Other Applicant Categories
Below are guidelines for applicants who fall outside the categories of applying straight from high school or transferring from other academic institutions. We welcome learners of all kinds.


Practicing Professionals (Artists + Designers)
Practicing artists, designers, arts researchers, and creative professionals can apply to take selected ECU credit courses without pursuing a degree.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants should apply to “Unclassified Studies” through the same EducationPlannerBC process as described on How to Apply.
- Applicants must have earned at least 30 credits of recognized post-secondary study, including 18 credits of introductory studio art and 12 credits of academic study, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Applicants must satisfy ECU’s English language proficiency requirements.
- Applicants are not required to submit a portfolio.
Limitations
- 200- and 300-level courses are generally available, dependent on space and having met any pre-requisites.
- 100- and 400-level courses are not available under this pathway.
- This pathway does not offer a degree or credential. To pursue a full degree, explore our undergraduate or graduate programs.
- An Unclassified Studies learner can earn a maximum of 12 credits.
Visiting Students
The “visiting student” category is for learners currently enrolled in a visual arts or design degree program at an accredited post-secondary institution. It is offered only in the Fall semester (September-December). Visiting students may attend for a maximum of one (1) semester.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants should apply as a “Visiting Student” through the same EducationPlannerBC process as described on How to Apply.
- Applicants are not required to submit a portfolio.
- Applicants must have earned at least 30 credits of recognized post-secondary study, including 18 credits of introductory studio art and 12 credits of critical studies, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Applicants must present a letter of permission (“LOP”) from their home institution, indicating which ECU courses (course code and level, e.g. “FNDT100”) the home institution grants permission for the learner to take at Emily Carr University.
Limitations
- Acceptance into ECU as a visiting student and individual courses is not guaranteed and dependent on capacity.
- Permission from your home institution does not guarantee that an individual course is available and has capacity at ECU.
- Granting of transfer credit is at the sole discretion of the receiving (home) institution.
- Learners should order an ECU transcript to be sent directly to their home institution following their studies.


Mature Students
See Mature Students on the high school admission requirements page.