CANADA · VANCOUVER
Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design
public · Founded 1925 · Languages: English
In short
Emily Carr University of Art + Design is Canada's premier public art and design university, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a state-of-the-art Vancouver campus. It provides strong industry connections and a diverse student community.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1925
- Students
- 1,900
- International students
- 500
- Acceptance rate
- 52%
- Tuition (intl)
- €18–24k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Vancouver, Canada
Emily Carr University of Art and Design is Canada's only fully specialised public university dedicated to art and design, located in Vancouver, BC. Founded in 1925 and granted university status in 2008, it offers BFA, MDes, and MFA programs across visual art, media arts, industrial design, interaction design, and more. Its 2017 purpose-built campus features professional-grade studios, digital fabrication labs, and strong links to Vancouver's creative, tech, and film industries.
Why study here
- Canada's premier specialised art and design university with a strong international reputation.
- Purpose-built 2017 campus with state-of-the-art studios, fabrication labs, and digital media facilities.
- Located in Vancouver, one of North America's most liveable and culturally diverse cities.
- Strong connections to Vancouver's film, gaming, tech, and design industries for career pathways.
- Diverse community: approximately 25% international students from over 50 countries.
Student life
Campus life at Emily Carr revolves around creative practice, critique culture, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Student Union runs events, exhibitions, and advocacy programs. The on-campus ECUAD Library holds a specialised collection for art and design research. Vancouver's proximity to nature — skiing, hiking, beaches — complements a rich urban cultural scene including the Vancouver Art Gallery, Biennale, and a thriving independent gallery network.
Fees
InternationalInternational students pay approximately CAD 26,000–32,000 per year (EUR 18,000–24,000) for undergraduate programs. Graduate international fees are similar.
HomeCanadian domestic students pay approximately CAD 6,500–7,500 per year in tuition for undergraduate programs.
LivingVancouver living costs are among the highest in Canada. Students should budget approximately CAD 18,000–24,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Art supplies and materials are an additional cost; budgets vary widely by program and typically range CAD 1,000–3,000 per year.
Admissions
BFA UndergraduateBC Secondary School graduation or equivalent; portfolio of 10–15 recent artworks; statement of intent; academic transcripts.
Graduate ProgramsBachelor's degree (preferably in art, design, or related field); portfolio; research proposal or statement of intent; two references.
PortfolioPortfolio is the primary selection criterion; formal art training is not required but strong creative work is essential.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT88 overall
Duolingo English Test120
University scholarships
Emily Carr International Student AwardCAD 2,000–5,000 (merit-based)
BC Arts Council Student AwardsCAD 1,500–3,000
Accreditation
Emily Carr University of Art and Design is a publicly funded university accredited by the Government of British Columbia under the Degree Authorization Act and registered with the British Columbia Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students at Emily Carr University?
+
International students can expect to pay approximately CAD 26,000–32,000 per year for undergraduate programs. Art supplies and materials are an additional cost, typically ranging from CAD 1,000–3,000 annually.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
Applicants generally need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 88. The Duolingo English Test is also accepted with a minimum score of 120.
What academic qualifications are needed for graduate programs at Emily Carr?
+
For graduate programs, applicants typically need a Bachelor's degree, preferably in art, design, or a related field. A portfolio, research proposal or statement of intent, and two references are also required.
Does Emily Carr University offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, Emily Carr offers scholarships such as the Emily Carr International Student Award, which ranges from CAD 2,000–5,000 and is merit-based. BC Arts Council Student Awards are also available.
What is the estimated annual cost of living for students in Vancouver?
+
Vancouver has high living costs, and students should budget approximately CAD 18,000–24,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
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