History
Founded in 1925, Emily Carr University of Art + Design is one of the oldest post-secondary institutions in British Columbia and the only one that is dedicated solely to professional education and learning in the arts, media and design. One of the University's roles is to act as an advocate for the arts and reinforce the need for public support.
Education
We believe that education and research in the creative fields is vital for the cultural and economic growth of local and global communities, and encompasses a range of methods including critical and creative inquiry, artistic creation and making, partnership and exhibition. We respect and value diversity, and enhance bridging and accessibility via our aboriginal, international, financial, internal, and external capacity building.
Research
- Together with frontrunners in industry, we are leading the country with innovations and university research in studio-based art, design and media. Through state-of-the art digital technology we explore new means of prototyping and production, create new employment avenues and redefine contemporary creative and aesthetic expression through materials, making and digital research.
- Our applied research areas are nimble, activated and integrated to facilitate interdisciplinary work on the cutting edge. Collectively, via our Research Centres, Research Studios, and Canada Research Chairs, Emily Carr University talent creates and captures emerging opportunities for students, artists, faculty and business leaders.
Career
- Emily Carr University is committed to help you transform and contextualize your creative practice so that upon graduation you are able to deliver value to community, culture, and the economy, while - perhaps most importantly - making a meaningful life for yourself.
- The Career Development + Work Integrated Learning Office connects students and alumni with local, national and international employers in the creative industries and beyond. We offer career advising, clinics and strategy sessions, drop-in and individual advising, access to co-op learning opportunities, internships and partnerships, as well as the Artswork career portal.
Emily Carr University of Art + Design Key Statistics & Highlights
- 46 Scholarships
- 120 Academic Staff
- 3,900 Students
- 35 Students (int'l)
Emily Carr University of Art + Design Overview
Emily Carr University of Art + Design Scholarships
Emily Carr University of Art + Design Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
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Student services
Academic Advising at ECU helps undergraduate students to take responsibility for their education. Your advisor can assist you with:
- Educational planning
- Reading + interpreting program evaluations
- Assistance with major or minor selection
- Registration planning
- Policy related questions
Housing services
Emily Carr's students live off campus with plenty of options like private rentals, shared rentals, temporary housing and homestays. You can connect with Student Services' housing assistant who will guide you to resources, including a dedicated housing microsite, as well as to prospective landlords and roommates.
ICT services
Need help? The ITS Help Desk provides a single point of contact for for staff, administrators and faculty for most of your IT questions and needs.
Student clubs
The Emily Carr Students’ Union (ECSU) is an independent organization that strives to make the student experience at Emily Carr an excellent one. Full and part-time students at Emily Carr University are automatic members. The ECSU is #nottheuniversity and provides advocacy for students, hosts events, and supports important student collectives, clubs and initiatives. The Students’ Union also creates opportunities for members to meaningfully engage with University Deans and administrators.
Emily Carr University of Art + Design Campus Locations
Emily Carr University of Art + Design Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 7 reviews
- 5 Star 3 Reviews
- 4 Star 3 Reviews
- 3 Star 1 Review
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
Bs(Poultry Science) At UAF
I Like it very.muvh this uuniversity is founder of my degree course .In.pkaistan This is Furst univeraity who discover this degree for students. Practical work is also offer to universty students
Review of Emily Carr University of Art + Design
I had a mixed experience at Emily Carr, and I think it’s only fair to break it down across different aspects rather than give a simple rating. Campus & Facilities The campus itself is excellent. It’s a well-designed, enjoyable space to be in, and once access opened up post-COVID, I genuinely liked spending time there. The equipment and resources available are a major strength—there’s a lot of high-quality tooling and infrastructure that can support strong creative work. That said, access to these resources can be frustrating. Everything is tightly scheduled, often gatekept, and not always easy to use freely. While the tools are impressive, the system around them can limit how much you actually benefit. COVID Context I was a student during COVID, which made the experience harder to evaluate fairly. It was a confusing time for everyone, and the university was navigating something unprecedented. That context definitely shaped my experience in ways that aren’t entirely reflective of normal operations. Academic Experience The workload was solid—it kept me engaged and challenged, which I appreciated. However, some courses felt unnecessarily drawn out and could have been more efficient. There’s also a noticeable tilt toward a younger demographic, particularly students coming straight out of high school. For those returning to school or looking to build practical, career-oriented skills, the structure can feel misaligned. Emily Carr leans heavily into conceptual art. While that has value, I found the program lacking in technical development and real-world application. There’s been some positive shift in this direction since I graduated, but it still feels like a gap. Program Structure & Culture One of the biggest limitations is how siloed programs feel. There isn’t much cross-disciplinary collaboration, which is surprising for a creative institution where that kind of exchange is often where the best ideas happen. There’s also a sense that the school operates within its own bubble. Many faculty members seem somewhat disconnected from current industry realities. As a result, networking opportunities and external connections felt limited. I ended up finding more opportunities independently than through the university. Industry Relevance & Value At the end of the day, this is still a North American institution operating within a business model, and that’s noticeable. Costs are high, access is controlled, and there’s a sense of the school relying on its name rather than actively expanding its reach—whether locally in Vancouver, across Canada, or internationally. For students who already have a clear direction, parts of the program can feel inefficient. In particular, the Foundations year felt like a poor use of time unless you’re coming in with no clear path and need that exploration phase. Overall I’m glad I got the education, and there are real strengths—especially the campus and facilities. But the experience could be more streamlined, more technically grounded, and more connected to the real world. If you’re self-directed and willing to build your own network, you can get a lot out of it. If you’re expecting the school to provide that structure and connection for you, it may fall short.
The Real Deal About Emily Carr
Teaching here is totally unpredictable. About 70% of my professors have been good - not amazing, but solid. The professors are obviously stretched thin, but they'll actually spend a lot of time helping if you just ask. The facilities look great but honestly getting access is a pain. You're super limited in what you can actually use, especially with the workshops. It's frustrating, but you can still get basic stuff done with what they give you. Student life is interesting - everyone's definitely quirky (but hey, it's art school). Keep an open mind and you'll meet some pretty cool people. Though fair warning - their admission process is weird. They somehow let in people who aren't great at art while turning away really talented ones. Kind of impacts the whole learning vibe. Location's nice but Vancouver is crazy expensive. The lack of dorms really kills the social scene. There are some clubs but most are pretty dead except for a few good ones. I actually like being here overall, but that's mostly because of the people I've met. You've got to be proactive about getting what you need from the experience.