Located in one of the world's largest creative meccas, Vancouver Film School (VFS) is Canada's premier post-secondary entertainment arts institution, offering an immersive curriculum in Film, Animation, Game, and Creative Design. VFS's production-focused education is taught by industry professionals in state-of-the-art facilities and delivered in accelerated time frames. With 15 programs to choose from, students graduate in 1 short year as in-demand creative professionals with a strong network of industry connections and a powerful portfolio that will serve as their industry calling card. In 2025, VFS alumni were credited on all top 10 domestic grossing films, 8 of the 10 best-selling games, and all 5 of the most streamed shows.
Recognized as the #1 Game Design School in Canada by ¸£ÀûÉ© Review Journal, VFS trains students in world-class facilities for all levels of game development. Students choose their specialization — Game Art, Coding, or Level Design — and collaborate on a retail-ready game for their professional portfolio. Outside of the Game Design program, virtually all VFS programs incorporate elements of game design into the curriculum, from Programming to Sound Design, Acting, Writing, 3D Animation & VFX, and more. VFS students have won the Unity Award for Best Student game 4 times (8 total nominations), most recently for 'Meowmentum Mori.'
Vancouver Film School
|
01. What the School is Known For
From the School
Check out our videos
Social Media
02. Students
From The School
The iconic Vancouver Film School backpack is a ubiquitous sign that VFS's diverse Canadian and international student body is everywhere in Vancouver. Some are attending VFS as their first post-secondary stop, while others are changing directions and pursuing a longtime creative passion. No matter what stage they're at, all are immersed in industry production experience on their first day of class.
VFS students engage in a broad range of activities both in and outside school. A passionate commitment to the arts means that most students are connected not only to their own projects, but to those of fellow students as well, as they collaborate throughout their intensive one-year programs. A number of opportunities for activism, volunteer work, and other pursuits keep VFS students engaged every day.
Student Body Profile
Student Body Demographics
American Indian or Alaskan Native
Asian
Black
Hispanic
Caucasian
Unknown
International
03. Admissions & Acceptance Rate
Admissions
From the School:
Over the years, VFS Advisors have helped thousands of individuals through the application process. Advisors encourage applicants to be well-informed about their educational options and help ensure there is a strong fit between program choice and desired career outcomes. Advisors also assist prospective students in putting together the components needed to satisfy specific portfolio requirements when applicable.
Application Process & Criteria
- Students can apply to VFS at any time, from grade 11 and up. However, before attending classes, students must either be 19 years old or have completed grade 12.
- C$100 non-refundable application fee
- Photo ID copy
- Two Reference Letters — Preferably, these should be from someone who can comment on your passion and abilities in the area for which you are applying. Please note that family members are not eligible as references.
- Transcript from High School or University
- Online Application Form (https://vfs.edu/admissions)
- Applicants may be asked to submit a program-specific portfolio, when applicable.
GPA Breakdown
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
What would you score on the digital SAT today?
Testing Policies
Selectivity
04. Academics
From the School
Graduating students receive a diploma.
Upon completing a one-year diploma programs, students can obtain an accelerated bachelor's degree through Pathway programs at the universities listed below:
Royal Roads University (Victoria, BC)
Capilano University (North Vancouver, BC)
Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, ON)
University of the Fraser Valley (Fraser Valley, BC)
BCIT (Metro Vancouver, BC)
Regent's University in London (London, UK)
Gender to Class Inforamtion
Minority
Women
Men
International
Class/Lab sizes
Most frequent lab/sub section size
10-19
Rating
Graduation Rates
Majors and Degrees Offered
Game Design
Programming for Games, Web & Mobile
3D Animation & Visual Effects
Classical Animation
Animation Concept Art
Foundation Visual Art & Design
Digital Design
Acting Essentials
Acting for Film & Television
Writing for Film, Television & Games
Film Production
Sound Design for Visual Media
Makeup Design for Film & Television
VR/AR Design & Development
English for Creative Arts
05. Campus Life
Location
Located in the heart of Vancouver's Gastown district, Vancouver Film School is an integral component of Western Canada's most beautiful city. Situated among leading global tech and media companies, VFS's eight campus buildings house more than 250,000 square feet of studio and production facilities, connecting students to industry professionals and instructors, with modernized equipment in well-appointed learning spaces. At VFS, students are immersed in Vancouver's arts and culture, with the North Shore Mountains on one side and the Georgia Strait on the other. It's no surprise that some of the world's most creative talents have emerged from VFS over the past three decades.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Vancouver Film School's commitment to innovative and emerging technologies is apparent in each of their eight modernized campus buildings. The facilities mirror those found in leading studios and production houses around the world. This ranges from a massive 280° green screen space to the LG UltraWide Monitor Academy Lab, and our unique partnership with Beyond Capture, a signature, 32,000 square foot performance capture studio available to students and used by some of the most advanced industry projects in film, television, and video games.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Vancouver provides the perfect blend of nature, arts and culture, and exposure to the industry in which VFS alumni will work. Students and graduates can hit the slopes in the morning and take a ride on Vancouver's scenic seawall in the afternoon, and drop in any of Vancouver's museums, theatres, and eclectic arts spaces in the evening. The creative economy in Vancouver is thriving, helping students and alumni connect to shoots, projects, and industry insiders in their field through a wide range of VFS-run and third-party events.
06. Housing & Activities
Special Needs Admissions
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Student Activities
07. Sports & Athletics
Athletic Other
08. Student Services
CAMPUS SECURITY REPORT
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review's page
on campus safety for additional resources:
Visit Page
The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education:
Other Information
09. Mental Health
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Not Reported
Mental Health Website
Not Reported
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Not Reported
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Not Reported
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Not Reported
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Not Reported
Incoming transfer students
Not Reported
Returning students
Not Reported
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/
well-being education for students
well-being education for students
Not Reported
The institution offers non-credit mental health/
well-being education for students
well-being education for students
Not Reported
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Not Reported
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
Not Reported
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Not Reported
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
Not Reported
10. Campus Visits
Campus Visits Contact
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Campus Tours
Appointment Required:
Visits
CLASS VISITS
FACULTY AND COACH VISITS
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews:
No
Information Sessions:
Not Available
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Campus Tours
¸£ÀûÉ© Review Advice & Resources
11 Surprising Facts About College Admission | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
How To Compare Colleges and Find Your Target Schools | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
How to Find Your Best Fit College | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
How to Choose Dream, Target, and Safety Schools | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
College Admissions Guide: Process and Prep | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
Should You Apply Early Action vs Early Decision? | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
What is Rolling Admission? | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
What Looks Good on College Applications? | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
Popular Application Essay Topics | Apply | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
Crafting an Unforgettable College Essay | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
Calculate Your GPA With Our GPA Scale | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
How to Calculate Your SAT or ACT Superscore | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
ACT vs SAT Score Conversion Chart | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
Take a Free SAT Practice Test
Read More
Find Colleges Looking for Students Like You
11. Career Services & Jobs
Graduation Rates
ROI & Outcomes Information from PayScale
12. Majors
13. Tuition & Cost
VFS tuition is all-inclusive. All school supplies (books, equipment, and incidentals) are included in your tuition fees. The rates listed below are in Canadian dollars.
Game Design: https://vfs.edu/programs/game-design
Domestic: C$32,750 (current); C$32,950 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
International: C$49,250 (current); C$49,750 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
Programming for Games, Web & Mobile: https://vfs.edu/programs/programming
Domestic: C$32,050
International: C$49,050
3D Animation & Visual Effects: https://vfs.edu/programs/3D-animation-vfx
Domestic: C$35,750 (current); C$35,950 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
International: C$53,250 (current); C$53,750 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
Classical Animation: https://vfs.edu/programs/classical-animation
Domestic: C$25,500 (current); C$25,950 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
International: C$30,500 (current); C$30,750 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
Animation Concept Art: https://vfs.edu/programs/animation-concept-art
Domestic: C$25,500 (current); C$25,950 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
International: C$33,500 (current); C$33,750 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
Foundation Visual Art & Design: https://vfs.edu/programs/foundation
Domestic: C$20,500 (current); C$20,950 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
International: C$30,500 (current); C$30,750 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
Digital Design: https://vfs.edu/programs/digital-design
Domestic: C$27,750 (current); C$27,950 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
International: C$42,250 (current); C$42,750 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
Acting Essentials: https://vfs.edu/programs/acting-essentials
Domestic: C$7,500 (current); C$7,750 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
International: C$10,500 (current); C$10,750 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
Acting for Film & Television & Games: https://vfs.edu/programs/acting
Domestic: C$20,500
International: C$30,500
Writing for Film, Television & Games: https://vfs.edu/programs/writing
Domestic: C$20,750 (current); C$20,950 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
International: C$28,250 (current); C$28,750 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
Film Production: https://vfs.edu/programs/film-production
Domestic: C$36,750 (current); C$36,950 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
International: C$53,250 (current); C$53,750 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
Sound Design for Visual Media: https://vfs.edu/programs/sound-design
Domestic: C$28,750 (current); C$28,950 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
International: C$43,250 (current); C$43,750 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
Makeup Design for Film & Television: https://vfs.edu/programs/makeup
Domestic: C$32,250 (current); C$33,950 (Aug. 31, 2020 and later start dates)
International: C$46,750
English for Creative Arts: https://vfs.edu/programs/english-creative-arts
Domestic & international: C$6,720
VR/AR Design & Development: https://vfs.edu/programs/vrar
Domestic: C$22,000
International: C$33,000
Room and Board:
VFS offers a robust housing and homestay placement service. Renting in Vancouver is expensive. VFS aims to provide convenient accommodation that makes it easier for students to focus on their academic and personal growth.
VFS's Housing Coordinator has well-established connections with landlords in Vancouver and will help students find accommodation that best meets their individual and budgetary needs. Whether you want to rent your own apartment, share with roommates, or live in a homestay, VFS's Housing Coordinator can offer students a variety of excellent options.
https://vfs.edu/accommodation
14. Financial Aid
Dates
Vancouver Film School's programs are recognized by all Federal and Provincial loan providers in Canada. VFS regularly offers a variety of scholarship programs offering full or partial tuition funding, with partners that have included writer/director/producer Kevin Smith, animator Michal Makarewicz (Pixar), actor Emily Bett Rickards, and video game developers Blackbird Interactive and The Coalitions (Gears 5).
Past and current creative scholarship programs offered by VFS can be found here:
https://vfs.edu/scholarships-overview
For international students, VFS has a team dedicated to assisting with payment plans and can work with a student's local loan providers to assist with tuition and other costs.
Financial Aid Statistics
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Scholarships and Grants
¸£ÀûÉ© Review Advice & Resources
60 Questions To Ask on Your College Tour | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read MoreCollege Campus Safety | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read MoreTop 10 College Majors | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read MoreTop 12 Questions to Ask Your College Counselor | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
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Read MoreScholarships for SAT and ACT Scores | Prep | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
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Read MoreHow to Pay for College Resource Center
Read More01. Overview
From the School
Located in one of the world's largest creative meccas, Vancouver Film School (VFS) is Canada's premier post-secondary entertainment arts institution, offering an immersive curriculum in Film, Animation, Game, and Creative Design. VFS's production-focused education is taught by industry professionals in state-of-the-art facilities and delivered in accelerated time frames. With 15 programs to choose from, students graduate in 1 short year as in-demand creative professionals with a strong network of industry connections and a powerful portfolio that will serve as their industry calling card. In 2025, VFS alumni were credited on all top 10 domestic grossing films, 8 of the 10 best-selling games, and all 5 of the most streamed shows.
Recognized as the #1 Game Design School in Canada by ¸£ÀûÉ© Review Journal, VFS trains students in world-class facilities for all levels of game development. Students choose their specialization — Game Art, Coding, or Level Design — and collaborate on a retail-ready game for their professional portfolio. Outside of the Game Design program, virtually all VFS programs incorporate elements of game design into the curriculum, from Programming to Sound Design, Acting, Writing, 3D Animation & VFX, and more. VFS students have won the Unity Award for Best Student game 4 times (8 total nominations), most recently for 'Meowmentum Mori.'
Check out our videos
Social Media
02. Rankings
Rankings and Lists
03. Admissions & Acceptance Rate
Admissions
From the School:
Over the years, VFS Advisors have helped thousands of individuals through the application process. Advisors encourage applicants to be well-informed about their educational options and help ensure there is a strong fit between program choice and desired career outcomes. Advisors also assist prospective students in putting together the components needed to satisfy specific portfolio requirements when applicable.
Application Process & Criteria
- Students can apply to VFS at any time, from grade 11 and up. However, before attending classes, students must either be 19 years old or have completed grade 12.
- C$100 non-refundable application fee
- Photo ID copy
- Two Reference Letters — Preferably, these should be from someone who can comment on your passion and abilities in the area for which you are applying. Please note that family members are not eligible as references.
- Transcript from High School or University
- Online Application Form (https://vfs.edu/admissions)
- Applicants may be asked to submit a program-specific portfolio, when applicable.
GPA Breakdown
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
What would you score on the digital SAT today?
Testing Policies
Selectivity
4. Cost, Tuition, Expenses
05. Academics
From the School
Graduating students receive a diploma.
Upon completing a one-year diploma programs, students can obtain an accelerated bachelor's degree through Pathway programs at the universities listed below:
Royal Roads University (Victoria, BC)
Capilano University (North Vancouver, BC)
Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, ON)
University of the Fraser Valley (Fraser Valley, BC)
BCIT (Metro Vancouver, BC)
Regent's University in London (London, UK)
Gender to Class Inforamtion
Minority
Women
Men
International
Class/Lab sizes
Most frequent lab/sub section size
10-19
Rating
Graduation Rates
Majors and Degrees Offered
Game Design
Programming for Games, Web & Mobile
3D Animation & Visual Effects
Classical Animation
Animation Concept Art
Foundation Visual Art & Design
Digital Design
Acting Essentials
Acting for Film & Television
Writing for Film, Television & Games
Film Production
Sound Design for Visual Media
Makeup Design for Film & Television
VR/AR Design & Development
English for Creative Arts
06. Student Body
From The School
The iconic Vancouver Film School backpack is a ubiquitous sign that VFS's diverse Canadian and international student body is everywhere in Vancouver. Some are attending VFS as their first post-secondary stop, while others are changing directions and pursuing a longtime creative passion. No matter what stage they're at, all are immersed in industry production experience on their first day of class.
VFS students engage in a broad range of activities both in and outside school. A passionate commitment to the arts means that most students are connected not only to their own projects, but to those of fellow students as well, as they collaborate throughout their intensive one-year programs. A number of opportunities for activism, volunteer work, and other pursuits keep VFS students engaged every day.
Student Body Profile
Student Body Demographics
American Indian or Alaskan Native
Asian
Black
Hispanic
Caucasian
Unknown
International
07. Mental Health
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Not Reported
Mental Health Website
Not Reported
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Not Reported
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Not Reported
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Not Reported
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Not Reported
Incoming transfer students
Not Reported
Returning students
Not Reported
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/
well-being education for students
well-being education for students
Not Reported
The institution offers non-credit mental health/
well-being education for students
well-being education for students
Not Reported
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Not Reported
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
Not Reported
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Not Reported
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
Not Reported
08. Campus Life
Location
Located in the heart of Vancouver's Gastown district, Vancouver Film School is an integral component of Western Canada's most beautiful city. Situated among leading global tech and media companies, VFS's eight campus buildings house more than 250,000 square feet of studio and production facilities, connecting students to industry professionals and instructors, with modernized equipment in well-appointed learning spaces. At VFS, students are immersed in Vancouver's arts and culture, with the North Shore Mountains on one side and the Georgia Strait on the other. It's no surprise that some of the world's most creative talents have emerged from VFS over the past three decades.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Vancouver Film School's commitment to innovative and emerging technologies is apparent in each of their eight modernized campus buildings. The facilities mirror those found in leading studios and production houses around the world. This ranges from a massive 280° green screen space to the LG UltraWide Monitor Academy Lab, and our unique partnership with Beyond Capture, a signature, 32,000 square foot performance capture studio available to students and used by some of the most advanced industry projects in film, television, and video games.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Vancouver provides the perfect blend of nature, arts and culture, and exposure to the industry in which VFS alumni will work. Students and graduates can hit the slopes in the morning and take a ride on Vancouver's scenic seawall in the afternoon, and drop in any of Vancouver's museums, theatres, and eclectic arts spaces in the evening. The creative economy in Vancouver is thriving, helping students and alumni connect to shoots, projects, and industry insiders in their field through a wide range of VFS-run and third-party events.
9. Campus Visits
Campus Visits Contact
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Campus Tours
Appointment Required:
Visits
CLASS VISITS
FACULTY AND COACH VISITS
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews:
No
Information Sessions:
Not Available
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Campus Tours
¸£ÀûÉ© Review Advice & Resources
11 Surprising Facts About College Admission | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
How To Compare Colleges and Find Your Target Schools | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
How to Find Your Best Fit College | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
How to Choose Dream, Target, and Safety Schools | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
College Admissions Guide: Process and Prep | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
Should You Apply Early Action vs Early Decision? | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
What is Rolling Admission? | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
What Looks Good on College Applications? | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
Popular Application Essay Topics | Apply | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
Crafting an Unforgettable College Essay | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
Calculate Your GPA With Our GPA Scale | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
How to Calculate Your SAT or ACT Superscore | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
ACT vs SAT Score Conversion Chart | The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review
Read More
Take a Free SAT Practice Test
Read More
Find Colleges Looking for Students Like You
10. Sports & Athletics
Athletic Other
11. Housing & Activities
Special Needs Admissions
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Student Activities
12. Student Services
CAMPUS SECURITY REPORT
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review's page
on campus safety for additional resources:
Visit Page
The ¸£ÀûÉ© Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education:
Other Information
13. Financial Aid
Dates
Vancouver Film School's programs are recognized by all Federal and Provincial loan providers in Canada. VFS regularly offers a variety of scholarship programs offering full or partial tuition funding, with partners that have included writer/director/producer Kevin Smith, animator Michal Makarewicz (Pixar), actor Emily Bett Rickards, and video game developers Blackbird Interactive and The Coalitions (Gears 5).
Past and current creative scholarship programs offered by VFS can be found here:
https://vfs.edu/scholarships-overview
For international students, VFS has a team dedicated to assisting with payment plans and can work with a student's local loan providers to assist with tuition and other costs.
Financial Aid Statistics
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Scholarships and Grants