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The Animation Fundamentals Citation introduces students to the process of creating traditional and computer animation.

In the program, you'll learn and practice animation techniques through hands-on exercises. You'll also gain new skills in drawing for animation, design, animation principles and digital animation.

For more information on the two month citation please contact animation@capilanou.ca.

800

Train on state-of-the-art equipment

At the Nat & Flora Bosa Centre for Film and Animation, you'll have access to top-quality gear, including drawing tablets and high-end graphics workstations, while receiving mentorship from your instructors, who are experienced animators.

Career paths

  • 2D animator
  • 3D animator
  • Background painter
  • Character designer
  • Concept artist
  • Illustrator
  • Storyboard artist

Become an expert in the fundamentals

In this two-month intensive program, you’ll refine your skills in drawing, designing, traditional animation and creating movement frame-by-frame while developing new abilities in character design, layout design, storyboarding and digital animation.

Love the fundamentals? We also offer two animation diplomas

After completing your citation, you can use the portfolio you've built to help your application for the 2D Animation & Visual Development Diploma or 3D Animation for Film and Games Diploma programs in the School of Animation and Visual Effects at CapU. 

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For more information about the Animation Fundamentals Citation program, contact us today.

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Information sessions

Plan ahead with this calendar of important program information sessions and open houses.

Upcoming info sessions

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Are you ready to bring it?

Apply Now to CapU

Intakes

Important dates

Applications open

Jun 4, 2024 – May 30, 2025

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Mar 3, 2025

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Apr 29, 2025

NOTE: Important dates may change.

How to Apply

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay an application fee of $50, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs. 
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If you are currently in Grade 12, you must request that the Ministry of Education submit your transcript directly to Capilano University.
  • Documents must be in the original language of issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Submit an online application to Capilano University, this is required before you submit your portfolio.

Applicants must submit their portfolio through the online portal SlideRoom.

upload to SlideRoom

The portfolio should consist of 5-10 images demonstrating your artistic and creative skills. Post your best and most recent work. The portfolio should consist of a variety of drawings and/or designs and may include:

  • Quick sketches, gesture drawings and sustained drawings of the human figure, clothed or nude or animals in various action poses.
  • Compositional drawings of objects or locations include household objects, architectural drawings, layouts, still life, etc.
  • Original drawings or designs showcasing your drawing abilities and personal interests.
  • Traditional and hand-drawn work should be scanned. If you don't have access to a scanner check your local library or school. In a pinch a digital camera will work, however, the quality will likely not be as good due to lighting issues (like using a flash). Photographing artwork on an overcast day without a flash will give better results.

Once you create your account in SlideRoom you can begin uploading your portfolio and other requirements. Take your time; you may edit your submission as much as you like but remember that we can review it only after you click the SUBMIT button!

What not to include in your portfolio

Originality is vital. Do not submit work that is not your own. If you have to include drawings you made from an anatomy book or any kind of group project, make sure you label what is not yours and whose work it is. If we see work that is not yours but looks like you're trying to pass it off as yours, it will reflect poorly on the whole portfolio.

Drawing from photographs is less impressive than drawings from life because, with a photo, much of the work is done for you already (and it usually looks flat and lifeless anyway). If you have to send us drawings you copied from photos, make sure you still have examples of life drawing and original sketchbook work.

Good luck!

Important Dates and Deadlines

Summer 2025

  • Apply to Capilano University before submitting your portfolio to SlideRoom. 
  • Portfolios submitted without a corresponding University program application will not be reviewed. 
  • The deadline for uploading a portfolio is 11:59 p.m. (PST) on May 30, 2025.
  • Only portfolios uploaded to SlideRoom will be reviewed. 

Animation Fundamentals courses run in Session II of the Summer term (July - August). For students admitted after the standard summer Course Registration and Fee Payment dates, information on registration will be sent to you and fees are due immediately after you have registered. 

Applicants are encouraged to attend one of our free open house sessions before applying in order to see the facilities, talk to students, observe their work and ask questions about our programs.

For students who have previously attended post-secondary, even though you submitted a digital copy of your transcripts on EducationPlannerBC, you must submit official university or college transcripts for transfer credit.

Please send all official documents to:

Registrar's Office
Library Building, Room LB152
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and the signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing university or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Once you've been accepted into a program, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
  • If you wish to receive transfer credits, please submit official university/college/International Baccalaureate (IB)/Advanced Placements (AP) transcripts either electronically or by mail:

     

    Registrar's Office
    Library Building, Room LB152
    2055 Purcell Way
    North Vancouver, BC
    V7J 3H5

New Students

Most CapU programs need proof that you:

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of C$135, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs.
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If your original transcripts and supporting documents are not written in English, please submit a translated copy.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.
Funding for International Students

Submit an online application to Capilano University, this is required before you submit your portfolio.

Applicants must submit their portfolio through the online portal SlideRoom.

upload to SlideRoom

The portfolio should consist of 5-10 images demonstrating your artistic and creative skills. Post your best and most recent work. The portfolio should consist of a variety of drawings and/or designs and may include:

  • Quick sketches, gesture drawings and sustained drawings of the human figure, clothed or nude or animals in various action poses.
  • Compositional drawings of objects or locations include household objects, architectural drawings, layouts, still life, etc.
  • Original drawings or designs showcasing your drawing abilities and personal interests.
  • Traditional and hand-drawn work should be scanned. If you don't have access to a scanner check your local library or school. In a pinch a digital camera will work, however, the quality will likely not be as good due to lighting issues (like using a flash). Photographing artwork on an overcast day without a flash will give better results.

Once you create your account in SlideRoom you can begin uploading your portfolio and other requirements. Take your time; you may edit your submission as much as you like but remember that we can review it only after you click the SUBMIT button!

What not to include in your portfolio

Originality is vital. Do not submit work that is not your own. If you have to include drawings you made from an anatomy book or any kind of group project, make sure you label what is not yours and whose work it is. If we see work that is not yours but looks like you're trying to pass it off as yours, it will reflect poorly on the whole portfolio.

Drawing from photographs is less impressive than drawings from life because, with a photo, much of the work is done for you already (and it usually looks flat and lifeless anyway). If you have to send us drawings you copied from photos, make sure you still have examples of life drawing and original sketchbook work.

Good luck!

Important Dates and Deadlines

Summer 2025

  • Apply to Capilano University before submitting your portfolio to SlideRoom. 
  • Portfolios submitted without a corresponding University program application will not be reviewed. 
  • The deadline for uploading a portfolio is 11:59 p.m. (PST) on May 30, 2025.
  • Only portfolios uploaded to SlideRoom will be reviewed. 

Animation Fundamentals courses run in Session II of the Summer term (July - August). For students admitted after the standard summer Course Registration and Fee Payment dates, information on registration will be sent to you and fees are due immediately after you have registered. 

Applicants are encouraged to attend one of our free open house sessions before applying in order to see the facilities, talk to students, observe their work and ask questions about our programs.

You've already sent digital copies of your transcripts to EducationPlannerBC as part of your CapU application, but we also need physical copies of your official high school, college or university transcripts.

If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Please send your official documents to:

Capilano University
Centre for International Experience, Room LB127
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Students must submit official high school and university or college transcripts for admission.

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing high school, university, or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

If you are accepted into a program, you will receive a letter of offer in your myCapU email inbox.

  • You will need to confirm your acceptance into the program by paying a tuition deposit outlined in your letter of offer.
  • This deposit will go towards your first-semester tuition once you are registered for courses at CapU.

After paying your tuition deposit, you will receive a letter of acceptance in your myCapU inbox. This may be used to apply for, or renew, a study permit.

  • Depending on your citizenship, you may also need to apply for an entry visa.
Permits & Visas

Once you've been accepted into a program and have applied for your study permit, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted international students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
Info for Admitted International Students

Apply Now

Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Apply now to CapU

Transfer Students

Find out how you can transfer your credits from another post-secondary institution to CapU.

Applying as a Transfer Student

Returning Students

If you're returning to CapU to complete your program or to apply into a new program, please contact the Registrar's Office.

Contact Registrar's Office

Switching Programs

If you want to change your program of study, you need to submit a new application to CapU.

Re-apply to CapU

Tuition and Fees

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $2,387 $628 $3,015
Total $2,387 $628 $3,015
Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $6,213 $628 $6,841
Total $6,213 $628 $6,841

Tuition & Fees Estimator

Get a detailed breakdown of the tuition and fees for your program.

Calculate my fees

Entrance Awards

All new CapU students can fund their education with entrance awards.

See if I qualify

Term Awards

Continuing your studies at CapU? You may be eligible for awards, too.

Take me to the awards

Required Courses

First Term

Total credits: 7.50

Required:
ANIM 010Animation Principles and Timing2.00 credits
ANIM 020Design Basics for Animation2.00 credits
ANIM 030Drawing for Animation2.00 credits
ANIM 040Digital Animation and Design1.50 credits

Total program credits: 7.50

Learning outcomes

  • Design and prepare a portfolio of artwork suitable for applying to a full-time post-secondary animation program.
  • Produce a portfolio that integrates the principles, techniques and skills acquired in their coursework.
  • Develop introductory level competencies in the areas of character and location design, life-drawing and animation.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge, dedication and work ethic required to be a successful member of a creative team.
  • Create a future career plan of action by continually developing a portfolio through learning and practice.

How to Declare

For the official publication of programs, course descriptions and admission requirements please view the Capilano University Calendar.

Have a question?

Get in touch with us!

About this program

School of Animation & Visual Effects
604 983 7516
Bosa Centre for Film and Animation
animation@capilanou.ca

General inquiries

Student Information Services
Library Building, room LB152

604-984-4900
604-984-1798 (fax)
registration@capilanou.ca