Admission Requirements

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 comprehensive review of your completed application.

After you have applied online, you must complete your application by sending us the materials listed below by email to admissions@vanarts.com or by post to VanArts, 400 – 333 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6A 4C1.

Admission Materials Required for Full-Time Programs

1. Portfolio (or Audition) Portfolios should consist of 12 examples of your best artwork, from whatever skill level you are at. Click the program names below for specific guidelines, and more tips are available here.

2D/3D Character Animation

Character animation is about life, energy, movement, and emotions. We want to see sketches of characters in motion, in subtle and dynamic poses, and character designs. Send copies of pages from your sketchbooks, location sketches, and figure drawings. (Please read these specific portfolio submission notes from our animation faculty)

Game Art & Design

12 pieces of visual arts that can include traditional art, digital painting, 3D modeling and/or animation. Must include at least one example of digital paint, graphic design or illustration, one example of 3D models and/or animation (Maya recommended but any 3D package will do).

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.

Web Development & Digital Design

graphics portfolio optional, not required.

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). In person audition is preferred, followed by an interview; we will accept videotaped auditions which will be followed by a Skype Interview.

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. English Proficiency Requirement For students who have not completed their education in English these are the options available for you to demonstrate English language proficiency. We may also require a telephone or in-person interview with you.

English Proficiency Details

International English Language Testing Service (IELTS): minimum score required is overall 6.0 on the 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.
Pearson Test of Academic English: minimum score required is overall 54.
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): minimum score of 60 required.
Pre-Arrival Learning English Course -Vital English: Assessed higher than or completion of VanArts Intermediate Level 2.
Successful completion of courses at one of our partner English Language Schools:
- 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.

Program admission requirements may not be waived by either the institution or the student.

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

Admission Materials Required for Full-Time Programs

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