Key Takeaways
- Vancouver Film School has been ranked the #1 Animation School in Canada for the 9th consecutive year by Animation Career Review.
- VFS also topped ACR’s Global Animation Programs list for the 7th year in a row.
- Criteria for ACR’s rankings include employment data, academic reputation, graduation rates, and more.
Vancouver Film School is pleased to announce that we’re once again at the top of Animation Career Review’s list of Top 10 Animation Programs in Canada and Top 25 Global Animation Programs.
This marks the ninth consecutive year and seventh consecutive year that VFS has topped the Canadian and international lists, respectively. ACR’s 2025 list features a variety of schools from around the world, including Spain, France, Sweden, Brazil, and more – with Canadian schools making up nearly 30% of the international list!
While we celebrate, read more about what this recognition means, how ACR adjudicates, and what all three of Vancouver Film School’s animation programs have to offer your career.
ABOUT ANIMATION CAREER REVIEW’S RANKINGS
Animation Career Review’s goal is to provide students with access to ample, informed information in their pursuit of post-secondary education.
Since 2012, ACR has released annual rankings that feature the best creative schools from around the world. The selection process is extensive, including criteria such as academic reputation, depth and breadth of faculty, graduation rate, and more.
For 2025, ACR considered more than 200 schools, factoring in school websites, LinkedIn (for employment data), and a detailed survey that each school is required to complete.
Portfolio work from 3D Animation & Visual Effects student Owen Wang. THE RESPONSE FROM VFS
Everyone here at VFS agrees – being featured on international lists by publications like Variety, Princeton Review, and Animation Career Review, while certainly humbling, is an incredible honour and reaffirmation that our commitment to industry-driven education, student success, and creative excellence continues to make an impact that is recognized globally.
Colin Giles, Head of Animation for Vancouver Film School, commented: “It’s an honour to once again be recognized at the top of Animation Career Review’s annual list of leading animation schools.”
“This achievement speaks to the incredible dedication of our faculty, the creativity of our students, and the impact our alumni are making in the industry. Being ranked number one for the ninth year is both a proud milestone and a powerful motivator for VFS to keep pushing the boundaries of animation and VFX education.”
HOW TO JOIN VFS’S WORLD-LEADING SCHOOL OF ANIMATION
A top film and animation school in Canada, Vancouver Film School offers three distinct post secondary animation programs that span the animation and VFX industries.
Our 3D Animation & Visual Effects program trains animators in 3D & VFX production pipelines, allowing them to specialize in their choice of 3D animation, modeling, or visual effects.
For those with nostalgia for traditional, 2D animation (think vintage Disney!), VFS’s Classical Animation program is perfect for mastering hand-drawn animation, storyboarding, art direction, and more.
Finally, our Animation Concept Art focuses on creating compelling characters & environments from square one for film, television, games, and beyond.
No matter which program you choose, you’ll be trained by industry animators (the best at their craft!) in a world-class production centre and emerge with a vast network of connections and a powerful career portfolio that will serve as your calling card to the industry.
If you’re waiting for a sign to start your journey to an animation industry career – THIS IS IT! Book an appointment with a VFS Advisor, and read about recent VFS Animation alumni success, including two Classical Animation alumni who founded Wild Animation Festival and the MANY Vancouver Film School alumni credited on Marvel films and series.
FAQ
1. What is Animation Career Review?
Animation Career Review is a trusted resource for students researching top creative schools. Since 2012, they’ve ranked the best global institutions in animation and related fields.
2. What makes VFS a top animation school every year?
VFS offers production-focused, accelerated training led by industry professionals, resulting in strong graduate outcomes, cutting-edge portfolios, and global employment success.
3. How many VFS programs are included in this ranking?
All three VFS animation programs – 3D Animation & VFX, Classical Animation, and Animation Concept Art – contribute to this ranking.
4. How do I apply to VFS?
You can book an appointment with an Admissions Advisor at vfs.edu/appointment to learn about start dates, program details, and how to apply.