| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Emily Carr University of Art + Design is a public post-secondary art and design university located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is one of the few Canadian universities solely dedicated to art, media, and design education.
Established: 1925
Type: Public University
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Campus: Urban, located on Great Northern Way
Named after: Emily Carr, a renowned Canadian artist and writer
Student Population: Around 2,000+ full-time students
ECUAD offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – with majors in:
Animation
Film + Screen Arts
Photography
Visual Arts
Illustration
Creative Writing
Critical and Cultural Practices
Bachelor of Design (BDes) – with majors in:
Communication Design
Industrial Design
Interaction Design
Bachelor of Media Arts (BMA)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Master of Design (MDes)
All programs focus on interdisciplinary learning, studio practice, and innovation in visual culture and media arts.
Emily Carr welcomes international students from over 50 countries and offers:
Application guidance
Orientation and settlement support
English language support
Scholarships and financial aid options
Undergraduate (International): $18,500–$20,000 CAD per year ($13,700–$14,800 USD)
Graduate (International): $13,500–$15,000 CAD per year ($10,000–$11,100 USD)
Additional costs for materials, books, and supplies
Modern campus with state-of-the-art studios, labs, and galleries
Student housing options nearby through partner residences
On-campus services include:
Cafeteria
Library and media resources
Student union and clubs
Career services and exhibition opportunities
One of the top art and design universities in Canada
Emphasis on creative innovation, sustainability, and socially engaged art
Strong ties to Vancouver’s creative industries
Access to galleries, film studios, tech hubs, and a vibrant cultural scene
ECUAD offers three main undergraduate degrees:
Focuses on studio-based creative practice and artistic research.
Majors available:
Animation
Film + Screen Arts
Photography
Illustration
Painting
Sculpture + Expanded Practices
Drawing
Print Media
Ceramics
Textiles
Sound Art
Creative Writing
Critical + Cultural Practices
Art + Text
Blends creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking.
Majors available:
Communication Design (graphic design, branding, typography)
Industrial Design (product design, 3D design, sustainability)
Interaction Design (UX/UI, app/web design, interactive tech)
Focuses on emerging technologies and media-based storytelling.
Specializations:
Digital + Interactive Media
3D Animation
Visual Effects
Game Design (as part of Interaction Media projects)
ECUAD also offers graduate-level creative programs:
Interdisciplinary Studio-Based Practice
Focused on advanced research, experimentation, and public engagement
Applied design research in areas like sustainability, health, or interactive systems
Emphasis on innovation, community design, and user experience
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – Animation |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
|
BFA – Film + Screen Arts |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
|
BFA – Photography |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
|
BFA – Illustration |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
|
BFA – Visual Arts (Painting, Sculpture, etc.) |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
|
BFA – Ceramics or Textiles |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
|
BFA – Sound + Creative Writing |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
|
Bachelor of Design (BDes) – Communication Design |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
|
BDes – Industrial Design |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
|
BDes – Interaction Design |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
|
Bachelor of Media Arts (BMA) – Digital Media |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
|
BMA – 3D Animation + Visual Effects |
4 years |
~$14,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) – Interdisciplinary |
2 years |
~$10,500–$11,000 |
|
Master of Design (MDes) – Interdisciplinary |
2 years |
~$10,500–$11,000 |
Emily Carr University is one of Canada’s premier art and design institutions, and it warmly welcomes international students from over 50 countries. The campus is a melting pot of diverse cultures, creative voices, and global perspectives. Whether you're into fine arts, animation, film, interaction design, or digital media, ECUAD offers a vibrant, inclusive environment to grow as a creative professional.
As an international student, you'll receive world-class education in creative fields such as:
Fine Arts (Painting, Sculpture, Photography, etc.)
Design (Communication, Industrial, Interaction)
Media Arts (Animation, Film, VFX, etc.)
Classes are studio-based and hands-on, often led by practicing artists, filmmakers, and designers. Expect collaborative projects, critiques, exhibitions, and opportunities to experiment with new tools and techniques.
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to prove proficiency through tests like:
IELTS (minimum 6.5)
TOEFL iBT (minimum 84)
Duolingo English Test (minimum 110)
As an international student, you can expect to pay around $14,000 USD per year for tuition at the undergraduate level, and about $10,500–$11,000 USD per year at the graduate level. Additional costs include:
Art supplies and materials
Student fees
Health insurance (mandatory)
Living expenses in Vancouver (one of Canada’s most beautiful but also more expensive cities)
ECUAD offers some scholarships and entrance awards for international students, based on academic merit and creative portfolios.
Vancouver is one of Canada’s most artistic and multicultural cities, surrounded by mountains, beaches, and forests. It’s also a global hub for animation, film, game design, and tech — which aligns perfectly with ECUAD’s focus areas. As a student, you’ll enjoy access to:
Art galleries and museums
Creative industry events
Networking opportunities
Outdoor adventures year-round
Housing options include off-campus rentals, shared apartments, and residences through ECUAD’s partner institutions (since there’s no on-campus housing yet).
Emily Carr offers extensive support for international students, including:
Orientation programs
Academic advising
Visa and immigration guidance
Mental health and wellness services
Career development and job search support
There’s also a dedicated International Office to assist with everything from settling in Canada to understanding work permit rules.
Life at ECUAD is full of:
Exhibitions and gallery openings
Workshops and artist talks
Student clubs and cultural events
Film screenings, design challenges, and community art projects
You'll be surrounded by passionate creatives and have plenty of opportunities to collaborate, showcase your work, and make connections that can last a lifetime.
Start by selecting the undergraduate or graduate program you want to apply for:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Bachelor of Design (BDes)
Bachelor of Media Arts (BMA)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Master of Design (MDes)
Each program has specific focus areas like Animation, Interaction Design, Film, Photography, etc.
Undergraduate: Completion of high school (or equivalent)
Graduate: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Minimum GPA varies, but generally:
Undergraduate: ~2.5–3.0 GPA equivalent
Graduate: ~3.0 GPA or B average
If English isn’t your first language, you need to submit test scores:
IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 84
Duolingo: Minimum 110
Exemptions are possible if you studied in English for at least 4 years
The portfolio is the most important part of your application. It should include:
10–15 original artworks or creative projects
A variety of media and techniques (drawing, design, film, etc.)
A short written statement or video explaining your work and creative journey
Guidelines are available on ECUAD’s website for each program.
Apply through the EducationPlannerBC (EPBC) portal: apply.educationplannerbc.ca
Create an account
Select Emily Carr University
Choose your program and intake (Fall is the main intake)
International application fee: ~$100 CAD (non-refundable)
Upload the following:
High school or university transcripts (official and translated into English if needed)
English test scores
Portfolio submission (via SlideRoom or other platforms as instructed)
Statement of intent or letter of interest
CV or resume (for graduate programs)
Most decisions are released by March–April for Fall intake
You’ll receive an official Letter of Offer if accepted
You’ll need this to apply for your Canadian study permit
Once admitted:
Accept the offer and pay the tuition deposit
Apply for your Canadian study permit through the IRCC website
Arrange housing
Attend pre-departure orientation
Purchase health insurance (required for all international students)
Book your travel to Vancouver
Emily Carr offers one main intake per year:
This is the primary and only intake for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
All programs start in September.
Application Deadline:
Undergraduate: Usually January 15
Graduate (MFA/MDes): Typically January or early February (check ECUAD website for exact date)
There are currently no Winter (January) or Summer (May) intakes.
Completion of secondary/high school (or equivalent)
A minimum academic average (generally equivalent to GPA 2.5 or higher / ~70%)
Country-specific requirements apply (e.g., Class 12 in India, A-Levels in UK, WAEC in Nigeria, etc.)
A creative portfolio is mandatory for all undergraduate programs
Typically includes 10–15 pieces of original work showcasing your skills, creativity, and experimentation
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to submit:
IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 overall
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 84
Duolingo English Test: Minimum 110
CAEL: Minimum 70
A completed Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Art, Design, Media, or similar)
Minimum GPA of 3.0 (or B average)
Portfolio of graduate-level work
Statement of Intent outlining your goals and research interests
Letters of recommendation (usually two)
Resume or CV
English language test scores if applicable (same as above)
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Amount (CAD) |
Approx. USD |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
International Entrance Scholarship |
New international students with strong portfolios and academic records |
Up to $5,000 |
~$3,700 |
Automatically considered at admission; limited and competitive |
|
Emily Carr Entrance Scholarships |
All first-year students (domestic + international) |
$2,000–$5,000 |
~$1,500–$3,700 |
Based on academic merit and portfolio strength |
|
President’s Entrance Scholarship |
Top new undergraduate students |
$5,000 |
~$3,700 |
Limited awards; highest distinction |
|
Emily Carr Continuing Scholarships |
Returning students with high GPA and strong work |
$1,000–$2,500 |
~$740–$1,850 |
Based on academic and studio performance |
|
Graduate Merit Scholarships (MFA/MDes) |
New and returning graduate students |
Up to $5,000 |
~$3,700 |
Based on academic excellence and research/project proposal quality |
|
Donor-Funded Awards + Bursaries |
(need, merit, program, etc.) |
$500–$3,000 |
~$370–$2,200 |
Requires separate application during the school year |
Facility / Residence Name |
Type |
Features |
Cost per Academic Year (CAD) |
Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Main Campus (Great Northern Way) |
Urban campus |
Modern studios, galleries, labs, media rooms, library, student commons |
Included in tuition |
— |
|
Campus Housing – through CapU Residence (shared) |
Shared residence (off-campus, partner housing) |
2-person shared rooms, furnished, meal plan optional, 45 min by transit |
~$8,000–$9,500 |
~$5,900–$7,000 |
|
Studio 4 – Private Student Housing |
Private studio apartments |
Fully furnished, kitchenettes, close to ECUAD, ideal for independent students |
~$1,200/month |
~$890/month |
|
GEC Viva or GEC Granville |
Private residence (off-campus) |
Modern student housing, fitness rooms, shared amenities |
~$1,200–$1,500/month |
~$890–$1,100 |
|
Off-Campus Rentals |
Apartments / Shared houses |
Independent living; may be shared or solo depending on budget |
~$800–$1,500/month |
~$590–$1,100 |
Student life at Emily Carr is centered around creativity, collaboration, and self-expression. Whether you’re studying animation, design, fine arts, or media arts, you’ll be immersed in a culture that celebrates bold ideas and artistic risk-taking.
Students spend a lot of their time in studios, labs, and digital media spaces — building portfolios, experimenting with materials, and working on interdisciplinary projects. It’s hands-on, fast-paced, and deeply rewarding.
Emily Carr has a relatively small student body (about 2,000+ students), which helps foster a close-knit and supportive atmosphere. Everyone — from professors and staff to peers — is deeply engaged in the creative process. Collaboration is common across programs, and feedback and critique are a regular part of growth.
International students often find the campus especially welcoming and inclusive, with support systems in place to help them adjust to both university life and Canadian culture.
Vancouver is a dynamic, multicultural city — and a huge part of student life at ECUAD. The university’s campus is located on Great Northern Way, in the city’s thriving tech and creative district. You’re just steps away from:
Art galleries and exhibitions
Indie film screenings
Design studios and creative agencies
Coffee shops, restaurants, and nightlife
Nature trails, beaches, and mountain views
There are also tons of networking events, creative workshops, and internships available around the city.
While ECUAD doesn’t have the same club variety as a large university, it does offer:
Student Union events and activities
Pop-up exhibitions and student art shows
Workshops on design tools, freelancing, and portfolio development
Film nights, open mic events, and critique sessions
Public lectures and visiting artist talks
You’ll also have chances to showcase your work in campus galleries and connect with professionals during the Grad Show and other events.
The university’s Career Development Office helps students prepare for life after graduation by offering:
Resume and portfolio building workshops
Career talks with creative professionals
Internship and co-op opportunities
On-campus job boards and part-time work postings
International students can also work part-time during studies and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after finishing their degree.
Emily Carr cares about student wellness. Support services include:
Academic advising
International student support
Mental health and counselling services
Accessibility services
Peer mentoring
Unlike universities in some countries (like India), Emily Carr does not offer direct on-campus placements. However, the university actively supports students and graduates in connecting with employers, building freelance careers, or launching their own creative ventures.
Emily Carr has a Career Development + Work Integrated Learning office that provides the following support:
Resume and portfolio workshops
Interview and networking skill training
Internship and job listings via the ECU Job Board
Annual career fairs and industry meetups
Freelance and entrepreneurial support for students starting their own practice
Many programs include internships, practicum courses, or work placements in areas like:
Animation + Film
Communication and UX/UI Design
Industrial Design
Photography and Media Arts
Students have worked with companies like:
Electronic Arts (EA)
DHX Media
Lululemon
Vancouver Film School
Pixar, ILM, Bardel Entertainment (for animation grads)
Emily Carr alumni go on to work in:
Animation and gaming studios
Advertising and design agencies
Tech and software companies (UX/UI roles)
Film and TV production
Fashion, fine art galleries, and cultural institutions
Startups or their own creative businesses
Some also pursue graduate studies at top institutions globally, such as:
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
University of British Columbia (UBC)
International students graduating from ECUAD are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to:
Work full-time in Canada for up to 3 years
Gain Canadian work experience
Apply for Permanent Residency (PR) under programs like CEC (Canadian Experience Class)
Success at Emily Carr is closely tied to portfolio strength, networking, and real-world experience during your degree.
Many students begin freelancing or interning while still in school.
Faculty and alumni are well-connected in the local creative industries and often help students make key professional connections.
The acceptance rate of Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD) is estimated to be around 45% to 55%, making it a moderately selective institution — especially for programs that require strong creative portfolios.
Here’s what the university considers during the admission process:
Academic Performance
Minimum GPA or grade requirement (varies by program and country)
For undergraduate applicants, high school completion is required
For graduate applicants, a relevant bachelor's degree is needed
Creative Portfolio
This is the most important component
Quality, originality, and creativity matter more than quantity
A strong portfolio can make up for slightly weaker grades
Statement of Intent / Personal Essay
Shows your artistic goals, motivation, and interest in your chosen field
English Language Proficiency
IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo scores if English is not your first language
International applicants are welcomed warmly but must meet all the academic and English language requirements
The portfolio remains the key factor in determining admission
Application competition may be higher for certain programs like Animation, Interaction Design, and Film
Acceptance Rate: ~45–55%
Most important factors: Portfolio + academic background
Competitive but fair — strong applicants with good creative potential have a great chance
Emily Carr University of Art + Design is located in the heart of Vancouver’s creative and tech district on the West Coast of Canada.
Address:
520 East 1st Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V5T 0H2
City: Vancouver
Province: British Columbia
Country: Canada
The campus is situated on Great Northern Way, in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood — a hub for design studios, creative tech companies, galleries, and startups.
The area is known for its artsy, innovative vibe, making it a perfect match for Emily Carr’s focus on art, design, and media.
It’s close to downtown Vancouver and easily accessible by public transit, cycling, or walking.
