Study animation and cartoons in Turkey

In 1908, the first official animated film, Fantasmagorie, was produced, marking the beginning of animation becoming a fundamental tool in important fields such as media, education, and entertainment.

This article is a guide for any student who wants to Study animation and cartoons in Turkey and is searching for the best university to study this major, what the tuition fees are, and how to begin planning for this experience.

What is the Animation and Cartoons major?

Animation and Cartoons is a branch of digital visual arts that combines traditional drawing, graphic design, and motion and sound techniques to create animated visual content in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D).

In this major, students learn visual storytelling, character design, animation, scriptwriting, editing, sound design, and the full production of animated projects, films, series, and advertisements.

Advantages of studying animation and cartoons in Turkey

Turkish universities have the best features and advantages that make them among the best universities to study animation and cartoons in Turkey. These include:

• You can study animation in English or Turkish, depending on your goals and language abilities.
• Turkish universities are distinguished by designing their educational programs in accordance with European standards stipulated by the Bologna Process.
• Turkish universities that teach animation provide full training tools, workshops, and modern technical equipment.
• Turkish universities are distinguished by their dual major system, which allows you to study two majors simultaneously for free.
• All private universities in Turkey are members of the Erasmus student exchange program, providing education and training for students at the best European universities.
• Universities offering this major are renowned for their academic staff, which includes top-notch professors.
• Another major advantage of studying in Turkey is that its universities cooperate closely with the business sector to train and employ students before graduation.

Finally, studying at Turkish universities isn't limited to education; they also offer student clubs, gyms, and everything else you need to develop academically, professionally, and personally.

Read also: Advantages of studying in Turkey

Number of Years to Study Animation and Cartoons in Turkey

Studying animation and cartooning in Turkey takes four years to complete a bachelor's degree, while the animation diploma program only lasts two years.

Please note that if you do not master the language of your specialization, the duration will be extended by another academic year. This is because you are required to complete a preparatory year to learn the language at the academic level required to begin your studies.

Studying a Diploma in Animation and Cartoons in Turkey

The Animation Diploma program is one of the best diploma programs in Turkey, ideal for those seeking to master this field in a shorter time and at a lower cost.

Turkish universities offer this program under the title "Computer-Aided Design and Animation." Students study a series of intensive processes, as shown in the following table:

Study a Bachelor's degree in Animation and Cartoons in Turkey

The Bachelor's degree in Animation and Cartooning program focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of design and innovation. Students initially receive a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical aspects.

They are then able to apply and practice, and during this time, they receive internship opportunities at partner institutions.

Below is a table showing all the Animation and Cartooning courses offered at Haliç University, one of the best private Turkish universities:

Graduation Requirements for Animation and Cartooning in Turkey

Graduation requirements to study animation and Cartoons in Turkey vary from one Turkish university to another, but in general, a student's cumulative GPA must be at least 2.00 out of 4.00.

Students with a GPA of 3.50 or higher are placed on the "High Honors" list, while those with a GPA between 3.00 and 3.49 are placed on the "Honor" list.

Tuition fees for animation and cartoons in Turkey

According to our annual review of data published on the official websites of private universities in Turkey (2025), and the Turkish Ministry of Higher Education's (YÖK) tuition fee guide, tuition fees for a bachelor's degree in animation and cartoons range between $1,950 and $8,500 per year.

The cost of studying for an animation diploma ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 per year.

Here are the cost tables for animation and cartoon specializations in Turkey at various levels:

Costs of cartoon and animation specializations in Turkey 

Cost of a Diploma in Animation in Turkey

Turkish universities that teach animation and cartoons

There are many Turkish universities available for international students to study animation and cartoons in Turkey, given its importance in the near and distant future. These include:

• Bahçeşehir University
• Aydın University
• Arel University
• Kultur University
• Beykoz University
• Haliç University
• Üsküdar University
• Topkapi University

Read also: Double major study in Turkey

The Best Turkish Universities for Studying Animation and Cartoons

Some private Turkish universities stand out from their counterparts in teaching animation, including:

Advantages of Studying Animation at Bahçeşehir University

• Bahçeşehir University is the best Turkish universities to study animation and Cartoons in Turkey.
• It has designed an integrated academic program that combines art, technology, and design, allowing students to specialize in fields such as animation or visual effects starting in the second year. 
• The program includes foundational courses such as the history of animation, digital design, character design, and 3D animation, providing students with a solid foundation and professional skills.
• Its faculty is distinguished by its experience and connections to the industry, including animation professionals.
• Students receive practical training and field applications through real-life projects within the university and group work under academic supervision.
• The university has professional partnerships and international connections that open doors for students to participate in major festivals and engage with the local and global job market, as well as opportunities for project funding and work with production companies.
• The university hosts student events and specialized festivals, such as the Anime.ist Festival, which hosts prominent figures from the global animation industry.

Advantages of studying animation at Aydin University

• Aydin University is the second university to study animation and Cartoons in Turkey.
• The Animation Program at Aydin University is designed to provide students with a solid foundation that combines both theoretical and practical aspects.
• It aims to provide its students with a highly professional qualification that will enable them to enter the job market as technical and creative professionals.
• The university follows a comprehensive curriculum that includes specialized subjects such as the language of cinema, video, multimedia techniques, and animation arts.
• The university conducts practical training in workshops and studios equipped with state-of-the-art technical infrastructure.
• It also offers internship opportunities with institutions operating in the fields of advertising, television, cinema, and education.
• Aydin University is distinguished by its educational environment, which focuses on developing students' creativity and artistic vision in line with the evolving needs of the sector.

Advantages of studying animation at Üsküdar University

• Üsküdar University is one of the best universities to study animation and Cartoons in Turkey as it follows a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical application from the first year.
• It applies a diverse curriculum that includes modern courses such as artificial intelligence in animation, storyboarding techniques, and 3D motion design.
• Advanced practical training is provided within the university's studios, such as the design workshop and animation lab.
• The university offers external training opportunities at well-known institutions, strengthening students' early connection to the real job market.
• You have the freedom to choose elective courses from multiple departments, enabling you to specialize according to your interests.
• Continuous support is provided by a professional academic staff, as well as workshops and meetings with experts from major animation studios.
• It provides an advanced digital learning environment that helps students acquire future skills in a rapidly growing field.

Requirements for Studying Animation and Cartoons in Turkey

You can be accepted into the animation major at private Turkish universities with a high school diploma, whether you wish to pursue a bachelor's or diploma program.

This means you don't need a YÖS or SAT exam, and you need a GPA of 65% or higher. This is unlike public universities, which require higher GPAs and passing university entrance exams.

Documents Required for Enrollment in Private Turkish Universities

If you want to study animation and Cartoons in Turkey and want to enroll in private Turkish universities, you must submit the following documents:

• A copy of your high school diploma.
• A copy of your school transcript for all secondary school grades.
• A personal photo and passport.
• A TOEFL or TOMER language proficiency certificate (if available).

If you need a specialized advisor to answer all your questions, the New Horizons team offers completely free live support to answer all your inquiries about how to study animation and Cartoons in Turkey and choosing the right university.

How do you start planning to study animation and Cartoons in Turkey?

• Follow these steps to begin your journey to realize your dream of studying in Turkey with ease and without errors:
• Clearly define your goal, i.e., whether you want to study for a diploma, a bachelor's degree, or specialize in a specific field such as anime or visual effects.
• Choose the language of study. Some Turkish universities offer their majors in English, such as Bahçeşehir University, while others offer them in Turkish.
• Research suitable universities, most notably Istanbul Aydın University, Üsküdar University, Topkapi University, and Bahçeşehir University.
• Ensure that your high school GPA, language proficiency, and required documents meet the admission requirements of your chosen university.
• You can contact the New Horizons team to facilitate the admission process, secure university admission, and assist with visa applications.
• Prepare your passport, high school diploma, personal photo, language certificates, or any supporting documents.
• Inquire about the costs, as tuition fees vary from one university to another, ranging from $1,950 to $8,500 per year.
• Begin the application and registration process either through the university's website or through a specialized registration agency such as New Horizons.
• After receiving acceptance, prepare your application for a student visa to Turkey and plan your accommodation and flights in coordination with the relevant agency.
• Read about the curricula and required skills, and try to develop your skills in design, drawing, and programs such as Blender and Adobe After Effects.

How does the New horizons team help you to study animation and Cartoons in Turkey?

• Contact the New Horizons team by filling out the registration form or via WhatsApp for immediate support.
• Consult with a specialist to determine the major and university that best suits your interests and GPA.
• The team will assist you in obtaining available scholarships to minimize your financial burden.
• Prepare your essential documents, such as your passport, high school diploma, a personal photo, and any additional documents that support your academic profile.
• Leave the university application process to the team, who will submit your application and follow up until you receive an official preliminary acceptance.
• After the university reviews your application, you will receive the acceptance letter as soon as it is issued.
• Start the steps to obtain your student visa. Don't worry, the team will provide you with full support in preparing your application and submitting it to the embassy.
• Choose the right accommodation and book your tickets with the team's guidance to choose safe accommodation close to the university. 
• You will be accompanied until your registration at the university is completed smoothly.

Career opportunities for animation and cartoon graduates

Animation and cartoon graduates enjoy numerous opportunities in creative and technical fields, including:

• Working in animation and animation studios.
• Designing characters and backgrounds for video games.
• Producing television and digital advertisements.
• Working in film and television production companies.
• Developing interactive educational content for children.
• Editing and visual effects (VFX) for media projects.
• Managing social media accounts that use animation.
• Working as a freelancer on illustration and video projects.

Job Opportunities for Animation Diploma Graduates

Although the diploma does not provide an individual with the full experience of a bachelor's degree program, it does provide numerous opportunities to enter the job market, such as:

• Studio animator or animator assistant.
• 2D artist.
• Producer and editor of simple promotional videos.
• Graphic content developer for children's and educational websites.
• Cartoonist for newspapers or online magazines.

Job Opportunities for Bachelor's Degrees in Animation

Those with a Bachelor's degree in Animation enjoy a wide range of opportunities, including:

• Professional animation designer and director.
• Animation project manager in production companies.
• 3D Animator.
• Visual effects producer for films and series.
• Game developer who relies on motion and effects techniques.
• Academic work as a lecturer or trainer in art institutes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Animation and Cartooning

Each field has its pros and cons, which you should be aware of to determine its suitability for study before making a decision and enrolling:

Advantages of Animation

• A creative and constantly evolving field.
• It is in increasing demand in the global and local markets.
• It offers significant opportunities for online freelance work.
• Diverse specialization paths (games, cinema, education).

Disadvantages of Animation:

• It requires significant time and effort to learn technical software.
• Competition is fierce globally.
• Financial returns are sometimes delayed at the beginning of the career.
• It requires continuous development and keeping up with technology.

The Future of Animation and Cartooning

With the expansion of the digital and entertainment industries, it has become one of the most important specializations of the future.

According to a report by Statista, global animation industry revenues are expected to exceed $500 billion by 2030. This is due to the increased demand for digital entertainment content, video games, and streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney Plus, which calls for more creative animators.

Key Skills in Animation and cartooning

• To excel in this field, you must possess the following skills:
• Proficiency in design programs such as Adobe After Effects, Blender, and Maya.
• Skills in hand-drawing and character design.
• Creativity and the ability to tell visual stories.
• Knowledge of the basics of 2D and 3D animation.
• Visual thinking and a sense of artistic composition.
• Teamwork and the ability to implement collaborative projects.
• Time management skills and on-time delivery.

Now you know everything about how to study animation and cartoon in Turkey at various levels, and that Turkish universities are your opportunity to excel amid the intense competition in this field.

Resources 

10 Best universities for Animation in Turkey