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The two-year 3D Animation for Film & Games diploma program gives you the skills to bring 3D computer-generated characters and environments to life.

You'll start your 3D animation schooling by learning the key techniques of 3D and animation software, receiving coaching from instructors and industry professionals who have decades of real world experience, with many still working in the film, TV and video games industries today.

If you're looking to get an exciting career in animation off the ground, the 3D Animation courses at CapU are where you start. Scroll down to learn more or get in touch today. 

Unreal Engine academic partner

The logo for Unreal Engine academic partners in 2024  - 175 wide. This program is an Unreal Engine academic partner.

The CapU School of AVFX also offers Unreal Engine Workshops, all facilitated by experienced Unreal Authorized instructors.

CapU 3D animation student working on a drawing tablet.

Focused animation career training

Expand your creative skills, with courses in visual effects, storytelling, lighting, rendering, character animation and 3D modeling. CapU’s 3D animation school will prepare you for many career paths in the industry:

Career paths

  • Character and creature animator
  • Character designer
  • Concept artist
  • Environment artist
  • Hard surface modeler
  • Lighting artist
  • Rigger
  • Surface artist

Advanced training with an emphasis on the fundamentals

Throughout your coursework, you’ll learn how to create and animate with industry-standard software to make sure you’re set for a career in television, film or game development.

To keep sharp, you'll also take courses in life drawing, concept art, animation technique, technical direction, rigging, production techniques and entrepreneurship.

Develop a 3D animation portfolio

Throughout the program, you'll receive guidance and support from your instructors as you build up a demo reel portfolio with the videos and games animated by you that will help you get noticed by Vancouver's top animation companies.

3D Animation Courses for Film and Games at CapU

Learn more about how the 3D animation program at CapU can help you develop the technical skills to work in TV, film and gaming.

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Contact us

For more information about the 3D Animation courses, contact us today.

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Information sessions

Plan ahead with this calendar of important program information sessions and open houses.

Upcoming info sessions

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Intakes

Important dates

Applications open

Oct 1, 2024 – Mar 11, 2025

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Jun 23, 2025

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Aug 25, 2025

NOTE: Important dates may change.

How to Apply

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay an application fee of $50, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs. 
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If you are currently in Grade 12, you must request that the Ministry of Education submit your transcript directly to Capilano University.
  • Documents must be in the original language of issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Submit an online application to Capilano University, this is required before you submit your portfolio.

Applicants must submit their portfolio through the online portal SlideRoom.

upload to SlideRoom

The portfolio must consist of 15–24 images demonstrating your artistic and creative skills. Post only your best and most recent work. The portfolio should consist of a variety of the following types of artwork:

Life Drawing: Quick sketches, gesture drawings and sustained drawings of the human figure, clothed or nude or animals in various action poses. The drawings should show accurate proportions and your ability to draw structure (the simple shapes that make up the form). Make sure these drawings show a diversity of poses and angles (i.e. More than front on or profile views). Studies of anatomy, faces, hands, etc… are good additions.

Prop and Location Designs: This would include drawings of objects, location designs, scenery, vehicles, architectural drawings, still life, etc...These drawings should convey an understanding of line, light and shadow, colour, design and perspective.

Original Character Designs: This will showcase your interest in animated characters. This may include action poses, character expressions, model sheets, turnarounds and illustrations.

Original drawings, designs, sculpture, paintings or computer graphics work:
These will showcase other related artistic abilities and interests. This may be a selection of artwork that best describes your personal artistic interests and influences as well as the depth of your artistic achievements and may include website design, computer graphics, 3D images, motion graphics, fine art, photography or sculpture work.

Traditional and hand-drawn work should be scanned. If you don't have access to a scanner check your local library or school. In a pinch a digital camera will work, however, the quality will likely not be as good due to lighting issues (like using a flash). Photographing artwork on an overcast day without a flash will give better results.

In addition to uploading a portfolio, you will also be required to answer some questions that address your interests and reasons for applying to the 3D Animation for Film and Games diploma program.

Once you create your account in SlideRoom, you can begin uploading your portfolio and other requirements. Take your time; you may edit your submission as much as you like but remember that we can review it only after you click the SUBMIT button!

What not to include in your portfolio

Originality is vital. Do not submit work that is not your own. If you have to include drawings you made from an anatomy book or any kind of group project, make sure you label what is not yours and whose work it is. If we see work that is not yours but looks like you're trying to pass it off as yours, it will reflect poorly on the whole portfolio.

Drawing from photographs is less impressive than drawings from life because, with a photo, much of the work is done for you already (and it usually looks flat and lifeless anyway). If you have to send us drawings you copied from photos, make sure you still have lots of examples of life drawing and sketchbook work. 

Good luck!

Important Dates and Deadlines

Fall 2025

  • Apply to Capilano University before submitting your portfolio to SlideRoom.
  • Portfolios submitted without a corresponding University program application will not be reviewed.
  • The deadline for uploading your portfolio is 11:59 p.m. (PST) on March 11, 2025.
  • Only portfolios uploaded to SlideRoom will be reviewed.

Applicants are encouraged to attend one of our free open house sessions before applying in order to see the facilities, talk to students, observe their work and ask questions about our programs.

For students who have previously attended post-secondary, even though you submitted a digital copy of your transcripts on EducationPlannerBC, you must submit official university or college transcripts for transfer credit.

Please send all official documents to:

Registrar's Office
Library Building, Room LB152
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and the signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing university or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Once you've been accepted into a program, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
  • If you wish to receive transfer credits, please submit official university/college/International Baccalaureate (IB)/Advanced Placements (AP) transcripts either electronically or by mail:

     

    Registrar's Office
    Library Building, Room LB152
    2055 Purcell Way
    North Vancouver, BC
    V7J 3H5

New Students

Most CapU programs need proof that you:

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of C$135, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs.
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If your original transcripts and supporting documents are not written in English, please submit a translated copy.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.
Funding for International Students

Submit an online application to Capilano University, this is required before you submit your portfolio.

Applicants must submit their portfolio through the online portal SlideRoom.

upload to SlideRoom

The portfolio must consist of 15–24 images demonstrating your artistic and creative skills. Post only your best and most recent work. The portfolio should consist of a variety of the following types of artwork:

Life Drawing: Quick sketches, gesture drawings and sustained drawings of the human figure, clothed or nude or animals in various action poses. The drawings should show accurate proportions and your ability to draw structure (the simple shapes that make up the form). Make sure these drawings show a diversity of poses and angles (i.e. More than front on or profile views). Studies of anatomy, faces, hands, etc… are good additions.

Prop and Location Designs: This would include drawings of objects, location designs, scenery, vehicles, architectural drawings, still life, etc...These drawings should convey an understanding of line, light and shadow, colour, design and perspective.

Original Character Designs: This will showcase your interest in animated characters. This may include action poses, character expressions, model sheets, turnarounds and illustrations.

Original drawings, designs, sculpture, paintings or computer graphics work:
These will showcase other related artistic abilities and interests. This may be a selection of artwork that best describes your personal artistic interests and influences as well as the depth of your artistic achievements and may include website design, computer graphics, 3D images, motion graphics, fine art, photography or sculpture work.

Traditional and hand-drawn work should be scanned. If you don't have access to a scanner check your local library or school. In a pinch a digital camera will work, however, the quality will likely not be as good due to lighting issues (like using a flash). Photographing artwork on an overcast day without a flash will give better results.

In addition to uploading a portfolio, you will also be required to answer some questions that address your interests and reasons for applying to the 3D Animation for Film and Games diploma program.

Once you create your account in SlideRoom, you can begin uploading your portfolio and other requirements. Take your time; you may edit your submission as much as you like but remember that we can review it only after you click the SUBMIT button!

What not to include in your portfolio

Originality is vital. Do not submit work that is not your own. If you have to include drawings you made from an anatomy book or any kind of group project, make sure you label what is not yours and whose work it is. If we see work that is not yours but looks like you're trying to pass it off as yours, it will reflect poorly on the whole portfolio.

Drawing from photographs is less impressive than drawings from life because, with a photo, much of the work is done for you already (and it usually looks flat and lifeless anyway). If you have to send us drawings you copied from photos, make sure you still have lots of examples of life drawing and sketchbook work. 

Good luck!

Important Dates and Deadlines

Fall 2025

  • Apply to Capilano University before submitting your portfolio to SlideRoom.
  • Portfolios submitted without a corresponding University program application will not be reviewed.
  • The deadline for uploading your portfolio is 11:59 p.m. (PST) on March 11, 2025.
  • Only portfolios uploaded to SlideRoom will be reviewed.

Applicants are encouraged to attend one of our free open house sessions before applying in order to see the facilities, talk to students, observe their work and ask questions about our programs.

You've already sent digital copies of your transcripts to EducationPlannerBC as part of your CapU application, but we also need physical copies of your official high school, college or university transcripts.

If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Please send your official documents to:

Capilano University
Centre for International Experience, Room LB127
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Students must submit official high school and university or college transcripts for admission.

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing high school, university, or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

If you are accepted into a program, you will receive a letter of offer in your myCapU email inbox.

  • You will need to confirm your acceptance into the program by paying a tuition deposit outlined in your letter of offer.
  • This deposit will go towards your first-semester tuition once you are registered for courses at CapU.

After paying your tuition deposit, you will receive a letter of acceptance in your myCapU inbox. This may be used to apply for, or renew, a study permit.

  • Depending on your citizenship, you may also need to apply for an entry visa.
Permits & Visas

Once you've been accepted into a program and have applied for your study permit, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted international students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
Info for Admitted International Students

Apply Now

Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Apply now to CapU

Transfer Students

Find out how you can transfer your credits from another post-secondary institution to CapU.

Applying as a Transfer Student

Returning Students

If you're returning to CapU to complete your program or to apply into a new program, please contact the Registrar's Office.

Contact Registrar's Office

Switching Programs

If you want to change your program of study, you need to submit a new application to CapU.

Re-apply to CapU

Tuition and Fees

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $19,428 $1,792 $21,220
Year 2 $16,276 $1,782 $18,058
Total $35,704 $3,574 $39,278
Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $36,647 $1,792 $38,439
Year 2 $31,200 $1,782 $32,982
Total $67,847 $3,574 $71,421

Tuition & Fees Estimator

Get a detailed breakdown of the tuition and fees for your program.

Calculate my fees

Entrance Awards

All new CapU students can fund their education with entrance awards.

See if I qualify

Term Awards

Continuing your studies at CapU? You may be eligible for awards, too.

Take me to the awards

Required Courses

First Term

Total credits: 17.25

Required:
DIGI 1303D Animation I4.50 credits
DIGI 1323D Design for Production I4.50 credits
DIGI 134Technical Direction and Rigging I3.00 credits
DIGI 136Life Drawing for Animators I2.25 credits
ENGL 100University Writing Strategies3.00 credits

 

Second Term

Total credits: 18.00

Required:
DIGI 1403D Animation II4.50 credits
DIGI 1423D Design for Production II4.50 credits
DIGI 144Technical Direction and Rigging II3.00 credits
DIGI 146Life Drawing for Animators II2.25 credits
DIGI 148Concept Art and Design I2.25 credits
DIGI 149Animation Action Analysis1.50 credits

 

Third Term

Total credits: 15.00

Required:
DIGI 234Technical Direction and Rigging III3.00 credits
DIGI 237The Art of Visual Storytelling3.00 credits
DIGI 238Concept Art and Design II2.25 credits
Choose 6.75 credits from the following list:
DIGI 2303D Animation III6.75 credits
DIGI 2323D Design for Production III6.75 credits

 

Fourth Term

Total credits: 14.25

Required:
ANIM 210Entrepreneurship in the Animation Industry1.50 credits
DIGI 243Look Development and Lighting3.00 credits
ENGL or CMNS 100 level or higher3.00 credits
Choose 6.75 credits from the following list:
DIGI 2403D Animation IV6.75 credits
DIGI 2423D Design for Production IV6.75 credits

Total program credits: 64.50

Additional information

Continuation Requirement: Students must successfully complete the required and elected 3D Animation (DIGI) course credits in one term before continuing to the next term.

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate the skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional attitude necessary to function as a production artist in the animation industry.
  • Develop a plan to continue with lifelong learning, creative achievement, and professional growth.
  • Work in a creative production in a professional, responsible and confident manner.
  • Define and apply the concepts and production skills required to develop professional quality animation from initial concept through final production.
  • Create and maintain a professional portfolio that meets industry expectations and showcases their artistic and technical achievements.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge, dedication and work ethic required to be a successful member of a production team.
  • Collaborate on team projects while being responsible for creating and managing time, resources and outcomes.

How to Declare

For the official publication of programs, course descriptions and admission requirements please view the Capilano University Calendar.

Have a question?

Get in touch with us!

About this program

School of Animation & Visual Effects
604 983 7516
Bosa Centre for Film and Animation
animation@capilanou.ca

General inquiries

Student Information Services
Library Building, room LB152

604-984-4900
604-984-1798 (fax)
registration@capilanou.ca