Courses / Programs
Courses/Programs
Get the skills you need for a successful career in the animation industry. Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to specialise, our programmes give you the skills, confidence, and portfolio to thrive in the global animation space.
Discover the School
Discover the School
Whether you thrive in the vibrant energy of a city campus or prefer the flexibility of online learning, The Animation School provides a range of options to suit your needs. Explore our world-class campuses in Cape Town and Johannesburg, or study from anywhere through our online option.
Admission
Admission
Take the first step towards your career in animation with our complete guide to applying for the Diploma in Digital Animation and short courses.
About us
About us
With a singular focus on animation, we offer a range of programmes shaped by the latest industry standards and delivered by passionate educators committed to helping students succeed.
the animation school
Since opening our doors in 2000, The Animation School has grown into one of the world’s top institutions for animation education. Not only are our graduates sought after worldwide, but we’re also respected for steering the industry from the classroom outward.
2000
The Animation School Officially Registers
Two visionaries—Nuno Martins and Peter den Hartogh—ask a bold question that would change South African animation forever: “Why do so many graduates leave college unprepared for the demands of the studio?”
On 18 July 1918 (Nelson Mandela’s birthday), they open The Animation School as the answer to this question. Their idea for The Animation School is not about chasing prestige. It is about serving the industry by producing graduates who are studio-ready from day one.
2001
The First Class of Students Starts
In a single Cape Town classroom, 30 eager students join the first class of 2001.
The school’s ethos is simple: keep it real, keep it relevant. Every critique, every assignment, and every film is measured against world-class standards.
2003
Award-Winning HIV Awareness Commercial Airs
A student’s HIV awareness commercial wins The Animation School its first award. It airs on South African television for an entire year and is proof that the school can produce work that matters—even in its infancy—and make a national impact.
2005 - 2006
The School Moves and Expands
Having outgrown its humble beginnings, The Animation School moves to a bigger space in Woodstock. It also expands its diploma to three years, aligning with feature-film expectations.
2014 - 2015
Leadership Changes and Johannesburg Campus Launches
The Animation School enters its next leadership chapter as Peter den Hartogh steps back and Nuno Martins assumes sole leadership.
At the same time, Rhiannon Reid joins as Academic Director, ensuring The Animation School’s growing curriculum aligns with both industry demands and regulatory standards. This growth is driven in large part by passionate lecturers who shape the curriculum and inspire students to produce excellent work.
The Animation School also launches its Johannesburg campus, becoming a truly national institution.
2016 - 2018
International Collaborations and Festival Recognition
Partnerships with Gobelins (Paris) and the Émile Cohl School (Lyon) connect The Animation School to the heart of European animation.
In 2016, one of our student films, Arid, is selected for the Annecy International Animation Festival—the Cannes of animation.
By 2018, The Animation School is not just a South African story. It is an international one.
2020
Digital Pivot During Lockdown
The Animation School successfully transitions to online teaching during lockdown via MS Teams, Discord, recorded content, and remote collaboration.
2021
Rebrand With Bold Red ‘A’ Logo
The Animation School introduces our bold red ‘A’ logo and launches a new website.
2023 - 2024
Network Expansion and Global Recognition
Ownership of The Animation School transfers to Honoris United Universities, integrating the school into Africa’s largest pan-African education network.
During this period, The Animation School also surpasses 195 international awards and earns a top-10 global ranking in Animation Career Review.
2025
25-Year Celebration, Digital Expansion, and Next Phase
Our graduates work all over the world, adding their creativity and discipline to Hollywood blockbusters, Netflix originals, and Emmy-winning series. Their fingerprints are on the global stage, which is a claim no other African animation school can make.
Significantly, The Animation School is preparing to launch its Online Diploma in 2026.
In the new age of technology and AI, The Animation School continues to engage with seasoned professionals with decades of experience to successfully guide the school into the next decade.
Our certifications
We are proudly ranked 10th globally in the 2024 Animation Career Review. This prestigious global and local recognition highlights the exceptional work and growing worldwide acclaim our graduates are earning, showcasing their impact on the international animation scene.
#1
animation school in Africa
11th
animation school globally in 2025
195+
awards in 25 years
NQF Level 6
accredited Diploma in Digital Animation
Our school
Study animation online or attend one of our state-of-the-art campuses in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Whether you thrive in the vibrant energy of a city campus or prefer the flexibility of online learning, The Animation School provides a range of options to suit your needs.
Cape Town Campus
Located in trendy Woodstock, our Cape Town campus provides students with 24-hour access to an acting space, a sound recording room, and high-spec computers loaded with industry-relevant software.
Johannesburg Campus
Situated in a secure complex in Randburg, our world-class Johannesburg campus is easily accessible using public transport and offers ample off-street parking. It also offers an acting space, a sound recording room, and fully-equipped computers.
Online Learning
Developed by industry experts and animation academics, our online courses allow students to master in-demand animation techniques from anywhere.
About us
Our school offers a three-year diploma in animation and short courses that will set you apart. Our goal is to produce world-class animation professionals who will have all the tools to thrive in the animation industry.
Study in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or online
Learn from industry experts and animation academics
About us
The Animation School is more than a college. It is a movement—a force that built an industry, empowered a generation, and placed Africa on the world’s animation stage.
Whether you’re just starting out in animation or looking to upskill, you can choose to study at one of our state-of-the-art campuses or online. Whatever your goals, we have a programme to suit your needs. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
Join our interactive two-hour Diploma in Digital Animation presentation
Ask questions and see examples of student work
