
Effects Animation Diploma
This Effects Animation (Houdini) program is designed to enable aspiring effects animators to learn the process of creating 3D technical effects using various 3D computer software including Houdini 3D animation tools.
Accredited. Trusted. Respected.
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Quick facts
Online Diploma |
12 months |
Portfolio required |
Student profile
How this program works:
Watch video (3 min)
Built for the industry. Built for your trust.
Program designed in consulation with major studios in
the Animation, VFX and Video Game industries.
Diploma Programs start:
Monday January 6th, 2020
Deadline to apply: December 27th, 2019
Live Classes on:
Mondays, 9:00pm & Wednesdays, 9:00pm Pacific Time
We are a Studio School designed to give students practical skills in workplace environments
Choose from our 2-Delivery options, design your education around your values and lifestyle
1) Live 100% Face-to-Face Online
Offers the flexibility and freedom for parents and students to shape their education, learning from industry experts and from a trusted Canadian Accredited Education internationally recognized.
Expand your local network
Join your regional chapter while experiencing a live, focused and extraordinary program. We partner with your institution to deliver high quality education in your home country.

2) Combined (Online + Onsite)
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.
Experience Vancouver Canada
Outside the weekly in person sessions, access course content and weekly communication online, while experiencing Hollywood North in Vancouver, one of most livable cities in the world.

Diploma Program Description
Effects Animation, Effects Technical Director (FX-TD)
This Effects Animation (Houdini) program is designed to enable aspiring effects animators to learn the process of creating 3D technical effects using various 3D computer software including the most commonly used in the industry -Houdini 3D animation tools.
Through a series of assignments students will learn how to create different types of effects simulations. Students will learn how to create both Expressions and procedural geometry generation. Students will create their own technical effects for their final projects.
Who Should
Attend this program
Aspiring effects animators, people that demonstrate problem solving skills, people that like to re-create natural phenonema, enjoy using computer software simulation and have a wild imagination.
People with the technical ability to convey their ideas through computer simulation software.
Our
Target Student
Aspiring effects animators who are deeply passionate about how the physics of natural phenomena works.
People who already recognize and understand their strengths of what they can be best at, and can build a rewarding career throughout their life in the Entertainment industries.
Not Our
Target Student
Artists looking for general education, undecided or unknowledgeable about career paths.
We recommend taking our other short introductory courses to find and recognize their strengths.
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
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.
Portfolio
If no portfolio is submitted,
student must successfully
pass the corresponding
Introductory course.
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
Terms
per week
hours
Months
Study and Work in Canada
International Students have the option to study from their
home countries or within Canada.
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.

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
Effects Animation Diploma (FX-TD)
Term 1
Effects Software
Foundations
This course introduces students to the fundamentals for creating computer generated visual effects. Various aspects and functionality of the high-end 3D effects software Houdini, Pyro and Mantra are reviewed. This results in learning the basics of 3D modeling, animation, rendering and compositing. The final outcome is learning how to incorporate the foundations of visual effects simulations in Houdini.
Duration: 3 months
Term 2
Effects
Design
This course provides an introduction on how to technically manage a 3D visual effects project. The focus of the course is on learning how to ingest an asset and build a reusable technical effects rig. Students will learn how to create technical effects such as bullet shots in order to produce muzzle flash, tracer streaks and wall impacts.
Duration: 3 months
Term 3
Effects Production &
Studio Pipeline
This course provides an introduction to Expressions in Houdini. The focus of the course is on learning how to create procedural effects simulations. Students will learn how to edit Expressions within Houdini, in order to create complex simulations and procedural generation of clouds and forest.
Duration: 3 months
Term 4
Portfolio &
Final Effects Projects
This course is a continuation of production techniques used in the technical effects pipeline. This final term advances the students’ knowledge and ability to create realistic technical effects. Students will learn through a series of milestones, how to complete two industry level effects shots, in order to achieve a finished demo reel.
Duration: 3 months
Students must obtain a minimum grade of a B- to successfully pass.
Course codes: FXTD-100, FXTD-200, FXTD-300, FXTD-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.
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

Free for VANAS Students%
Adobe Creative Cloud Software

VANAS Students save 60%
Houdini

Free for VANAS Students
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
The VES Handbook of Visual Effects: Industry Standard VFX Practices and Procedures 2nd Edition
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.
Effects 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.
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
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
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.
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
- 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
- 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)
- 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.

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.
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.
List of Development Countries according to the International Monetary Fund:
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
China
Chile
Colombia
Comoros
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo
Costa Rica
Côte d'Ivoire
Croatia
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini (Swaziland)
Ethiopia
Fiji
Gabon
The Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Federated States of Micronesia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
North Macedonia
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
São Tomé and Príncipe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Countries not listed by IMF
FAME Member Pricing
Discounts off select programs
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).
Learning is better together.
Tuition discounts to foster collaboration with your friends and family members
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
For Diploma programs, the following payment options are available:
Payment Options | Frequency | Amount Due | ||
A | Full Payment | $18,500 | ||
B | Per Term | $5,438 |
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Career Pathway
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1 year
2nd Year Option
VANAS Digital Matte
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2nd Year Option
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2nd Year Option
4 Weeks Optional
VANAS Professional Career
Development for Artists
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