Creative industries are rebounding — Now is the right time to train for it.

 

Vancouver Film School has created a brand-new scholarship designed to fuel creative futures and support the powerful resurgence happening across the creative industries. With industry-recognized programs, professional production training facilities, and intensive 1-year programs that don’t waste your time – VFS is where great creative minds get started. Whether you’re ready to level up, glow up, or break into your next era, this opportunity is built for the bold.

Multiple scholarships will be awarded (including full-ride and partial scholarships). In addition, up to $250,000 in funding is also up for grabs for approved applicants, which includes tuition and living expense support! 

YES! I Want to Apply

Interested! But Need More Time

Application open: June 9, 2025

Application deadline: June 30, 2025 

Winners announced: July 11, 2025​

 

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. 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:

  • Two full-tuition (100%) scholarships 

  • Three 75% off tuition scholarships 

  • Five 50% off tuition scholarships

  • Up to $250,000 in additional funding for tuition and living expenses support

Apply Now

*Applicants worldwide are eligible to apply. 

*The 2025 Resurgence Scholarship must be applied towards program tuition at VFS and has no redeemable cash value.

*Scholarships are valid only for the Oct. 2025, Jan. 2026, & Mar. 2026 start dates, and are subject to seat availability. 

Industry Resurgence!

New incentives and production activity have triggered a rebound: 

  • BC’s film production tax credit has increased to 36%! Around 41 regional productions are in progress as of mid-May 2025. 
  • According to Creative BC, more than 37,000 jobs in the province were supported by the motion-picture industry in 2022, compared to 26,000 in 2023. 
  • BC’s animation sector is set to grow. According to EP’s Animation Around the World report, Canada’s animation industry is valued at over $1 billion and is projected to grow by 10% in 2025.  
  • In BC, productions qualify for a 39.5% labor tax credit, alongside a 16% credit for animation, VFX, and post-production. 
  • BC's gaming sector has demonstrated resilience. A January 2025 report from the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) shows that employment in BC’s game industry grew from 9,970 jobs in 2021 to 10,930 in 2024, a 9.6% increase. 

 

Some more good news

Vancouver rental prices have been dropping up to 7% year-over-year and substantial student loans are available both provincially and federally. Federal Student Loan amounts have increased, up to $15,600/year (a 43% increase since 2023!). With BC leading the provincial amount available, (up to $520/week). 

Testimonials

“I can't say enough good things about VFS Writing. The courses helped me develop many of the skills and tools that are often overlooked when trying to break into screenwriting. Great teachers and community.”

Tyler Burton Smith

The Game Awards-winner, Alan Wake 2 (Best Narrative)
Writing for Film, TV & Games Alum

“My experience at VFS was really great. I definitely felt prepared to walk onto a film set after graduating, and I was landing gigs quite soon after—short films, student projects, Hallmark movies, non-union productions…”

Suzie Klimack

Emmy-winner, Shōgun (Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup)
Makeup Design Alum

“The Game Design program was the best decision I’ve made. Every instructor, TA, and mentor genuinely cares. Thanks to the incredible education and connections, I went straight to working professionally in the game industry.”

Matt Garnett

Technical Gameplay Designer, The Coalition
Game Design Alum

 

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.

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).

VR/AR Design & Development

You will be required to submit a portfolio of your digital and visual work that includes at least 1 example of source code along with a one-page document that describes the code, and 2-3 of 3D animation or modelling. You must also be at least 19 years old and have successfully completed high school or GED equivalent. Prior learning in computing and/or digital media preferred. Familiarity with Javascript, C#, C++, and Unity and/or Unreal engines an asset.

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 - 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 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 

1. Who is eligible to apply for the 2025 Resurgence Scholarship?  

The scholarship is open to applicants worldwide who meet the admissions requirements for the eligible programs. Applicants must be new applicants to VFS and applying for only the October, January or March start date.

2. What does the scholarship cover?

All full and partial scholarships cover tuition costs for an eligible VFS program, but exclude total expenses on housing, materials, and living costs.

3. How are winners selected?

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.

4. How do I apply for the scholarship? 

Applications open on June 9, 2025, and close on June 30, 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. 

5. When will the winners be announced? 

The announcement will me made some time after the application deadline. Stay tuned to VFS’s website and your email for updates. 

6. Where can I find more information about VFS programs and admissions? Who can I contact with more questions? 

Visit vfs.edu to learn more about our programs, facilities, and the admissions process. If you have additional questions, contact the VFS Admissions team at [email protected]. 

7. I’m interested in applying but need more time. What can I do?

The VFS Scholarship Advantage Group is a free program that gives you the tools, tips, and timing to submit your strongest application and make the deadline with confidence. For more information, click here.

8. If English is not my native language can I still apply?

Yes. You will be required to submit ESL scores – that meet VFS’s minimum Language Requirements – with your application.