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Training
3D Animation & VFX

Learn 3D Animation with our 5-year 3D Animation Training Program in France. Master every stage of 3D animated film production and kickstart your career in animation.

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Training 100% in English

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  • Location

    Bordeaux, Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Rennes, Toulouse

  • Duration

    5 years of training

  • Certification

    The course is validated by the RNCP40876 title "Expert in Design and Production - 3D Animation and Special Effects", level 7 (equivalent to Bac 5), registered on 25/06/2025.

  • Internship

    1 Internship

  • modalité

    100% face-to-face

  • Language

    Available in French at all ESMA campuses
    Available in English at the Lyon, Montpellier and Bordeaux campuses

Course presentation

RNCP level 7 qualification
Bac+5 equivalent

Create and animate characters, sets or graphic elements by learning key skills and professional techniques. Storyboarding, layout, rigging and lighting will hold no secrets for you.

This is the daily life of students in our 3D Animation Training course, who spend five years perfecting their skills until they are ready to join the most renowned animation studios, video game studios, or 3D communication agencies in the industry.

At ESMA we take
success seriously.

  • 1st School in the world in the category ‘Excellence in 3D animation production’
    (*The Rookies 2024 competition)

  • 100% Success rate (2023)

  • 79% Overall employment integration rate at 6 months (2023)

  • 70% Rate of entry into the target occupation after 6 months (2023)

The curriculum

3D Animation and FX

A 5-year course validated by a Level 7 RNCP qualification (equivalent to bac+5)

3d Animations at Esma

Objectives

Acquire versatility and expertise across all the skills and entire production pipeline, combining practical skills with the necessary theoretical knowledge to succeed in the 3d animation and special effects industry:

  • Design the artistic development of a 3D animation and/or special effects film (pre-production)
  • Organizing the production of a 3D animation and/or special effects film
  • Managing the production of a 3D animation and/or special effects film

Validation of the training by a Professional certification

RNCP40876 Expert in Design and Production – 3D Animation and Special Effects, level 7 (equivalent to Bac+5), registered on 25/06/2025.

Certifying bodies: ETPA-Ecoles Créatives, Ecoles Créatives Montpellier, Ecoles Créatives Nantes, Ecoles Créatives Lyon – Bordeaux, Ecoles Créatives Rennes.

Professional certification is obtained by validating the 3 skill blocks:

  • BLOCK 1 – Design the artistic development of a 3D animation and/or special effects film (pre-production)
  • BLOCK 2 – Organise the production of a 3D animation and/or special effects film
  • BLOCK 3 – Manage the production of a 3D animation and/or special effects film

The certification is also accessible via the VAE (accredited prior learning assessment).

The teaching and assessment methods can be adapted to compensate for any disability, in accordance with the RNCP reference framework.

More information on France Compétences
3d Animations Program at ESMA

Training available in English

Are you an international student looking to join ESMA’s 3D Animation and Special Effects Course in France? This Course welcomes talent from around the world to learn and collaborate.

It provides an opportunity for students to benefit from France’s expertise in 3D animation while working alongside French-speaking and international peers. Together, students gain practical skills and a valuable academic and cultural experience.

The courses taught in English are the same as those in French. Students will cover every stage of 3D animation and special effects production, including animation, modeling, lighting, rendering, and compositing.

3D Animated cookie adventure project

The aim of English-language training?

Our Course is designed for English-speaking students who want to develop the technical and artistic skills needed for a career in the global 3D animation and Creative Industries.

At ESMA, you’ll study at a 3d Animation school recognized worldwide for its excellence. This English-language course offers a unique opportunity to learn from experts and gain hands-on experience while living in France.

Study 3d Animations in one of France’s Best cities 

Integrating English training

Our campuses are waiting for you

Admission and rates

Joining ESMA, an investment in the future

Because art is a serious discipline, ESMA requires its students to be fully committed from the moment they are recruited and throughout their course. Entrance assessments and a rigorous study of applications are required to enter the school.

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Creative excellence is their leitmotiv

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