BFA Illustration at Emily Carr University of Art + Design

Programme overview

A Bachelor of Fine Arts programme in editorial and narrative illustration, integrating studio practice with theory-based courses across traditional and digital techniques.

Duration: 120 credits (four years) | Intake: Fall (September), plus Spring and Summer intakes for some programmes | Study mode: full-time | Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Editorial and narrative illustration, historical and contemporary practices, critiques and self-directed projects, with electives in animation, design and interdisciplinary storytelling.

Career pathways

Visual storytelling, exhibitions and media careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

All undergraduate programmes (high school applicants): graduation from high school with a minimum average of 67.0% (C+, 2.50 GPA) in the required courses, including at least 60.0% (C) in English Studies / English Language Arts. British Columbia and Yukon applicants need English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12, two Grade 12 academic courses from the approved list and two additional Grade 12 academic or elective courses; other provinces and territories must meet equivalent Grade 12 course requirements (for example Alberta: English Language Arts 30-1 plus four further 30/31-level courses). Applicants with 15 or more post-secondary credits apply as transfer applicants. A portfolio showing process, ideas and best work is required and carries the majority of the admissions score; Foundation Year applicants submit a four-component, equally weighted portfolio, and work substantially created with generative AI is not accepted. Entry is competitive, so meeting the minimums does not guarantee an offer. English proficiency is required of all applicants (met by three consecutive years of English-medium secondary study, or e.g. IELTS Academic 6.5 with no component below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 84, PTE Academic 56, Duolingo 110).

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Three intakes each year: Spring (begins January 11, 2027, limited seats in certain programmes, mid-year intake), Summer and Fall (begins September 7, 2027, the most common intake, open to all programmes).

Applications are made through EducationPlannerBC with portfolio submitted via the ECU Admissions Portal. For the intake beginning January 2027: applications open August 1, 2026 and close September 15, 2026. For Fall 2027: applications open October 1, 2026; application and transcripts/documents deadline January 15, 2027; portfolio deadline January 31, 2027. Applications open June 1, 2027 with a July 15, 2027 deadline for a later intake.

Apply through the official page: https://ecuad.ca/degree-programs/undergraduate/apply/

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