The VFS-Capilano University Degree Pathway

VFS Core Programs: Year 1 (All Other Programs)

• Application form
• High school completion or equivalent
• Copy of passport
• Two reference letters, including at least one from an academic teacher
• Program specific requirements
• TOEFL 80 (iBT) or IELTS Band 6.5 or VFS-approved equivalent

We recommend you begin your VFS studies one year prior to your CapU start date. Please check with your VFS advisor.

• CapU BDes program starts in September.

*Cap U has cancelled all future BPA start dates until further notice. It is expected that CapU will have a new Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary studies commencing Fall 2023. This program will replace the BPA and be eligible for VFS Acting students to pursue. For more information, please contact Sandra Ferens, sferens@capilanou.ca

The VFS campus is located in downtown Vancouver, and the Capilano University campus is located in North Vancouver. Both can be easily accessed by Seabus and public transit.

BDes Program:

For new VFS applicants, registration is open Oct. 1 – Apr. 7 annually. Please contact CapU to confirm application windows and seat.

Submit a program application through the online portal, SlideRoom, during the program application period(s).  Applications must contain:

• Portfolio of work (information on portfolio requirements can be found on the Application Details page of the program website)
• Statement of intent
• Two samples of design & illustration inspiration

For more information on how to apply to both programs at CapU, click here: How To Apply

Step-by step instructions on how to apply as an international student can be found on the CapU website.

$50 for domestic students and $135 for international students (subject to change).

• BDes - https://www.capilanou.ca/admissions/fees--finances/tuition--fees/tuition--fee-estimator/

No, these are full-time cohort programs that follow a specific profile.

• VFS alumni who graduated within the past four years are eligible to apply for the Design pathway.

Once applicants have submitted their program application, the program will review application results and make recommendations to the Admissions office, who will then assign a letter of acceptance. The program area will make the recommendations within one week of the interview & testing date(s).

BDes Program:

Seats are limited to 30 students.

Contact: idea@capilanou.ca

Due to the intensity of the program, working while in the program is not recommended.

For more information about work permits, please visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-who.asp or contact the Centre for International Experience: inted@capilanou.ca

As the CapU BDes is a specialized program, students pay a supplementary per credit tuition fee above the standard university per credit tuition fee.

Laptop: Students are provided with a MacBook Pro in their first year of studies in the program. The cost is attached as installment payments to four program courses, one in each year of the program. As their entry begins in the third year of the program, VFS BDes Pathway students will be required to cover the first three installment payments in one sum in their first term, and the remaining payment will be applied to IDES 414.

The laptop is standardized for BDes students, with specific software and university-held licenses for font libraries and course-specific programs. Students cannot substitute personal equipment for university-issued equipment. Once all program courses have been completed and all payments have been made, laptop ownership will be transferred to the student.

For more information on tuition and other fees, please refer to the Tuition and Fees page on the CapU website.

There is no on-campus housing, but there is student housing available just a short distance from the North Vancouver campus. All full-time CapU students are eligible to live in residence. To apply or obtain further information, click here.

• BDes: Tamara Parizek, idea@capilanou.ca
• For domestic students: Hiten Amin, hitenamin@capilanou.ca
• For international students: Francisco Silva, franciscosilva@capilanou.ca

Note: CapU has cancelled all future start dates for the BPA program as the program has been discontinued.