Short courses, big impact

Rating: 5
Author: Nini Van Der Walt

Level up your creative skills with our industry-aligned short animation courses in South Africa. Designed specifically for beginners and part-time learners, our flexible programs allow you to master the fundamentals of digital art without putting your career or studies on hold. With specialised online options available, you can learn from anywhere and take your first step toward a career in the animation industry.

Our short courses

Master Animation Skills That
Set You Apart

Intro to 2D Animation

Online

6 weeks

25 July 2026

Learn how to create simple 2D animations using the free animation software, Krita.

Intermediate 2D Animation

Online

6 weeks

13 June 2026

Learn how to create 2D animations using the free animation software, Krita.

Visual Storytelling: Storyboarding Foundations

Online

6 weeks

9 June 2026

Learn the key principles of animation storyboarding. Create a portfolio of storyboard work to industry standard.

Intro to 3D Animation

Online

6 weeks

11 July 2026

Learn the basic workings of Autodesk Maya and use it to create 3D models and environments.

Intermediate 3D Texturing

Online

6 Weeks

20 June 2026

Specialise in the complete workflow of texturing and rendering a hard-surface prop using Adobe Substance 3D Painter and Substance 3D Stager.

Intro to Stop Motion

Online

6 weeks

11 July 2026

Get hands-on experience creating a short stop-motion animation using simple materials and your smartphone.

Intro to Motion Graphics

Online

6 weeks

9 July 2026

Design, animate, and export professional-looking motion graphics step-by-step using Adobe After Effects.

Brand in Motion: Kinetic Typography

Online

6 WEEKS

11 June 2026

Advance your motion design skills by exploring audio-driven animation, refined timing, and visual storytelling.

Digital Drawing

Online

4 weeks

We have partnered with the Dweba School to offer classes for scholars and artists interested in gaining digital drawing skills required in the digital animation field.

At a Glance: Short Animation Courses

Skill Level Required: Beginner to Intermediate (prior background knowledge is required for the advanced modules).
Study Formats: Flexible online learning and part-time schedules available.
Who it’s for: Aspiring digital artists, professionals upskilling, and high school students exploring career paths.

Enquire about Upcoming Intakes Book Your Open Day Spot

Choosing Your Path: Diploma vs. Short Courses

Not sure which program fits your goals? Here is a quick breakdown of how our intensive short courses compare to our full-time qualification.

Feature	Short Courses	Full-Time Diploma
Ideal For	Beginners, hobbyists, and professionals looking to upskill.	Career-focused individuals seeking full industry entry.
Time Commitment	Part-time / Flexible online hours.	Full-time intensive study.
Duration	Focused, short-term modules (typically 4–6 weeks).	3 Years.
Focus Area	Single discipline (e.g., 2D, 3D, or Motion Graphics).	Comprehensive, end-to-end digital animation pipeline.
Outcome	Foundational skills and specialised micro-credentials.	Professional portfolio and accredited qualification.

Testimonial

A word from our students

"The 2D Animation short course was truly life-changing. Learning the fundamentals of frame-by-frame animation and character drawing was incredibly rewarding. The lecturers are world-class animators - knowledgeable, inspiring, and down-to-earth.

We were lucky to learn from industry leaders. The Animation School staff were also fantastic - quick to respond and made the online platform seamless and easy to use.

I’ll definitely be back for more courses!"

Nini Van Der Walt

2D Animation Student

Q&A

Do You Have Questions About the Short Courses?

Find answers to common questions about the Short Courses in Digital Animation. Still have questions?

Where can I study to become an animator in South Africa?

You have a few options across South Africa, ranging from general digital arts courses at private colleges to specialised programs. The Animation School focuses entirely on animation, offering a dedicated three-year diploma and short courses designed to get you industry-ready and connected with top studios.

Which animation course takes 6 weeks to complete?

Short animation courses typically last around 6 - 8 weeks, focusing on specific skills like 2D or 3D animation. These courses are designed for quick skill acquisition, ideal for beginners or professionals seeking to improve their abilities.

Which short course is in demand in South Africa?

Short courses in 2D animation, 3D animation, and motion graphics are all highly sought after right now. The local film, gaming, and advertising industries are growing fast, meaning there's a strong demand for artists who have practical, up-to-date skills in any of these fields.

Are online animation courses available?

Yes, many institutions offer online animation courses, providing flexibility for students to learn from home. These courses cover various topics, including 2D animation, 3D modelling, and motion graphics.

What are the career prospects after completing a short animation course?

While a short course won't instantly make you employable as a full-time animator, it’s a brilliant way to bridge specific skill gaps. It allows creative professionals to add high-demand skills like 2D or 3D animation to their existing resumes, opening up new opportunities within their current fields.

Short courses, big impact

Master Animation Skills That Set You Apart

At a Glance: Short Animation Courses

Choosing Your Path: Diploma vs. Short Courses

A word from our students

Do You Have Questions About the Short Courses?

Master Animation Skills That
Set You Apart