What are the prerequisites for a 3D Animation DEC (2025)?
By Lili Trottier
2025-08-27
Sommaire
General admission requirements
Creative admission requirements
Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne
Collège d’Alma
Dawson College
Collège O’Sullivan de Québec
Collège Bart
Cégep de Matane
Cégep de Jonquière
Cégep Limoilou
Cégep du Vieux Montréal
In 2025, most Quebec CEGEPs offering DEC programs in 3D animation will only require a high school diploma (DES) or a vocational diploma (DEP) with the required courses.
Some CEGEPs will add technical tests, such as Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne, Cégep du Vieux Montréal, and Dawson College, or language tests, such as Collège O'Sullivan in Quebec City, which offers bilingual training. Others, such as Dawson College, require a creative portfolio with specific requirements.
If you have no prior artistic training, keep in mind that several programs are designed to accommodate beginners and offer refresher courses as needed.
General admission requirements for the DEC in 3D Animation
Admission requirements are generally consistent across different CEGEPs. Most CEGEPs require a high school diploma (DES) or a vocational diploma (DEP) with the required courses (language of instruction - Secondary V, second language - Secondary V, and mathematics - Secondary IV). Some institutions also accept equivalent training or relevant experience.
Creative admission requirements for a DEC in 3D animation
Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne
574.C0 - Animation & Computer Generated Imagery
Photo credit: Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne | The program in pictures (3D Animation and Computer-Generated Imagery)The Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne does not require any specific academic prerequisites, drawing tests, portfolios, or prior training. However, there is one special condition: an introductory test on 3D software, based on video clips provided on site. But don't panic! This test is designed for beginners and assesses your ability to follow instructions.
Collège d’Alma
510.A0 – Visual and Digital Arts
Photo credit: Collège d’Alma | Visual and Digital Arts programThe Collège d’Alma does not require any specific academic prerequisites, such as a portfolio or drawing test. Only the general admission requirements must be met.
Unlike the 3D Production and Image Synthesis program (574.C0), which aims to train students for the job market, the Visual and Digital Arts program is a pre-university program.
This means that it is a two-year college-level program (DEC) that prepares students for university studies in the field of digital arts.
Collège d'Alma is the only institution to include the term “digital” in the official title of the DEC. However, Cégep Limoilou, Cégep de Sherbrooke, Cégep de Jonquière, and Cégep de Sainte-Foy mention a few modules in 2D-3D animation in their course offerings. Consult the various course outlines to find out the specifics of each one.
Dawson College
574.C0 - Animation & Computer Generated Imagery
Photo credit: Collège Dawson | Program Promotion Videos - 10th AnniversaryDawson College is an English-language institution and is the only one that requires a portfolio for admission to its 3D animation program. More specifically, the college requires a portfolio of 15 original works, including:
Two pages of drawings of live models based on observation (full figures, in motion and static).
Two pages of perspective drawings (two opposite views of the same room, in line art).
One sheet of original character models (turned, facial expressions, poses).
A clay sculpture (front and profile views) based on your model sheet.
Eight pages of various works (drawings, paintings, illustrations, sculptures, animations, etc.).
The works must be original and mention the sources when they are inspired by photos, videos, or other creations. AI-generated images can only be used as references and must be cited.
Students also have the option of submitting a link to their website, films, and animations, as well as a one-minute video selfie.
Finally, towards the end of March, applicants will be given a timed drawing exercise, which will take place in person at the college.
Selection will be based on the quality of the portfolio, academic record, and timed drawing exercise.
Please note that, as this is an English-language CEGEP subject to Bill 14, the institution is subject to an enrollment cap and a priority admission system. For more information, click here.
BONUS: We help you build your portfolio
To help you build your portfolio like a pro, check out this article on The Art of Building and Presenting a Creative Portfolio.
Collège O’Sullivan de Québec
574.C0 - Animation & Computer Generated Imagery
Photo credit: Collège O’Sullivan de Québec | O’Sullivan GraduatesO'Sullivan College de Québec does not require any prior artistic training.
However, an assessment of written French and English proficiency is required in order to better support students in their studies, as this is a bilingual program.
Collège Bart, Cégep de Matane et Cégep de Jonquière
574.C0 - Animation & Computer Generated Imagery
Photo credit: Cégep de Matane | Animation 3D et synthèses d'image video - Cégep de MataneBart College and Cégep de Matane apply similar conditions. In short, apart from the general admission requirements, no prior artistic experience is required.
Furthermore, there is no mention on the Cégep de Jonquière website for 2025 of any requirement for a creative portfolio or entrance exam.
View the DEC at Bart College →
View the DEC at Cégep de Matane →
View the DEC at Cégep de Jonquière →
Cégep Limoilou
574.C0 - Animation & Computer Generated Imagery
Photo credit: Mathis Pagé and Cégep Limoilou | 3D Animation and Computer-Generated ImageryWhen you register at Cégep Limoilou, you must choose between three profiles: 3D artist, animation, or visual effects. Please note that the visual effects profile is closed for fall 2025.
Students must submit a 3-minute creative personal presentation via an unlisted video link. This presentation must demonstrate your motivation, skills, creativity, and relevant experience.
Selection is based 50% on the creative personal presentation and 50% on academic performance (past report card grades).
As this is a limited-enrollment program, there are a total of 75 places available, including 25 places per profile.
Cégep du Vieux Montréal
574.C0 - Animation & Computer Generated Imagery
Photo credit: Cégep du Vieux Montréal | The program in pictures (Computer Lab)In addition to the general admission requirements, Cégep du Vieux Montréal makes an initial selection based on academic records.
Selected students will then be invited to attend a drawing test and a computer lab test on a Saturday in mid-March:
Drawing test: A drawing test that assesses the reproduction of characters in an environment, on paper (2 hours).
Computer test: A test of simple shape modeling in Maya software (2 hours), with a short training session beforehand.
Don't worry, the CEGEP offers preparatory drawing classes to increase your chances of being selected. In addition, the admissions page recommends books and exercises to help you prepare for the tests. These tests will then be graded by a committee of teachers.
Want to explore the different 3D training programs in Quebec?
To learn more about your various training options in Quebec, we invite you to consult two essential directories: