The Visual and Applied Art School in Battambang is a first of its kind, high-quality, vocational art school offering everything from casual childrens art classes to professional training in graphic design, visual arts, and animation. VAAS seeks to contribute to a successful shift between the current agricultural economy and the industry and tertiary-based economy of Cambodia’s future.
Access to solid, lasting employment is a core goal of the Visual and Applied Arts School. To secure solid jobs for our graduates, we have relationships with over 40 companies around Cambodia, and the professional Phare Creative Studios is located on campus.
100% of VAAS students have found paid employment within one year of graduating.
The Visual and Applied Art School in Battambang is a first of its kind, high-quality, vocational art school offering everything from casual childrens art classes to professional training in graphic design, visual arts, and animation. VAAS seeks to contribute to a successful shift between the current agricultural economy and the industry and tertiary-based economy of Cambodia’s future.
Access to solid, lasting employment is a core goal of the Visual and Applied Arts School. To secure solid jobs for our graduates, we have relationships with over 40 companies around Cambodia, and the professional Phare Creative Studios is located on campus.
100% of VAAS students have found paid employment within one year of graduating.
How To Apply
Start studying for a creative career. In 3 years, you could become an animator, graphic designer or visual artists! 100% of VAAS graduates have paid jobs.
Applications Due
7 November 2022
Contact us
+855 (0) 92 714 856 / 98 765 984 / 88 6789 331
Facebook.com/phareVAAS
phareps.org/about-us-vaas
Our Flyer
English
full guidebook
English
01.
Submit the application form online, by e-mail or in print before November 7th.
02.
Do Admissions Test on November 21st 2022, for students applying for this study season 2023-2024 only.
03.
Acceptance announced on November 26th, 2022.
04.
Process Financial Aid application (if required).
05.
Agree to your placement letter & Financial Aid package (if required).
Specializations
General
Information
- Graphic design / Design layout, graphics, corporate identity, illustration.
- Animation / Traditional and digital 2D
- Visual arts
- Image: drawing / painting / photography / video
- Object: volume / sculpture / design
- Space: installation / scenography / multi-media
VIsual
Arts
Visual art provides the basis for all other disciplines taught at VAAS, while also standing alone as a course of study . The fine art curriculum is the longest running program at Phare Ponleu Selpak. It was the first discipline taught at PPSA back in 1994. Even before the birth of Phare, our founders came together in the refugee camps in 1986 to study drawing with Veronique Decrop. Learn more of our fascinating origin story here.
Today, children of all ages are welcome at VAAS to study visual art as a technical skill, or enjoy casual classes. From kindergarten students attending painting classes, to young adults taking the vocational training, visual arts form the core of the curriculum throughout VAAS.
Leisure and Kindergarten
- For children under 13-years-old
- Children discover their personality and their relationship to the world through art
- No grades are given
- No attendance is taken, to encourage children to return and to adapt to local customs
Academic
- From 17 years old.
- Courses focus on drawing, painting, and sculpture.
- Attendance is kept
Thnal Vechitakor
-
If you have no experience in art or do not pass the Admission Test, you may enter our Thnal Vichitkor Course one year course that will prepare you for the Vocational Program.
- 5$ per month.
- Open every day.
Vocational Education & Technical Training
VAAS offers 21 months of Graphic Design and 24 months of Animation and Visual Arts professional training courses that will prepare you to find skilled, paid work. Students specialize in either Graphic Design, Animation, or Visual Arts. By the end of the program, students also gain knowledge in the areas of communications and art history. Learn at VAAS so you get a skilled job.
Year 1:
- Multidisciplinary year, where students take courses in all three disciplines, alongside a core curriculum
- Core curriculum includes: model, writing, volume, perspective, Khmer art, art history, color/painting/illustration and photo/video.
Year 2:
- Students choose their specialization of visual art, graphic design, or animation.
- Common Core: illustration, communication, photoshop, character design, layout, art history, photography, video, color technique, model structure, English
- Visual Art Specialization: Art Expression
Year 3:
- Students complete a two month intership related to their specialty between year 2 and 3
- First trimester: students follow specialized lessons on skills required for their chosen discipline. Research also begins at this time.
- Trimester 2 & 3: working with a staff mentor, students complete their own personal projects.
Students who finish a course in the visual art discipline have the skills required to become professional artists, live painters, gallery owners, and more. Past graduates have gone on to open galleries in Battambang, travel to France for art openings, and work as live painters for our social enterprise Phare, The Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap.
Leisure and Kindergarten
- For children under 13-years-old
- Children discover their personality and their relationship to the world through art
- No grades are given
- No attendance is taken, to encourage children to return and to adapt to local customs
Academic
- Children 13 and older
- Courses focus on drawing, painting, and sculpture
- Attendance is kept
Preparatory Year
- Children 16 and over
- This is a one year course for students interested in enrolling in the vocational training program
- Classes are offered in the mornings and evenings
- Courses include: model, art expression, art history, color documentary, illustration, drawing, and perspective
Vocational Education & Technical Training
This three-year course gives students the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to find employment in the arts industry. Students can choose from one of three disciplines: visual arts, graphic design, and animation. The fine arts curriculum is as follows:
Year 1:
- Multidisciplinary year, where students take courses in all three disciplines, alongside a core curriculum
- Core curriculum includes: model, writing, volume, perspective, Khmer art, art history, color/painting/illustration and photo/video.
Year 2:
- Students choose their specialization of visual art, graphic design, or animation.
- Common Core: illustration, communication, photoshop, character design, layout, art history, photography, video, color technique, model structure, English
- Visual Art Specialization: Art Expression
Year 3:
- Students complete a two month intership related to their specialty between year 2 and 3
- First trimester: students follow specialized lessons on skills required for their chosen discipline. Research also begins at this time.
- Trimester 2 & 3: working with a staff mentor, students complete their own personal projects.
Students who finish a course in the visual art discipline have the skills required to become professional artists, live painters, gallery owners, and more. Past graduates have gone on to open galleries in Battambang, travel to France for art openings, and work as live painters for our social enterprise Phare, The Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap.
Animation
studies
The Phare animation program at VAAS brings together basic drawing skills with illustration and design to create beautiful 2D films. Students in the vocational training program have the opportunity to create their own animation film, giving them the portfolio and skills needed to enter the field as professionals.
Preparatory Year
- Students 16 and over
- A one year course for students interested in enrolling in the vocational training program
- Classes are offered in the mornings and evenings
- Courses include: model, art expression, art history, color documentary, illustration, drawing, and perspective
Vocational Education & Technical Training
This three-year course allows students wishing to become professional artists to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to find employment in the arts industry. Students can choose from one of three disciplines: visual arts, graphic design, and animation. The animation curriculum is as follows:
Year 1:
- Multidisciplinary year, where students take courses in all three disciplines, alongside a core curriculum
- Core curriculum includes: model, writing, volume, perspective, Khmer art, art history, color/painting/illustration and photo/video.
- Introduction to animation is taught in year one, encompassing the basics of character design and illustration.
Year 2
- Students choose their specialization of visual art, graphic design, or animation.
- Common Core: illustration, communication, photoshop, character design, layout, art history, photography, video, color technique, model structure, English
- Animation Specialization: animation, flash, storyboard, after effects
Year 3
- Students complete a two-month internship related to their specialty between year 2 and 3
- First trimester: students follow specialized lessons on skills required for their chosen discipline. Research also begins at this time.
- Trimester 2 & 3: working with a staff mentor, students complete their own personal projects.
Phare animation students graduate with a portfolio including at least one animation film of their own creation, as well as skills and knowledge to work as a professional in 2D animation studios around the world. Graduates have gone on to become teachers and to work with our professional animation and design studio: Phare Creative Studio.
Graphic
Design
With the opening of the design studio Sonleuk Thmey in 2009, Phare Ponleu Selpak incorporated education on graphic design into its art classes in Battambang. Today, in the Visual and Applied Arts School, Graphic Design is part of the curriculum of the preparatory course, and is a main discipline within the Vocational Education and Technical Training.
Preparatory Year
- Children 16 and over
- A one year course for students interested in enrolling in the vocational training program
- Classes are offered in the mornings and evenings
- Courses include: model, art expression, art history, color documentary, illustration, drawing, and perspective
Vocational Education & Technical Training
This three-year course allows students wishing to become professional artists to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to find employment in the arts industry. Students can choose from one of three disciplines: visual arts, graphic design, and animation. The graphic design curriculum is as follows:
Year 1:
- Multidisciplinary year, where students take courses in all three disciplines, alongside a core curriculum
- Core curriculum includes: model, writing, volume, perspective, Khmer art, art history, color/painting/illustration and photo/video.
- Introduction to animation is taught in year one, encompassing the basics of character design and illustration.
Year 2
- Students choose their specialization of visual art, graphic design, or animation.
- Common Core: illustration, communication, photoshop, character design, layout, art history, photography, video, color technique, model structure, English
- Animation Specialization: animation, flash, storyboard, after effects
Year 3
- Students complete a two-month internship related to their specialty between year 2 and 3
- First trimester: students follow specialized lessons on skills required for their chosen discipline. Research also begins at this time.
- Trimester 2 & 3: working with a staff mentor, students complete their own personal projects.
Phare animation students graduate with a portfolio including at least one animation film of their own creation, as well as skills and knowledge to work as a professional in 2D animation studios around the world. Graduates have gone on to become teachers and to work with our professional animation and design studio: Phare Creative Studio.
Year 1:
- Multidisciplinary year, where students take courses in all three disciplines, alongside a core curriculum
- Core curriculum includes: model, writing, volume, perspective, Khmer art, art history, color/painting/illustration and photo/video.
- Introduction to Graphic Design is taught in year one, encompassing the basics of Adobe photoshop, indesign, and illustrator.
Year 2
- Students choose their specialization of visual art, graphic design, or animation.
- Common Core: illustration, communication, photoshop, character design, layout, art history, photography, video, color technique, model structure, English
- Graphic Design Specialization: Illustrator, Packaging and Labelling, Indesign, Typography
Year 3
- Students complete a two-month internship related to their specialty between year 2 and 3
- First trimester: students follow specialized lessons on skills required for their chosen discipline. Research also begins at this time.
- Trimester 2 & 3: working with a staff mentor, students complete their own personal projects.
The graphic design course at VAAS has quickly become one of the most popular programs on the Phare Ponleu Selpak Campus in Battambang. Graduates of this course have gone on to be successful freelance designers, in house designers, and teachers around Cambodia. Graduates can also find employment with Phare’s newest social enterprise: Phare Creative Studio.
Curriculum
Beginning classes at VAAS are divided into two subcategories, Leisure and Drawing Academy. Enrollment is free and open to all, depending only on the age of the student.
Leisure
- Children from 6 to 13 years
- 2 hours per session
- Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. > 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. > 4 p.m.
Academy
- Children over 14 years
- 3 hours per session
- 5 days/week: 8 a.m. > 11 a.m., 5 p.m. > 8 p.m.
Preparatory
- One year program for students interested in enrolling in the vocational education & technical training
- Open to students ages 16 up
- Day classes in the morning
- Night classes allow students working day shifts and students enrolled in university classes to attend
- List of classes: Model, Art Expression, Art History, Color Documentary, Illustration, Drawing, Perspective
- One year program for students interested in enrolling in the vocational education & technical training
- Open to students ages 16 up
- Day classes in the morning
- Night classes allow students working day shifts and students enrolled in university classes to attend
- List of classes: Model, Art Expression, Art History, Color Documentary, Illustration, Drawing, Perspective
The professional program at the Visual and Applied Arts School gives students the skills and experience they need to embark on successful careers in graphic design, animation, or visual arts. This is a 3 year program and students must take an entrance examination to enroll. All students are welcome to apply for the program.
Year 1
- The first year is multi-disciplinary, focusing on graphic design, animation, and visual arts with additional common core classes
- For year 1, half of the total class time is devoted to core disciplines, and half to specialty subjects
- Coursework is divided into 32 hours of classes per week and 10 hours of personal work
- Classes include: Graphic design, Animation, Art Expression, Model, Creative Writing, Storyboard, Illustration, Art History, Khmer Art, Photography and Video, Color Documentary, Painting, Volume, Drawing, Computer, Perspective, English
- At the close of Year One students must declare their focus discipline for years Two and Three
Year 2
Students focus on only one of three disciplines: animation, graphic design, or visual arts.
- Students specialize on the discipline of their choice and continue studying a few common core subjects
- Two thirds of the total hours focus on specialty subjects and one third on core subjects
- Coursework encompasses 29 hours per week, with 15 hours of personal work expected
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Common core
- Illustration
- Art Expression
- Communication
- Photoshop
- Character design
- Layout
- Art History
- Photography and Video
- Color Technique
- Model Structure
- English
Visual Arts
- Art expression
Animation Specialty
- Animation
- Flash
- Storyboard
- After Effects
Graphic Design Specialty
- Illustrator
- Packaging and Labeling
- InDesign
- Typography
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Common core
- Illustration
- Art Expression
- Communication
- Photoshop
- Character design
- Layout
- Art History
- Photography and Video
- Color Technique
- Model Structure
- English
Visual Arts
- Art expression
Animation Specialty
- Animation
- Flash
- Storyboard
- After Effects
Graphic Design Specialty
- Illustrator
- Packaging and Labeling
- InDesign
- Typography
Year 3
- Before year 3, students complete a two-month internship related to their discipline
- During the third year, students complete a final personal project to showcase their skill and professionalism
- Trimester 1: allows students to follow specialized lessons and begin researching for their personal project
- Trimester 2 + 3: Students develop and finalize their personal projects
SCHOOL FACILITIES AND FEES
SCHOOL FACILITIES AND FEES
The Thnal Vechitakor for Adults, young adults, and kids.
Students who have little or no experience in drawing can apply for our Thnal Vechitakor class, which prepares students for vocational training (5$ per month) Open every day.
The 24months VAAS Vocational Training Program is worth $6000.
It costs $2000 per season in direct school costs (tuition) to educate one student. In addition, to qualified teachers, a student at VAAS has access to excellent facilities, including 40+ computers with graphic design and animation software, professional cameras and equipment, a fully equipped photo studio and sound studio, art materials, and an art library.
We provide Scholarships and Financial Aid!
As VAAS remains a non-profit school, fees are subsidized through a pooled scholarship fund to make it more affordable. We expect students to pay $720 annually. Additional support is available through our Financial Aid Program. If you cannot pay the $720, please select “Financial Aid” when you apply to study. Living scholarships for those from outside Battambang are also available.
My family can afford to pay the full fees
- Apply and pass the Entry test
- Register as a “full-fee” student
- Pay $720.0USD to VAAS*
- Begin study
My family can not afford to pay the full fees
- Apply and pass the Entry test
- Complete a Family Assessment
- Agree to Financial Aid Package
- Begin study, pay back VAAS with Financial Aid options
THE ONE-YEAR PREPARATORY CLASS IS FREE!
Students who have little or no experience in drawing can apply for our Preparatory Class and, if accepted, study for free. We want the arts to be accessible to all Cambodians, so we cover the costs of this year, which prepares students for the vocational training program.
The three-year VAAS Vocational Program is worth $6000.
It costs approximately $2000 per year in direct school costs to educate one student. In addition to qualified teachers, a student at VAAS has access to excellent facilities, including: 40+ computers with graphic design and animation software, professional cameras and equipment, fully equipped photo studio and sound studio, art materials, and an art library.
Our school aims to be open to all students and operate as a non-profit school. We receive some support and subsidize costs so that the annual fee for our Vocational Program is reduced to $720.
While students are expected to invest in their own education, there are several options for students to pay under the Financial Aid Program.
My family can afford to pay the full fees
- Apply and pass the Entry test
- Register as a “full-fee” student
- Pay $720.0USD to VAAS*
- Begin study
My family can not afford to pay the full fees
- Apply and pass the Entry test
- Complete a Family Assessment
- Agree to Financial Aid Package
- Begin study, pay back VAAS with Financial Aid options
FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS
FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS
Financial Aid is a new initiative that ensures VAAS’ vocational program is accessible to ambitious students in Cambodia, regardless of one’s social or economic background. The two streams of financial aid include scholarships and pay-back options.
Who can receive Financial Aid?
To be eligible for Financial Aid, students must be Cambodian, from a low-income family, and registered at VAAS in the 3-year professional program. PPS’ Social Support Department will conduct a Family Needs Assessment to determine the level of financial aid.
Students enrolled in Preparatory Class do not need to pay fees and are therefore not eligible for Financial Aid. Scholarships and financial aid packages become available when students enter the professional program and need to start paying annual fees.
Scholarships
Students from low income families may receive a partial or full sponsorship that will reduce their annual school fee. A Family Assessment conducted by our Social Support team will determine the scholarship amount.
Students may also seek scholarships from non-governmental organizations or other sources. Once the scholarship amount has been deducted from the $720 fee, the student and their parents or guardians can use our “pay-back options” to pay the remaining fee. If a student is not eligible for a scholarship, they may still be eligible for a Financial Aid package.
Financial Aid Package
Monthly contribution: a student’s family or guardian can pay what they can afford every month, such as $10 per month.
- Work on campus: a variety of job opportunities are available on campus; students can pay by working for a set number of hours.
- Loan: students can pay back a non-interest loan when they graduate and start earning income. Terms and conditions apply.
*Examples of Financial Aid
Financial Aid Package
Financial Aid Package
Financial Aid Package
Scoolarship
Student Loan
Campus Work
Step by step fees
Total
Student 1
$200
$300
$220 / hours
None
Student 2
$100
$340
$100 / hours
$180 ($15 x 12)
Student 3
None
$140
$200 / hours
$360 ($30 x 12)
$720
Student 4
None
None
$220 / hours
$500 ($250 x 2 )
Student 5
None
None
None
$720 ($180 x 4)
$720 ($180 x 4)
Students currently living outside Battambang are encouraged to apply to VAAS. If accepted, we will support you to find local accommodation and settle into Battambang. Students eligible for financial aid may also receive financial support to pay for accommodation and living expenses.
Support for students enrolled in the VAAS Preparatory Class Some students in the Preparatory Class may be eligible for social support (i.e. free lunches, funds for materials etc.). A Family Assessment will determine the level of support.
How do I apply for Financial Aid?
1. Apply
VAAS Vocational Program: choose “financial aid” in your application and provide details on your situation
2. Assess
Family Needs Assessment: Social Workers will visit your household to collect economic and social information
3. Accept
– Financial Aid Offer: the student and their family or guardian will review the options (above) for paying their school fees.
– Financial Aid Commitment Letter and Agreement
admission
- Leisure Classes are open to all children between the ages of 6-12 years.
- Academy Classes are open to all children and adults.
- Preparatory Classes are open to anyone 16 years of age or older. It is recommended to complete this one-year program before applying for the Professional program.
- Vocational Education & Technical Training is open to all interested students over the age of 17. Students must pass the entrance examination to enroll.
The entrance examination for the Vocational Education & Technical Training consists of:
- Drawing test (live model)
- Artistic expression (subject given)
- Redaction writing (image analysis)
- Oral interview with the juries (comments on artistic expression test, personal portfolio and motivation)
Career
development
The Visual and Applied Arts School prides itself on preparing students for exciting careers in the fields of graphic design, animation, or visual art. Students who complete the three-year vocational training course will have the skills and experience necessary to enter the job market with confidence.
Career Development at VAAS
- 2 month internships at the end of year two
- creation of print/online portfolios, video presentations, & business cards
- Interview training & support
- Access to a professional Job Facilitator
- Access to VAAS network of partner companies, organizations, and individuals
To create professional opportunities for graduates, Phare Ponleu Selpak opened the social enterprise: Phare Creative Studios, a graphic design and animation studio catering to clients within Cambodia and the international community.
Furthermore, in 2016, VAAS students interned with the following organizations:
Specialization |
Place of internship |
| Graphic Design | Tonlé design (Zero waste fashion company) |
| Animation | Camant (Animation Studio) |
| Visual Arts | Romcheik 5 & Petra Studio (Art galleries) |
| Visual Arts | Petra Studio (Art Gallery) |
| Graphic Design | Pkay Pich (Graphic design solutions) |
| Graphic Design | Sipar (Literacy NGO) |
| Graphic Design | Nature Publishing House |
| Graphic Design | Bric-A-Brac (Hotel & Crafts shop) |
| Graphic Design | Blue Elephant (GD & animation studio) |
| Animation | Blue Elephant (GD & animation studio) |
| Graphic Design | Eccho line Production (TV production) |
School
team
- 13 professional teachers
- The team is responsible for the technical and artistic training of all the students. They are involved in curriculum development under the direction of educational leaders.
- Technical and pedagogical training is offered regularly by expert outside consultants.
- Teacher training: Many of our teachers are graduates of the Pivaut Nantes MJM school in Rennes, France.
Sou Sophy
Khmer art / Color
Since I was a child, I have always been sensitive to artistic things, and my father encouraged me to attend the class at PPSA in 2004. 6 years later, I had the opportunity to complete my skills by teaching traditional painting. The new curriculum will make it easier to follow the progress of our students and bring them to the level needed for their professional future.
Kou Kunthea
Perspective / Painting / Drawing
I’ve known PPSA since 2001. Studying at a private school was too expensive and PPSA was the only organization to provide art training for free. After 3 years of study I became a volunteer teacher. Our aim is to schedule and prepare lessons in order to bring students further in their professional lives.
Chea Dara
Animation / Drawing
I’ve known PPSA since 2004 through my sister. At first I only wanted to learn some simple things, but later on I became really interested in the lessons. I work for the animation studio and I specialize in flash animation. I would like to share my experience and technical knowledge with students.
Buth Sunrin
Graphic design / Illustration / Graphics
I found PPSA through my neighborhood. I started to learn how to draw on my first day at PPSA. I joined Sonleuk Thmey in 2009. We are now in a new project involving the graphic design school and animation studio. I hope that I have the capacity to share all my experiences and knowledge with the students of the next generation. I want to help the students to improve their skills, build their self-confidence, and find good jobs.
Chea Serey Roat
Graphic design / Illustration / Volume
I started taking drawing lessons at PPSA in 2005 and finished in 2010. I continued my studies in graphic design at BIT school. I returned to PPSA and worked and trained at Sonleuk Thmey. I want to pass on all my knowledge to my students.
Norm Phanith
Animation / Perspective / Graphics
I started at PPSA in 2003 and became a part of the animation studio in 2007. As teachers of the new Visual and Applied Arts School in Battambang, we would like to teach and pass on our knowledge to students of the next generation, to improve their skills, to enrich and expand the graphic design and animation field towards international standards.
Chim Lik
Animation / Drawing
I studied drawing for 4 years, and then worked at 1000hands animation studio for two years. I would like to share my experience working on the different projects of animation movies within the studio.
Yuom Sokoeurt
Animation / Drawing
I’ve known PPSA since 2004. I started working in animation as an animator assistant after my 4 years of drawing classes. Now, I am a studio employee working as a flash animator and I am involved in teaching all my knowledge to the students.
Dam Soeurt
Perspective / Animation / Graphics
I’ve known PPSA since 2003 through my brother. I started working in animation in 2007 as a background color designer. I would like to share all of my experiences in animation with students to give them the opportunity to gain even more knowledge than I have.
PERSPECTIVES – STUDENTS & GRADUATES
What do they Say?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PERSPECTIVES – STUDENTS & GRADUATES
What do they Say?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I skip the Preparatory Class and go straight to Year One?
Yes, if you achieve a high score on the Admission Test you can skip Preparatory Class and go straight to Year One of Vocational Education and Training Program. If you would like to go straight to year One, you must show examples of your artwork during the oral examination (paintings, drawings, sketches, sculpture, photography etc.). In the oral examination, you will need to talk about your art and why you want to study at VAAS.
Do I need art experience to apply at VAAS?
No, you just need to be interested and excited to apply! If you have no experience, you can join the one-year Preparatory Class and then apply for the vocational training program.
Is the Vocational Training recognized by the Cambodian Ministry of Education?
I do not live in Battambang now, but I want to study at VAAS. What can I do?
You are encouraged to apply to study at VAAS and attend the entry examination. You may be eligible for Financial Aid, either or both for tuition and living, which would allow you to gain support to live in Battambang for the duration of the program. Please contact us and we can provide more advice directly.
Can I earn income while studying?
Yes, students can work if they continue to pass all their tests and complete their coursework to
a satisfactory standard. The school is generally open from 8am – 5pm, so students have time
in the evenings and on weekends to work at their choice. In addition, a variety of work
opportunities are available on campus and through the school’s social enterprise – Phare
Creative Studio. Many VAAS students even begin to earn income from their creative skills (i.e.
graphic design, commissioned painting, hostels and hotels, murals etc.)
Are families involved in study?
A community (liaison) book has been set up to link the school to families and tutors. Absences, achievements and events are tracked in this book. Families or tutors are asked for regular signatures to ensure the students get maximum support in their studies. At the beginning and end of the school year, we hold Parent Meetings to share information between the school, students, and parents. During these meetings, your families may raise any concerns you have.
Can students with disabilities study at VAAS?
VAAS believes that disabled learners have the right to study with non-disabled learners as much as possible. VAAS strives to cater to all learner’s needs on a case by case basis. Please enquire with our Social Support department for more information.
Students currently living outside Battambang
Students currently living outside Battambang are encouraged to apply to VAAS. If accepted, we will support you to find local accommodation and settle into Battambang. Students eligible for financial aid may also receive financial support to pay for accommodation and living expenses.
Why should I move to Battambang for study?
- Cambodia’s creative city: Battambang is home to many art galleries, boutiques, and creative experts. The architecture in Battambang has been influenced by the French, so you will enjoy walking around our beautiful town.
- Relaxed and quiet: Battambang has all the necessary facilities, restaurants and attractions without the busy traffic and city noise.
- Safety: Battambang has a low crime rate, making it a great city for students to live.
- Welcoming school: When you join VAAS, you become part of Phare Ponleu Selpak’s creative family. At PPS you can make friends with like-minded creative people and get to know students and staff from different disciplines (performing arts, music, theatre etc.)
- Unique Education: VAAS is a leading school for animation, graphic design, and animation. Our graduates are sought after by employees across Cambodia and internationally. If you want to work in the creative industries, VAAS will offer the most up-to-date training.