Tips

What is it like to study animation at Sheridan College in Canada?

written by
Natasha Machado
13/3/2026
Read in
5 min
Share this tip

Sheridan College is ranked 2nd in the ranking of the best animation schools in the world. It's not an informal reputation. It is a position in the international ranking, supported by decades of academic production and the labor market of its graduates.

In the summer of 2026, 16- to 19-year-olds can study there for three weeks, leaving with a certificate issued by Sheridan herself.

This article explains how the program works, what students learn, and why destiny matters to those thinking about pursuing a career in animation or digital arts.

What is Sheridan College?

Founded in 1967, Sheridan is one of the most traditional public colleges in Canada.

The institution is especially strong in arts, design, and technology. The animation program is the most recognized of all, and the reasons appear in the credits of productions such as:

  • The Lion King
  • Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
  • Moana

Studios like Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks regularly hire Sheridan-trained professionals. The school has active agreements with large companies and a culture of production that connects the classroom and the real market.

To understand how the Canadian public college system works, the article on How to choose between public and private college in Canada provides a complete picture.

How does Animation Camp work?

The program is an intensive summer camp at the Trafalgar Campus in Oakville, Ontario.

Period: June 29 to July 17, 2026

Duration: 3 weeks

Age range: 16 to 19 years old

Language: Englishman

The classes are practical, the projects are real and the environment is the same where future professional animators are trained.

What does the student learn in the three weeks?

The content combines fundamentals with tools used in the industry today.

Worked tools:

  • Toon Boom Harmony — standard 2D animation software, used on Netflix, Cartoon Network, and HBO
  • Procreate — illustration and character design on the iPad
  • Adobe Photoshop — editing, composition and colorization
  • Claymation — stop motion animation with clay
  • Storyboarding — visual screenplay, narrative and pre-production

It's not a superficial introduction. The student applies each tool to projects over the weeks, leaving with real production in the portfolio.

What is a visit to Jam Filled Studio?

During the program, students visit the Jam Filled Studio, professional animation studio with productions for Cartoon Network, Amazon and Apple TV+.

It's different from watching a video about how a studio works.

The student enters the real environment, sees the teams in operation, understands the production flow of a commercial animation. This changes the way any young person views the profession.

Who can participate?

The program is open to young people between 16 and 19 years old with intermediate English.

Prior portfolio is not required. The camp welcomes both beginners and students who are already producing content. The classes are structured for different starting points.

What's included?

All local logistics are resolved:

  • Campus housing
  • Meals included
  • Health insurance
  • Extracurricular tours and activities

The student arrives at the campus and can focus on the program.

Oakville is just a few minutes from Toronto by train, in one of the regions with the highest quality of life in Ontario. To learn more about the Canadian cities most suitable for international students, see the article on best cities to study in Canada.

Is the Sheridan certificate valid for the market?

Yes. Upon completing the program, the student receives a certificate issued by the student Sheridan College.

It is not issued by third parties. The name on the certification is that of the school ranked 2nd best in animation in the world.

For a young person who is building a portfolio, considering applications for art schools or wanting to show commitment to the area, this document has objective weight.

Students interested in understanding the hottest creative and digital careers in the Canadian market will find more context in the article about Trending Careers in Ontario.

Why Canada for those who want to work in animation?

The country has one of the largest animation centers in the world.

Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are home to studios that produce for Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV+, and other major platforms. The market is active, contracts internationally and has affordable labor policies for those who graduate in the country.

Sheridan is a direct example of how Canadian public colleges work: close to the market, with teachers who have real experience in the areas they teach. To better understand this structure, the article on the Public college in Canada explains the details.

Is Animation Camp the only option for young people in Canada?

No. There is a wide range of programs for young people aged 13 to 19: high school, vocational programs, summer camps in other areas, and exchanges focusing on languages.

What makes Sheridan's Animation Camp specific is the combination of the world's top institution, real certification, market tools and a visit to an active professional studio.

For those who are still considering options, the article on exchange for teenagers offers a clear map of the available possibilities.

FAQ

  1. Do I need to know English to participate? Yes. Classes are in English. The recommended level is intermediate, sufficient to follow instructions and receive feedback from teachers.
  2. Is it necessary to have previous animation experience? No. The program welcomes beginners and students who are already producing. There is no portfolio requirement for enrollment.
  3. Is the certificate internationally recognized? The certificate is issued by Sheridan College, which is globally recognized in the area. It can be submitted in applications, selection processes and portfolios in any country.
  4. When does the show take place in 2026? From June 29 to July 17, 2026, at the Trafalgar Campus in Oakville, Ontario. Total duration of three weeks.
  5. What's included in the package? Campus housing, meals, health insurance, and tours. All local logistics are covered.

Be Easy

Be Easy partners with Sheridan College in this program and takes care of the entire process: from trip planning to support during your stay in Canada. With over 17 years of experience in educational exchange, the agency connects students from different countries to the best programs available abroad. To find out how registration for Animation Camp works or to ask any questions, contact us.

Share this tip
Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy