Which are top schools or Universities for Animation in the world?

1. Which are top schools or Universities or Institutes for animation in the world?
2. And which of these offer financial aids?
3. When to get admission? Which is regarded probably a good time? And, how long would it take if I plan backwards from date of admission?

Can I get admission as I have no background in arts? Is there any age limit? I am already 25.
Supposing, I can get admission, then, I have following queries.
If I want to study at one of these, what things should I have to do? How do I plan it? Details follow:
Portfolio (of drawings &/or paintings)? Is it the only requirement?
I am an engineer, and completed masters. I am doing a job in a good automobile company, and earning well, as considered here in India. I have also been doing a part time course in animation (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and 3DS Max completed). I am thinking of changing career for I like drawing & animation. So, I have two options-
1) Complete a course (here still degree in animation is not offered, you have to complete a course from an institution, and get a certificate, and a job/job assistance from them) here in India, and start a job in animation here itself. However, animation industry is just booming, and it doesn’t stand that much compared with US or Canada. Also, number of studios are not many. Jobs start from low pay, but it is said you can catch up sooner, 1 or 2 years.
2) Get admission into a good University abroad, and pursue animation study there. However, I will not be able to pay fees there; so, I will have to opt for financial aids. Now, I don’t know much, so I need your advice.

Thank you for reading through this lengthy description! Any advice regarding the subject is appreciated. Thanks in advance!