ECU remains the only Canadian university to rank among the top 50 in the discipline worldwide.
For the seventh consecutive year, Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) has been named the #1 university in Canada for art and design according to the 2026 QS World University rankings, the leading global survey on higher education.
“To be recognized again as Canada’s top university for art and design is a reflection of our brilliant students, staff, faculty, alumni, researchers and partners whose commitment to expanding what creative practice can be shapes the world we live in,” says Dr. Trish Kelly, President + Vice-Chancellor at ECU.
“ECU is one of the few institutions in the country where making is the method of learning, not just the outcome. That distinction matters. In purpose-built facilities alongside renowned faculty and technicians, our students engage in the kind of deep, materially rich practice that not only reflects our world, but envisions new possibilities for a better future. We are honoured to be the place where the next generation of artist and designers come to do exactly that.”
Globally, ECU ranks 30th for art and design and 11th in North America. It remains the only Canadian university in the global top 50 and the only B.C. institution in the top 100, sitting alongside celebrated institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), CalArts and the Royal College of Arts.
The annual report from UK-based analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) assesses universities based on academic and employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratios and research outputs. One of the world’s leading sources of comparative data on university performance, the rankings provide prospective students with insights to help guide their academic journey and future career decisions.
Explore the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Art + Design and learn more about their criteria and methodology.
More About Studying at ECU
Visit our website to learn more about ECU’s world-class Undergraduate, Graduate and Continuing Studies programs.
100 Years of Creativity: The Stories that Shaped Us
As part of Emily Carr University’s centennial celebrations and our ‘100 Years of Creativity’ campaign, we are sharing stories that spotlight the creativity, resilience and impact of our community over the past 100 years. These stories feature the people, projects, places and ideas that have shaped ECU, reminding us of our shared legacy while inspiring the future. By revisiting past milestones and sharing new ones, we honour the many voices that built our institution and continue to guide its path forward.
For more information about ECU 100 centennial celebrations, upcoming events and stories, visit our webpage.
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