We are a Studio School designed to give students practical skills in workplace environments

Talk to a human?
Click to call: 1 888-677-8827 or email: info@vanas.ca

Admission Requirements

Age

High school graduate (with transcript), or 19 years of age or older

Assessment Test

Successfully pass general
assessment test that includes
a computer knowledge assessment,
Internet knowledge assessment,
English reading and writing skills
assessment.

Take the Test

Portfolio

If no portfolio is submitted,
student must successfully
pass the corresponding
Introductory course.

Scholarship FAQ

English Proficiency

International students with English as a second language must demonstrate a good oral and written level of English. A telephone, Skype, or in-person interview may be required to verify this.

Program Duration

Number of
Terms

Hours
per week

Program
hours

Number of
Months

Study and Work in Canada

International Students have the option to study from their
home countries or within Canada.

Designated Learning Institution

This full-time online program meets the Ministry of Education requirements to Study and Work in Canada. Students may study from their home countries or in Vancouver, Canada. When studying in Vancouver, Canada, all classes are conducted online and 20 hours per week of on-site lab access is available for students to interact with one another.

Study Visas and Work Permits

Citizen and Immigration Canada

Industry Driven.

Become the
awesome Artist
you are meant to be.

Talk to a human?
Click to call: 1 888-677-8827 or email: info@vanas.ca

Program Outline

3D Computer Character Animation Diploma

Term 1
Drawing Preparation &
Animation Principles

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of 3D animation. Various aspects and functionality of the 3D software ‘Autodesk Maya’ are introduced. Proper animation workflows and methods are used to learn the 12 principles of animation. Animation exercises begin with basic movements and evolve into complex actions and acting.

Duration: 3 months

Term 2
Body Mechanics &
Locomotion

This course provides an introduction to body mechanics. The focus of the course is on learning the physics, locomotion and kinematics of a body in motion, to use as the foundation for creating believable animated performances. Students learn the mechanic principles of each body part, in order to move them correctly. Acting for animation is introduced. Animation assignments begin with basic walks and evolve to advanced versions of bi-pedal and quadruped walk cycles.

Duration: 3 months

Term 3
Introduction to
Acting

This course introduces students to Acting for Animation. Beginning with the study of pantomime (non verbal) acting, students will study Body Language, which incorporates gestures, postures, eye movements and blinking. Final animation assignments will include dialogue, requiring the study of facial performance including the mouth shapes, teeth and tongue positions to portray phonemes. Bringing life to an animated character and obtaining a believable performance is the ultimate goal.

Duration: 3 months

Term 4
Advanced
Acting

This course is a continuation of in depth techniques of Acting for Animation studies. Students will go through a series of milestones in order to complete an animated sequence, which includes the performance of two computer-animated characters. Such milestones encompass writing the story, storyboarding, creating 2D/3D animatics, filming live-action reference and editing video and sound. This final term advances the students’ understanding and ability of storytelling, entertainment, acting and animation skills.

Duration: 3 months

Students must obtain a minimum grade of a B- to successfully pass.

Course codes: ANIM-100, ANIM-200, ANIM-300, ANIM-400.

Vancouver Animation School reserves the right to review and change without notice the curriculum design to meet the industry requirements.

Onsite + Online
Live Classes

Small class sizes
2 live session per week, one hour per session - Full time
1 live support classes per week, one hour per session

Assignments
Workload

Weekly assignments comprised by milestones and deadlines
Online activities
Assignments workload 20 - 25 hours per week

Times
Schedules

Class times are listed at the top of this website page
Class times are also visible on the application form
Flexible times for you to work and study at the same time

All Inclusive Education

Every week, students have access to additional live classes of their preference to supplement their learning and improve their understanding.

Artistic100%

Software100%

Development & Special Needs100%

Lab Time100%

Office Hours100%

Industry Driven.

Become the
awesome Artist
you are meant to be.

Talk to a human?
Click to call: 1 888-677-8827 or email: info@vanas.ca

Software Requirements

Students are responsible for supplying their own Computer Software.
Academic discounts are available to our students.

Maya Animation Software

Free for VANAS Students

Adobe Creative Cloud Software

VANAS Students save 60%

System Requirements

Students are responsible for supplying their own Computer Hardware.

Windows System

Processor: 3 GHZ or higher
8 GB RAM (12 GB recommended)
Firefox or Chrome internet browsers
Flash Player

Apple Mac OSX

Processor: Core Duo / Intel
8 GB RAM (12 GB recommended)
Firefox or Chrome internet browsers
Flash Player

Internet

Broadband, High Speed connection
10 Mbps Download (Recommended)
1 Mbps Upload (Recommended)

Webcam & Headset

These are essential tools for Online Programs

Recommended Books

Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston
Animators Survival Kit by Richard Williams
Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair

Canadian Designation

An official transcript is the VANAS' certified statement of your academic record. The official paper transcript is printed on security sensitive paper and contains the Institution seal and signature of the Institution Registrar.

The Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation is British Columbia’s brand for quality post- secondary education.

The Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education administers associated regulations.

A joint initiative of the provinces and territories, through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC),

Established in 1990 to fulfill Canada’s obligations under the UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Studies.

3D Animation Diploma program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is meant to protect students, schools, and employers. It ensures that a school is educating its students and meeting quality standards. If you choose a school that isn’t accredited, it may be difficult to use your academic credentials. Few employers will take your education seriously. Additionally, you may not be able to transfer your credit hours or degree to an accredited school.

If you are learning for personal enjoyment, accreditation may not be important to you. However, if you want to use your academic credential in the workplace or plan on furthering your education at a later date, accreditation is essential.

Industry Driven.

Become the
awesome Artist
you are meant to be.

See all Educational Partners

Talk to a human?
Click to call: 1 888-677-8827 or email: info@vanas.ca

Degree Pathways

Post-Graduation Work Permit

While VANAS programs do not qualify for the post-graduation work permit, some of our educational partners do.

The post-graduation work permit through Citizenship and Immigration Canada allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. For more information, visit: cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp

Alumni Showcase

Watch Video

Student Showcase

3D Computer Character Animation Diploma

Industry Driven.

Become the
awesome Artist
you are meant to be.

Talk to a human?
Click to call: 1 888-677-8827 or email: info@vanas.ca

Meet your teachers

Blaine
Toderian

Known For:

Adrian
Enciso

Known For:

Calvin
Leduc

Known For:

Susan
Campbell

Known For:

Chris
Woods

Known For:

Christopher
Vacher

Known For:

See all faculty members

Some of the Studios VANAS alumni work at

“I wanted to move to the next level in my career, for a long time I wanted to learn
character animation because I love movement and the possibility to make a
digital 3d character come to life, make feelings believable!”

Industry Driven.

Become the
awesome Artist
you are meant to be.

Payment Options and Financial Aid

Talk to a human?
Click to call: 1 888-677-8827 or email: info@vanas.ca

Invest in Something Extraordinary: You

Premium Higher Education with all-inclusive industry values.
VANAS welcomes you, works for you and cares for you.

Introductory Online Courses

$499 CAD/month

Accredited Introductory courses with
an industry focus curriculum and taught
by industry teachers who are leaders
in their fields. These courses are intended
for students to discover new learning
areas by bringing awareness and application
simultaneously. There are no pre-requisites,
anyone from beginner to advanced
levels of understanding and knowledge
can attend.

1-Year Online Diploma

$18,500 CAD

A 12 months accredited diploma program
that will take you in a semester-based
learning journey. VANAS Diploma
programs are career focused with
a learning methodology that will
take you from foundations, to
development to understanding;
designed with an all-inclusive
educational pedagogy.

1-Year Combined Diploma
(Online + Onsite)

$24,500 CAD

An accredited 1-year blended diploma
program is a common choice for many
learners. Time is divided between online
and onsite learning. Every Friday from
10am-1pm, students spend 3 hours with
in-person sessions and interacting with
their peers and Industry professionals.
Designed to allow students to take
advantage of experiential learning.

Quality of Education Matters

We offer a simple model where the tuition is the same for Canadian and International Students for all our full time diploma programs.

Tuition fees are in Canadian Dollars (CAD), reviewed annually by the Advisory Board and are subject to change without notice.

When paying with Paypal or a Credit Card a non-refundable convenience fee of 3% of the total amount will apply. If the payment is international, credit card processors take an additional 1% since it's considered cross-border.

Funding Options

VANAS' goal is to recruit the best and brightest to join our school, regardless of their backgrounds or financial situations. We find talent of different ages located anywhere in the world. VANAS values diversity.

VANAS Scholarships

These are the most sought-after source of financial assistance. Applicants will need to provide accurate details of their financial situation.

See VANAS Scholarships

External Funding

Explore different global funding methods for your career programs, including Student Finance Loans, RESPs as well as a list of other funding options.

See External Funding

Funding for Developing Countries

VANAS supports international student equity by giving students from developing countries an opportunity to participate in higher education.

Eligibility

To reduce tuition costs, several awards of 10% - 50%, will be allocated per start date to candidates who can justify the difficulty in raising sufficient finances for their studies at VANAS.

a) Candidates must study online while residing in emerging/developing countries.

b) Candidates must be provide an official photo identification (Passport) as proof of citizenship from their development/emerging country.

Apply for funding for Development Countries

FAME Member Pricing

Discounts off select programs

Become a FAME member

Your Tuition is Protected

The Student Training Completion Fund is established under the Private Training Act
and provides consumer protection to students enrolled in programs at institutions
registered with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB).

Graduation Rate: 99%

Median Salary After Attending: $58,500

Learning is better together.

Tuition discounts to foster collaboration with your friends and family members

Apply as a Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Enrollment Confirmation Deposit?

To indicate your commitment to Vancouver Animation School (VANAS), and to reserve your seat in the program, you are required to pay a non-refundable tuition deposit to VANAS.

The amount of your deposit is based on the cost of your program, individual financial plan and your selected payment option.

Before paying your deposit, you must have received your Offer of Admission from VANAS.

Is there an application fee?

Is the tuition the same for Canadian and International Students?

Are there any Payment Options?

For Diploma programs, the following payment options are available:

Payment Options	Frequency	Amount Due
A	Full Payment	$18,500
B	Per Term	$5,438

Are there any additional taxes to be paid?

Are there any Tax Reduction Options?

Read All Questions Here

Industry Connected Programs & Courses

Animation

Concept Art

Visual Effects

Video Games

Education by real Artists who love helping Artists succeed.

Career Pathway

1 year

VANAS 3D Character Computer
Animation Diploma

1 year

2 Year Option

VANAS 2D Computer
Animation Diploma

2nd Year Option

VANAS Animated
Short Film Diploma

2nd Year Option

VANAS Advanced 3D
Modeling Diploma

4 Weeks Option

VANAS Professional Career
Development for Artists

4 Weeks Option

Industry Driven.

Become the
awesome Artist
you are meant to be.