Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) tuition and dates
The overall cost of getting a degree is one of the biggest considerations for international students and their families. Here you’ll find an overview of the tuition, living costs and other expenses you’ll need to consider if you plan to attend Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU).
Students must consider the following costs:
- Tuition: the cost of your classes and mandatory university fees, and likely the most expensive element of your education
- Off-campus housing: the cost of your off-campus accommodation in Vancouver
- Meal plan: the cost of groceries, meals and other food expenses
- Mandatory health insurance: the cost of health-care coverage while studying in British Columbia
- Books and learning materials: the cost of books, art materials and other course-related supplies
- Personal expenses: the cost of everyday spending while living in Vancouver, such as transportation
Cost of tuition for international students
Typically, tuition is the biggest investment in your Canadian education. At ECU, tuition and mandatory fees are the same for all 11 bachelor’s programs.
Tuition costs for international undergraduate students (per year)
| Undergraduate degree program | Typical length | International student tuition and program fees |
|---|---|---|
| All programs | 4 years | CAD$31,214 per year |
Additional costs
When you attend ECU, you’ll also need to cover other costs, including off-campus housing, food, books and creative materials, health insurance and personal expenses.
Student housing
ECU does not have on-campus student housing, so students arrange their own accommodation in Vancouver.
| Type of residence | Price range (September to April)* |
|---|---|
| Shared housing | CAD$800–$1,200 per month |
| Private apartment | CAD$1,800–$3,000 per month |
Food
Your food costs will depend on your lifestyle and spending habits. Students should budget approximately CAD $400–$600 per month, or CAD $4,800–$7,200 per year.
Also consider:
New international students are charged a CAD $217.24 temporary health insurance premium, providing four months of coverage while they apply for British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (BC MSP), which is mandatory. Students are also automatically enrolled in extended health and dental coverage through the Emily Carr Students’ Union, covering additional costs such as prescription drugs, dental care, and vision care.
As an art and design student, you’ll need to budget for books, creative materials and other course supplies. These costs vary depending on your program, ranging from CAD$1,000–$3,000 per year.
Personal expenses will differ for each individual. Students should budget approximately CAD$530–$730 per month, or CAD$6,360–$8,760 per year.
Total estimated expenses
Your overall cost of attending ECU will depend largely on your choice of accommodation and personal spending.
Estimated annual expenses for international undergraduate students
| Cost item | Estimated annual cost* |
|---|---|
| International tuition and program fee | CAD$31,214 |
| Off-campus shared housing | CAD$9,600–$14,400 |
| Food | CAD$4,800–$7,200 |
| Books and supplies | CAD$1,000–$3,000 |
| Personal expenses | CAD$6,360–$8,760 |
| Estimated total cost | CAD$52,174–$64,574 |
Important dates to know
Knowing the cost of your education is important, and so is knowing when to submit your application and portfolio. Below are some key dates to keep in mind for the September 2027 intake.
Program dates
| Program | Fall 2027 start date |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degrees | September 7, 2027 |
Application deadlines
| Fall 2027 start | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for bachelor’s degrees | January 15, 2027 |
| Portfolio submission deadline | January 31, 2027 |
| Study permit application | Within 15 days of paying your deposit and receiving your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) |
| Immigration status update to ECU | July 24, 2027 |
| International student orientation | End of August or early September |
| First day of classes | September 7, 2027 |
Scholarships
ECU offers scholarships and awards that can help international students with the cost of their studies. Many entrance scholarships require no separate application, with students automatically considered based on academic achievement and artistic merit.
CAD $2,000-$5,000
entrance scholarships available to international students studying at ECU
CAD$1,500
Buschlen Mowatt Nichol Foundation Awards available to eligible third-year students in Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Media Arts programs
CAD $1,000 entrance scholarship
Renée Van Halm + Pietro Widmer Entrance Scholarship for a student entering ECU’s Foundation program
International student employment
At ECU, eligible international students can work on or off campus while studying. Students who meet Canadian eligibility requirements can work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
Eligible third and fourth-year students can also gain paid, for-credit professional experience through ECU’s Work Experience Program. Placements last 12 weeks and can be full or part-time, with students typically earning CAD $20–$28 per hour.
ECU also offers on-campus employment and Work Study roles, while its Career Development and Work Integrated Learning team connects students with jobs, internships and other creative opportunities.
