Emily Carr University of Art + Design Pathway
About the Pathway Option
Arts Umbrella is proud to partner with Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Canada’s leading art and design university, to offer an exclusive pathway for students enrolled in an Art & Design Intensive Program. This pathway provides motivated young artists with a supported transition into post‑secondary study and the opportunity to gain advanced standing toward an undergraduate degree in the BFA, BDes, or BMA programs.
Students in the Intensive Program spend the year developing a rigorous studio practice in their chosen discipline — from Architecture & Environmental Design to Clay Sculpture, Ceramics, Drawing & Painting, Stop‑Motion Animation, and 3D Modelling & Animation. Through close mentorship, group critique, exhibitions, and artist‑statement development, they build the creative independence, technical skill, and critical thinking expected at the university level.
Eligibility and Completion
Registration Requirements:
To register for the ECU Pathway Option, students must send a completed ECU Pathway Option Opt-In Form (download below) to [email protected] and meet the following conditions:
- Student must be a domestic student (Canadian citizen or permanent resident).
- Must be currently enrolled in the Arts Umbrella Intensive Program.
- Must be enrolled in or have completed Grade 12.
Completion Requirements:
In order to receive the pathway benefits, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Maintain a minimum of 90% attendance over the program duration:
- Participate in both formal program exhibitions.
- Consistently engage in group critique forums
- Submit a final artist statement.
- Complete all assigned coursework and actively participate in the program.
Pathway Benefits:
If registered students fulfill the completion requirements, they will be eligible to receive:
1. Portfolio Waiver: Exemption from ECU’s undergraduate portfolio submission requirement.
2. Transfer Credit:
Pathway Option A: 3 undergraduate credits (FNDT 108: Creative Processes). For students enrolled in:
- 13-19 yrs Architecture & Environmental Design13-19 yrs Clay Sculpture
- 13-19 yrs Ceramics
- 13-19 yrs Stop Motion Animation
- 13-19 yrs 3D Modeling & Animation
Pathway Option B: 6 undergraduate credits (FNDT 108: Creative Processes and FNDT 112: Foundation Drawing Studio). For students enrolled in:
- 15-19 yrs Drawing & Painting
ECU General Admission Requirements:
Participation in this pathway option does not guarantee admission to ECU. Students must still submit a formal application to ECU during the regular admission cycle and meet ECU’s general admission requirements. To be eligible for registration, applicants must be enrolled in the ECU Pathway Option within the Intensive Program and meet ECU’s admission standards. A grade of C or higher in English Language Arts 11 or 12 is required, along with senior-level academic or visual arts electives. Additionally, students must maintain 90% attendance, participate in critiques and exhibitions, submit a final artist statement and complete all coursework with an overall grade of 67% or higher.
Please visit the Emily Carr University of Art + Design for more information.