Animation Colleges and Courses in Saudi Arabia

Animation Universities in Saudi Arabia for International Students

1. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) – Riyadh

• Program: Bachelor in Animation and Multimedia Design (College of Arts and Design)

• Eligibility: High school diploma (or equivalent); English language proficiency; portfolio (may be required)

• Tuition Fees: Approx. SAR 30,000 - 40,000/year (~USD 8,000 - 10,500)

• Intake: September (Fall)

• Ranking: Nationally ranked; strong focus on arts and design

• Language: Arabic & English (mixed)

2. Effat University – Jeddah

• Program: BSc in Visual and Digital Production – Animation Track

• Duration: 4 years

• Tuition Fees: SAR 70,000/year (~USD 18,500)

• Intake: September (Fall) and January (Spring)

• Ranking: Among top private universities in Saudi Arabia

• Language: English

• Accreditation: Partnered with University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts

Program Highlights:

• Courses in 2D/3D Animation, Visual Effects, Motion Graphics, Storyboarding

• Strong industry ties

3. University of Jeddah – College of Design and Arts

• Program: Bachelor of Design in Animation and Multimedia

• Eligibility: General high school diploma + entrance exam

• Fees: Approx. SAR 30,000/year (~USD 8,000)

• Intake: September

• Language: Arabic (some courses in English)

• Ranking: Mid-tier university nationally, growing reputation

4. Saudi Electronic University (SEU) – Riyadh (and other branches)

• Program: Offers some digital media and interactive design courses (not pure animation but related)

• Mode: Blended learning (online + in-person)

• Fees: SAR 20,000 - 25,000/year (~USD 5,300 - 6,700)

• Intake: September & February

• Language: English

• Ranking: Growing online-focused public university

5. Future University in Saudi Arabia (FU) – Riyadh

• Program: Bachelor's in Digital Media – Animation & Game Design Track

• Fees: Around SAR 40,000/year (~USD 10,500)

• Intake: Twice a year – Fall & Spring

• Language: English

Other Institutions to Watch:

• MiSK Foundation / Manga Productions (Not a university but offers training programs, scholarships, and internships in Japan in animation and manga)

• KAUST and King Saud University – while more STEM-focused, may offer related programs in media technology or computer graphics.

Application Requirements for International Students:

• Valid passport & visa (student visa)

• High school diploma (authenticated)

• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)

• Portfolio (for creative programs)

• Recommendation letters (optional)

• Application fee: SAR 300–500 (~USD 80–130)
   

Universities in Saudi Arabia

Animation Courses in Saudi Arabia

1. Effat University – Jeddah

Program: BSc in Visual and Digital Production (Animation Track)
Type: Bachelor's Degree
Duration: 4 years
Language: English
Key Courses:

• 2D Animation

• 3D Animation

• Motion Graphics

• Character Design

• Visual Effects (VFX)

• Digital Storytelling
  Why it’s notable: Collaboration with USC School of Cinematic Arts. Top-tier in creative arts.

2. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) – Riyadh (Women Only)

Program: BA in Animation and Multimedia Design
Type: Bachelor’s Degree
Duration: 4 years
Language: Mostly Arabic (some English)
Key Courses:

• Animation Principles

• Stop Motion

• Storyboarding

• Digital Media Techniques
  Notable: One of the largest women’s universities in the world.

3. University of Jeddah – College of Design and Arts

Program: BA in Design – Animation and Multimedia Track
Type: Bachelor's Degree
Duration: 4 years
Language: Arabic with some English
Key Courses:

• Animation Production

• Multimedia Integration

• Game Art Basics

• Cinematics and Motion
  Target Audience: Students wanting a strong design foundation with animation applications.

4. Future University in Saudi Arabia – Riyadh (Private)

Program: Bachelor in Digital Media – Animation & Game Design
Type: Bachelor’s Degree
Language: English
Key Courses:

• Game Engines & Animation

• 3D Modeling

• Character Animation

• Interactive Design
  Good for: Students interested in both animation and game development.

5. Saudi Electronic University (SEU) – Various Cities

Program: Certificate or minor courses in Digital Media, UI/UX, and Interactive Design
Not a full animation degree, but relevant for animation-related fields like motion graphics and visual storytelling.
Mode: Online and blended learning
Language: English

6. Manga Productions & MiSK Foundation – Riyadh / International (Training + Scholarships)

Programs:

• Short-term training in 2D/3D animation, storyboarding, and manga art

• International scholarships in Japan (in partnership with Toei Animation, Tokyo)
  Open to: Saudi and select international students
  Certificate/Diploma: Yes (non-degree)

7. Private Institutes & Training Centers

• SAE Institute (planned) – Jeddah/Riyadh (Check availability)

• Arabian Training Academy – Riyadh

• Riyadh Elm Academy of Art (creative arts and media)

Courses may include:

• Adobe After Effects

• Blender & Maya (3D animation)

• Motion Design

• Character Rigging

Tuition Fee Range

• Bachelor’s Degrees: SAR 30,000–70,000/year (USD 8,000–18,500)

• Short Courses: SAR 3,000–10,000 (USD 800–2,700)

Intakes

• Universities: Usually in September (Fall) and January (Spring)

• Training Programs: Vary throughout the year; some are seasonal
   

Study in Saudi Arabia

Bachelors of Animation in Saudi Arabia

1. Effat University – Jeddah (Women Only)

Program: BSc in Visual and Digital Production – Animation Track
Language: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition Fees: Approx. SAR 70,000/year (~USD 18,500)
Intake: September (Fall), January (Spring)
Accreditation: Collaboration with USC School of Cinematic Arts (USA)

Key Courses:

• 2D & 3D Animation

• Visual Effects (VFX)

• Motion Graphics

• Character Animation

• Digital Storytelling

Why Choose It:

• One of the top private universities in Saudi Arabia

• English-medium instruction

• Modern facilities and industry partnerships

2. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) – Riyadh (Women Only)

Program: BA in Animation and Multimedia Design
Language: Arabic (some English content)
Duration: 4 years
Tuition Fees: Around SAR 30,000–40,000/year (~USD 8,000–10,500)
Intake: September

Key Courses:

• Animation Principles

• Multimedia Techniques

• Storyboarding

• Stop-Motion & 3D Design
  Specialization: Media production, creative storytelling, visual arts

3. University of Jeddah – College of Design and Arts

Program: Bachelor of Design – Animation & Multimedia Track
Language: Arabic (some English)
Duration: 4 years
Tuition Fees: Approx. SAR 30,000/year (~USD 8,000)
Intake: September
Eligibility: General secondary certificate + entrance test

Key Courses:

• Animation Production

• Multimedia Integration

• Game and Interactive Design

• Motion Graphics

4. Future University in Saudi Arabia (FU) – Riyadh

Program: Bachelor in Digital Media – Animation & Game Design Track
Language: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition Fees: Around SAR 40,000/year (~USD 10,500)
Intake: Fall and Spring

Key Courses:

• 2D/3D Animation

• Game Engines & Design

• Motion Graphics

• Storyboarding for Games and Animation

Application Deadlines & Intakes

• Fall Intake (September): Most common

• Spring Intake (January): Available in some universities (like Effat University and Future University)

• Applications usually open: March–August

Admission Requirements (General)

• High school diploma (science or arts stream)

• English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) – if taught in English

• Portfolio (some programs may require sample artwork)

• Valid student visa (for international students)

• Application fee (SAR 300–500)
   

Art & Humanities in Saudi Arabia

Masters of Animation in Saudi Arabia

1. Effat University – Jeddah (Women Only)

Program: Master of Science in Cinematic Arts

• Focus Areas: Film production, animation, storytelling, editing, VFX

• Specialization: You can focus your thesis or elective courses on Animation and Visual Effects

• Language: English

• Duration: 2 years

• Tuition Fees: Around SAR 90,000 total (~USD 24,000)

• Intake: September (Fall)

• Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in Media, Animation, Design, or similar; English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

Why it’s relevant:

• Closest thing to a Master’s in Animation in Saudi Arabia

• Strong partnerships with USC School of Cinematic Arts

• Industry-focused curriculum

2. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University – Dammam

Program: Master of Digital Media

• Department: College of Design

• Focus: Interactive media, digital storytelling, visual design, some animation components

• Language: Arabic (some English content)

• Tuition Fees: Around SAR 60,000 total (~USD 16,000)

• Duration: 2 years

• Intake: September

3. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

Program: Master in Media and Communication

• Focus: Multimedia content, media production, digital visual arts

• Customization: You can explore animation as part of media production electives

• Language: Arabic

• Tuition: SAR 45,000–60,000 total (~USD 12,000–16,000)

4. Short-Term Postgraduate-Level Certifications / Diplomas

Offered by:

• Manga Productions + MiSK Foundation: Advanced animation training in collaboration with studios like Toei Animation in Japan

• Saudi Media Academy (Riyadh): Professional diplomas in animation, motion graphics, and storytelling (certificate level)
   

MA in Saudi Arabia

Eligibility Criteria for Animation Course Program in Saudi Arabia

 For Bachelor’s in Animation (e.g., BSc or BA)

General Requirements:

Requirement	Details
High School Certificate	Must have completed secondary education (equivalent to Saudi high school certificate).
Minimum GPA	Usually 70% or higher (varies by university).
English Proficiency	IELTS (minimum 5.5–6.0) or TOEFL (minimum 60–80 iBT) — for programs taught in English.
Portfolio	Some programs require submission of a creative portfolio (e.g., drawings, animation samples, digital art).
Entrance Exam / Interview	Some universities (like PNU or University of Jeddah) conduct basic design tests or interviews.
Nationality	Open to Saudi nationals and international students (though not all programs accept non-Saudis—Effat and Future University do).
Age Limit	Typically under 25 for undergraduate programs.

Additional Notes:

• Effat University (Jeddah) and Future University (Riyadh) are top choices for international applicants.

• Programs taught in Arabic (e.g., PNU, University of Jeddah) may require Arabic language proficiency or a foundation course.

 For Master’s in Animation / Digital Media

General Requirements:

Requirement	Details
Bachelor’s Degree	In a relevant field: Animation, Media, Fine Arts, Design, Communication, or Computer Science.
Minimum GPA	2.5–3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent to 70%+).
English Proficiency	IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL (80 iBT+) – required for programs taught in English (like Effat University).
Portfolio or Film Reel	Required if you're applying to creative or production-based tracks.
Personal Statement	Why you want to pursue the program, your background in animation/media.
Recommendation Letters	1–2 academic or professional references.
Interview	May be required (in-person or online).
Visa & Residency	International students must have a valid student visa and proof of financial support.

For International Students

• Must apply through the university’s International Office.

• Some programs require certificate equivalency (e.g., high school diploma recognition via the Saudi Ministry of Education).

• Health insurance and a valid passport are mandatory.

• Some universities offer scholarships or discounted tuition for international applicants.
   

Agricultural Universities and Courses in Saudi Arabia

Intakes & Application Deadlines for Animation Course in Saudi Arabia
 

University	Program	Intakes	Application Period	Notes
Effat University – Jeddah (Women Only)	BSc in Visual and Digital Production – Animation Track MSc in Cinematic Arts	Fall (Sept) Spring (Jan)	Fall 2025: Apply by June–July 2025 Spring 2026: Apply by Nov 2025	English-taught, open to international students
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) – Riyadh (Women Only)	BA in Animation and Multimedia Design	Fall (Sept)only	Apply between April – July 2025	Arabic-taught, may require a design aptitude test
University of Jeddah – Jeddah	Bachelor of Design – Animation Track	Fall (Sept)only	May – August 2025	Some programs may require an entrance exam
Future University (FU) – Riyadh	BSc in Digital Media – Animation & Game Design Track	Fall (Sept) Spring (Jan)	Fall 2025: Apply by July 2025 Spring 2026: Apply by Nov 2025	English-taught, co-ed, private university
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University – Dammam	Master of Digital Media	Fall (Sept)only	Apply by May–July 2025	Arabic-taught, more general digital media focus
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah	Master in Media & Communication	Fall (Sept)only	Apply by June 2025	Limited animation focus; Arabic instruction

 Typical Admission Timeline (Bachelor’s & Master’s)

Stage	Timeline
Application Opens	March–April
Application Deadline	June–July (Fall) / November (Spring)
Entrance Exams / Interviews	May–August
Admission Results	July–August
Orientation & Visa	August–September
Classes Begin	Mid to Late September

For International Students

Documents Required:

• High school or bachelor's transcripts

• Passport copy

• English proficiency (if required)

• Portfolio (for animation or design programs)

• Statement of Purpose (for master’s)

• Letters of Recommendation (for master’s)

Fees for Animation Courses in Saudi Arabia

 Fees for Animation Courses in Saudi Arabia (2025)

University	Program	Degree Level	Tuition Fees (per year)	Total Estimated Cost
Effat University – Jeddah (Women Only)	BSc in Visual & Digital Production – Animation Track	Bachelor’s	SAR 70,000/year(~USD 18,500)	SAR 280,000 (~USD 74,500) over 4 years
	MSc in Cinematic Arts (animation-focused electives)	Master’s	SAR 45,000/year(~USD 12,000)	SAR 90,000 (~USD 24,000) over 2 years
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) – Riyadh (Women Only)	BA in Animation and Multimedia Design	Bachelor’s	SAR 30,000–40,000/year (~USD 8,000–10,500)	SAR 120,000–160,000 (~USD 32,000–43,000)
University of Jeddah – Jeddah	Bachelor of Design – Animation Track	Bachelor’s	SAR 30,000/year(~USD 8,000)	SAR 120,000 (~USD 32,000)
Future University (FU) – Riyadh (Private)	BSc in Digital Media – Animation & Game Design	Bachelor’s	SAR 40,000/year(~USD 10,500)	SAR 160,000 (~USD 43,000)
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University – Dammam	Master of Digital Media	Master’s	SAR 30,000–35,000/year (~USD 8,000–9,500)	SAR 60,000–70,000 (~USD 16,000–18,500)
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah	Master in Media & Communication	Master’s	SAR 20,000–25,000/year (~USD 5,300–6,700)	SAR 40,000–50,000 (~USD 10,500–13,000)

 Additional Costs to Consider:

Expense	Estimated Cost (SAR)
Books & Supplies	2,000–4,000/year
Accommodation (Dorm/Shared)	10,000–25,000/year
Food & Living Expenses	1,500–2,500/month
Visa & Residency Fees (International students)	2,000–3,000 (one-time)
Transportation	3,000–6,000/year

Scholarships & Financial Aid

• Effat University offers merit-based scholarships and discounts for high-achieving students and international applicants.

• PNU and KAU may offer fully-funded government scholarships for exceptional international students (check the Saudi Ministry of Education or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarship portal).

• Private universities may offer partial fee waivers or early registration discounts.