Why ECU

ECU at a Glance

A modern building with colourful panels and large glass windows is shown at sunset, with a partly cloudy sky glowing in the background.
Why ECU

ECU at a Glance

ECU at a Glance

Emily Carr University of Art + Design is Canada’s top art and design university, ranked among the world’s top 50. For over 100 years, ECU has been a hub for creativity, innovation and community.

Here’s a snapshot of who we are, what we offer and why it matters.

Attendees admire Rose Choi's (BDes 2025, Interaction Design) ':core memory 쉼터' (acrylic on wooden panel, 2025) at the opening reception for Show 2025 at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

Programs + Pathways

Students at ECU explore, experiment and develop their creative voice across multiple disciplines.

Recognition + Reputation

ECU is consistently recognized among the world’s leading art and design universities.

  • #1 in Canada for Art + Design (QS 2025)
  • Top 40 worldwide in Art + Design (QS 2025)
  • #7 worldwide in Animation (Animation Careers 2025)
  • 100+ years shaping art, design + media

Community + Students

ECU is small enough for close mentorship and big enough for global perspectives.

  • 2,400+ undergraduate + graduate students
  • 1,900+ Extended Learning students each year
  • Students from 50+ countries
  • 1:19 faculty–student ratio
  • 700+ faculty + staff supporting student success
A student presents a wall installation of prints to a small audience during Crit Night at Emily Carr University.
Ceramics students get a lesson on the kiln from one of ECU's studio technicians.

Facilities + Campus Life

Our campus is purpose-built for creativity, collaboration and making.

  • LEED Gold campus (opened 2017)
  • 19+ shops, labs + studios (motion capture, 3D printing, ceramics, textiles + more)
  • Galleries, theatres, Aboriginal Gathering Place and 30+ student clubs
  • Expanded grad studio space at the Centre for Digital Media

Career Outcomes

An ECU education opens doors — and our alumni are shaping industries worldwide.

  • 200+ Work Integrated Learning placements each year
  • Alumni featured at TIFF, VIFF, SXSW, The New Yorker, Venice Biennale + more
  • Careers at Pixar, Microsoft, Ubisoft, EA, CBC, IKEA + beyond
  • 100,000+ alumni network worldwide
A student is using a Mac computer in the Emily Carr University Library to work on digital art, with Adobe Photoshop open on the screen displaying a colourful illustration. The workspace is well-lit, and another individual can be seen working at a nearby computer in the background.

Useful Info + Links

Learning in Action
  • Real-world briefs and collaborations with Science World, the City of Vancouver, Native Shoes, and artist-run centres
  • 24/7 graduate studio access available outside of class time
  • 40 technicians supporting students in and out of the classroom
Research + Innovation
  • $3.1M+ in research funding annually
  • Canada’s most intensive research-focused creative university
  • Labs include the Health Design Lab, Material Matters Lab, The Basically Good Media Lab, and the Shumka Centre for Creative Entrepreneurship
  • Opportunities for students to work as research assistants or co-lead funded projects
Community + Campus Culture
  • Aboriginal Gathering Place: a dedicated centre for Indigenous cultural development
  • More than 40 exhibitions and events each year — many student-led
  • ECU’s commitment to wellness includes peer mentorship, academic advising, and mental health supports

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