Globally Respected School Always a Top Destination for US Students
Can US Students Attend Film School in Canada? Absolutely! Vancouver Film School Offers the Quickest Pathway to Hollywood.
US students can attend VFS – a world-renowned production-based school in Canada – and follow in the footsteps of many American artists who have attended over the past 40 years. Whether you’re looking to fast-track your career in Hollywood or Hollywood North (Vancouver!), there are numerous 12-month creative programs to choose from. No SAT/ACT required.
Graduates&professionals
Recent High School Graduates
Launch your entertainment career in 12 months while peers spend 4 years in traditional programs. Hands-on industry training that reflects what’s in-demand in the industry NOW. Students can plan to stay and work in Canada or return to the US.
Career Change Professionals
Transform your career efficiently with our accelerated programs designed for working adults seeking an industry pivot.
Vancouver Film School Graduate Success Statistics
Vancouver is referred to as “Hollywood North” due to the 179k+ workers employed in Canada’s entertainment industry. VFS grads make up the greatest representation of working professionals within Hollywood North, with highlights including:
100%
Of top 10 highest-grossing 2024 films feature VFS alumni contributions
107
Alumni worked on 2025 Academy Award nominated/winning films
903
Alumni credited on Marvel Cinematic Universe projects across 1,876 total credits
458
Alumni credited on productions within the Star Wars franchise
Step-by-Step Application Process for American Students
Fall 2025 applications now open. Previous intakes have reached capacity quickly.
How to Apply to Vancouver Film School from the US (5 Simple Steps)
1. Book an Appointment with a VFS Advisor – A conversation to gain valuable insight and admissions guidance.
2. Gather Documents – Prepare copies of transcripts, government Issues ID, and language test results (if needed).
3. Prepare Your Portfolio – A collection of creative work based on your chosen program.
4. Apply Online – Complete the application form and upload documents.
5. Get Your Results – A VFS Admissions Advisor will contact you with your application outcome.
Why Choose VFS Over US Film Schools Like USC and NYU?
Industry Recognition: VFS consistently ranks among top entertainment education institutions according to Variety Magazine (‘Best North American Film Schools’ list, 8 consecutive years), Animation Career Review (Best Canadian Animation School /Best International Animation School), The Hollywood Reporter (Leading VFX School Worldwide), and The Princeton Review (Best Canadian Game Design School). Additionally, there is a projected spend of $4 billion in BC’s entertainment industry in 2025.
- VFS is recognized internationally as a leader in our field
- VFS’s hands-on, production-focused training model sets us apart, preparing creatives for the industry FASTER
- VFS’s accelerated programs get you into industry quicker than well-recognized 4-year programs
- At 20,000+ strong, VFS alumni can be found everywhere and have achieved high levels of success in global industry hubs (including Hollywood)
- As one of the top 3 industry hubs in North America, "Hollywood North" (Vancouver) is a great option for fast-tracking your career
Total Tuition Analysis: VFS vs Top US Film Schools (2025)
| School | Total Investment | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| VFS (Canada) | $39,735 USD* | 12 months |
| USC Film School | $279,616 USD | 48 months |
| NYU Tisch | $279,616 USD | 48 months |
| CalArts | $232,800 USD | 48 months |
*VFS tuition ranges between $21,288 - $39,735 USD (depending on your program of choice).
Benefits & Hollywood
Accelerated Career Timeline Benefits
VFS Graduate Path:
- Year 1: Complete intensive program
- Year 2: First industry job
- Year 3-4: Building experience, earning salary
- Year 5+: Often promoted to senior roles
Traditional 4-Year Programs: Students are completing coursework while VFS graduates gain professional experience and earn $45,000-75,000 CAD annually.
Vancouver: Direct Pipeline to Hollywood Studios
Vancouver is known as "Hollywood North" with a ~$4 billion entertainment economy. Studios with a permanent and established presence in Vancouver include:
- Disney: Industrial Light & Magic (800+ Vancouver employees)
- Netflix: Major content investor, with $1 billion+ spent on BC-based productions since 2017
- Warner Bros: Longstanding production partner, with hit TV series like The Flash and Supernatural filmed in Vancouver
- Sony Pictures: Global HQ based in Vancouver)
- Weta: Brings award-winning VFX expertise to BC’s thriving animation and film industry
- Digital Domain: Delivers cutting-edge visual effects for major Hollywood blockbusters
- Electronic Arts: Vancouver office is the global hub for the FIFA franchise, employing 1,300+
- Nintendo: Vancouver’s Next Level Games develops exclusive titles for Nintendo platforms (Luigi’s Mansion 3)
Many VFS graduates work on these Vancouver productions – and even find themselves nominated/winners of major awards!
Proven Hollywood Employment Success
Recent VFS Alumni Productions:
- 6 alumni contributed to “Final Destination Bloodlines” (the 6th in the global franchise)
- 26 alumni contributed to “Lilo & Stitch” (Disney’s 2025 live action remake)
- 18 alumni contributed to "Shōgun" (Emmy-winning HBO series)
- 17 alumni worked on "Deadpool & Wolverine" (Marvel Studios)
- 22 alumni contributed to "Fargo" (FX Emmy-winning series)
- 11 alumni worked on "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire"
- 5 alumni contributed to "House of the Dragon" (HBO)
Career Progression: Many alumni work on major Hollywood productions within their first year of graduating, with many alumni advancing to senior positions within 5 years.
Complete Guide: 15 Programs Available to US Students
All programs are 12-month intensives (*VR/AR is 8 months) designed for immediate industry employment. Choose from Canada's top-ranked entertainment arts programs.
School of Film & Television Programs
Specializations: Directing, Cinematography, Producing, Production Design, Post-Production
Alumni work at: Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros, Sony Pictures
Notable graduate: Kevin Smith (“Clerks”)
Training: On-Camera Acting, Motion Capture, Voice Acting, Audition Techniques Notable graduate: Jillian Dion (“Killers of the Flower Moon”)
Focus: Screenwriting, Television Writing, Game & Interactive Narrative, Movie of the Week
Alumni write for: Marvel, DC, Netflix, major game studios
Notable graduates: Tyler Burton Smith – The Game Awards-winner for “Alan Wake 2” (Best Narrative), Teri Tatchell – Co-Writer of Oscar-nominated screenplay for “District 9”
Training: Audio for film, TV, games. Pro Tools certification included
Alumni work on: “God of War”, major film soundtracks
Notable graduate: Jonathan Borland (has worked on 5 Marvel TV series)
Skills: Film/TV makeup, prosthetics, special effects makeup
Alumni on: Emmy-winning productions, major blockbusters
Notable graduates: Suzie Klimack and Emily Walsh – both Emmy-winners for "Shōgun"
School of Animation Programs
Top-ranked program with specializations in Character Animation, Modeling, and Visual Effects
Alumni at: Pixar, Disney Animation, ILM, Weta Digital
Notable graduates: Lino DiSalvo (Director, “Frozen”), Neill Blomkamp – Director/Co-Writer of four-time Oscar-nominee “District 9”
Training: Hand-drawn 2D animation, storyboarding, character design
Alumni on: Disney features, Netflix animated series
Skills: Character design, environment art, visual development
Alumni design for: Marvel films, AAA video games
School of Games & Creative Design Programs
Leading Canadian program with specializations in Game Programming, Game Art, and Level Design
Alumni at: Unity, Bioware, EA, Ubisoft
Languages: C++, C#, JavaScript, Unity, Unreal Engine
Alumni hired by: Unity Technologies, major game studios
Focus: UX/UI Design, Motion Graphics, Interactive Media
Alumni at: Adobe, major design agencies, tech companies
Duration: 8-month accelerated program
Training: Virtual/Augmented reality development, Unity, Unreal
Growing field with high demand
Preparatory Programs
For aspiring actors with that require foundational experience to pursue VFS’s advanced Acting program.
Build your core creative skill set in Film, Animation, & Creative Design for advanced post-secondary training at VFS.
For aspiring creators looking to enhance their English capabilities within the creative industries and pursue advanced post-secondary training at VFS.
US Alumni Succeed!
Scott Mosier
VFS Program: Film Production
Career Achievement: Director of hit 2018 animated film “Dr. Seuss' the Grinch”
Timeline: Graduated VFS > Major Hollywood film in under 3 years
"VFS helped me grow and develop more than just my craft but my confidence, social skills, and empathy. I'm proud to be among the artists who've trained at VFS."
Katie Middleton
VFS Program: Makeup Design for Film & Television
Career Achievement: Makeup Department Head on “How I Met Your Father”
Timeline: Graduated VFS > Makeup Department Head roles in under 3 years
“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.”
Kevin Smith
VFS Program: Film Production
Career Achievement: Writer/Director of smash hit film franchise “Clerks”
Timeline: From VFS to breakout success for “Clerks” in under 2 years
"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."
Lino DiSalvo
VFS Program: Classical Animation
Career Achievement: Head of Animation, Disney’s “Frozen”
Timeline: Graduated VFS > Disney Animator in 1 year
“You will have work in this industry forever. People will want to work with you, and you will be a rockstar.”
Andrew Overtoom
VFS Program: Classical Animation
Career Achievement: Animation Director, Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob Squarepants”
Timeline: Graduated VFS > Animation Director in 2 years
"I honestly believe my VFS education was superior and allowed me to excel in Animation and helped me get ahead in Hollywood."
Jodie Kupsco
VFS Program: Sound Design for Visual Media
Career Achievement: Senior Dialogue Supervisor at Sony Interactive Entertainment
Timeline: Graduated VFS > Audio Lead roles on AAA games in 1 year
“I learned more in my one year at VFS than I did in my four years as an undergrad at University.”
Vancouver Campus: State-of-the-Art Facilities for International Students
Production Centres That Deliver Real Industry Power
VFS merges with the entertainment industry at every level, integrating real-world experiences through hands-on training, embedding industry directly into our production centres, collaborations on active industry productions, and direct access to professionals working at the highest levels of film, animation, games, and design.
Modern Production Facilities
5 specialized campuses in downtown Vancouver. Film sets & studios, a 64,000 cubic ft. performance & motion capture volume, mixing labs & recording studios, a 180-degree green screen room, makeup labs, screening rooms & theatres, industry-standard software, and more.
Powerful Industry Partners
VFS forges strong partnerships the best of the industry, including Epic Games, Unreal Engine, Unity Technologies, Houdini, ASUS, and most notably Beyond Capture Studios – an industry-leading motion capture volume located right on our campus, with impressive credits spanning film, television, & games.
Industry-Trusted Production Space
When the industry calls – VFS answers! Vancouver Film School has built strong relationships with some of the industry's top companies – including General Motors, Maximum Effort, Vancouver Canucks, and Tesla – who personally request VFS resources and talent because they trust the professionalism, creativity, and talent of our students, faculty, and world-class facilities.
Complete US Student Visa & Immigration Guide
Required Documents for US Students: Detailed Checklist
1. Academic Transcripts - Official high school diploma/GED or college transcripts
2. Program Portfolio & Personal Statement - A collection of your creative work (dependent on your program) and a written statement that explains why you want to pursue your chosen career
3. Apply for Loan from Sallie Mae (if required) – VFS students have an outstanding track record securing this funding.
4. English Proficiency - IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80+, or Duolingo 105+ (native speakers exempt)
5. Financial Documentation – Proof of funds to live & study in Canada for 1 year.
6. Valid US Passport - Must be valid for at least 2 years from program start date
7. Optional References - Academic or professional references strengthen application
Application Fee: $150 CAD (~$110 USD) | Portfolio Review: Free consultation available
Step-by-Step Visa Process for Americans
VFS is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) approved by the Canadian government.
- Receive VFS acceptance letter
- Apply online for study permit
- Attend visa interview (if required)
- Receive study permit approval
- Travel to Canada and begin studies
Processing time: 4-6 weeks for most US applicants
Post-Graduation Work Opportunities
Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP): VFS students may apply for a Canadian PGWP with the Canadian government to work for up to 3 years after graduation. Additionally, VFS has special Pathway relationships with several Canadian schools that also offer this eligibility,
Benefits for US Students:
- Work anywhere in Canada
- Gain Canadian work experience
- Build professional network
- Transition to permanent residence possible
- Enhanced qualifications for US job market
FAQ
With the industry-relevant production training that students receive at VFS, combined with VFS's global reputation and our notable alumni in Hollywood, many VFS graduates have gone on to achieve success within Hollywood following graduation.
Absolutely. Our alumni have 1,876 credits on Marvel Cinematic Universe projects alone, worked on all top 10 highest-grossing films in 2024, and contributed to Emmy and Oscar-winning projects. Recent examples include "Shōgun," "Deadpool & Wolverine," "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," and "House of the Dragon."
Not at all! Many successful VFS graduates are career changers in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Our accelerated 1-year format is perfect for adults who want to quickly transition into entertainment careers without spending 4 years back in school. The entertainment industry values experience and maturity.
VFS gets you industry-ready in 1 year for between $21,288 – $39,735 USD (depending on your program of choice). In the US, schools often set their tuition rates on the basis of student loan availability limits. With lower limits in Canada, VFS does not need to set our tuition rates as high. Therefore, we offer the same training, industry connections and career opportunities at a fraction of the cost.
While the workload is demanding, VFS understands that many students need to balance their studies with part-time work. Depending on the program, there may be opportunities to work while attending school, and VFS Admissions Advisors can help you explore those options.
Yes! Our intensive format works exceptionally well for motivated recent graduates who want to dive deep into their passion. You'll graduate with a professional portfolio and industry connections while your peers are just finishing sophomore year elsewhere. Many of our most successful alumni started at VFS right after high school.
20,000+ VFS alumni have found work in all major industry hubs – including Hollywood. Canada’s entertainment industry employs 179,000+ people, with constant demand for skilled professionals. Your immersive training at VFS will prepare you for work in any major industry hub, proven by VFS's global reputation and the success of our alumni worldwide .
VFS faculty are working industry professionals, many with direct Hollywood experience including Disney directors, Marvel producers, and Netflix executives. Our alumni network opens doors at every major studio. Industry professionals regularly visit campus for guest lectures, workshops, and recruitment.
Many other production-based schools do not have full-time faculty like VFS, instead relying only on part-time faculty. A core strength of VFS’s model is that we have both. With a dedicated, full-time faculty, you will have access to greater support, including ongoing academic/career counselling.
VFS students have a longstanding and proven track record with US-based student loans organization Sallie Mae, allowing you the opportunity to receive financial aid to cover your tuition at VFS and living expenses in Vancouver for the year that you are here. You will graduate from VFS with considerably less debt compared to other well-known US schools.
The best way to know if you are ready to train at VFS is to connect with us! Our faculty and Admissions team will be happy to take you through a complimentary portfolio review to give you a better sense of if you meet the prerequisites to apply to VFS.
US students are eligible to apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) three months after arriving in British Columbia. The cost is CAD $75 per month. During the initial three-month waiting period, students should have private health coverage. A common option is Guard.me insurance, which costs approximately $2 per day.
Yes, spouses can apply for open work permits allowing them to work anywhere in Canada while you study. This makes VFS an attractive option for students with families looking to experience Canadian life.
Start Your Entertainment Industry Career Today
Fall 2025 Applications Now Open. Previous intakes have consistently reached capacity. Apply early to secure your preferred start date.