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Tuition Update for the 2026/2027 Academic Year

Academic Affairs, Financial Services Publication Date: July 14, 2026
An instructor at Emily Carr University of Art + Design demonstrates traditional printmaking techniques to a group of attentive students gathered around a printing press in a well-lit, industrial-style studio with ventilation ducts overhead.
Hands-on learning in action. An instructor demonstrates traditional printmaking techniques to a focused group of students in Emily Carr University of Art + Design's vibrant print studio. Photo by Martin Dee

This message was sent to all registered students via email on April 9, 2026.

On March 26, 2026, the Board of Governors approved a balanced budget for Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. The budget prioritizes funding for academic delivery, investment in technology and infrastructure, and student services that shape your learning experience. 
 
In this email, you will find information on upcoming changes to tuition and fees that are expected to launch throughout 2026/27. 

What’s Changing 

Tuition 

  • Domestic undergraduate tuition will increase by 2% for all domestic students. 
  • International undergraduate tuition for cohorts before 2023/2024 will increase by 0%. 
  • International undergraduate tuition for cohorts after 2023/2024 will increase by 6%. 
  • Domestic graduate tuition will increase by 2% for all incoming students. 
  • International graduate tuition will increase by 6% for all incoming students. 

Non-Instructional Fees 

  • The Learning Access Fee will increase by 2% for all students. This fee covers services related to counselling, library resources and digital access. 
  • The Student Technology Fee will increase by 2% for all students. This fee covers Adobe software and LinkedIn Learning materials, as well as other non-course-specific technology available to all students. 
  • Application fees will increase by 2% for all student types. 
  • Course material fees will increase by 2%. 

New Mandatory Fees 

Based on recommendations from students and input from departments across the university, these fees will strengthen programs, resources and learning environments that support your academic journey. 

  • The Student Orientation Fee will be $40.00 per student for first-years only. 
  • The Student Support Fee will be $238 per term (Fall and Spring terms only) for all students.  
  • The Capital Refresh Fee will be $15 per credit for all students.  

These three new mandatory fees will ensure regular updates to studios, equipment and technology; expand services that advance student success, wellness and belonging; and provide additional assistance to students as they integrate into their first year of studies at ECU. With these changes, students will benefit from learning with current industry tools, being able to access help when they need it and gaining experience that prepares them for what comes next after graduation. 

Non-Mandatory Fees 

  • The monthly Parking Fee will increase from $96.35 to $115.62.  
  • The Exchange Application Fee will be $350 for all exchange applicants 
  • The OneCard Administration Fee will be $25 and charged to individuals requesting a refund of balances held on their OneCard as of April 1, 2026. 

A full list of tuition and fees is available on our Financial Matters page. 

Financial Assistance 

We understand that these changes may impact each student differently. ECU continues to provide resources for students who may need financial assistance, including scholarships, bursaries, grants, emergency funding and help with applying for government student aid programs. 

If you have questions or need support, please visit our Financial Aid + Awards webpage. 

Student Engagement 

Thanks to student perspectives shared through consultations and Money Matters budget engagement sessions, the university is able to move forward with a budget that considers both financial sustainability and student experience as top priorities.  

As Canada’s top Art + Design University, ECU remains committed to providing a learning environment that stays at the forefront of art and design education. The approved budget reflects continued investment in the facilities, resources and services that students need to thrive while also addressing broader challenges affecting the higher education sector. 

For full details on the 2026/2027 budget, you can view the file on our reports webpage. 

Visit our Tuition + Financial Support webpage for a full breakdown of costs.
 
Thank you for being a part of the university community. 

Mark Douglas 
Interim Vice-President,  
Finance + Administration  		Diyan Achjadi 
Vice-President,  
Academic + Provost