Admissions Requirements
Welcome to VanArts Admissions! We're here to help you apply for one of our programs or courses.
To enroll in our full-time diploma programs, you must be at least 19 years of age OR a high school graduate. Admission into our full-time programs is based upon a comprehensive qualitative review of the submitted application packet. Your application materials must demonstrate potential for the program of study you are applying for. You will hear from us as soon as we receive your application materials and have them reviewed. This process is normally completed within 48 hours.
When you are ready to apply please have the following items ready to complete your application:
-Your program choice and start dates
-Your personal information (mailing address, telephone numbers, etc)
-Emergency contact name and telephone number
-Secondary and post-secondary educational institutions name, dates and locations
-$200 CAD application processing fee (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, cheque or money order)
Admission Materials Required for Full-Time Programs
If you are ready to apply, this is what we will need from you:
1. Portfolio (or Audition): portfolios should consist of 12 examples of your best artwork, from whatever skill level you are at. Below are some guidelines for specific programs, and more tips are available here.
> 2D/3D Character Animation or Game Art & Design: minimum 5 pieces of life drawing (figures, still life or portraits), the rest can be anything you want.
> Visual Effects for Film & Television: photography, film/video projects, or graphic arts. Drawings are optional but not necessary.
> Digital Photography: a sampling of your best digital or traditional photography.
> Web Development & Interactive Design: graphics portfolio optional, not required.
> Broadcasting for Radio & TV (AUDITION): successful completion of a vocal audition and personal interview, either in-person or by phone. Applicants must showcase high proficiency in general broadcasting knowledge, industry awareness, & both oral and written English.
> Acting for Film & Television (AUDITION): 2 audition pieces required - 1 contemporary monologue (must be from a play) and 1 Shakespeare monologue. Each piece should be no longer than 2 minutes; applicant should know both without using paper. In-person audition is preferred; we will accept DVD or online video, but may ask for a follow-up over Skype.
2. Letter of Intent (A one page personal statement describing: your career goals, what sparks your interest for your chosen program of study and why you have chosen VanArts.)
3. Resume
4. Proof of age with Photo ID (photocopy of passport or driver's license)
5. Transcripts (VanArts encourages applicants to submit all recent secondary and post-secondary transcripts. High school transcripts are required for candidates under 19 years of age.)
6. VanArts Program Application form (click here)
English Proficiency Requirement
For students whose first language is not English, below are the minimum scores required from any one of the following tests in English proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL or TOEIC. If necessary, we may also require a telephone or in-person interview.
- International English Language Testing Service (IELTS): minimum score required is overall 6.0.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum score required is 68 for the internet-based exam, 190 for the computer-based exam and 520 for the paper-based exam.
- Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC): minimum score required is 700.
Requirement Exception: International students who have completed their high school education where English was the main language of instruction are not required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC scores. A submission of your transcripts from high school or college is sufficient for the application process.
Program admission requirements may not be waived by either the institution or the student.
If you have more questions or concerns about our programs before applying, please give us a call (604-682-2787 x104 or 1-800-396-2787 x104) and ask for our Admissions Staff to help you.
Janet Cacchioni, Director of Admissions
Janet has over 13 years of experience and expertise in the education industry, having served as a manager and external promotions specialist and maintaining positive, lasting relationships with industry, media, schools, students, parents and associations. She is committed to education and serving the next generation of artists. e-mail Janet
Linh Stirling, Admissions Advisor
Linh Stirling is a graduate of the
Gautam Modkar, Regional Admissions Advisor for India
Gautam Modkar has a BA in Humanities from Delhi Univeristy as well as an MBA and is a graduate of the Visual Effects program at VanArts. He has worked as a media consultant and most recently as a digital compostior. Gautam primarily advises students from India and other foreign countries for all of our programs.
Please feel free to Skype Gautam from Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00am to 11:00am (India Time), Skype ID: gautam_vanarts. e-mail Gautam
Ken Priebe, Dir. of Communications & Student Services
Ken has a BFA from University of Michigan and is a professional animator, instructor and author (The Art of/Advanced Art of Stop-Motion Animation). He has a strong passion for education in the arts and the animation community. e-mail Ken
Medical Insurance Requirements
All students are required to have adequate health insurance during their studies at VanArts. Students from outside British Columbia and international students should apply for B.C. Medical insurance once arriving and establishing an address in BC. Your coverage normally begins in the third month following your arrival. An insurance application form can be downloaded here.
Other Requirements & Information
