The Rookies: a ranking from the professionals’ perspective
Every year, The Rookies showcases the best schools and emerging talent in the creative industries through a number of international rankings. Whether it’s 3D animation, visual effects, video games, motion design or digital creation, student projects are assessed by professionals from these various sectors.
The Rookies’ Global School Rankings therefore enable the quality of projects carried out within schools to be assessed, as well as how well they meet the industry’s expectations. This is a particularly significant accolade for courses dedicated to careers in 3D animation.
Once again ranked number one in the world for Production Excellence – 3D Animation
Once again this year, ESMA has excelled at the very highest level, taking first place worldwide in the Production Excellence – 3D Animation category.
A track record that stands the test of time: since 2020, ESMA has consistently held the top spot worldwide in this category.
This award recognises the quality of the work presented by the students and highlights their ability to combine high artistic standards, technical proficiency and high-quality production. It also emphasises the richness of the work produced within the 3D animation courses, where students are encouraged to design and produce complete projects.
ESMA ranks among the world’s top 10 in 3D animation
The 2026 results also place ESMA in 7th place in the Top Creative Schools – 3D Animation ranking.
This ranking amongst the world’s top ten schools confirms the international recognition of the expertise developed by ESMA students. Throughout their course, they explore the various stages involved in producing an animation project: concept, character design, modelling, texturing, rigging, animation, lighting, rendering and compositing.
A holistic approach that enables them to develop both their technical skills and their artistic sensibility, whilst working within the context of a collaborative production.
A school recognised as one of the international Creative Schools
ESMA also ranks 20th in the Top 50 Creative Schools 2026.
This overall ranking complements the results achieved in the 3D Animation category and demonstrates the school’s international standing within the creative education sector.
For students, these awards really showcase their work and achievements. They also help to raise the profile of the projects carried out at ESMA amongst an international network of professionals.
Student productions at the heart of recognition
Whilst these rankings set ESMA apart, they above all highlight the students’ projects and talent.
Each production is the culmination of several months of work, research, experimentation and collaboration. Under the guidance of professionals and supported throughout their course, students gradually develop an artistic identity and the skills needed to pursue a career in animation studios and the creative industries.
With this latest recognition of The Rookies, ESMA has thus confirmed the quality of its teaching in 3D animation and its ability to nurture creative talent capable of meeting the demands of an international industry.