Hybrid Programs
DIPLOMA | ONLINE AND/OR ON-CAMPUS
Vancouver Film School is committed to meeting the fast-changing needs of the creative industries. Therefore, we’ve created a new method for creators of various backgrounds and skill levels to access our award-winning industry training.
A NEW WAY TO LEARN
Access VFS’s programs through a combination of online & on-campus learning. With entry/completion points at each stage, you have the option to enrol in select stages only or take breaks in between. Each stage offers its own completion certificate, but completing all three stages earns you your diploma.
THIS IS VFS’S SIGNATURE, HANDS-ON TRAINING – DELIVERED DIFFERENTLY.
THE VFS ADVANTAGE
THE FUTURE BELONGS TO CREATIVE THINKERS WHO PRACTICE HANDS-ON AND COLLABORATE IN PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENTS…
While also learning & embracing the rapidly developing technologies used by the industry, and changing how productions work.
PRODUCTION FACILITIES MATCHING INDUSTRY:
Go beyond computer labs and classrooms. VFS’s Production Centre gets you creating & collaborating in a real studio environment from day one, working with industry-level tools in pro-grade spaces: motion capture volume, render farm, 180° green screen studio, black box sets, Unreal Engine & Unity labs, & more.
MUCH GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR CROSS-PROGRAM COLLABORATION:
Many schools offer only one program/discipline. At VFS, you’ll create alongside students from many other VFS programs – giving you the full scope of industry pipelines.
UNMATCHED INDUSTRY INTEGRATION:
We define ourselves as being the school that industry comes to first. VFS works directly with the industry to ensure students are training to current, real-world standards from day one. Our curriculum and Production Centre are shaped by active industry practices, workflows, and expectations. Through partnerships with the world’s leading companies, students gain meaningful exposure to professional pipelines and environments.
HYBRID TRAINING BREAKDOWN
START AT THE STAGE BEST-SUITED FOR YOUR SKILL SET
Stage 1 is intended for those just starting out with their training. Depending on your existing skill set, your training goals, and your interest in online vs. on-campus learning, you may be eligible to start at Stage 2 or Stage 3.
See if animation is the right career path for you. Learn animation fundamentals and all you need to know to get started as a creative entrepreneur.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE
DURATION:
ON-CAMPUS: 2 MONTHS / ONLINE: 3 MONTHS
TUITION:
ONLINE DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $3,500 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $4,500 CAD
ON-CAMPUS DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $5,992 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $9,000 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Portfolio of 12 pieces (Must include examples of digital work. Can include traditional art, sketches, painting, fan art, life drawing, photography, and/or motion graphics); OR
Completion of VFS’s Foundation – Animation or Foundation Visual Art & Design programs
YOU’LL COMPLETE WITH:
A foundational skill set in 3D animation & VFX, the start of your career portfolio, and the prerequisites to continue into Stage 2
AFTER YOU COMPLETE:
- Continue on to Stage 2 for further training/production experience
- Start out as a creative entrepreneur (YouTube, other platforms, develop your business)
- Apply for roles in certain industries (i.e. marketing, enterprise)
- Apply for entry level roles in less mature entertainment markets
Choose your specialization (3D Animation, Modeling, or VFX) and build a professional production portfolio that proves to studios you’re ready to be hired and start working.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS
DURATION:
6 MONTHS
TUITION:
DOMESTIC: $17,975 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $27,000 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of Stage 1, OR
Software knowledge (Maya, Nuke, etc.)
YOU’LL COMPLETE WITH:
Professional quality work, from various team productions and projects, that will make up your career portfolio
AFTER YOU COMPLETE:
- Continue on to Stage 3 for further training/production experience
- Use your specialized production portfolio to apply for entry level jobs at studios in North America
Collaborate with your cohort to make your film and experience how real studios operate, with guidance every step of the way from our veteran industry faculty.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE
DURATION:
4 MONTHS
TUITION:
ONLINE DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $9,500 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $12,500 CAD
ON-CAMPUS DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $11,983 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $18,000 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of Stage 2, OR
A certificate/diploma in animation from an accredited school/program
YOU’LL GRADUATE WITH:
A polished, professional short animated film for your portfolio, festival submissions, and job applications
AFTER GRADUATION:
With your contributions to films serving as the signature piece of your portfolio, apply for junior positions (i.e. animator, rigger, layout artist) at major studios in North America and beyond. Be well prepared for independent production and emerging markets.
Build a foundation in concept art and learn all you need to know to get started as a creative entrepreneur. Aimed at aspiring animators interested in working at a studio but wanting to create their own content.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE
DURATION:
ON-CAMPUS: 2 MONTHS / ONLINE: 3 MONTHS
TUITION:
ONLINE DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $2,500 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $3,500 CAD
ON-CAMPUS DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $4,325 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $5,666 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Portfolio of 12 pieces (Must include examples of digital work. Can include traditional art, sketches, painting, fan art, life drawing, photography, and/or motion graphics); OR
Completion of VFS’s Foundation – Animation or Foundation Visual Art & Design programs
YOU’LL COMPLETE WITH:
A foundational skill set in concept art, the start of your career portfolio, and the prerequisites to continue into Stage 2
AFTER YOU COMPLETE:
- Continue into Stage 2 for further training/production experience
- Start out as a creative entrepreneur (YouTube, other platforms, develop your own business)
- Apply for roles in certain industries (i.e., marketing, enterprise)
- Apply for entry level roles in less mature entertainment markets
Build a professional production portfolio that proves to studios you’re ready to be hired and start working.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS
DURATION:
6 MONTHS
TUITION:
DOMESTIC: $12,975 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $17,000 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of Stage 1 OR
Software knowledge in Adobe Creative Cloud
YOU’LL COMPLETE WITH:
Professional quality work, from various team productions and projects, that will make up your career portfolio
AFTER YOU COMPLETE:
- Continue on to Stage 3 for further training/production experience
- Use your specialized production portfolio to apply for entry level jobs at studios in North America
Create a professional pitch package, collaborating with VFS 3D Animation & VFX and Game Design students. Guidance every step of the way from our veteran industry faculty.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE
DURATION:
4 MONTHS
TUITION:
ONLINE DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $6,500 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $7,500 CAD
ON-CAMPUS DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $8,650 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $11,325 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of Stage 2, OR
A certificate/diploma in animation from an accredited school/program
YOU’LL GRADUATE WITH:
A polished, professional pitch package for job applications to studios and creative agencies
AFTER GRADUATION:
With your pitch package serving as the signature piece of your portfolio, apply for junior concept artist positions at major studios in North America and globally. Be well prepared for independent production and emerging markets.
Create the start of your screenwriting portfolio, a polished short script and the blueprint of your first feature screenplay. Aimed at aspiring writers and directors interested in building a foundational skill set in screenwriting.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE
DURATION:
ON-CAMPUS: 2 MONTHS / ONLINE: 3 MONTHS
TUITION:
ONLINE DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $2,500 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $3,500 CAD
ON-CAMPUS DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $3,500 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $4,900 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Synopsis of original feature film, television, or video game project (one page maximum), including your concept and vision
2-4 other creative writing samples
YOU’LL COMPLETE WITH:
Fundamental screenwriting knowledge, the start of your career portfolio, and the prerequisites to continue into Stage 2
AFTER YOU COMPLETE:
- Continue into Stage 2 for further training/production experience
- With your new skill set, continue writing independent short films and work towards long form writing opportunities over time
Write your first feature film and TV pilot. Create a professional design document for your original game idea.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS
DURATION:
6 MONTHS
TUITION:
DOMESTIC: $10,500 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $16,000 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of Stage 1, OR
Completion of VFS’s Screenwriting Fundamentals Short-Track certificate course, OR
A degree/diploma from an accredited school/program in Creative Writing, Media Studies, or Communications, OR
An experienced filmmaker with directing/producing credits on IMDb and a 4-page creative writing sample (including dialogue)
YOU’LL COMPLETE WITH:
A powerful production portfolio (feature film, short script, TV spec & pilot, and intro design docs for a game) for entry-level jobs.
AFTER YOU COMPLETE:
- Continue onto Stage 3 for further training/production experience
- Use your specialized production portfolio to apply for new entry level jobs at film, TV, and game studios
In small groups, plan and write a long form project (i.e., TV pilot and 2nd episode, feature film, advanced design/dialogue/pitch docs for an original game). Includes mentorship with an industry screenwriter.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE
DURATION:
4 MONTHS
TUITION:
ONLINE DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $5,500 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $5,500 CAD
ON-CAMPUS DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $6,950 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $8,100 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of Stage 2, OR
A long-form screenwriting project (feature film or a TV series pitch with pilot and 2nd episode), OR
A certificate/diploma in screenwriting from an accredited school/program
YOU’LL GRADUATE WITH:
A polished screenwriting project for mid-level job applications
AFTER GRADUATION:
With your writing project serving as the signature piece of your portfolio, apply for mid-level positions in global film, TV, and game marketplaces. Students who complete both Stage 2 and Stage 3 will have enough portfolio material to seek representation.
Learn fundamental skills in game design and development as you explore design, technology, and art in the world of games.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE
DURATION:
ON-CAMPUS: 2 MONTHS / ONLINE: 3 MONTHS
TUITION:
ONLINE DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $3,500 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $4,500 CAD
ON-CAMPUS DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $5,491 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $8,330 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
A synopsis of a game you are passionate about creating (including concept/vision, story, characters, game mechanics, levels, and simplified map etc.), OR
Completion of VFS’s Foundation Visual Art & Design program
YOU’LL COMPLETE WITH:
A foundational skill set in game design & development and the prerequisites to continue into Stage 2
AFTER YOU COMPLETE:
Continue into Stage 2 for further training/production experience
Expand on the skills learned in Stage 1, choose your specialization (Level Design, Programming, or 3D Game Art), and use these skills to build the first of your team-created portfolio games.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS
DURATION:
6 MONTHS
TUITION:
DOMESTIC: $16,475 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $25,000 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of Stage 1
YOU’LL COMPLETE WITH:
A polished first game that will serve as the first piece of your career portfolio
AFTER YOU COMPLETE:
Continue onto Stage 3 for further training/production experience
Through mentorship by veteran game professionals, create a retail-quality game for your portfolio in VFS’s cutting-edge production studio. Then, debut the final product at Pitch + Play, VFS’s official game industry showcase.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE
DURATION:
4 MONTHS
TUITION:
ONLINE DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $7,975 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $11,500 CAD
ON-CAMPUS DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $10,984 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $16,670 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of Stage 2
YOU’LL GRADUATE WITH:
With your retail-ready game serving as the signature piece of your portfolio, apply for junior roles at major game studios in North America and globally
AFTER GRADUATION:
With your team-based, retail-ready game serving as the signature piece of your portfolio, apply for junior positions (i.e., level designer, QA analyst, technical designer) at major studios in North America and beyond.
Explore if creative design is the right career path for you, while building a fundamental skill set in graphic design on small creative projects.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE
DURATION:
ON-CAMPUS: 2 MONTHS / ONLINE: 3 MONTHS
TUITION:
ONLINE DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $2,500 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $3,500 CAD
ON-CAMPUS DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $4,658 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $7,166 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
A portfolio of your digital & visual work that demonstrates your familiarity with a range of visual work (i.e., photography, illustration, interior design, merchandising, etc.), OR
Completion of VFS’s Foundation Visual Art & Design program
YOU’LL COMPLETE WITH:
Foundational graphic design skills, working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, the start of your portfolio, & the prerequisites to continue into Stage 2
AFTER YOU COMPLETE:
- Continue into Stage 2 for further training/production experience
- Create your own personal design projects
- Start as a freelance graphic designer
Specialize in UX/UI or Motion Graphics Design. Develop your personal brand as a Designer while working as a team to pitch & deliver a project for a real client.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS
DURATION:
6 MONTHS
TUITION:
DOMESTIC: $13,975 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $21,500 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of Stage 1 OR
Proven graphic design experience (layout design & image compositing) in industry software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, After Effects)
YOU’LL COMPLETE WITH:
Your own personal brand as a Designer and multiple projects for your career portfolio
AFTER YOU COMPLETE:
- Continue onto Stage 3 for further training/production experience
- The ability to manage and collaborate on medium-sized projects for businesses/clients
Design and deliver your Graduate Project in UX/UI Design or Motion Graphics Design, with industry mentor support. Explore new design tools as you continue to build your professional portfolio.
DELIVERY METHOD:
ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE
DURATION:
4 MONTHS
TUITION:
ONLINE DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $7,475 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $10,500 CAD
ON-CAMPUS DELIVERY:
DOMESTIC: $9,317 CAD
INTERNATIONAL: $14,334 CAD
REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of Stage 2 OR
A certificate/diploma in UX/UI or Motion Design from an accredited school/program
YOU’LL GRADUATE WITH:
A mentor-supported production portfolio for job applications to studios, for contract/freelance work, or to start your entrepreneurial career
AFTER GRADUATION:
With your Graduate Project and Case Study serving as the signature pieces of your design portfolio, apply for junior positions at studios or launch your own brand and start your entrepreneurial/freelance career.
ADMISSIONS
VFS Advisors are here to answer any questions about the applications process, help you book a tour, or set you up for a free portfolio review with our industry faculty.
For more about language requirements and other information for international students, visit the International Students page.
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