Vancouver's public university devoted to art, design and media, with a hands-on, studio-based approach to learning.
Emily Carr University of Art and Design, often called ECU, is a public university on Granville Island in Vancouver. It focuses entirely on visual art, design and media, and it grants degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The university is named after the celebrated British Columbia painter and writer Emily Carr. Its programmes combine studio practice with critical thinking, and students work in shops, labs and studios that support everything from drawing and painting to animation, industrial design and interactive media.
Classes are small and many courses are taught by practising artists and designers. Students graduate with portfolios and professional connections suited to creative industries, galleries, studios and independent practice.
Tuition in CA$, 2026-2027
Students who live in British Columbia apply for student aid through StudentAid BC; students from other provinces apply through their own province’s program. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.
The university offers entrance awards, in-course scholarships and bursaries to help students with financial need.
Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical first-year arts program, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Confirm the current figure on Emily Carr University of Art and Design’s fee page.
Ask Emily Carr University of Art and Design about its entrance scholarships and bursaries.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
Applications to Emily Carr University of Art and Design go through EducationPlannerBC, British Columbia’s application service.
Applicants usually need high school completion with required courses, a portfolio of creative work and a letter of intent, along with any English proficiency requirements. Portfolio guidelines vary by programme.
Apply through EducationPlannerBC, British Columbia's application service, by selecting Emily Carr University of Art and Design and your programme. Portfolio and supporting documents are submitted as directed by the university.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with Emily Carr University of Art and Design and EducationPlannerBC.
ECU is located on Granville Island in Vancouver, a waterfront arts and market district close to downtown. The setting puts students near galleries, studios, public art and the city's film, gaming and design industries.
Student life centres on studio culture, with students spending long hours working and critiquing alongside peers. The Granville Island setting offers easy access to galleries, markets and the wider Vancouver arts community.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.