Key Takeaways
- In 2026, VFS earned recognition from leading entertainment publications including Variety, MovieMaker, and The Hollywood Reporter.
- VFS was named the #1 Global Animation School by Animation Career Review.
- VFS was named the #1 Game Design School in Canada by both The Princeton Review and GAMEducation.
Choosing where to pursue your creative education is a major decision – one that deserves research. Every year, leading publications and organizations evaluate schools across film, animation, and game development, helping aspiring creatives identify institutions that stand out in an increasingly competitive industry.
In 2026, Vancouver Film School has once again earned its place among them, receiving top honours and recognition across multiple leading industry and education rankings. This week, we’re taking a closer look at these accolades and celebrating what they mean for VFS and our students.
ANIMATION CAREER REVIEW
Once again, VFS has been named the #1 Animation School by Animation Career Review – not only in Canada but internationally as well. This year’s recognition marks the 10th time that VFS has been named the #1 animation school in Canada – a milestone that speaks to the consistency of our training.
A leading resource on animation schools since 2010, Animation Career Review assists prospective students and their parents in seeking guidance and advice on choosing a college. The selection process for their rankings is extensive, including criteria such as academic reputation, depth and breadth of faculty, graduation rate, and more.
FYI: If you’re an aspiring animator, VFS is currently accepting applications for The Animation Career Review Scholarship. Deadline to apply is Sept. 10.
VARIETY
In its 2026 Education Impact Report, Variety featured VFS as one of the Top 25 Film Schools – the only Canadian school to be included.
Variety’s annual report recognizes film schools that are leading the way in an evolving entertainment industry. It highlights institutions that are embracing emerging technologies, adapting to industry changes, and equipping the next generation of storytellers with the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing landscape.
The 2026 MovieMaker Scholarship is accepting applications through Oct. 1. MOVIEMAKER
Once again, VFS was featured in MovieMaker Magazine’s annual list of The 30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada. The magazine noted that for this year’s rankings, they were “especially interested in how film schools are preparing students for the future”.
FYI: If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, VFS is currently accepting applications for The MovieMaker Scholarship. Deadline to apply is Oct. 1.
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
In July 2026, Vancouver Film School was featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s list of 16 Best International Film Schools. One of Hollywood’s most influential trade publications, The Hollywood Reporter “scoured the globe” as it compiled this year’s list.
VFS also recently spoke with journalist Etan Vlessing about the rebound in Vancouver’s film and television industry.
THE PRINCETON REVIEW
When it comes to game development program rankings, The Princeton Review is one of the most recognized names in higher education. For years, VFS has held the title of #1 Game Design School in Canada – and the tradition continues with this year’s list of Top 50 Game Design College Programs. 2026 marks the sixth year of VFS being honoured.
GAMEDUCATION
Rounding out VFS’s accolades for 2026 is GAMEducation, an association that provides comprehensive international rankings of video game schools across the globe. In its list of Top 10 Canadian Game Schools, VFS took the number one spot for 2026. Over 50 schools were examined for this year’s rankings, which “required the careful analysis of more than 2,000 alumni profiles”.
START YOUR CAREER TRAINING AT A WORLD-LEADING SCHOOL
From film & television to animation and game design, Vancouver Film School’s 2026 accolades reflect what we’ve always known: the best creative education prepares students not just for the industry as it exists today, but for where it’s headed next.
With industry-standard facilities, hands-on production experience, and instructors who actively work in their fields, VFS gives aspiring creatives the opportunity to build studio-ready skills and portfolios.
Ready to start training? Explore VFS’s 14 production programs, review current scholarships, or book an appointment with a VFS Advisor to start building the skills, portfolio, and industry experience you need to launch your creative career.