As an international student at VCAD, you will discover how to turn your innate artistic talents into creative skills with the help of industry-experienced instructors. Train in industry-standard labs and facilities and get the individual attention you need to succeed.
Starting at VCAD is taking the first step toward your creative dream. Our continually evolving applied arts curriculum ensures that our graduates meet the employment requirements of these industries.
With over 35 years of experience in helping students follow their creative passions and talents, we will help you realize your dreams!
For more information, see the International Student Handbook for our Calgary Campus.
Please also see the International Student Safe Travel, Arrival and Quarantine Guide for our Calgary Campus.
Why VCAD
Your VCAD program is designed to streamline your path to a career in art and design by focusing on core, career-oriented courses and minimizing delays between academic terms. This approach allows you to complete your studies in a more efficient timeframe. At VCAD, you can earn your diploma in just 60 to 72 weeks, depending on your program of choice.
VCAD graduates are some of the most employable professionals in creative industries. In 2023, 85% of VCAD graduates were employed directly in their field upon graduation from their respective programs. From Vancouver, Fashion Week to Christian Dior, Gener8 to Rainmaker Entertainment, and Crate & Barrel to Anthropologie, our grads have been featured or employed by several top companies and organizations.
Applications, Visas & Permits
Visual College of Art and Design is an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Designated Learning Institution. International students need a valid study permit to attend the Visual College of Art and Design of Vancouver. Getting a study permit can take several months, so be sure to begin the process as soon as you accept your offer of admission.
To apply for a study permit after June 1, 2014, you will need to include the Designated Learning Institution number (DLI #), which is the number that begins with the letter “O” on your application form. Once your registration is complete, you will receive information on this process in the acceptance letter.
Our DLI# is O19395299664, registered in Burnaby, British Columbia, under the legal business name Vancouver Career College (Burnaby) Inc.
Our DLI# is O269471149722, registered in Calgary, Alberta, under the legal business name VCAD Education (Alberta) Inc.
For more information about the DLI, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html
For information about country-specific visa applications, study/work permits, visa extensions, and more, please choose one of the links below from the Government of Canada’s website:
- Apply for a study permit
- Co-op/Internship Work Permit
- Your Conditions as a study permit holder in Canada
- Temporary Resident Visa (Multiple Entry Visa)
Admission Requirements
Please check each program description for specific entrance requirements:
For most programs, we accept:
- High school graduation or equivalent (From an English language teaching institution)
- Proof of English language proficiency (An international education credential evaluation service, such as WES or ICES, must verify transcripts from an institution outside of Canada)
OR
- Mature student status (19 years of age upon starting classes and must pass the College's General Math Exam)
- Proof of English language proficiency (An international education credential evaluation service, such as WES or ICES, must verify transcripts from an institution outside of Canada)
We may require the following documents for enrollment purposes: For detailed info, please inquire at our international admissions department:
- Photocopy of a valid passport
- Copy of your high school or post-secondary transcript (if available)
- Photocopy of valid study permit (if applicable)
- Additional prerequisites may exist for some programs