Vancouver Film School has run intensive one-year programmes since 1987, from buildings spread across downtown Vancouver near Gastown. Students pick one discipline, such as film production, 3D animation and visual effects, game design, acting or sound design, and work on it full-time. The city's film, TV, animation and games studios are the obvious next step. It's expensive, and the pace is fast.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Official website: vfs.edu
Private post-secondary school in British Columbia
1987
Intensive one-year diploma programmes
CA$38,000 – CA$60,000
International students, one-year programme total
CA$18,000 – CA$24,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on vfs.edu before you apply.
Film Production
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Multiple intakes
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
3D Animation and Visual Effects
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Multiple intakes
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Game Design
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Multiple intakes
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Acting for Film and Television
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Multiple intakes
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Sound Design for Visual Media
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Multiple intakes
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Twelve-month intensive programmes in film, animation, games and acting.
Alumni credits on major film, TV and game productions.
Downtown buildings a short walk from Gastown.
Graduates work in Vancouver's animation, visual effects, games, film and TV studios.
Many graduates freelance, moving between studios on project contracts.
Check work permit rules carefully, as many private institution programmes are not PGWP-eligible.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
VFS buildings sit around Hastings, Homer and Seymour streets, a short walk from Gastown, Waterfront Station and the SeaBus. There are no residences, so students rent across the city.
Vancouver is one of North America's busiest filming locations, and crews shoot on its streets most weeks. Rent is high, and long days are normal during the programme.
Letter of acceptance from Vancouver Film School
BC provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
VFS admits students on a rolling basis across several intakes a year. Apply six to nine months ahead to leave time for the portfolio or audition review and the study permit.
Most programmes run several intakes a year, and start dates differ by programme. Check the dates for your programme.
You'll need a study permit. Vancouver Film School sends a letter of acceptance, and most students also need a provincial attestation letter. The permit application goes online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
Film production, 3D animation and visual effects, game design and acting are popular. Entry needs secondary school completion, English at about IELTS 6.0, and a portfolio, writing sample or audition depending on the programme.
VFS offers some scholarships, including industry-sponsored awards, for selected programmes. They are competitive, and deadlines vary by intake.
