Core Educational Programs

VII Academy offers a wide variety of dynamic and intensive educational experiences in different regions with a diverse group of tutors. These are offered completely free to selected applicants, all of whom come from the Majority World and underrepresented communities in G20 countries. 

The two pillars of our educational system are the Program for Narrative and Documentary Photography (taught at Levels 1, 2, and 3) and the VII Mentor Program.

As part of our core programming, we offer three levels of seminars that together form the Program for Narrative and Documentary Photography. All students must complete Level 1, which is region and/or language-specific, in order to progress to Level 2. 

Levels 1 and 2 are taught online only and are each 12 weeks long; Level 3 is held in person at The Alexandra Boulat Campus in Arles, France, where participants immerse themselves in a multi-disciplinary curriculum taught by a variety of educators. Practical skills are enhanced by writing prompts and exposure to different media, be it film, books, or visual arts. 

Levels 2 and 3 are taught only in English at the moment. Participants should achieve at least a B1 in English language in order to attend.  

Please visit our main courses page to see which programs are open for application.