Higher Certificate in
2D Animation

Launch your 2D animation career. Master the principles of animation and visual storytelling while building a professional portfolio ready for industry or further studies.

Apply Now

Programme

Your Path to a Career
in 2D Animation

This full-time, fully online, 1-year programme, kick-starts your journey to becoming a world-class animator. You’ll strengthen your drawing, master the 12 Principles of Animation, and develop visual storytelling from pre‑production to post-production using industry‑standard tools like Toon Boom Harmony, Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
Through guided projects, critiques, and a capstone mini‑production, you’ll build a polished portfolio and showreel that illustrate your new-found skills. When you’re ready to level up, the Higher Certificate provides a clear pathway into our Diploma in Digital Animation.

Modules

Through guided projects, critiques, and a capstone mini‑production, you’ll build a polished portfolio and showreel that illustrate your new-found skills. When you’re ready to level up, the Higher Certificate provides a clear pathway into our Diploma in Digital Animation.

Drawing For Animation

Visual Story

2D Animation

Animation History and Context

Professional Studies

How to apply

Your Step-by-Step Application Guide

Here’s how to apply, from preparing your Comic Strip to submitting your documents.

Apply now Watch the video

Step one

Prepare Your Portfolio

All applicants are required to present 2-4 artworks or a six-panel comic strip.
Your portfolio and comic strip needs to be complete as follows:

First make sure to download the template

In the six panels, illustrate your journey applying to the animation school, or show us how to apply to the animation school.

Use whatever medium you are comfortable with.
Digital art; Pencil; Ink; Paint. It's up to you!

Your comic strip and portfolio will be assessed against the following criteria: 

• Overall Impression
• Storytelling (Comic Strip)
• Proportions
• Technique
• Shading

No traced, copied, or AI-generated work will be accepted.

Get creative! As long as the prompted story is still clear throughout your comic strip, be as abstract as you like. This is your moment to show off.

Finally, scan or photograph your comic strip (if you chose to print out the template.) and/or your 2-4 pieces of artwork and save it as a PDF document.

Step Two

Write a Letter of Motivation

Write a one-page (A4) motivation letter telling us why you want to study at The Animation School.

Step Three

Prepare Your Matric Results

Scan or photograph your latest matric results or National Seniour Certificate, academic transcript, or equivalent international qualification

Your results must indicate that you have been granted admission to study a higher certificate at a tertiary institute.

Step four

Complete the Application Form

Once you have completed your comic strip, click any ‘Apply Now’ button on this page and complete the online application form. You can save and continue later if you need to.  

Check to make sure you’ve completed all the fields in the application form. Then, upload the following:

Your letter of motivation

Your comic strip or portfolio

Your national senior certificate, academic transcript, or equivalent international qualification

An ID photo (in colour)

Study Online

Learn Animation Your Way,
Wherever You Are

Our higher certificate is a full-time programme and is delivered completely online. Allowing you to study at the location of your choosing!

Online Learning

Developed by industry experts and animation academics, our online courses allow students to master in-demand animation techniques from anywhere.

Learn more

Testimonials

What Graduates Say About The Animation School

"I got to meet and grow with so many talented people,

as well as learn from some amazing and passionate teachers. The Animation School set the foundation that would allow me to jumpstart my career as an Animator. I would definitely recommend The Animation School to anyone who wants to learn animation."

Jesse Sumares

Alumni at The Animation school

"Studying at The Animation School was a really cool experience.

The academic staff take great care of their students, while still maintaining an excellent level of course content. They provided us with a lot of breathing room to do our own thing, yet always made sure that the fundamentals were being drilled in. I learned a lot and I had a blast doing it."

Gerhard van der Merwe

Alumni at The Animation school

"As an Alumni, I managed to secure employment within my area of study

thanks to the amazing networking opportunities the college’s industry day provided me. My second-year lecturer in particular has such passion for the skills she was teaching and certainly passed on that passion to her students too."

Justin Pedersen

Alumni at The Animation School

"The networking events such as the Animation Exchange and Industry Day,

have proven integral in my career as they have delivered a host of opportunities. I owe my knowledge and confidence as an artist to the support received from the industry professionals who lecture at the college. It is one of the few places where students find a safe haven to express themselves among like-minded individuals."

Alison Parker

Alumni at The Animation school

"The Animation school is a really amazing place to study animation,

I would highly recommend it, if one wanted to go into the animation industry as a career, it's the best possible start one can get in animation, and leads you into the industry comfortably, with a really good set of skills."

Keano Smith

Alumni at The Animation School

"Through The Animation School and my incredible lecturers guided me

and nurtured my strengths which lead me to pursuing them in the industry. I thoroughly enjoyed the external workshops that gave me insight to the industry. It will be a lifelong passion and purpose that I can invest into. The Animation School really does give this opportunity to each and every student. It is a very special gift."

Christine Le Clezio

Alumni at The Animation School

"I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 years at The Animation School.

It was some of my bestyears. I learned a lot as an artist and person, and I am grateful for the opportunity I had at The Animation School."

Aman Goshalia-Naran

Alumni at The Animation School

"I think TAS is a good place to learn and grow as an artist,

especially for people who are not sure what they want to do in the industry TAS gives us a good understanding of the pipeline and how to do well in the industry, I believe TAS has the potential to further become one of the best schools in the world in terms of animation and rise further above it's current position."

Mthuthuzeli Ngcobondwane

Alumni at The Animation School

"I got to meet and grow with so many talented people,

Jesse Sumares

Alumni at The Animation school

"Studying at The Animation School was a really cool experience.

Gerhard van der Merwe

Alumni at The Animation school

"As an Alumni, I managed to secure employment within my area of study

Justin Pedersen

Alumni at The Animation School

"The networking events such as the Animation Exchange and Industry Day,

Alison Parker

Alumni at The Animation school

"The Animation school is a really amazing place to study animation,

Keano Smith

Alumni at The Animation School

"Through The Animation School and my incredible lecturers guided me

Christine Le Clezio

Alumni at The Animation School

"I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 years at The Animation School.

It was some of my bestyears. I learned a lot as an artist and person, and I am grateful for the opportunity I had at The Animation School."

Aman Goshalia-Naran

Alumni at The Animation School

"I think TAS is a good place to learn and grow as an artist,

Mthuthuzeli Ngcobondwane

Alumni at The Animation School

careers

Enter Internships, Junior Level Careers or Study Further

Graduates are prepared to begin exploring internships, junior-level creative opportunities, or to continue into more advanced programmes.

Production Intern

Junior 2D Animator (support tasks)

Junior Storyboard Assistant

Junior Concept Art Assistant

Production Assistant

Digital Content Assistant

Q&A

Do You Have Questions About the Higher Certificate in 2D Animation?

Find answers to common questions about the Higher Certificate in 2D Animation.
Still have questions?

Download the Info Pack

Is This Higher Certificate Accredited?

Yes, this qualification is accredited by the Council on Higher Education.

The programme details are as follows:

• Abbreviation: HCert(2D Animation
• SAQA ID: 124629
• NQF Level: 5
• Total Credits: 120
• Minimum Duration: One Year full-time

Can I Study Animation Part-Time While I Work?

The one-year Higher Certificate in 2D Animation is a full-time programme with
live classes, regular assignments, and collaborative activities scheduled
during the day (typically between 08:30 and 16:30).

We discourage Higher Certificate students from working part-time during the term,
as this programme’s workload is very demanding.

However, we offer a variety of short online animation courses for anyone
who wants to learn animation skills but is unable to attend classes full-time.

What Does It Cost to Study Computer Animation?

Our 2026 tuition fees for South African and other African students range
between R65,000 and R70,000 (subject to your payment schedule).
Tuition for international students costs R85,000, with the full amount due on registration.

Tuition fees include free access to Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Storyboarder but exclude any compulsory books, other software,
digital drawing equipment and/or removable hard drives required to
complete day-to-day responsibilities. All students should budget an
additional R3,000 per year for these expenses

Download Info Pack

Do You Offer Financial Assistance?

The Animation School only awards internal scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, skill, and work ethic.

For first-year students, we recommend exploring the following external
funding opportunities:

• Student Hero is a funding platform that connects students with
multiple funding providers. You can apply online, check your
affordability, and get guidance on student loan options.

- Email: hello@studenthero.co.za
- Tel: 061 585 3490

• National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) offers bursaries to
talented South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Applications typically open in July for a limited two-month window.

• Oasis Bursary Programme provides support for students through its
award-winning investment firm.

• MultiChoice Talent Factory offers full tuition bursaries for students
entering second year or higher at qualifying institutions.

• Nestlé Bursary Programme is focused on upskilling young talent
through education support.

We encourage students to begin their funding search early and reach out
to these organisations directly to explore the best options available.

See our Info Pack for more information about financial assistance and
bursaries.

What Animation Software Will I Use?

You will develop proficiency in the following software packages used by the animation industry:

● Toon Boom Harmony Premium (2D Animation Software)
● Adobe Photoshop (painting & texturing software)
● Adobe Premiere (video-editing software)

● Full Adobe Creative Cloud Access

Tuition fees include free access to the above-mentioned software. You will receive a full list and installation instructions
upon registration.

What Computer Specs Do I Need to Study Animation?

Because animation software is demanding, students need a powerful
desktop computer to complete the Diploma in Digital Animation. Below are
the minimum and recommended specifications:

Recommended (Mid-Range) Requirements:

● Intel i7 processor
● 32GB RAM
● 512GB SSD (for fast performance)
● 1TB hard drive (for storage)
● 4GB graphics card
● 27-inch monitor
● Microsoft Windows
● Gaming keyboard and mouse (for durability and responsiveness)

We strongly recommend using a Windows desktop setup rather than a
laptop, as it offers better performance and reliability for the intensive
software used throughout the course. Investing in the right equipment will
ensure students can fully engage with the course content and avoid
unnecessary technical issues.

What Kind of Internet Connection Is Needed?

To participate fully in the online programmes, you need a stable and
reliable broadband internet connection. This is especially important for
attending live classes, uploading assignments, and accessing video
content.

We recommend the following minimum internet speeds:

● Download Speed: 10–25 Mbps
● Upload Speed: 3–5 Mbps

A wired connection (LAN cable) is often more stable than Wi-Fi, especially
during live sessions. We also recommend having an uncapped data plan if
possible, as animation software and media files can be large.

Before your programme starts, you will receive a tech checklist and support to ensure your setup is ready for online learning.

How Are Students Assessed?

All assessments in the Higher Cerrtificare are designed to evaluate a student's
understanding of animation principles, creative thinking, and technical
skills—and all of them can be completed fully online, without the need to
attend campus.

We use a variety of assessment methods to help students demonstrate their learning and prepare for the demands of the animation industry. These include:

● Essays and reports to develop written communication, research, and
reflection skills

● Creative writing assignments such as short stories and scripts to
strengthen storytelling and narrative design

● Practical projects such as hands-on animation tasks where students
apply what they’ve learned to create original work

● Portfolios or collections of work that show growth and development
over time

● Presentations where students pitch ideas or showcase work, either
live or pre-recorded

● Quizzes and tests to check students’ understanding of key concepts
and theory

● Peer and self-assessment to encourage students to evaluate their
own work and provide constructive feedback to others

These assessments are submitted through our online platforms and are marked by lecturers, sometimes with input from peers or external reviewers. Feedback is provided regularly to support ongoing learning and
improvement.

Do Graduates Easily Find Careers in Animation?

Yes, 80-90% of our graduates find secure employment in the local
animation industry, and several have gone on to work in the US, Canada,
and Europe.

Does South Africa Have a Strong Animation Industry?

Yes, South Africa has a well-established and ever-growing animation
industry. It is home to several award-winning animation studios producing
world-class content, including Triggerfish Animation Studios, Mind’s Eye
Creative, Sunrise Animation Studios, and Hidden Hand Studios.

See our Blog Post to learn more about the best South African Animation Studios.

Do Students Have Access to Facilitators Outside of Class Time?

Yes, students have access to their facilitators outside of scheduled class
times. While facilitators may be busy with other classes or meetings during the day, they are committed to supporting students and will respond as
soon as possible.

Students can contact lecturers and facilitators via:

● Discussion forums on Moodle for general questions and peer
support

● Chat groups on Microsoft Teams for quick updates and informal
discussions

● Email for direct communication

● One-on-one appointments, which can be scheduled when more in-
depth support is needed

We encourage students to make use of these channels and reach out
whenever they need help or feedback.

Will There Be Online Communities or Forums to Interact With Classmates?

Yes! There are class-based Microsoft Teams chat groups, Discord Channels and Moodle discussion forums where students can share ideas, ask questions, and stay in touch with their classmates outside of the live sessions.

In addition to class-based chat groups and discussion forums, we’re committed to creating a vibrant online community where students can connect, collaborate, and support one another.

We’re also working on launching a range of online community initiatives, including:

● Social meetups and game nights to help students relax and get to know each other

● Interest-based channels (e.g., sketching, gaming, movies, tech tips)

● Creative challenges and virtual exhibitions to celebrate student work and talent

We believe that building friendships, sharing experiences, and feeling part of a supportive community are just as important as academic success—and we’ll provide the space for students to do just that, even in a virtual environment.

Can International Students Apply?

Yes, international students are welcome to apply for the online Diploma in
Digital Animation. Please note that live classes are scheduled in South
African Standard Time (SAST), so time zone differences may affect your
availability for sessions.

If you have foreign qualifications (including but not limited to Cambridge,
GED, or homeschooling), you must submit them to the South African
Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for evaluation before applying. This is to
confirm whether you meet the minimum general admission requirements
for higher education in South Africa.

We’ll support you through this process and provide guidance if you need
assistance with the evaluation.

Can I Transfer From Another Animation Programme?

Yes. You can apply for credit transfer through our Credit Accumulation and
Transfer (CAT) process.

To be considered, the modules you’ve completed must cover similar content, learning outcomes, and assessments as those in our Higher Certificate. You’ll need to submit an official academic record, module descriptions, and a reference letter from your current institution.

Please note: no more than 50% of the total credits can be transferred, and each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. CAT applications close on 31 October 2026.

Can I Apply if I Don’t Meet the Academic Requirements but Have Work Experience?

Yes. If you’re 23 or older and have relevant experience in the field, you may apply through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. You’ll need to follow the usual application steps and request the RPL application when you submit your portfolio. Applications for RPL also close on 31 October 2026.