Frequently-Asked Questions
Q: Is there an application deadline?
A: Applications are continually processed, and only take a few days for you to receive the confirmation on your enrolment. It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible to secure your seat in a program before it fills up.
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Yes, there are full student loans (provincial and federal) for residents of Canada. Applicants from other countries should contact their Department of Education to inquire about financial aid options for study outside of their country.
Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Scholarships are announced through our website or speak to your admissions advisor.
Q: Can I get a tour of VanArts?
A: Our admissions advisors will gladly give you a tour of our campus. The school is open for tours 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. To schedule a personal tour, call 604-682-2787 ext. 104, or 1-800-396-2787 ext. 104, or send an email to info@vanarts.com .
Q: Where do your grads get hired?
A: Our grads find employment all over the world. Vancouver itself is one of the hottest cities for animation, gaming and film production, employing several thousand. Many grads have found work locally and most of our grads end up working on projects for feature films, TV series, commercials, web cartoons and video games. Others become independent artists, starting their own businesses.
Q: What makes VanArts unique?
A: VanArts is a specialized "media arts school" and not a "department" within a larger institution. VanArts offers industry-focused, intensive one-year diploma programs. Class sizes are kept small so students have more opportunities for one-on-one instruction from our faculty who are industry-experienced professionals.
Q: Is VanArts Accredited?
A: Yes, VanArts has been fully accredited since July 1, 2000 by the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of British Columbia.
Q: How long has VanArts been around?
A: VanArts was founded in 1995 with Academy-Award winning animator/director Lee Mishkin. Lee had over 50 years of industry experience.
Q: Does VanArts provide housing for students?
A: We provide an extensive list of housing resources, and recommend booking a room in advance as temporary accommodation while searching for an apartment in the local area. It is common for students to find and share apartments with the classmates they meet.
Q: Does VanArts provide job placement?
A: VanArts has excellent connections to several local studios and bring in guest speakers to inform students about job opportunities. Our faculty have worked in studios all over the world, and can give references and advice on the application process. Several grads have found employment by referrals from their instructors or classmates.
Q: Can international students find work in Canada after graduation?
A: VanArts participates in the post-graduation work permit program initiated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. This allows our graduates to apply for a one-year work permit.
Q: Do I need to submit a portfolio for a part-time or summer course?
A: Portfolios are only required for acceptance into our full-time diploma programs. (Check out our page for portfolio tips for some more guidance on this.) To register for a part-time or summer course, you simply fill in the online registration form and pay the applicable course fees.
