Why ECU

Why ECU

Close-up of a camera monitor displaying dual fisheye lens footage of a studio space, part of a setup for immersive video recording.
Why ECU

Why ECU

Overview

Why Emily Carr University?

For over 100 years, Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) has inspired artists, designers and makers to experiment boldly, learn deeply, and launch meaningful careers. Ranked among the world’s top art + design universities, we are rooted in Vancouver’s creative corridor and connected to industries that thrive on innovation. Discover what makes ECU the right place to begin or continue your creative journey.

Graduate student’s studio space filled with mixed-media artworks, sketches, and tools.

Creative Excellence

At ECU, learning means making. Our 19+ studios and labs, from ceramics and textiles to motion capture and 3D printing, are designed for exploration.

Small classes and a 1:19 faculty-to-student ratio mean you will be mentored by practicing artists, designers, and researchers who know your work.

With globally ranked programs and practice-based research, our students and alumni consistently stand out.

Industry Connections

Your career begins here, often before graduation. ECU students connect with employers and cultural leaders through Crit Night, Creative Industry Day, alumni mentors, the Work Experience Program and research partnerships.

From paid internships to portfolio reviews with international studios to collaborations with community partners, you’ll gain the networks and confidence to succeed.

Industry connections prepare you for jobs and help you shape the creative industries of tomorrow.

One of ECU's excellent studio technicians.

Our People

The heart of ECU is our people. Faculty, instructors, technicians and staff are often practicing professionals: exhibiting artists, award-winning designers and innovative researchers who bring their expertise into the classroom.

Staff and technicians keep our creative spaces running, while leadership sets bold visions for the future.

With an alumni network of more than 50,000 worldwide, you will be supported by a community that understands both the challenges and the possibilities of creative practice.

ECU at a Glance

Explore Emily Carr University at a glance. Learn about our undergraduate, graduate and Continuing Studies programs, our global reputation and rankings, and the vibrant community that calls ECU home.

Discover key facts about our students, faculty, campus and Vancouver location — all in one place.

Installation view of a gallery space showing a large suspended copper mesh sculpture that twists through the room, surrounded by woven textile pieces mounted on the walls.
City of Vancouver with mountains in background

Vancouver Advantage

Our campus sits in Vancouver’s South Flats, a hub for art, design, tech and culture. The neighborhood buzzes with galleries, studios and creative companies, while the rest of the city offers beaches, mountains, and one of the world’s most diverse communities.

Consistently ranked among the top 10 most livable cities in the world (EIU, 2025), Vancouver is both a playground and a launchpad for creative careers.