Admission Requirements

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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.

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).

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 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 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.

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