One app for all your study abroad needs
Did you know that New Zealand is in the top 20 countries for Animation courses? It does. Have you ever wondered what Animation means to you? Not to get deep, but if you are interested in the subject and have wondered what exactly this field entails, we have good news. We are here to help you elaborate. In this blog, we have discussed the top five Animation courses in New Zealand. You will also get to know about the benefits of studying in New Zealand, general requirements, the application process, and jobs.
This Blog Includes:
Why Study Animation Courses in New Zealand
The animation programs are internationally recongised. As a student, you wil get access to cutting-edge technology and exposure to multi-cultural environments. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider studying animation in New Zealand
Different Levels and Variety of Study
Degrees offered in Animation courses range from B. A. to B.A.(Hons ), B.C.A., B.Des, B.E /B. Tech, B.F.A., and B.M.M. A wide range of course options enable students to explore their area of interest and work on their artistic domain from the very start.
Internationally Acclaimed Qualifications
New Zealand’s qualifications in Animation are internationally acclaimed and recognised. Here, the latest practical experience that is provided to students via their course structure helps them work to their utmost ability in the real world.
A Blend of Art, Design, and Business
The Animation courses in New Zealand provide students with everything, from learning design to appreciating art to understanding the business world. This, again, helps students to thrive at their respective workplaces.
Accompanied by Job Opportunities
Since New Zealand is fairly well known for its Animation courseseveralally succeeds in producing several animators and digital artists, giving way to the creation of job opportunities. Animation courses in New Zealand can result in career oppertunties such as animators, 3D modellers, visual effects (VFX) artists, game developers, and more.
Top 5 Animation Courses in New Zealand
Listed below are some of the top animation courses in New Zealand, along with the universities that provide the. You can have an overview of the courses here:
| Course | University | Duration | Course Fee | Description |
| Bachelor of Screen Arts — Animation Major | Southern Institute of Technology | 3 years | NZD 17,000.00 | Develop projects based on complex and well-designed characters while developing your creativity and technical skills. |
| Diploma in Animation | Yoobee School of Design | 40 weeks. | NZD 20,000 | This includes VFX, specialist software, 3D modelling, character animation, etc. |
| Bachelor of Design Innovation – Animation and Visual Effects | Victoria University of Wellington | 3 years | NZD 106,500 | A cross-disciplinary degree, studies and work outside design are encouraged here. |
| Postgraduate Diploma of Design | The Universal College of Learning | 1 year | NZD 25,000 | A course that’s seen to be taken before a master’s, it includes advanced research, creative thinking, etc. |
| Diploma in Animation | Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology | 40 weeks. | NZD 6,960 | This includes the technical development, 3D modelling, a CGI project, and more. |
Bachelor of Screen Arts (Animation Major)
The Bachelor of Screen Arts is considered one of the best animation courses in New Zealand. The course offers project-based learning opportunities and emphasises storytelling. Often, extensive training in animation and in software like Blender and Maya is provided. You can develop skills in character animation and technical artistry. Those who complete this course can work as storyboard artists, 2D/3D animators. Many students even eventer film production and game development. SIT is an affordable university for this course.
Diploma in Animation
A diploma in animation is another excellent course you can take up. You can follow an industry-designed curriculum that covers topics such as VFX and 3D modelling. As a student of Yoobee, you can access mentors who have previously worked in Hollywood studios and game studies. This is one of the best animation courses in New Zealand that you can complete within a year. After you graduate,e you can directly apply for jobs. For example, you can start your career as a VFX artist, junior animator, motion graphic designer, and
Bachelor of Design Innovation (Animation and Visual Effects).
The Bachelor of Design Innovation is one of the best courses in New Zealand. This course offers you a blend of creative and academic approaches to animation. You have the option to customise your study path and choose electives like gaming, coding and design. You can study this course to prepare yourself for a variety of design and technology-related sectors. After completing this course, you can take up a career in visual effects, animation direction, digital design and more. You can choose Victoria University for your studies as it as direct connections to Weta Digital.
Postgraduate Diploma in Design
A Postgraduate Diploma in Design is a course that will help you build advanced animation and design skills. This course is just one year long and is ideal for creative professionals or design graduates. After completing this course, you can work as a concept artist, animation director, or design researcher. The Universal College of Learning is an excellent place to start learning this course as it emphasises practical postgraduate design education.
Diploma in Animation
A Diploma in Animation is one of the top-notch animation courses in New Zealand. We call this an excellent course as it is great for beginners who want to enter the animation industry. The course emphasises 3D animation, motion graphics and CGI. A Diploma in Animation is one of the most affordable full-time diplomas in New Zealand.. The course offers practical and hands-on learning. You can choose NMIT is a respected regional institution with strong tutor support, to pursue a diploma in animation. After completing this course, you can take up entry level positions like 3D modelling, animation, production and motion graphics.
Eligibility Requirements for Animation Courses in New Zealand
The basic eligibility criteria for animation courses in New Zealand are provided below. You can check the specific university page to know about the exact eligibility requirements.
- For undergraduate admissions, students must have completed qualifications from a recognized and reputable secondary school or institution that is equivalent to New Zealand’s Year 13.
- For postgraduate students, qualifications at the bachelor’s level role throughout out average of a B grade (equivalent to a GPA of around 3.0 or 70%) throughout the undergraduate degree.
Documents Required for Animation Courses
Here is a list of the documents you might require for the admission process. Keep in mind that the exact documents can vary from university to university. Moreover, you might require additional documents for the New Zealand student visa application process.
| S. No | Document | Purpose |
| 1 | Application Form | Institution-specific application capturing personal, academic, and course details |
| 2 | Academic Transcripts & Certificates | High school or previous degree records, officially certified and translated if needed |
| 3 | Valid Passport Copy | Used as proof of identity throughout the admission process |
| 4 | English Language Test Score | Proof of proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) as required by the chosen program |
| 5 | Portfolio of Creative Work | Artistic samples such as sketches, digital art, animations, or storyboards to demonstrate ability |
| 6 | Statement of Purpose (SOP) & CV | Personal statement explaining motivation and goals, accompanied by a resume of experience |
| 7 | Letters of Recommendation | One or two references from academic or professional contacts endorsing your capabilities |
| 8 | Work or Project Experience | Evidence of relevant professional or creative activity, especially for postgraduate applicants |
Application Process
This application process begins months before the commencement of classes. The universities in New Zealand have two main intakes: one is the fall intake, and the other is the winter intake, for international students to kick-start their journey. Here’s an easy 5-step process to complete your application process for animation courses in New Zealand:
- Shortlist Universities and Courses: Contact experts at 1800 572 000 to select your preferred universities and programs. You can start applications for multiple universities using our single-dashboard platform.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents, including SOPs, essays, certificates, letters of recommendation (LORs), and test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, or GRE.
- Submit Applications on Time: Ensure all applications meet the deadlines and also apply for accommodation, student visas, scholarships, or student loans simultaneously.
- Accept Offers: Once you receive your offer letter, accept it and connect virtually with your future classmates, teachers, and roommates.
- Visa Approval and Travel: Get your student visa approved and get ready to embark on your journey to your dream university in New Zealand.
Must Read: Most Demanding Courses to Pursue in New Zealand in 2025
Scholarships for Animation Courses in New Zealand
The following are the top scholarships available for international students to study in New Zealand. These scholarships are for animation courses. You can visit the page of he course provider, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, and apply.
| S/N | Scholarship Name | Provided by | Scholarship Benefit |
| 1 | SIT Southland Study Grant | Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) | NZD 7,000 toward tuition for Bachelor of Screen Arts (incl. Animation) |
| 2 | SIT Southland Chamber of Commerce Scholarship | SIT & Southland Chamber of Commerce | Approximately NZD 3,500 for undergraduate programmes |
| 3 | Wētā FX MDT Scholarship | Wētā FX & Victoria University of Wellington | Full tuition coverage for the Master of Design Technology (Animation/VFX stream) |
| 4 | Yoobee International Scholarship | Yoobee College of Creative Innovation | 25% tuition reduction for first-year Bachelor of Animation; 15% for diploma |
| 5 | University of Waikato International Excellence Award | University of Waikato | Up to NZD 10,000 tuition support for international students in animation-related fields |
| 6 | Wellington International Excellence Scholarship | Victoria University of Wellington | Partial tuition support for high‑achieving international undergrad/postgrad students in animation-related programs |
Also Read: Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students: A Complete Guide Here
Jobs and Salary in New Zealand
New Zealand has a range of well-paying jobs after completing animation courses. The following are the popular jobs that a graduate or a diploma holder in animation can take up. The jobs and the salary are provided below
| Jobs | CTC (In NZD) |
| Animator | NZD 55,000 – NZD 100,000 |
| 3D Animator | NZD 60,000 – NZD 91,000 (median-65K) |
| Computer Graphic Animator (CGI) | NZD 93,000 – NZD 106,500 |
| Visual Effects Compositor and 3D Animator | NZD 80,000 – NZD 106,000 |
| Digital Marketing Creative Specialist | NZD 60,000 – NZD 75,000 |
Top Recruiters
Some of the design companies in New Zealand that hire designers and animators are as follows. The top recruiters include Wellington, Mediabox, and BrandWorld.
| Top Recruiters | Location |
| HighPitchedStudios | Wellington |
| Mediabox | Auckland, New Zealand |
| BrandWorld | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Flashworks Media | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Southern Studios | Auckland, New Zealand |
FAQs
You can study animation in top institutions like Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), Yoobee College of Creative Innovation, Media Design School, and Victoria University of Wellington. These schools are known for their bachelor’s and/or diploma programs.
Yes. Animation is an excellent career choice. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals in the gaming, film and advertising industries. Entry-level animation jobs can help you earn around NZD 40,000 to NZD 60,000 per year.
Canada, the UK, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand are considered some of the best countries for animation education and job opportunities. These countries provide access to global studios and internships.
Yes. You can study animation abroad. Studying animation abroad means having access to global networks, advanced training, and real-world industry experiences. Top schools in New Zealand often have better technology, production pipelines, and faculty than local schools.
Related Articles
This was all about Animation courses in New Zealand. If you want to get into a high-ranked university, you may enlist the assistance of study abroad experts at Leverage Edu. They will assist you with the application process so that you can realise your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.
60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!
