Vancouver Film School Tuition and Program Fees
Compare tuition for Vancouver Film School programs, understand the difference between domestic and international rates, and find information about Short-Track course prices, application fees, deposits, payment methods, and financial support.
All amounts on this page are shown in Canadian dollars.
Full-Time Program Tuition Range
Domestic students
C$20,950 to C$36,950
International students
C$29,000 to C$54,000
The range reflects the full-time Advanced Production programs listed below. Writing for Film, Television & Games currently has the lowest published tuition, while Film Production and 3D Animation & Visual Effects are at the upper end of the published range.
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How Much Does It Cost to Study at VFS?
Tuition depends on your chosen program and whether you are a domestic (Canadian) or international student.
The table below shows the standard full-program tuition provided for VFS’s full-time Advanced Production diploma programs, designed to be completed in 12 months.
Where online, hybrid, or modular delivery is available, the tuition structure may differ from the standard on-campus program price. Digital Design and Classical Animation, for example, publish separate prices for individual hybrid modules.
Confirm the delivery format, start date, and final tuition for your intended intake with an Admissions Advisor before making a payment.
Compare Full-Time VFS Program Tuition
| Full-Time Diploma Program | Duration | Domestic Tuition | International Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Animation & Visual Effects | 12 months | C$35,950 | C$54,000 |
| Acting for Film & Television | 12 months | C$22,950 | C$30,750 |
| Animation Concept Art | 12 months | C$25,950 | C$34,000 |
| Classical Animation | 12 months | C$25,950 | C$31,000 |
| Digital Design | 12 months | C$27,950 | C$43,000 |
| Film Production | 12 months | C$36,950 | C$54,000 |
| Game Design | 12 months | C$32,950 | C$50,000 |
| Makeup Design for Film & Television | 12 months | C$33,950 | C$47,000 |
| Programming for Games, Web & Mobile | 12 months | C$32,250 | C$49,500 |
| Sound Design for Visual Media | 12 months | C$28,950 | C$44,000 |
| Writing for Film, Television & Games | 12 months | C$20,950 | C$29,000 |
Prices shown: Canadian dollars
Delivery represented: Standard full-time diploma tuition
Last reviewed:
Programs With Alternative Delivery Options
Some VFS programs offer hybrid and/or online learning options. Alternative delivery models may divide the curriculum and tuition into separate modules rather than charging one full-program amount.
Review the selected program page or speak with Admissions when comparing:
- Full-time on-campus tuition;
- Online modules;
- Hybrid learning;
- Individual production-centre modules;
- Start dates with different delivery options.
Domestic vs. International Tuition
Domestic and international students are charged different tuition rates. Use the category confirmed by VFS Admissions rather than determining your category only from your current location.
Domestic Tuition
Use the domestic rate when VFS has confirmed that you qualify for domestic (Canadian) student pricing.
Domestic tuition for the full-time programs listed on this page currently ranges from C$20,950 to C$36,950.
International Tuition
Use the international rate when VFS has confirmed that you are applying and enroling as an international student.
International tuition for the listed full-time programs currently ranges from C$29,000 to C$54,000.
Not Sure Which Rate Applies?
Immigration status, residency, and individual circumstances can affect student classification. Contact Admissions for confirmation before planning your tuition payment.
Is Tuition the Complete Cost of Studying at VFS?
Tuition is one part of the total amount you may need to budget for your studies.
Depending on your program, delivery format, and personal circumstances, you’ll also need to plan for:
- Application fees;
- Program-specific supplies or materials;
- Computer hardware or technology;
- Software not provided through the program;
- Housing;
- Food and personal expenses;
- Transportation;
- Medical insurance;
- Travel to Vancouver;
- Immigration or document-related expenses.
Ask Admissions for a current, program-specific breakdown before calculating your total study budget.
International Student Budget Planning
International students should plan for tuition separately from living costs, travel, and medical insurance. VFS’s international information states that financial-support requirements for a study permit are in addition to tuition and travel expenses, and that international students require medical insurance during their studies.
Questions to Ask Before Enroling
Ask an Admissions Advisor:
- Is any required software included?
- Will I need my own computer or equipment?
- Are program-specific materials included?
- Are there additional lab, kit, production, or insurance fees?
- What amount is due before the program begins?
- What expenses should I expect during the program?
- Does my chosen delivery format have a different tuition structure?
What Fees Are Paid Before Tuition?
The application fee, tuition confirmation deposit, and remaining tuition balance occur at different stages of the enrolment process.
Application Fee
An application fee is submitted with your application.
The current Payments page lists:
- Domestic application fee: C$100
- International application fee: C$150
An Admissions Advisor may be assigned after you apply to help with the remaining process.
Tuition Confirmation Deposit
After you receive an acceptance email, VFS will ask you to sign a Student Enrolment Confirmation Form and pay an initial tuition deposit to secure your seat.
The deposit amount depends on:
- Your selected program;
- Your financial plan;
- Your payment method.
The amount should be confirmed in your acceptance and enrolment documents.
Remaining Tuition Balance
The remaining tuition is paid according to the financial plan agreed upon with VFS. Students planning to use Canadian student loans may need pre-approval.
When and How Can Tuition Be Paid?
The Tuition page explains the amount you can expect to pay. The Payments page contains the current instructions for completing a payment.
Domestic Payment Methods
The current Payments page includes information about methods such as:
- Online bill payment;
- Interac e-Transfer;
- Credit card;
- Wire transfer;
- Cheque;
- Bank draft;
- Money order;
- In-person debit payment.
Registered students use their five-digit student ID when completing certain payments.
International Payment Methods
VFS currently uses Flywire as an international payment option. Flywire can be used for tuition, seat deposits, housing service fees, medical insurance, and other eligible fees. Registered students need their five-digit student ID to complete the payment.
Before Making a Payment
Confirm:
- Your program and intake.
- Your domestic or international classification.
- The amount on your VFS invoice.
- Your student ID.
- The approved payment method.
- Any transaction or processing fees.
- The payment deadline in your enrolment documents.
View Payment Methods and Make a Payment
Destination: /payments
Are Payment Plans Available?
The current VFS payment information states that the balance of tuition is paid according to the student’s agreed financial plan. It does not publish one universal installment schedule that applies to every applicant.
Your schedule may depend on:
- The program;
- The tuition amount;
- Your deposit;
- Your funding source;
- Student-loan processing;
- The agreed financial arrangement.
Ask Admissions or Student Accounts for a written schedule showing:
- Each amount due;
- Each payment date;
- The payment method;
- The remaining balance.
Tuition and Fee Refunds
Refund eligibility depends on the timing and circumstances of withdrawal and the terms of the student enrolment contract.
The existing Payments page contains the complete Tuition and Fee Refund Policy, including separate provisions for withdrawals before and after the program begins. It also explains how written notice of withdrawal must be submitted.
Do not rely on a summary when making a withdrawal decision. Review the full policy and contact VFS Educational Administration for guidance about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Tuition Questions
How much is tuition at Vancouver Film School?
For the full-time Advanced Production programs listed on this page, domestic tuition ranges from C$20,950 to C$36,950. International tuition ranges from C$29,000 to C$54,000. The exact amount depends on the program and delivery format.
Are VFS tuition prices in Canadian dollars?
Yes. The tuition prices on this page are shown in Canadian dollars.
Why is international tuition different from domestic tuition?
VFS publishes separate domestic and international rates. Admissions should confirm which classification and tuition amount apply to your enrolment.
Does the displayed tuition include the application fee?
No. The application fee is paid when the application is submitted. The current published amounts are C$100 for domestic applicants and C$150 for international applicants.
Is the tuition deposit an additional fee?
The current payment information describes it as an initial tuition deposit used to secure a student’s seat. The exact amount is based on the program, financial plan, and payment method. Confirm how it appears on your invoice and remaining balance.
Can tuition be paid in installments?
The remaining tuition is paid according to an agreed financial plan. Contact VFS to confirm whether an installment arrangement is available for your program and circumstances.
Does tuition include housing?
Housing and living expenses should be planned separately from tuition. International students should also plan for travel, medical insurance, and any applicable immigration-related costs.
How much do VFS Short-Track courses cost?
Current published examples reviewed for this page range from approximately C$250 to C$950. Exact prices vary by course and intake, so use the Short-Track overview and individual course pages for current pricing.
Can a Short-Track course reduce my full-time tuition?
Upon completion, the cost of a Short-Track course/workshop may be deducted from one full-time Advanced Production program. Only one discount may be applied, and an Advisor must confirm eligibility.
Is hybrid tuition the same as on-campus tuition?
Some programs publish separate prices for individual online and on-campus modules. Review the program’s delivery breakdown before comparing totals.
Can tuition change for a future intake?
The supplied materials do not establish one price guarantee for every future intake. Confirm the rate that applies to your program, start date, and signed enrolment documents.
Where can I find VFS payment instructions?
Visit the Payments page for domestic and international payment methods, payment schedules, financial-aid information, and the complete refund policy.
Confirm Your Tuition With VFS
An Admissions Advisor can confirm:
- The tuition for your selected program;
- Whether domestic or international pricing applies;
- Delivery options;
- The application fee;
- Your tuition deposit;
- Payment deadlines;
- Available financial-plan information;
- Scholarships and financial-support resources;
- Additional costs you should include in your budget.
Phone: 604.685.5808
Toll-free in North America: 1.800.661.4101
Email: admissions@vfs.com
These are the central VFS Admissions contact details published in the supplied VFS materials.