One (1) full-tuition scholarship (100%) and two (2) half-tuition scholarships (50%), per region, for each program:
- 3D Animation & Visual Effects (12 months)
- Classical Animation (12 months)
- Film Production (12 months)
- Programming for Games, Web & Mobile (12 months)
- Game Design (12 months)
- Digital Design (12 months)
- Sound Design for Visual Media (12 months)
- VR/AR Design & Development (8 months)
- Makeup Design for Film & Television (12 months)
- Writing for Film, Television & Games (12 months)
- A clear copy of a government-issued photo ID indicating your date of birth and legal name.
- Acceptable proof of your proficiency in English (if English is not your native language), which can include any of the following:
(Consider they are valid for only 2 years.)
- TOEFL score of 550 (213 Computer-Based Test)
- TOEIC score of 785
- IELTS Band 6.5
- LPI Level 5
- B2 First (Formerly Cambridge English: First (FCE)): Grade A or Grade C depending on the programs you apply to.
- Transcripts from an English-speaking high school or an accredited English- speaking post-secondary institution. Transcripts can be in native language.
- Duolingo English test score of 120 or higher. The Duolingo test is accepted 5 to 7 business days before the contest closes.
- Transcripts from any institution you attended within the past five years. Transcripts can be in native language.
- Two recommendation letters, preferably from instructors or academic advisors, which may be verified. These recommendations must be in English and include the contact information of your references.
- Applicants must be at least 19 years of age or have graduated high school at the time of application
- A link to your portfolio that meets and exceeds the portfolio requirements of the intended VFS program of interest (listed below):
3D Animation & Visual Effects / 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.
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 1–2-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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Scholarship winners must pay 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.
- The deadline to apply is July 31, 2023. Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- The scholarship granted is effective only to start:
- 3D Animation & Visual Effects: Full and partial scholarships must start on April 29, 2024, or June 24, 2024.
- Classical Animation: Full and partial scholarships must start on February 26, 2024, or April 29, 2024.
- Digital Design: Full and partial scholarships must start on January 2, 2024 or April 29, 2024.
- Film Production: Full and partial scholarships must start on February 26, 2024, April 29, 2024, or June 24, 2024.
- Game Design: Full and partial scholarships must start on January 2, 2024 or April 29, 2024.
- Programming for Games, Web & Mobile: Full and partial scholarships must start on January 2, 2024.
- Sound Design for Visual Media: Full and partial scholarships must start on February 26, 2024 or June 24, 2024.
- VR/AR Design and Development: Full and partial scholarships must start on January 2, 2024.
- Writing for Film, Television & Games: Full and partial scholarships must start on January 2, 2024 or April 29, 2024.
- Makeup Design for Film & Television: Full and partial scholarships must start on January 2, 2024 or April 29, 2024.
- If selected, the applicant must cover their flight, accommodation, meals, and international insurance (assess approximate cost of living in Canada).
- If selected, the applicant must complete an online VFS application (this will be specified by a VFS advisor).
- Applicants who have already been accepted into a VFS program can 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 again apply for the scholarship but do not need to re-submit their application or pay an application fee if they have done so already.
- Winners will be notified on August 18, 2023.
- VFS reserves the right to cancel this scholarship initiative at its sole discretion, in the event of any administrative conflict or error, and in case there are 29 applicants or less per program.
- The committee decision is definitive and final.