International Students

More than half of our student body are international students who contribute greatly to the multi-cultural environment at VanArts, coming from countries all over the world. We are proud of all our graduates who have made their mark in their respective industries worldwide.

APPLY NOW TO START IN MARCH 2025

For in-person studies (in 2D/3D Character Animation, Game Art & Design, Visual Effects and Art Foundation), starting March 10, 2025, there are many advantages:

▪ VanArts has a substantial number of Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) to distribute.

▪ Assistance from a regulated immigration consultant is available for study permit applications.

▪ IRCC plans to increase capacities on study permits in 2025, so applying now is a golden opportunity to move forward before this happens!

▪ Additional advantages exist for students to opt to study online:

30th Anniversary Special: 30% Scholarships for Online in March 2025

For the March 2025 intake only, VanArts is offering 30% tuition scholarships for online international students in Visual Effects, Game Art & Design, and 2D/3D Character Animation.

Advantages of Online Studies
▪ Same education and industry networking
▪ Same credential
▪ No student visa required
▪ Save up to $50,000 in travel & living costs

Enjoy live classes from Vancouver to your own home and get the same education for jobs in the film & game industry.

International Students – Study Permits/Visas

To study in-person, students from all countries outside Canada must apply for these documents in advance at the Canadian Embassy office designated for your country. If you are not sure where to apply for your visa, visit the Government of Canada website and search for the specific website for your country’s visa office.

Please plan ahead and apply for your visa immediately upon receiving your Acceptance or Conditional Acceptance Letter. You must have your student visa and study permit approved no later than 3 weeks before your program starts, or else we may need to defer your enrollment to the next start date. Please keep us informed as to the status of your visa application processing.

Some countries may also require you to have a medical, police check or other documents before your visa is approved. Failure to submit all of these documents and evidences may result in your visa being rejected, often with little chance of appeal. Before applying for your visa, please read all details carefully on the official Citizen and Immigration Canada website.

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is now required to apply for a study permit. If you are accepted for in-person studies at VanArts, you will also need to meet our criteria for issuing of a PAL. We currently have several PALs to distribute, so APPLY NOW to start the process.

Required Documents

There is a nominal fee for the Student Authorization/Visa which is paid to Citizen and Immigration Canada. When you apply for your study permit, you will likely require the following for submission:

• A letter of acceptance for your program of study from VanArts.
• A Provincial Attestation Letter.
• Evidence of financial support during your study period, i.e., a notarized letter or affidavit from your bank or parents, or student loan documents.
• Evidence of intentions to return to your country of origin after your studies are complete.
• Evidence of prepaid tuition fees, your tuition receipt or a certified cheque or bank draft payable to VanArts.
• Proof of citizenship, i.e., passport or birth certificate.
• Include the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number O19331363352 on your study permit application.

Visa Review Services

We strongly recommend that you employ the services of a Regulated Immigration Consultant to assist with your application before it is submitted to the Canadian Consulate for processing.

You can see a list of active consultants and advisors at Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. Search tools are available on the council’s website to confirm an Immigration Consultant’s standing, and to locate Immigration Consultants in your area.

The cost of any services provided by the Immigration Consultant must be paid directly to the consultant. A credit of up to $400 for their services will be applied towards your tuition only if we receive confirmation of your payment to the Immigration Consultant, your visa is approved, and you enrol at VanArts. (Please note: this credit is non-refundable in the event of withdrawal from full-time enrolment.)