SCHOLARSHIP

 

in partnership with Vancouver Film School

 

Animation Career Review and VFS have partnered to support creative talent to train for the animation industry.

 

Animation Career Review (ACR), in partnership with Vancouver Film School, has created a scholarship that will provide creatives the opportunity to train for the growing animation industry through any of VFS’s globally recognized Animation programs: 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Animation Concept Art, and Classical Animation. 

VFS delivers hands-on training using industry-standard tools and workflows. VFS is a certified SideFX Houdini school, a top program used at the major animation studios.

Applications open: August 19, 2025 

Application deadline: September 16, 2025 

Winners announced: September 30, 2025

YES! I Want to Apply

 

Scholarship Details

Vancouver Film School is proud to support emerging creative talent from around the world with a powerful new scholarship opportunity. All scholarships can be applied to any of our 1-year advanced industry programs. This is your chance to train at a globally ranked animation school and launch your career on a global stage. 

What’s available:

  • Two full-tuition (100%) scholarships 

  • Four 75% off tuition scholarships 

  • Six 50% off tuition scholarships 

  • Multiple partial scholarships from a funding pool of up to $100,000 

Apply Now

*Applicants worldwide are eligible to apply. 

*The Animation Career Review Scholarship must be applied towards program tuition at VFS and has no redeemable cash value.

*Scholarships are valid only for the Jan. 2026, Mar. 2026, & May 2026 start dates, and are subject to seat availability.

About Vancouver Film School

Recognized as the #1 Global Animation School by ACR, VFS offers three distinct animation programs: 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Animation Concept Art, and Classical Animation. VFS alumni work on the industry’s top projects (securing 2500+ IMDb credits in 2024 alone!), most recently Superman, Minecraft, and Fantastic Four: First Steps, and for top studios like Netflix, Sony Pictures Image Works, DNEG, and Industrial Light & Magic.  

vfs partners

As of 2025, 903 VFS alumni have worked on IPs within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, for a total of 1188 animation credits. 

At the 2025 Oscars, 107 alumni were credited on nominated/winning films, while 250 alumni were credited at the Golden Globes. 398 alumni were credited on nominated/winning series at the 2024 Emmys – with 2 alumni winning for their work on Shōgun.  

About Animation Career Review

Animation Career Review is a leading online resource dedicated to helping aspiring animators and digital artists navigate the world of animation education. Known for its in-depth school rankings, program reviews, and industry insights, ACR has become a trusted guide for students seeking the best training and career opportunities in animation, VFX, and game design. Its influence and credibility make it a vital resource for those looking to break into the creative industry. 

 

jelma&joshua

JELMER BOSKMA bio

JELMER BOSKMA

“When you think of the fact that both the director as well as the VFX executive producer of District 9 are both VFS 3D grads... It made me realize that I probably attended the right school.”

A VFS Animation grad, Jelmer is an Emmy & VES Award-nominated Visual Effects Supervisor and Art Director with a passion for cinematic storytelling and visual worldbuilding. He's currently a Visual Effects Supervisor at DNEG.

JELMER BOSKMA portfolio image vfs

JOSHUA HERRIG bio image

JOSHUA HERRIG

“I have worked a few places, and to be honest, there is a work ethic that the VFS students have that I just don't see in many other artists I've worked with.”

A VFS Animation grad, Joshua supervises shows for Skydance. He balances traditional VFX Supervising with Client-Side VFX Supervising, where he ensures the highest quality performance, storytelling, and cinematography.

JOSHUA HERRIG portfolio image vfs

Animation is Breaking Through

The animation and VFX industry is experiencing growth, with global animation projected to reach $563 billion by 2032. Reflecting this surge, leading studios are ramping up hiring: Industrial Light & Magic and DNEG have both increased hiring efforts. Additionally, Sony Pictures Imageworks and Zoic Studios have also seen an increase recruiting efforts, indicating a strong and rising demand for creative and technical talent across the animation and visual effects landscape. 

Animation Careers: 
Concept Artist, Character Designer, Storyboard Artist, Digital Illustrator, FX Simulation Artist, Compositor, Roto Artist, Digital Matte Painter, Visual Development Artist/Look Dev Artist, Environment Designer, Keyframe Illustrator, Splash Artist, Digital Painter, 3D Animator, Character Animator, Creature Animator, Previs Animator, Technical Rigging Artist, Layout Artist, Animation Artist, 3D Modeler, Texture Artist, VFX Lighting Artist, FX Technical Director, and more! 

VFS is Houdini Certified

SideFX Houdini is one of the most powerful and widely used tools in the animation and VFX industry, known for its advanced procedural workflows, simulations, and effects. Mastery of Houdini is a highly valued skill at top studios worldwide.  

For a school to be fully certified by SideFX means it has met rigorous standards for teaching the software, ensuring students learn industry-relevant techniques from qualified instructors. This certification signals to employers that graduates are not only trained, but production-ready with one of the industry’s most in-demand tools under their belt. 

Additional Industry Software in VFS Animation Programs

houdini programs
houdini programs

 

Application Process

 

 

The application process is simple, and is broken into two very important parts:

Part 1 – Official Scholarship Application
*Note, for countries where English is not the native language, ESL scores may be mandatory with your application.

Part 2 – Official Application to Enroll at Vancouver Film School
*Note to applicants – there is an application processing fee for this section and it can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
*Note to applicants in Latin America, Colombia, & Mexico: If English is not your native language, you will be required to submit ESL scores – that meet VFS’s minimum Language Requirements – with your application.
*Application Process will require applicants to provide general contact and background information and provide the following information for review and consideration by VFS. 

No official application will be considered or reviewed unless both parts are successfully completed by the applicant. 

 

PART 1 – OFFICIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

You will be required to submit a visual art portfolio of your work. Please be sure the link you submit is working; we must be able to access your portfolio to consider your application. 

3D Animation & Visual Effects: 

Samples may include life (preferred), still, or character drawings, and 3D computer work (maximum 12 pieces total). 

*Note: You will be expected to have some prior experience with 3D and/or VFX. 

Animation Concept Art: 

Samples may include still-life drawings, life drawings, character or environment sketches, and computer artwork (e.g., Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.). Maximum 12 pieces. 

Classical Animation: 

Samples may include still-life drawings, life drawings, and character sketches (maximum 12 pieces). 

Get Started Below

Personal Submission PT. 1

  • Q1 – In 100 words or less, tell us what your dream career is, why and what your dream project would be?

Personal Submission PT. 2

  • Q2 – In 100 words or less, tell us how this scholarship would benefit your journey/career in the creative media arts.

Personal Submission PT. 3

  • Q3 - Vancouver is an incredible place to live and study. To help set you up for success, tell us how you plan to manage your living expenses responsibly during your 12 months at VFS.

Upon successful completion, applicants will be given a confirmation of completion notification email.

Get Started Below

PART 2 – OFFICIAL APPLICATION TO ENROLL AT VANCOUVER FILM SCHOOL

After submitting your application below (Part 1) you must also complete the VFS Enrolment Application Form (Part 2) to be fully eligible for this scholarship. 

Upon successful submission of the VFS Enrolment Application form, a VFS Admissions Advisor will contact you to connect personally, and provide you with an introduction of the school, and life in Vancouver.
 

 

 

FAQ 

The scholarship is open to applicants worldwide who meet the admissions requirements for the eligible programs at Vancouver Film School. Applications will be adjudicated by a panel of VFS representatives, and scholarships will be awarded based on the merit of the applicant’s portfolio and their passion for a career in the creative industries.
Applicants must be 19+ at the start of their VFS program.

The scholarship covers tuition costs for an eligible VFS program, but excludes other expenses such as housing, materials, or living costs.

Applications open on August 19, 2025, and close on September 16, 2025. You will need to submit an application form and a portfolio specific to the program you are applying for. See ‘Creative Submission Link’ under Part 1 of the application section for more information.

Visit our 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Animation Concept Art, and Classical Animation program pages to learn more. If you have additional questions, contact the VFS Admissions team at [email protected]. 

Yes, you can still apply if English is not your first language. Applicants who do not yet meet VFS’s English Language Requirements may receive conditional acceptance. Once you meet the required English proficiency, you will be given full acceptance and be able to begin your program.– with your application.