What to Expect
At VFS, we don’t make our decisions about our students based purely on how good you are at completing an application form. Our Advisors are here to talk with you, get to know you, answer your questions, and give you feedback on improving your application. Over the years, our Advisors have helped thousands of people through the process.
The application process is much smoother when you’re well-informed, so make sure you have a good look through the website to get a feel for what you like about the school and our programs. Have a look at some of the awesome work that our students create, and see the type of jobs they get involved with after graduation. Then, get in touch with our Advisors.
Our Advisors
Our Advisors aren’t here to accept or reject you. They’re here to make sure that your application best reflects your abilities, and to help you overcome obstacles that get in your way. Here’s when you'll connect with an Advisor.
-
The First Contact
Once you’ve looked through our website and have some ideas, or questions, about VFS, it’s time to talk to an Advisor. Complete the short form and we’ll connect you with an Advisor. Your Advisor will partner with you through the process.
-
Getting to Know You
Your Advisor will call you. Don’t panic. This is just a casual conversation to get to know you better, so they can personalize the help they give you to suit your needs.
-
Chasing Paper
Based on your background, your chosen program, and your nationality, you’ll need to get some paperwork together to prove that you meet the application criteria and your program requirements. Make sure you stay in touch with your Advisor through this process; let them know how it’s going. They've seen it all before and may be able to suggest alternative solutions to make things easier.
-
The Big Panic
There’s a lot to do and not a lot of time. Where will you live in Vancouver? What’s a good neighbourhood? How much money will you need? These are all things we can help with. Take a big breath and talk things through with your advisor.
-
The Application Form
There are seven steps to this form. Some steps are really easy—your name, your address—other require more work. Don’t feel like you have to have it perfect before you show it to us. We’ve been through this form a lot. We know it pretty well, and can guide you through the tricky bits.
-
The Results Call
This is when your Advisor gets to call you with the results of your application. This can get pretty emotional. You’ve worked hard to get here, and, hopefully, this is where that all pays off.
-
On Campus
We’re still here after you’ve started your program. If you have a question or concern, and are unsure who to speak with, come see your Advisor. We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. If, after graduation, you’re thinking about taking another VFS program we can help you with planning that.
Qualifications & Requirements
To qualify for a place at VFS, you’ll need to meet certain criteria, as well as specific requirements for your program. Contact our Advisors first, before you have met all of the requirements, so they can help you through the process and secure your spot for when you've met the criteria.
Universal Requirements
Applicants will need to submit transcripts from all secondary or post-secondary institutions attended in the last five years (including your high-school diploma, if applicable), as well as a piece of government issued identification that shows your date of birth.
Preferably these should be from someone who can knowledgeably comment on your passion and abilities in the area for which you are applying. Please note, family members are not eligible as references.
All VFS programs are full-time, so you’ll need a financial plan to cover your tuition and living expenses while enrolled in your program. (Don't worry. Your advisor can guide you through this).
For Canadians - check with your home province for coverage in BC.
For non-Canadians - you will need to purchase health insurance until you are covered under the Medical Services Plan. See the International Students page for more information.
After three months of living in BC, all students are eligible for Medical Services Plan coverage.
Program Requirements
A visual art portfolio
Send samples of your work that include life (preferred), still, or character drawings, and 3D computer work (maximum 12 pieces total). When you apply to the 3D Animation & Visual Effects program, we expect that you have some 3D experience. If you don’t have sufficient 3D experience you may be given conditional acceptance based on the strength of a combination of your other computer artwork (e.g. Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) and your drawing skills. You'll find information on how to send your portfolio in the application form, or you can ask your Advisor.
OR
Successful completion of the VFS Foundation Visual Art & Design program
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.
Passion for acting and the arts
All you need is a passion for acting and the arts, a strong desire to express yourself and tell stories through performance, and a willingness to collaborate with peers and instructors. Acting Essentials is ideal for those who feel a need to expand their foundation as an actor and for those without a portfolio sufficient to gain entrance into VFS's one-year Acting for Film & Television program.
Demonstrated post-secondary acting experience and a recorded audition that meets Department standards.
Department Standards
Upload your audition to a video hosting site (YouTube, Vimeo, a personal website, etc) and send a link to the school.
Please note that the audition must be specifically created for VFS according to the Content Requirements provided below and must be clearly identified as such.
Content Requirements
The tape must be a maximum six minutes in length and must be in the following format:
- State your name on camera
- Demonstrate a contemporary monologue in less than one minute
- Demonstrate a short contemporary scene (applicant should be on camera and the reader off camera) in less than one minute
- If desired, provide a maximum one-minute demo of a special skill (e.g. singing, dance, physical action, etc.)
- Provide answers to the following questions in a maximum of two minutes:
- Why did you choose your audition pieces?
- How long have you wanted to act?
- Who inspired you to want to pursue an acting career?
- What are your strengths & weaknesses as an actor?
- If you can't be an actor, what would you choose to be?
See this video on How to Submit a Self Tape
OR
Successful completion of VFS Acting Essentials program and an invitation from the Acting Faculty
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Essentials program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.
A visual art portfolio of your work
Send us samples of your work that can include still-life drawings, life drawings, character or environment sketches, and computer artwork (e.g., Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.). Maximum 12 pieces.
OR
Successful completion of the VFS Foundation Visual Art & Design program.
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.
A visual art portfolio of your work
Send samples of your work that include still-life drawings, life drawings, and character sketches (maximum 12 pieces). You'll find information on how to send your work in the application form, or you can ask your Advisor.
OR
Successful completion of the VFS Foundation Visual Art & Design program
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.
A portfolio of your digital and visual work
Your portfolio should demonstrate your familiarity with a range of visual work (e.g., print design, web design, etc.). You'll find information on how to send your portfolio in the application form, or you can ask your Advisor.
OR
Successful completion of the VFS Foundation Visual Art & Design program
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.
A synopsis of your film project
Write a synopsis of a film project that you are passionate about making (no longer than one page). Provide the film genre and utilize references to other movies to explain how you would make the film. Explain the concept, vision or idea. In addition, provide a 1-page (maximum) outline of the story.
OPTIONAL
If you have made a film before, please submit a copy or a link to the film online (no more than two films). Ensure that you specify your involvement in the film, as well as any screenings or awards.
You'll find information on how to send your projects in the application form, or you can ask your Advisor.
OR
Successful completion of the VFS Foundation Visual Art & Design program
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.
OPTIONAL
You also have the option of submitting any previous films you've worked on. Please submit a copy or a link to the film online (no more than two films). Ensure that you specify your involvement in the film, as well as any screenings or awards.
There are no program-specific entrance requirements.
The Foundation Visual Art & Design program is ideal for those needing to develop a portfolio required to enter one of VFS's professional programs, or for those that enjoy more than one entertainment arts discipline and are unsure of what they wish to pursue as a career. There are no program-specific entrance requirements.
A synopsis of a game that you are passionate about creating
Explain the concept, vision, or idea. Include the genre of game you would utilize. Make references to other games to explain how you would make your game (one page maximum).
In addition, provide an outline detailing your story, possible levels, and characters (one page maximum).
Provide diagrams explaining any features or game mechanics (one to two pages maximum) and a simplified map of the game world described in your synopsis.
You'll find information on how to send your synopsis in the application form, or you can ask your Advisor.
*Intermediate computer skills are a requirement, including the ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel.
OR
Successful completion of the VFS Foundation Visual Art & Design program
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.*
*Intermediate computer skills are a requirement, including the ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel.
A letter of intent AND your portfolio
- All applicants are required to submit a maximum 500 word letter of intent and a portfolio. Professional makeup experience is not a pre-requisite. Successful applicants will be chosen based on their expression of passion, talent (whether it be proven or potential), and commitment. Be encouraged to communicate what you feel best conveys your background, your potential, and why you have a profound desire to attend VFS
- A portfolio consisting of photographs that best illustrates your artistic vision in makeup. These should be done mostly on a model and not on yourself (one or two samples on yourself is acceptable). Regardless of your experience level, please include a range of make-ups such as beauty, injuries, & character that are done on a variety of faces (preferably not all on the same model). Don’t be intimidated; this gives us a good idea of your current skillset! Portfolio may have a maximum of 12 pieces, 3 of which may be be sketches, paintings, or sculpts.
OR
Successful completion of the VFS Foundation Visual Art & Design program
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.
A technical portfolio that contains 1-3 examples of programming work.
Show us your code! Include a 1-2 page excerpt of source code you want to show off, and a 1-page descriptive summary for each project. You must also have intermediate PC computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Familiarity with HTML is an asset. You'll find information on how to send your portfolio in the application form, or you can ask your Advisor.
OR
Successful completion of one of the following VFS programs: Foundation Visual Art & Design, Game Design, Digital Design, 3D Animation & Visual Effects
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know which VFS program you've completed and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.
A letter of intent
A maximum 500 word letter of intent on why you wish to take the Sound Design program. This should detail your passion for Sound, and why you feel you would be successful in the industry. Detail any previous experience in music or sound recording, sound mixing, etc. Outline why you feel you can be successful in sound design. If you have examples of audio work you have done, this should also be provided. You can send a weblink to a sound file or a compressed audio file (mp3 etc).
OR
Successful completion of the VFS Foundation Visual Art & Design program
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.
A portfolio of your digital and visual work
Students must submit the following:
2-3 samples of 3D animation or modeling AND at least 1 example of source code, along with a one-page document that describes the code.
OR, certificates of completion for the following:
- Unity Essentials Pathway AND the project called “Creator Kit: Beginner Coding” (both available for free here).
OR
Successful completion of the VFS Foundation Visual Art & Design and/or 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Game Design, and Digital Design programs
Speak to an Admissions Advisor for more information if you’re completing or have already completed a VFS program.
A synopsis of an original feature film, television, or video game project that you are passionate about making.
Write a one-page (maximum) synopsis. Provide the genre and use references to other movies, television shows or games to explain how you would write the project. Explain the concept, vision, or idea. In addition, provide a minimum of two and a maximum of four other creative writing samples in their original form (maximum 20 total pages). You’ll find information on how to send your work in the application form, or you can ask your Advisor.
OR
Successful completion of the VFS Foundation Visual Art & Design program
When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.
Requirements for Non-Canadian Residents
If you are not a resident of Canada, you may need the following documents.
All of VFS’s programs require International Students to obtain a study permit. See the International Students page for more information.
In order to succeed in any VFS program, you will need to understand technical terms and be able to participate in presentations and in-depth discussions in English. Depending upon your program of study, you must meet either the Level 1 or Level 2 English language requirements. See the International Students page for more information.
Ready to Apply Now?
After you've talked to your Advisor, you'll be ready to start the application form (click the Apply Now button below). The application form takes 15-25 minutes to complete. Once you have created a password, you’ll be able to save your application as you go. If you need help at any stage, let your Advisor know.