Emily Carr University of Art + Design student services
Starting university in another country brings plenty of new experiences — and plenty of questions. From preparing for your move to Vancouver to planning your studies, managing your finances and finding your community, you’ll have support from Kaplan and Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) along the way.
Pre-arrival support
Your preparations for ECU start well before you reach Vancouver. Kaplan can guide you through the application process and help you understand what you’ll need to do before beginning your studies.
After admission, ECU provides practical guidance specifically for international students. Find out how to apply for your study permit, arrange health coverage, prepare the documents you’ll need when entering Canada and plan your arrival in Vancouver.
Student support at ECU
How to adapt to studying abroad
Post-arrival support
Settling into university is about much more than finding your classrooms. At ECU, specialist teams can help with everything from immigration questions and course choices to your wellbeing, finances and future career.
ECU student support services
Whatever you need help with, ECU can connect you with people who understand university life and the particular needs of creative students.
International student support
ECU’s International Student Advising team is there to help you navigate the requirements of studying in Canada.
Get advice on your immigration status, study permit extensions, health coverage and other international student requirements. As graduation approaches, you can also find information about applying for a post-graduation work permit.
Academic and writing support
Develop your ideas as well as the way you communicate them. ECU’s Writing Centre provides free one-to-one support with writing, reading and studio communication.
You can work with a peer tutor on an essay, artist statement, grant application or studio assignment, with support available in person, online and through written feedback.
Career and financial support
ECU can help you plan for your future and manage the financial side of university life. Get support with resumes, portfolios, job searches and professional opportunities, alongside guidance on scholarships, bursaries, grants and other sources of funding.
Eligible students facing unexpected financial difficulties may also be able to access up to CAD $750 in non-repayable emergency funding.
ECU personal and health support services
Feeling healthy, supported and secure can make a big difference to your university experience. ECU provides counselling and wellness programs, health-care guidance and on-campus safety services to help you look after yourself throughout your studies.
Counselling services
ECU offers free, confidential counselling alongside programs designed to support your emotional, physical, cultural and social wellbeing.
You can also visit the Oasis Student Wellness Lounge, take part in activities such as dog therapy and mindfulness, or join cooking and social activities in the Wellness Kitchen.
Health and medical services
International students have access to temporary medical insurance when they first arrive in Canada, before transitioning to British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (BC MSP). Students are also enrolled in extended health and dental coverage through the Emily Carr Students’ Union.
ECU provides guidance on arranging and maintaining your health coverage, while Campus Security staff can provide first aid and help connect you with further medical support when needed.
Campus security services
ECU’s Campus Security team is always on campus, providing first aid, emergency response, regular security patrols and support when safety concerns arise.
You can also request a SafeWalk security escort to your vehicle, bus stop or another part of campus, while Emily Alert keeps the ECU community informed during urgent situations such as severe weather, fires, campus closures or evacuations.
Life outside the classroom
ECU gives you plenty of ways to meet people through shared interests, identities and creative practices.
Join a student club or collective, get involved with Students’ Union activities or start a group of your own. Student-led platforms such as WOO Publication and Radio Emily also give you opportunities to create, collaborate and share ideas beyond your coursework.
Food and drink
Grab something to eat or drink on campus at The Caf or Tuck Shop, or explore the cafés and restaurants surrounding ECU.
The campus sits between Mount Pleasant and Olympic Village, putting local spots such as Kafka’s and Nemesis within easy reach alongside plenty of other places to eat and meet friends.
Getting around Vancouver
Your student experience extends well beyond campus. U-Pass BC gives eligible ECU students unlimited access to Metro Vancouver’s bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus network at a subsidized student rate.
Whether you’re travelling to class, exploring a new neighbourhood or heading to Vancouver’s galleries and cultural spaces, public transport makes it easy to experience more of the city.
Exhibitions and creative events
At ECU, there are plenty of opportunities to share your creativity outside the classroom. Exhibit your work in professionally equipped campus spaces, attend exhibitions and public programs, or get involved with the Student Exhibitions Committee.
You can also help curate, install and document exhibitions, giving you another way to collaborate with other students and contribute to ECU’s creative community.
ECU career services
ECU’s Career Development and Work Integrated Learning team helps students and alumni prepare for professional life. Access career advice, industry opportunities and resources designed to help you turn your creative skills into a career.
Career Services
Get practical support with your résumé, portfolio, job search and interview skills, or explore jobs, internships and other creative opportunities through The Leeway. You can also connect with ECU alumni for mentorship and professional insights.
