Animation is more than just cartoons—it’s a thriving industry that powers blockbuster films, video games, streaming content, marketing, and more. For animation design students, internships are the ultimate launchpad, offering exposure to real projects, cutting-edge tools, and professional creative environments.
Whether you dream of working at a major studio like Pixar or contributing to an indie game company, these top global animation internships can help you build experience, expand your network, and create a standout portfolio.
1. Pixar Animation Studios (USA)
Location: Emeryville, California
Duration: 12 weeks (Summer)
Who Can Apply: Students pursuing a BA, BFA, or MFA in Animation, Computer Graphics, or related fields
Why It’s Great:
Work with legendary artists on Pixar’s latest projects. You’ll gain direct insight into animation storytelling, production pipelines, and studio culture.
2. Walt Disney Animation Studios (USA)
Location: Burbank, California
Duration: 3–6 months
Who Can Apply: Final-year students or recent grads in animation-related programs
Why It’s Great:
Disney’s internship and talent development programs give students focused training in departments like storyboarding, visual development, and FX.
👉 Apply at Disney Animation Careers
3. DreamWorks Animation (USA)
Location: Glendale & Redwood City, California
Duration: 10–12 weeks
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students in animation or media arts
Why It’s Great:
Get hands-on experience on current productions, attend exclusive studio workshops, and receive mentorship from DreamWorks professionals.
4. Nickelodeon Animation Studio (USA)
Location: Burbank, California
Duration: Spring, Summer, and Fall internships
Who Can Apply: Students currently enrolled in a college program
Why It’s Great:
Nickelodeon offers fun, creatively rich internships across 2D/3D animation, storyboarding, and design. Perfect for students who love quirky, expressive animation.
👉 Apply at Nick Animation Careers
5. Sony Pictures Animation (USA)
Location: Culver City, California
Duration: 10 weeks
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students
Why It’s Great:
Contribute to award-winning projects like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Interns work in pre-production, design, and animation departments.
👉 Apply at Sony Pictures Animation Careers
6. Framestore (UK, Canada, USA, India)
Locations: London, Montreal, New York, Mumbai, and more
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Who Can Apply: Final-year or graduate students in animation, VFX, or 3D design
Why It’s Great:
A top-tier VFX studio known for Avengers and Gravity. Interns work on commercial, film, and immersive media projects.
7. MPC (Moving Picture Company) (Global)
Locations: Montreal, London, Bangalore, Adelaide, and others
Duration: Varies
Who Can Apply: Students or recent graduates in animation or VFX
Why It’s Great:
MPC offers experience on high-end film and television visual effects. Expect fast-paced, studio-level training and project experience.
8. Ubisoft (Global)
Locations: Montreal, Paris, Toronto, Pune, and more
Duration: 4–6 months
Who Can Apply: Students interested in animation, cinematics, or game design
Why It’s Great:
Ubisoft is a major player in the gaming world (Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry). Interns contribute to character animation, motion capture, and cinematic storytelling.
9. Illumination (USA)
Location: Santa Monica, California
Duration: Summer
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate juniors/seniors or graduate students
Why It’s Great:
The studio behind Minions and Despicable Me offers internships in story, editorial, production, and animation support roles.
👉 Apply at Illumination Careers
10. Blue Zoo Animation (UK)
Location: London
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Who Can Apply: UK and international students (via remote or sponsorship)
Why It’s Great:
One of the UK’s most celebrated animation studios for TV and short films. Interns get creative input on real projects with strong mentorship.
Honorable Mentions (Remote/Hybrid Opportunities)
- Cartuna (USA): 2D animation internships in TV and digital
- Titmouse, Inc. (USA/Canada): Indie-style, creatively driven internships
- The Animation Workshop (Denmark): Internships and exchange programs
- Internshala, LinkedIn, and Indeed: Great platforms for remote animation internships at startups and studios worldwide
Tips for Animation Students Applying Globally:
- Create a strong demo reel: Show your best animated work, ideally under 90 seconds.
- Tailor your portfolio: Match it to the studio’s style—cartoony, realistic, VFX-heavy, etc.
- Show your process: Include rough sketches, storyboards, and before-after renders.
- Be software-ready: Know industry tools like Maya, Blender, Toon Boom, After Effects, and ZBrush.
- Apply early: Competitive internships fill up fast—submit applications 6–8 months in advance.
Final Words
In animation, practice makes powerful. Internships not only help you refine your craft but also place you at the heart of an industry driven by imagination and technology. Whether your dream job is in Hollywood, gaming, or digital media, a solid internship can open the right doors—and maybe even help you animate your future.
