Fees in Indian Rupees (₹) |
Sheridan College | $32,000 | ₹19.6 lakhs |
Emily Carr University of Art + Design | $19,500 | ₹12 lakhs |
OCAD University | $24,000 | ₹14.7 lakhs |
Concordia University | $18,000 | ₹11 lakhs |
Vancouver Film School (PG Diploma) | $35,000 | ₹21.4 lakhs |
Cost of Studying Masters in Animation in Canada
The Monthly Cost of Studying Masters in Animation in Canada is mentioned below in a detailed breakdown of total costs involved for studying in Canada.
Types of expenses | Average Cost (CAD$) |
Accommodation | $7,500 – 10,000 per year |
Food | $3,000 – 4,500 per year |
Transportation | $800 – 1,200 per year |
Internet & Utilities | $1,000 per year |
Miscellaneous | $1,000 – 1,500 per year |
Why Choose Masters in Animation in Canada?
Here's detailed information provided for studying MA in USA.
- The top universities of animation are in Canada, like Sheridan and OCAD and more.
- The employment rate is more than 90% which indicates the graduates are guaranteed to work for world-class animation studios post their studies.
- Masters in Animation in Canada has Top recruiters like Disney, DreamWorks, and EA Sports.
- After finishing the course, graduates' average salary is between CAD 45,000 to CAD 80,000 per year.
Masters in Animation in Canada: Qualification
The Masters in Animation in Canada has eligibility criteria requiring a qualification is Bachelor degree in arts degree 3-4 years' minimum, with GPA of 3.0 on the scale of 5.0 or an overall average of 75 - 80%.
English language proficiency IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL-IBT: 105, and PTE: 59, and a few work samples with a Portfolio.
Masters in Animation in Canada: Eligibility
Here's the table below showing the course eligibility for Masters in Animation in Canada.
Category | Eligibility Details |
Academic Qualification | Bachelor in arts degree 3-4 year's minimum |
Academic Performance | GPA of 3.0 on the scale of 5.0 or an overall average of 75 - 80%. |
Language Requirements | IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL-IBT: 105, and PTE: 59 |
Application Materials | A few work samples with a Portfolio. |
Additional Tests | Not mandatory (GRE/GMAT not usually required) |
Masters in Animation in Canada: Application Process
The following is the detailed application process for applying to the Masters in Animation in Canada.
STEP 1: Do verify and Research about the chosen programs and check their deadlines. And then give the IELTS/TOEFL and GRE exam if it is required.
STEP 2: Prepare SOP, LORs, Resume, and transcripts before applying.
STEP 3: Apply online through university portals or platforms and websites, and pay the application fees, which can be between CAD 100–150.
STEP 4: Receive the offer letter and accept it by signing and replying to it and the last and final step, apply for a Canadian Study Permit which is a Visa.
Masters in Animation in Canada: SOP, LOR, and Resume
A Masters in Animation in Canada requires a few documents for enrolling in the course, applying to competitive programs or scholarships.
Document | Details |
Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Write 1000–1500 words by explaining to the college committee about future career goals, why you think to should pursue a Masters in Animation in Canada, and why you believe a specific program is the right fit for you. |
Letters of Recommendation (LOR) | Need two letters of recommendation, usually from supervisors or professors by highlighting the skills and achievements of past academics. |
Resume | Your resume should clearly outline your work experience, academic achievements, internships, achievements, leadership roles, and any relevant extracurricular activities. |
Masters in Animation in Canada: IELTS/TOEFL Tips
For Masters in Animation in Canada international students have to give an English proficiency test, IELTS or TOEFL, which is usually required. Here are some of the tips for preparing it.
- Understanding the Test Structure for Both IELTS and TOEFL.
- Focus on and master the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of English.
- Read English newspapers and academic articles, listen to English podcasts and news, and practice speaking with native speakers or study partners.
- Improving vocabulary and a solid grammar foundation are crucial for all sections of both tests.
- Practice animation-specific vocabulary and use previous mock papers and sample sheets.
Masters in Animation in Canada: Cutoff
Listed below is the cutoff for the Masters in Animation in Canada.
- requiring a qualification of Bachelor degree in arts degree 3-4 years' minimum
- A GPA of 3.0 on the scale of 5.0 or an overall average of 75 - 80%.
- There are no specific entrance exam cutoffs like GRE or GMAT for admission into a Masters in Animation in Canada. However, English language proficiency scores IELTS cutoffs accepted by top universities.
- English Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL-IBT: 105, and PTE: 59
Masters in Animation in Canada: Syllabus
Masters in Animation in Canada has a syllabus based on arts, designing, storytelling, character development, storyboarding, graphic designer, 3D modeling, digital production and much more.
Program structures vary by institution, but core topics remain constant.
Core Subject | Description |
Foundations | Life drawing, animation principles, storytelling, layout and design |
Technical Tools | Toon Boom, Maya/Blender, Nuke, Substance Painter, Zbrush |
Advanced Production | 2D/3D pipelines, character rigging, lighting & compositing, VFX |
Special Projects | Capstone film/animation thesis, short film workflows |
Industry Preparation | Co‑op/work term, internships, professional practice, portfolio development |
Electives & Expanded Media | VR/AR, stop-motion, sound design, visual storytelling, installation |
Masters in Animation in Canada: Electives & Specializations
Students who are pursuing a Masters in Animation in Canada have multiple specializations like character development, storyboarding, graphic design, 3D modeling, digital production, and much more. Some are listed below as well.
- 2D/3D Animation
- Game Design
- Visual Effects (VFX)
- Character Animation
- Motion Graphics
- Storyboarding
- Digital Media
Best Universities for Masters in Animation in Canada
Down here mentioned some of the best universities for Masters in Animation in Canada with its QS Ranking and its total number of seats.
QS Ranking 2024 | University | Seats |
2 | Sheridan College | 150+ seats |
551–560 | Concordia University | 200+ seats |
47 | University of British Columbia | does not publish |
242 | University of Calgary | does not publish |
328 | Simon Fraser University | 100+ seats |
Masters in Animation in Canada: Canada Vs. India
Some detailed comparisons of Masters in Animation in Canada vs. in India, covering duration, eligibility, fees, curriculum, and career scope.
Aspect | Australia | India |
Duration | 1-2 years | 2 years |
Eligibility | Bachelor degree in arts 3-4 years minimum with GPA of 3.0 on the scale of 5.0 or an overall average of 75 - 80%. IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL-IBT: 105, and PTE: 59. | Bachelor degree from a recognized university, typically with a minimum 50% aggregate score. |
Entrance Exams | No national exam, Portfolio and English test required | CUET PG. |
Top Universities | Sheridan College, Concordia University, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University. | IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and IIT Kanpur, BHU and more. |
Average Tuition Fees | CAD 18,000 – 45,000 (₹11 – ₹27.5 lakhs) | ₹1 – ₹5 lakhs annually |
Top Recruiter | Disney, Pixar, Ubisoft, Sony | Green Gold, Toonz Media, Reliance. |
Masters in Animation in Canada: Scholarships
Masters in Animation in Canada provides a few scholarships to its perfectly eligible students. The table below shows the eligibility criteria and amount for applying to the scholarship scheme.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
Jam Filled Diversity in Animation Scholarship | Animation students at specific colleges | CAD 3,000 |
Spin Master Entertainment Scholarship | Equity‑seeking animation students | CAD 12,500 |
Sheridan Animation Scholarships | Sheridan animation students | CAD 2,500+ |
Algonquin Awards | Algonquin animation/VFX students | Varies (merit/need-based) |
VFS Future Scholarship Fund | Animation, film, game design students | Full tuition fees |
International Tuition Awards, UBC | International master’s students | CAD 3,200/year |
QS Academic Excellence Scholarship, UBC | Master’s students with strong academics | Up to CAD 13,500 |
Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award, UBC | Eligible master’s students | CAD 3,379 |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Full-time grad students in Ontario | CAD 5,000 per term |
Quebec Merit Scholarship / Commonwealth Program | International students in eligible provinces | Varies |
Mitacs Graduate Internships | Graduate students (incl. animation/digital arts) | Stipends, research funding |
Schmeelk Canada Fellowship | Bilingual master’s students at select universities | CAD 10,000/semester |
Career Scope After Masters in Animation in Canada
After completing the Masters in Animation in Canada there is so much career scope in digital marketing, graphic designing, storytelling, and many more. The list below shows some of the Career scopes available after completion of Masters in Animation in Canada.
- 2D/3D Animator
- VFX Artist
- Character Designer
- Storyboard Artist
- Game Designer
- Art Director
- Animation Director
- Multimedia Specialist
- Motion Graphics Designer
- Concept Artist
Masters in Animation in Canada: Top Recruiters
Below are some of the top Recruiters of Masters in Animation in Canada.
- Walt Disney Animation Studios
- Ubisoft
- Pixar
- DreamWorks Animation
- EA Sports
- Nelvana
- Sony Pictures Animation
- Technicolor
- Bardel Entertainment
- Guru Studio
Masters in Animation in Canada: Salary Package
The table below shows the Annual Salary for various job roles in CAD($) and Indian rupee(₹) offered to Masters in Animation in Canada.
Job Title | Average Annual Salary (CAD$) | Equivalent Salary INR (₹) |
3D Animator | $60,000 | ₹36 lakhs |
VFX Artist | $55,000 | ₹33 lakhs |
Game Designer | $65,000 | ₹39 lakhs |
Character Animator | $58,000 | ₹35 lakhs |
Storyboard Artist | $54,000 | ₹32 lakhs |
Motion Graphics Designer | $60,000 | ₹36 lakhs |
Art Director | $80,000 | ₹49 lakhs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: What is the duration or time needed for completing Masters in Animation in Canada?
Ans: The duration is 1–2 years, depending on the university and program structure for doing Masters in Animation in Canada.
Ques: Do I need a portfolio to apply for Masters in Animation in Canada
Ans: Yes, a strong creative portfolio is mandatory for admission into most programs of Masters in Animation in Canada.
Ques: Is GRE required for Masters in Animation in Canada?
Ans: No, a GRE is not required for Masters in Animation in Canada.
Ques: What are the average fees for a Masters in Animation in Canada?
Ans: Tuition fees range around CAD 18,000 – 45,000 per year for completing Masters in Animation in Canada.
Ques: Can I get a work visa after completing a Masters in Animation in Canada?
Ans: Yes, international graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit valid upto 3 years after completing Masters in Animation in Canada.