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How do I apply to ESMA?

Admission process at Esma animation school
international students at Esma animation school in Montpellier

Our courses
outside Parcoursup

Professional and certifying

The courses offered by ESMA are available outside the Parcoursup platform.

They prepare students for and lead to professional certifications listed in the National Register of Professional Certifications (RNCP), with a recognized qualification level ranging from level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) to level 7 (equivalent to a master’s degree).

This RNCP registration certifies official recognition by the Ministry of Labor of the skills validated at the end of the program and their relevance to the needs of the job market.

With this non-Parcoursup approach, applicants can enroll directly with ESMA through a process tailored to our specialist arts courses.

Parcoursup centralizes applications for many courses, but its structured process does not always align with the unique characteristics of certain programs.

Applying directly to ESMA allows applicants to showcase their skills and motivation through a strong portfolio and interview preparation

This approach ensures a smooth, personalized admissions experience while showcasing each applicant’s creative potential.

Joining ESMA

The different stages of my registration

During your registration process, we will send you informational emails to guide you every step of the way.

Please note that if you choose to unsubscribe from our communications, we will no longer be able to provide guidance or updates regarding your application status.

  • ESMA Montpellier compress

    Step 1 :

    • Fill out the online registration form to begin your application.

    • You will receive an email with your login credentials.

    • Log in to the platform and complete your registration form.

  • Esma Animation school hallway

    Step 2 :

    • Once your application is complete, you will be interviewed by a training advisor.
    • You can bring an art portfolio showing your basic drawing skills and your personal vision.
    ESMA registration form
  • Students in Esma montpellier

    Step 3 :

    • Once you have been accepted, follow the procedure to finalize your enrollment.
    • Complete the process by signing your contract to secure your place at ESMA.
Our training

All our training courses are validated by
professional certification

  • 3D animation and VFX certification

    3D Animation & VFX Training

    The course leads to RNCP37415 qualification Design and production expert – 3D Animation and Special Effects.

    • Level 7 – Bac+5 equivalent
    • Registered with the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles on 27/03/2023
    Read more on France Compétences

  • Video Game Training

    This course leads to RNCP38806 qualification – Video game designer – Game designer.

    • Level 6 – equivalent to Bac+3/4
    • Registered with the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles on 27/03/2024
    Read more on France Compétences

  • Concept Art Illustration Training

    A new application for registration of the ‘Dessinateur Illustrateur’ title is currently being examined by France Compétences for RNCP certification.

  • Interior architect Training Course at ESMA

    Interior Architecture Training

    This course leads to RNCP39589 Interior Architect qualification.

    • Level 7 – equivalent to Bac+5
    • Registered with the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles on 01/10/2024
    Read more on France Compétences
  • Graphic design Training course at ESMA

    Multimedia Graphic Design Training

    The course is validated by RNCP39117 title Multimedia Graphic Designer.

    • Level 6 – equivalent to Bac+3/4
    • Registered with the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles on 31/05/2024
    Read more on France Compétences
How can I be admitted to ESMA?

Two access routes.
One destination

There are two ways of joining ESMA once you’ve passed your A-levels, depending on your profile and your level of mastery of the applied arts.

International students wishing to enrol on the English-language 3D Animation and Special Effects course will be admitted in the same way.

 

There are two ways to join ESMA after completing your A-levels (or equivalent), depending on your profile and level of mastery in applied arts.

International students enrolling in the 3D Animation and Special Effects Training course ( Delivered in English ) follow the same admission process.

  • Prepatory year Applied arts school ESMA

    The Preparatory Year

    If you have your baccalauréat or an equivalent level 4 diploma, you can start with a bridging year to build a strong foundation : There is a Design prep and a Entertainment Prep.

    Our preparatory years consist of a technical and theoretical refresher course to enable students to keep up with the demands and levels expected in the higher years of our specialities.

    find my preparatory course
  • Esma applied arts Training Courses

    Direct Admission to a Training Program

    If you already have a solid artistic and technical background, you may be eligible to join a program without a preparatory year. Admission is based on your portfolio, entrance test, and motivation. If you meet these requirements, all that’s left is to let your creativity shine and make the most of ESMA’s Training courses!

    Explore trainings

  • ESMA students collaborating in a 3D animation workshop

    Discover our campuses

    Located in seven cities across France and abroad, ESMA offers students state-of-the-art, fully-equipped campuses in vibrant urban centers. Our campuses provide an inspiring learning environment designed to help you reach your highest aspirations.

    Our next Open Days
  • ESMA Montpellier Accommodation

    Preparing for school

    To ensure you have the best possible study experience, ESMA makes your transition easier by offering accommodation in Artémisia student residences, conveniently located next to all our campuses. Settle in stress-free and focus on what truly matters—your creative journey!

    find your accommodation
Choosing ESMA means betting on the future

don't wait for success to fall into your lap.
Make it happen.

Do you already know exactly how, when and where to join ESMA? Do you have the passion, desire and determination? Have you already identified the course that's right for you? Then you're just one click away from starting a great career in the creative and cultural industries.

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Students in Esma animation school campus
Our alumni

they chose ESMA

All our alumni