Re:Anim Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters in Animation

The Re:Anim Erasmus Mundus is a two-year, multidisciplinary Joint Master’s program in Animation, fully taught in English and structured under the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) framework. It brings together three leading European institutions, Universidade Lusófona (Portugal), Aalto University (Finland), and LUCA School of Arts (Belgium), to offer an immersive and border-crossing academic experience.

Designed to explore all facets of animation, from narrative and experimental storytelling to VR and expanded animation forms, Re:Anim Erasmus Mundus encourages creative depth and international collaboration. The program aims to produce innovative, critically minded animators with strong professional networks and intercultural fluency.

Project Status

• Status: Ongoing
• Start date 01-09-2019
• End date 31-08-2026
• Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Description of the Re:Anim Erasmus Mundus Program

Re:Anim Erasmus Mundus is a unique Joint Master’s program that thoroughly explores all fields of animation—from classical narrative to experimental and expanded media formats such as VR, live animation, and animated documentaries. It builds global networks and cross-disciplinary skills while offering students exposure to varied cultural and industrial ecosystems.

Key Features of the Re:Anim Erasmus Mundus Program

• Fully English-taught for a diverse international cohort.
• Mobility across three countries gives students exposure to varied creative environments.
• Broad curriculum: narrative and non-narrative storytelling, expanded animation methods, concept-to-production pipelines.
• Integration of live animation, VR, and visualization, beyond traditional short films.
• Strong industry and academic network building throughout the program.

Mobility Tracks of the Re:Anim Erasmus Mundus Program

Students study at all three partner institutions starting in Belgium in first semester, then second semester in Finland and third semester in Portugal followed by a masters thesis in partner institutions or industry for the last semester.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree (BA or equivalent) related to animation or film, degrees in other areas are accepted with relevant experience.
• Completed online application, including:
  • Passport or ID copy (with validity for duration of study)
  • Headshot photograph
  • Final university diploma and certified English translation (if needed)
  • Curriculum vitae with professional background in film-making
  • Two to three recommendation letters with contact details
  • Motivation letter (max 1000 characters)
  • Expectations letter (max 1000 characters).
• In addition (per some sources):
  • Project proposal (short film, expanded animation etc.)
  • Portfolio or show reel (max 9 minutes)
  • English language certificate (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL).

How to Apply for Re:Anim Erasmus Mundus Program

1. Visit the official Re:Anim website and access the Application Requirements section.
2. Submit the online application, adhering to deadlines (e.g. the 2024–2026 cycle ran October 1, 2023 to January 7, 2024).
3. Upload all required documents.
4. For LUCA School of Arts, complete an online admissions application, pass the Master Assessment, then finalize registration if accepted.

Tips to Win the Re:Anim Erasmus Mundus Program

• Highlight cross-disciplinary experience and innovative uses of animation across media.
• Craft a strong project proposal that showcases personal vision and experimental ambition.
• Tailor your motivation letter to reflect familiarity with international animation contexts.
• Provide a compelling portfolio/show reel (ideally ≤9 minutes) that demonstrates technical proficiency and creativity.
• Ensure your references and recommendation letters speak to your artistic potential and collaborative skill.
• Apply early and submit all documents accurately before the deadline.

Application Timeline

• 2024–2026 Intake: Applications accepted from October to January
• Future Intakes: Not yet announced. No 2025/2026 intake will run.

Curriculum Structure of the Re:Anim Erasmus Mundus Program

Students will study a variety of modules throughout the for semesters.

In the first semester at LUCA in Genk, students dive into the art of storytelling. The focus is on narrative development, critical reflection through animation, and even practical aspects like project financing.

The second semester moves to Aalto in Helsinki, where the emphasis shifts toward experimentation. Students push the limits of animation, exploring new technologies and creative approaches to broaden their artistic expression.

By the third semester in Lisbon at Lusófona, the spotlight turns to animated documentary. Here, students look at the form through historical, analytical, and social lenses, using animation as a tool for reflection on real-world issues.

Finally, in the fourth semester, students choose their specialization. Based on their graduation project, they are placed in one of the partner schools (with around seven students per institution) to complete their thesis work.

Coordinator Contact

• Email: pedro.caetano@ulusofona.pt

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)