Why Study Animation &
Game Design in France?
A Masters in Animation & Game Design in France places you at the intersection of artistry and technology in the country that produces more animated content than any nation outside the USA and Japan. France's animation industry generates over \u20ac1.5 billion annually and employs 15,000+ professionals.
From Gobelins \u2014 the world's #1 ranked animation school \u2014 to studios like Ubisoft (creators of Assassin's Creed), Gameloft, Illumination Mac Guff (Despicable Me), and Ankama, France offers a creative ecosystem that rivals Hollywood. Montpellier alone is home to 50+ game studios.
Unlike theoretical programs elsewhere, French schools embed you in real production pipelines. You'll create short films, build game prototypes, and develop VFX reels that become your professional calling card \u2014 not just a degree on paper, but a portfolio that opens studio doors worldwide.
Quick Comparison
Animation vs Game Design
Gobelins, l'école de l'image
Supinfocom / Rubika
ArtFX
ISART Digital
LISAA
Ecole Estienne
ENJMIN
Université de Montpellier
Bellecour École
Créapole
Ecole MoPA
Ecole des Gobelins
Gobelins, l'école de l'image
Supinfocom / Rubika
ArtFX
ISART Digital
LISAA
Ecole Estienne
ENJMIN
Université de Montpellier
Bellecour École
Créapole
Ecole MoPA
Ecole des Gobelins
6 Reasons France Is a
Global Animation &
Game Design Powerhouse
From the world's #1 animation school to the headquarters of Ubisoft and Gameloft \u2014 France offers creative education and career opportunities that few countries can match.
World's #3 Animation Industry
France is the third-largest animation producer in the world after the USA and Japan. The country exports animation to 150+ countries and is home to studios behind some of the biggest animated films and series globally.
Gobelins — #1 Animation School
Gobelins, l'école de l'image is consistently ranked the #1 animation school in the world by Animation Career Review. Its graduates work at Pixar, DreamWorks, Illumination, and every major Hollywood studio.
Ubisoft & Gameloft HQ
France is the global headquarters of Ubisoft (Assassin's Creed, Far Cry) and Gameloft. Paris, Montpellier, and Lyon are major game development hubs with hundreds of studios hiring graduates year-round.
Real Studio Projects in Curriculum
French animation and game design schools embed real production pipelines into their programs. Students create short films, game prototypes, and VFX reels that serve as professional portfolio pieces for job applications.
2-Year Post-Study Work Visa
France's APS permit gives international graduates the right to live and work in France for two years after completing their degree — with full Schengen zone access for building a European creative career.
Affordable vs. USA & UK
A world-class animation or game design Masters in France costs €8,000–€15,000 per year — a fraction of what similar programs cost at CalArts, Gnomon, or UK institutions, with equal or better industry placement.
Animation & Game Design
Programs \u2014 by School
Select a school to explore its programs and USPs. Also browse related creative programs: Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Management.
Gobelins
#1 Globally
Programs Offered
Why Gobelins
Ready to apply to Gobelins?
What Indian Students
Need to Qualify
Portfolio strength matters most. Our counsellors help you build a portfolio that meets French school standards.
Portfolio / Showreel & Academic Record
A strong creative portfolio or showreel is mandatory for admission — this is your most important application element. Schools evaluate artistic ability, technical skill, and creative vision above all else. Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Fine Arts, Game Design, Visual Communication, or related creative fields accepted. Gobelins and Rubika expect 70%+ (CGPA 7.0+). Other schools like ArtFX and ISART Digital work with 60%+.
Creative Test & Interview
Most schools require a creative test (drawing, storyboarding, or game design challenge) and a personal interview. Some schools like Gobelins and ENJMIN have multi-round selection processes. No GRE/GMAT required for any animation or game design program.
English Proficiency
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for English-taught programs. French language is NOT required for English-medium tracks. Many schools offer optional French courses to help you integrate and improve job prospects.
Work Experience
Not strictly mandatory, but relevant experience — portfolio projects, game jams, freelance animation work, or published creative work — significantly strengthens your application. Candidates who can demonstrate completed short films, game prototypes, or professional illustration work stand out.
Documents Required
Statement of Purpose (1–2 pages, essay-style), 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (1 academic + 1 professional preferred), updated CV, all academic transcripts, passport copy, and relevant project portfolio. Important: Charpak Scholarship SOPs are checked for plagiarism and AI-generated content is now flagged — always write your own.
Need help with your portfolio? Our counsellors work with you to build a showreel and portfolio that meets the standards of top French animation and game design schools.
When to Apply for MSc Animation & Game Design
in France
French universities and schools follow a rolling admissions model. Applying early gives you the best chance at scholarships and preferred campus choices.
September / Fall Intake
Primary Intake — Most Programs
Round 1 (Early)
Best scholarship chances
Round 2 (Regular)
Main application window
Round 3 (Late)
Limited seats, fewer scholarships
Classes Begin
Orientation typically starts late August
January / Spring Intake
Select Programs Only
Applications Open
Fewer schools offer Jan intake
Application Deadline
Rolling admissions at most schools
Visa Processing
Allow 6–8 weeks for Campus France
Classes Begin
Some schools start late January
Pro tip: Apply in Round 1 (October–December) for the September intake. This gives you the highest scholarship allocation, more campus choices, and ample time for visa processing through Campus France.
Most top schools fill their seats by Round 2. Don't wait for Round 3 unless you have no other option.
Animation & Game Design in France
\u2014 Tuition Fees
Part-time work (20 hrs/week permitted) significantly offsets living costs of \u20ac800\u2013\u20ac1,200/month.
| School | Tuition (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Gobelins, l'école de l'image | €8,000 – €12,000/yr |
| Rubika / Supinfocom | €9,500 – €12,000/yr |
| ArtFX | €9,000 – €11,500/yr |
| ISART Digital | €9,000 – €12,000/yr |
| LISAA | €8,500 – €11,000/yr |
| Ecole Estienne | €500 – €3,000/yr |
| ENJMIN (Public) | €250 – €2,000/yr |
| Université de Montpellier | €250 – €3,770/yr |
| Bellecour École | €8,000 – €10,500/yr |
| Créapole | €9,000 – €12,500/yr |
| Ecole MoPA | €8,500 – €11,000/yr |
| Ecole des Gobelins | €8,000 – €12,000/yr |
Total Budget Estimate
Portfolio Tip
A strong portfolio or showreel can unlock merit scholarships of 10\u201340% at top schools. Competition wins (Annecy, SIGGRAPH) make your application virtually irresistible.
*Fees are approximate and change each intake. Public institutions (ENJMIN, Montpellier) are significantly cheaper. Contact our counsellors for current figures.
Scholarships for Animation &
Game Design in France
Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
Charpak Excellence Masters
School Merit Scholarships
Creative Excellence Grants
Région Île-de-France Grants
Industry Sponsorships
Scholarship availability changes each intake cycle. Our team tracks these in real-time \u2014 speak to us before you apply.
We've lived this
journey.
We walk it with you.
We've stood where you are \u2014 uncertain, hopeful, and afraid of getting it wrong.
What began as our own journey to France became a promise to guide others with honesty, not pressure. Our founders and partners don't just know about France \u2014 they live in Europe. Our co-founder pursued her Masters in France and calls Paris home today.
She didn't read about the experience online. She lived it. That means when you talk to us, you get reality \u2014 not a sales pitch built on brochures. We tell you what university interviews feel like. What the visa process actually requires. What Paris costs in January. What you'll miss about India, and what you'll love about France.
"We are always there to help or guide you \u2014 anytime \u2014 from India to France, forever."
\u2014 StudyFrance Founders & Co-owner, Paris
Our End-to-End Services
School Selection & Shortlisting
We match you with the right animation and game design schools based on your portfolio, budget, and career goals — not what's easiest to sell.
Portfolio & Application Crafting
Our team has reviewed hundreds of successful creative applications to Gobelins, Rubika, ArtFX, and more. We know what works.
Scholarship Guidance
We track all scholarship cycles and help you apply for every opportunity you qualify for — government and school-level.
Visa Support — Zero Guesswork
France visa applications can be complex. We guide you through every document, every step, with zero confusion.
Pre-Departure & Settlement Support
From accommodation hunting in Paris to setting up your French bank account — before and after you land.
Ongoing Mentorship — Always
Our co-owner in Paris and our France alumni network are always a WhatsApp message away, for as long as you need us.
Career Prospects After
Animation & Game Design in France
France is home to Ubisoft (Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs), Gameloft, Quantic Dream (Detroit: Become Human), Don't Nod (Life is Strange), and Arkane Studios (Deathloop, Dishonored). These studios actively recruit from French animation and game design schools.
The animation sector is equally strong \u2014 Illumination Mac Guff in Paris produced Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets. Graduates from Gobelins, Rubika, and ArtFX work at Pixar, DreamWorks, Weta Digital, and Netflix Animation worldwide.
The 2-year APS visa creates a powerful window for Indian students: gain European studio experience before deciding your long-term path. Many graduates build careers in Paris, Montreal, London, and Los Angeles.
| Job Role | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 3D Animator | €35,000 – €55,000 |
| Game Designer | €38,000 – €58,000 |
| VFX Artist | €40,000 – €62,000 |
| Art Director | €45,000 – €68,000 |
| Technical Director | €50,000 – €75,000 |
| Motion Graphics Designer | €35,000 – €52,000 |
| Game Producer | €42,000 – €65,000 |
Your Animation &
Game Design Questions,
Answered Honestly.
Everything Indian students ask us before deciding to study Animation & Game Design in France.
France is one of the best countries in the world for animation and game design. It is the world's #3 animation industry after the USA and Japan, home to Ubisoft and Gameloft headquarters, and Gobelins is ranked the #1 animation school globally. French studios produce content for Pixar, Netflix, and every major global platform.
Ready to Create Your
Future in France?
Whether you're a budding animator, aspiring game designer, or VFX artist \u2014 our Paris-based team walks every step with you. From India. To France. Forever.