Programs

See program overview

Admission Requirements

Ready to start? Apply online >>

To enroll in our full-time diploma programs, you must be at least 19 years of age OR a high school graduate. Admission is based upon a review of your completed application.

After you have applied online, please complete your application by sending us the materials listed below by email to admissions@vanarts.com or your dedicated admissions advisor. We recommend sending these materials within two weeks after applying. If you need more time, let your advisor know.

Portfolio Review

Admission Materials Required for Full-Time Programs

1. Portfolio (or Audition)*

The drop-down links below indicate which VanArts programs require a portfolio or audition. Click the program names for specific guidelines.

2D/3D Character Animation
12 pages of your best artwork. 5 pages should include sketches of characters in sequential action poses. The other pages may include life/figure drawings and location/object sketches, showing an understanding of form and perspective. See samples on the Animation Program page.)
Game Art & Design
12 pieces of visual arts that can include traditional art, digital painting, 3D modeling and/or animation.
Visual Effects for Film & Television
1-3 film or video projects with additional artwork (12 pieces total), or a 12 piece visual arts portfolio that can include graphic design, 3D design, animation, and/or photography.
Professional Photography
12 samples of your best digital or traditional photography.
Acting for Film & Television (AUDITION) *
2 Audition pieces required – Contrasting monologues (must be from a play), 1 contemporary and 1 Shakespeare, or 2 Contemporary (1 dramatic and 1 comedic). Each piece should be no longer than 2 minutes; the applicant should know both monologues without the use of text (on paper or computer). Audition can be done in-person, over Zoom, or pre-recorded and submitted as a video file (through WeTransfer).

HOW TO SEND YOUR PORTFOLIO: we prefer 12 pages combined into one PDF, or separate JPEGS in a compressed folder and e-mailed to your admissions advisor (or admissions@vanarts.com). Alternatively, you can also upload your 12 images to ArtStation and email us a link.

Portfolios/Auditions are not required for admission into our Web Development & Design, Acting Foundations or Art Foundation programs. If you have a diploma or degree related to the program you are applying for, a portfolio or audition is also not required. You have satisfied that requirement with your previous post-secondary education.

2. Letter of Intent This is a one-page personal statement that answers the following questions:
– What is your educational and/or work background?
– What are your career goals and what are you passionate about?
– Why have you chosen this specific program at VanArts?

3. Photo ID (photocopy of passport to confirm date of birth & citizenship)

4. English Proficiency  

For students not fluent in English, see the drop-down menu below for a list of minimum test scores to meet this requirement.

English Proficiency Details

  • International English Language Testing Service (IELTS): minimum score required is overall 6.0 on Academic test.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum score required is 68 for iBT (internet-based test), 190 for CBT (computer-based test) and 520 for PBT (paper-based test).
  • Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC): minimum score required is 700.
  • Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE): minimum level achieved B2.
  • Common European Framework (CEF): minimum level of B2 or equivalent.*
  • Duolingo English Test: minimum score required of 90*
  • Pearson Test of Academic English: minimum score required is overall 54.
  • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): minimum score of 60 required.
  • Successful completion of courses at one of our partner English Language Schools:
    • MOST RECOMMENDED: Oxford International Digital Institute. Build the English language skills for successful entry into Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts). Our Pathways English Online courses enable you to develop your English language and academic skills required for university level study. Upon successful completion you can enter directly into your chosen diploma program at VanArts. Learn more at: https://oidigitalinstitute.com/pathways-english-online-vanarts/
    • OTHERS:
    • Canadian College of English Language: ENG125 course (Upper Intermediate, B2).*
    • EC Language Centres: completion of Upper Intermediate level.
    • ELS Educational Services Program: completion of level 108.
    • Eurocentres Canada & San Diego: minimum of English level 7.
    • Global Village English Centres: level GV5 of the English for Academic Purposes Program with a final grade of 3 (Vancouver) and 80% (Calgary, Victoria, Hawaii).*
    • ILSC Language Schools: Intermediate Level 4.*
    • Inlingua Vancouver Language School: completion of Upper Intermediate – Level 3B.
    • Language Studies International (LSI): Level 4 – Upper Intermediate.
    • Sprott Shaw Language Centre: English for Post Secondary Education (EPE) course.*
    • Tamwood International College: EAP 193.*
    • VanWest College: minimum of General English 7 or English for Academic Purposes 300 (EAP 300).
    • VGC International College: completion of Intermediate University Preparation program level 6.

    *Found to be equivalent to B2 or higher on the CEF.

  • Students who have completed their high school education and/or two years of post-secondary where English was the main language of instruction can meet the English Proficiency Requirement through submission of transcripts from their high school and/or college.

If you have any questions please email info@vanarts.com or call (604) 682-2787.