Scholarship Opportunity: French Embassy in Kenya and Rubika Valenciennes Launch Excellence Award for 3D Animation Graduate

Overview

The French Embassy in Kenya, in partnership with Rubika Valenciennes, is pleased to announce an exciting new scholarship opportunity for aspiring 3D animators in Kenya. This prestigious award targets talented Kenyan graduates who are passionate about animation and seek to further their education in one of Europe’s top creative institutions.

Rubika Valenciennes, located in northern France, is a globally recognized leader in the field of animation and digital arts. Known for producing high-caliber graduates who go on to work with major studios such as Pixar, Ubisoft, and DreamWorks, Rubika has a long-standing reputation for excellence in creative education. This scholarship reflects a shared commitment between the French Embassy and Rubika to support emerging talent from Africa, promote cultural exchange, and invest in future leaders of the creative economy.

Scholarship Summary

The scholarship will fully support one outstanding Kenyan animation graduate to enroll in Rubika Valenciennes’ one-year intensive 3D animation training program, scheduled to run from September 2025 to June 2026.

This immersive program is designed to sharpen the artistic, technical, and storytelling skills of advanced-level animation students, preparing them for competitive careers in film, gaming, advertising, and digital media industries worldwide. Participants benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals, access to cutting-edge technology, and an environment that fosters creative excellence.

What the Scholarship Covers

The selected scholar will receive:

• Full coverage of tuition fees (excluding the applicant’s own contribution).
• Assistance with visa processing and placement in France.
• Access to Rubika’s facilities, including professional-grade animation labs and industry-standard software.
• Mentorship and academic support from Rubika’s renowned faculty.

The only financial contribution required from the successful candidate will be a modest tuition co-payment of €800 (approximately KES 120,000), which reflects Rubika’s commitment to making world-class education accessible while maintaining a stake in the student’s commitment.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Academic Qualification

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Arts degree or an equivalent qualification.
• The degree must have been earned between 2022 and 2025 from a recognized institution.
• Preference may be given to graduates of media, fine arts, animation, film production, or related disciplines.

2. Technical Proficiency

• Demonstrated high proficiency in 3D animation is mandatory.
• Applicants must submit a portfolio or showreel showcasing their best animation work, including 3D modeling, character rigging, lighting, rendering, and motion.

3. Availability

• Applicants must be available to participate in the full academic program, from September 2025 to June 2026, in France.

4. Documentation

• Applicants must hold a valid passport with an expiration date extending beyond December 2027 to ensure travel eligibility and compliance with visa regulations.

Application Timeline

Candidates are encouraged to prepare their submissions early, as the application and selection process will follow a strict schedule:

• May 2, 2025 – Call for applications opens. The application form and requirements will be made available via the French Embassy in Kenya’s website and communication platforms.
• May 23, 2025 – Application deadline. All application materials, including portfolios and supporting documents, must be submitted by this date. Late applications will not be considered.
• May 26–28, 2025 – Finalist interviews. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a videoconference interview with an international selection panel consisting of representatives from Rubika, the French Embassy, and industry professionals.
• May 30, 2025 – Announcement of the selected candidate. The scholarship recipient will be formally announced via official embassy channels and contacted directly.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official website of the French Embassy in Kenya or follow its social media pages for complete application instructions and to download the application form. Applicants will be asked to submit:

• A curriculum vitae (CV) outlining academic and professional experience.
• A portfolio or demo reel of recent animation work.
• A personal statement (max. 500 words) explaining motivation, career goals, and how the Rubika program will help achieve them.
• A copy of academic certificates and transcripts.
• A copy of a valid passport.

Please ensure all documents are submitted in English or French.

Conclusion

This scholarship offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a gifted Kenyan animator to receive world-class training in France. By combining artistic excellence with international exposure, the program aims to empower emerging creatives to become leaders in the animation industry, both locally and globally.

If you have the skills, vision, and dedication to take your animation career to the next level, this could be your chance to shine.