2025 VFS-Belas Artes Scholarship

You must complete/submit the following to apply:

1. The VFS-Belas Artes scholarship application form at the bottom of this page.
2. A clear copy of government-issued photo ID or passport that includes your legal name and date of birth.
3. Two letters of recommendation (in English) that include the contact information for your references. References should include comments on your creative ability, work ethic, ability to take criticism, ability to work in a team environment, and previous accomplishments.
4. A resume or CV detailing your work history and education (in English).
5. Belas Artes transcripts (in the native language) for all completed courses.
6. An open letter in English (500-750 words) addressed to The VFS-Belas Artes Scholarship Committee explaining why you feel you deserve this scholarship. Outline exactly how you intend to leverage this scholarship towards your career in the entertainment industry. Additionally, explain why you believe you can be successful in the industry and how you plan to achieve success if you receive the scholarship.
7. A link to a video (in English) and with a maximum length of 60 seconds. The video must be posted on YouTube or Vimeo and be accessible via direct link.
   1. Begin by stating your name.
   2. Give a brief statement explaining why you want to apply to the VFS-Belas Artes Scholarship and how receiving the scholarship would benefit your career.
   3. Briefly summarize your strongest creative project; in the case of team projects, please specify your role.
       
8. For Writing for Film, Television & Games applicants, you will need to submit the following: 
   1. A 6-8-page short film script (with 1 to 3 speaking characters), written in English, the script should include a cover page with the applicant’s name, date, and script title. This document should not exceed 1 MB. 
   2. The script must be a “feel-good” story that praises positive principles such as solidarity, loyalty, forgiveness, kindness, love, compassion, hope, sympathy, joy, etc. Scripts that do not meet these criteria will be disqualified. The jury will critique all scripts based on Narrative Structure, Dialogue, and Character Creation. 
   3. At the end of the script, please include a one-page (maximum) synopsis of this script. Include the genre and use references to other movies, television shows, or games that served as inspiration. Note: The cover page and synopsis are not included in the 6-8-page limit. Please ensure all materials are uploaded in a single document. 
9. If English is not your native language, you must submit proof of your English proficiency, which can include any of the following (credentials must be valid at the time of submission). More information on VFS language requirements is available at https://vfs.edu/international-admissions:
   
   1. Duolingo English test score of 120 or higher
   2. TOEFL PBT score of 550
   3. TOEIC score of 785
   4. IELTS (Academic) Band 6.5
   5. LPI Level 5
   6. B2 First (formerly Cambridge English: First (FCE)) – Grade A
   7. VEC (Vancouver English Centre) Articulation Agreement Level 12
   8. IB English score of 5 or higher
   9. Transcripts from an English-speaking high school or an accredited English-speaking post-secondary institution

IMPORTANT NOTE: Scholarship winners must pay the $150 CAD application fee if they accept the scholarship.

IMPORTANT NOTE: These requirements are mandatory, without exception. All documents (except transcript) must be in English and total files cannot exceed 10MB.

• Applicants must have graduated high school no earlier than 2018.
• Individuals who have applied for any VFS scholarship in the last 2 years are not eligible.
• The deadline to apply is January 16, 2026 at 5 p.m. BRT. Winners will be announced on February 3, 2026. Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• All full (100%) scholarships must be redeemed for any of the following start dates only:
  • Film Production: June 29, 2026
  • Game Design: October 26, 2026
  • Classical Animation: August 31, 2026
  • Animation Concept Art: June 29, 2026
  • Writing for Film, Television & Games: August 31, 2026
  • Sound Design for Visual Media: June 29, 2026
  • Digital Design: August 31, 2026
• All partial (50%) scholarships must be redeemed for any of the following start dates only:
  • Film Production: June 29, August 31, or October 26, 2026
  • Game Design: October 26, 2026 or January 4, 2027
  • Classical Animation: August 31, 2026 or January 4, 2027
  • Animation Concept Art: June 29 or August 31, 2026
  • Writing for Film, Television & Games: August 31, 2026 or January 4, 2027
  • Sound Design for Visual Media: June 29 or October 26, 2026
  • Digital Design: August 31, 2026 or January 4, 2027
• Applicants who have already been accepted into a VFS program can still apply for this scholarship; however, this scholarship must be used singularly and cannot be used in combination with any other bursary or scholarship already received. Previous applicants must resubmit their application with a completed scholarship application form.
• Any materials submitted with the application will not be returned.
• Scholarships will be awarded based on the applicant’s talent, creativity, discipline, and focus, as well as the selection criteria outlined for this scholarship. Applicants must meet all admissions requirements.
• The selected winners will need to send their portfolio required by VFS for the program they have selected. You can learn more about the portfolio requirements for each VFS program at www.vfs.edu.
• If selected, the applicant must cover their flight, accommodation, meals and international insurance (assess approximate cost of living in Canada). Given the intensive nature of VFS's programs, it's unrealistic for you to plan to work while studying your year at VFS.
• If selected, the applicant must complete an online VFS application and any program portfolio requirements.
• Employees and contractors of scholarship providers, media partners, and members of the scholarship selection committee and their spouses or immediate family members are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
• If the winner cannot commit to attending VFS for any reason within two weeks of being notified that he or she has been selected to receive a scholarship, another scholarship winner will be chosen

• The judging committee will consist of faculty and representatives from VFS, as well as Belas Artes professors.
• VFS reserves the right to cancel each full scholarship if there are not a minimum of 25 applicants per program.
• The committee’s decisions are final.