The VFS – Centre for Digital Media (CDM) Degree Pathway

Applicants must have a 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent (e.g., a combination of relevant post-secondary study and relevant professional experience), and must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies. More information on academic requirements can be found here.

In addition, applicants are required to submit the following items.

Please review the MDM admissions page for more information.

The following programs are eligible: 

• Programming for Games, Web & Mobile 
• Game Design 
• VR/AR Design & Development 

Applicants will be required to complete an English-language test if:

• they are not Canadian citizens, or
• they are not citizens of a country where English is the primary language, or
• they have not completed a degree (bachelor's or master's) at an institution where English is the language of instruction and examination in a country where English is the primary language.

As part of the VFS application, an applicant may have taken a IELTS or TOEFL language test which meets MDM requirements. Please see MDM academic requirements / English Language Proficiency for accepted tests and required scores. All language test scores are valid for a period of two years from the date of the test.

MDM has one intake every year in September and classes are full-time and in-person.

Tuition fees for 2023/2024 are approximately $40,000 CAD for domestic applicants, and $65,000 CAD for international applicants. 

Please see MDM Tuition and Fees for more information.

VFS graduates are automatically considered for the Pathway Partner Scholarship. While the base level of funding is $4000, students demonstrating exceptional application materials, academic excellence, relevant work experience, and financial need may qualify for a higher amount.

Applicants will also be considered for other applicable MDM scholarships, and need-based bursaries from Simon Fraser University (SFU).

If accepted into MDM, students receive up to $2,000 CAD towards hardware/software purchases.

CDM has up to 10 seats reserved for qualified graduates from VFS.

MDM is offered at Centre for Digital Media, located in Vancouver’s Creative District.

CDM offers affordable, furnished, student apartments on site. The student apartments are located above CDM, steps away from the classrooms and collaboration spaces. They provide bright, comfortable, safe living spaces for MDM students.

To apply for MDM:

1. Create an account in SFU's application system, goGRAD, and select “MDM” when prompted for the program. 
2. Pay a non-refundable application fee of $110 CAD for Canadian transcript student applicants or $150 CAD for international transcript student applicants. This payment must be received and processed (processing can take 3-4 business days) before moving on to the next step. 
3. Submit all required documents and forms listed below through goGRAD. All items must be submitted before your application will be reviewed.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview within a month of the close of admissions. If you do not hear from the admissions team, your application is still under review.

Please review the MDM admissions page for more information.

You must have completed your studies at VFS to be enrolled in MDM; you are unable to take both programs at the same time.

Applications for MDM open one year prior to the start of the program and close each January. After submission of the required application material, and after being shortlisted and interviewed, an offer letter for MDM will be presented to qualified applicants.

There is a non-refundable application fee of $110 CAD for Canadian transcript student applicants or $150 CAD for international transcript student applicants.

No, the MDM program is full-time and in-person.

MDM is a sixteen-month continuous program. It is divided into the following four semesters: 
Semester 1 (Sept - Dec): Courses
Semester 2 (Jan - Apr): Industry Project 1 
Semester 3 (May - Aug): Industry Project 2
Semester 4 (Sept - Dec): Internship and Career Search
 
More details and course information are listed here.

MDM cohorts are made up of 60 students.

With your study permit, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week (subject to IRCC regulations). We suggest working no more than 10 hours a week as MDM is a full-time intensive program.

During your internship, this turns into a 40-hour work week. A co-op work permit is required (and granted) so that you can work full-time during those terms.

Students have been successful in obtaining a Canadian Post-Graduate Work Permit of up to three years after completing MDM. This will vary depending on whether you complete a one term or two term internship. It will also depend on the immigration officer and current immigration policies.

Students will spend a 4-month semester pursuing a variety of career outcomes including work integrated learning, job seeking, venture projects, and general career exploration with the support of faculty and staff. You will be connected to CDM’s alumni and community network, and be provided mentorship to help you land a role.

For questions and support, please contact admissions@thecdm.ca.