2026 Resolution: Train at VFS & launch your creative career

 

As a new year begins, there’s no better time to commit to your creative future. Vancouver Film School’s highly anticipated 2026 Resolution Scholarship is back! We’re once again empowering creators worldwide to make their resolution count with up to $250,000 in funding for VFS’s world-class training in Film, Animation, Game, and Creative Design.

 

Applications open: January 5, 2026
Application deadline: February 9, 2026
Winners announced : February 23, 2026 

Scholarship Details

Vancouver Film School is proud to support emerging creative talent from around the world with a powerful scholarship opportunity. Whether you’re a filmmaker, animator, game designer, or storyteller, this is your chance to launch your creative career on a global stage.  

WHAT'S AVAILABLE: A TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND OF UP TO $250,000
Scholarships can be applied to any of VFS’s 1-year advanced industry programs.

*Applicants worldwide are eligible to apply.
*The 2026 Resolution Scholarship must be applied towards program tuition at VFS and has no redeemable cash value.
*Scholarships are valid only for March 2, May 4, and June 29 start dates at VFS in 2026, and are subject to seat availability.
*Scholarships cover a portion of VFS tuition only and do not cover the cost of full tuition or additional expenses such as housing, program materials, and living costs.
*If you are a Canadian applicant interested in VFS’s Animation programs, The DigiBC Creative Technology Gateway Scholarship is for you! Visit the official scholarship page to learn more.  

SUPERIOR CURRICULUM

VFS offers an unmatched, 1-year production-focused training model, with master instructors pulled directly from the industry. VFS's curriculum is regularly updated to be in lockstep with the most current industry standards.

WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES

You will have access to cutting-edge facilities across 5 production centres, including film sets & studios, a 64,000 cubic ft. performance capture volume, mixing labs & recording studios, a 180-degree green screen room, makeup labs, industry software, and more.

A PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO

You will build a powerful, multi-piece creative portfolio that will serve as your industry calling card as you begin your career.

BUILD A CREATIVE INDUSTRY NETWORK

You will forge strong connections with classmates, with students from other VFS programs, and with working professionals from the creative industries - all of which will last a lifetime.

Testimonials

"VFS was the first step on the road to making Clerks. I not only learned the basics of my craft – I also met other likeminded dreamers who would go on to help me tell my stories for the rest of my life."

Kevin Smith

Writer, Director, and Producer (Clerks, Jay and Silent Bob)
Film Production Alum

"I chose VFS because it had the most intensive program that I could find. They covered such a wide range of makeup techniques and materials that made me feel prepared and comfortable to start working on my own."

Katie Middleton

Makeup Department Head (How I Met Your Father)
Makeup Design for Film & Television Alum

"Having previously worked in the film industry in Argentina, I was looking to further my experience by creating a writing portfolio with the help of working professionals, and I was not disappointed… the lessons I learned from instructors still echo in my head anytime I sit down to write."

Ariadna Martinez

The Game Awards-nominee, Ghost of Yōtei (Best Narrative)
Writing for Film, Television, & Games Alum

 

 

 

About Vancouver Film School

Recognized as a Leading Film School in N. America by MovieMaker & Variety, the #1 Global Animation School by Animation Career Review, and the #1 Game Design School in Canada by Princeton Review Journal, VFS offers 14 programs that span Film, Animation, Game, and Creative Design. VFS alumni work on the industry’s top projects, most recently Superman, Tron: Ares, and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, and for top studios like Netflix, Sony, Hulu, and 20th Century Fox. In 2025, VFS alumni were credited on 107 Oscar-nominated films, 250 Golden Globe-nominated projects, and 449 Emmy-nominated series.

houdini programshoudini programs

Application Process

 

 

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

Part 1 – Official Scholarship Application

Part 2 – Official Application to Enroll at Vancouver Film School
*Note to applicants: There is a VFS application processing fee for all selected winners.
*International students: If English is not your first language, you will be required to submit proof of English language proficiency.

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

Application Process will require applicants to provide general contact and background information and provide the following information for review and consideration by VFS:

 

PART 1 – OFFICIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Link to your portfolio. Do you have any creative or artistic work samples that might relate broadly or specifically to the program of your choice?

3D Animation & Visual Effects / Animation Concept Art / Classical Animation

You will be required to submit 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 3D computer artwork (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Maya, etc.). Maximum 12 pieces. Specific to the 3D Animation & Visual Effects program, we expect that you have some prior 3D experience.

Acting for Film & Television

You will be required to demonstrate 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:

  1. State your name on camera
  2. Demonstrate a contemporary monologue in less than one minute
  3. Demonstrate a short contemporary scene (applicant should be on camera and the reader off camera) in less than one minute
  4. If desired, provide a maximum one-minute demo of a special skill (i.e., singing, dance, physical action, etc.)
  5. Provide answers to the following questions in a maximum of two minutes:
    1. Why did you choose your audition pieces?
    2. How long have you wanted to act?
    3. Who inspired you to want to pursue an acting career?
    4. What are your strengths & weaknesses as an actor?
    5. If you can't be an actor, what would you choose to be?

See this video on How to Submit a Self Tape

Digital Design

You will be required to submit 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.).

Film Production

You will be required to submit 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.

Alternatively, 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.

Game Design

You will be required to submit 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). Finally, 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.

Makeup Design for Film & Television

You will be required to submit a maximum 500-word letter of intent and a portfolio. 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 that consists of photographs that best illustrate your artistic vision in makeup design (maximum 12 pieces). These are generally images/pictures that are a variety of make-ups that you have applied on other people.

Programming for Games, Web & Mobile

You will be required to submit a technical portfolio that contains 1-3 examples of programming work. 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.

Sound Design for Visual Media

You will be required to submit a letter of intent (maximum 500 word) 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).

Writing for Film, Television & Games

You will be required to submit a one-page (maximum) synopsis of an original feature film, television, or video game project that you are passionate about making. 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).

 

We recommend Dropbox or Google Drive for easy review by our scholarship selection committee. Upload your files then “share” using the share link. When sharing, set the sharing permissions to “public” or “anyone with the link can view the file/document.

If we cannot view your files your scholarship application will be considered incomplete.

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 – When in-class instruction is allowed, we inform every applicant that Vancouver is considered one of the best cities in the world to live, but it’s also an expensive city compared to many others. It can cost you at least C$30,000 a year for basic food, travel, and accommodations. This scholarship will only cover partial school tuition costs. Tell us in your words how you plan to be able to make this opportunity work for you financially for 12 months.

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

Get Started Below

PART 2 – OFFICIAL VFS ENROLMENT APPLICATION

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

 

 

 

FAQ