ESMA Montpellier

Founded in Montpellier in 1993, ESMA (École Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques) is a private institution specializing in creative arts, with a particularly strong reputation in 3D animation and visual effects. Now spread across six campuses in France (Montpellier, Toulouse, Lyon, Nantes, Rennes, and Bordeaux), the school offers programs covering 3D animation & VFX, video games, concept art, graphic design, and interior architecture. The flagship program is a five-year professional cycle in 3D Animation & Visual Effects, combining artistic development with hands-on technical training and strong industry immersion. The curriculum is built around producing short films and games of increasingly professional quality — a model that has paid off: ESMA was ranked #1 in the world in the "Excellence in 3D Animation Production" category at The Rookies 2024 competition. Alumni have gone on to work at some of the world's most prestigious studios, including Disney, DreamWorks, Sony, Framestore, and Industrial Light & Magic. As a private school, tuition is significant, but ESMA's track record in placing graduates directly into the industry makes it one of the most sought-after animation schools in France.