One of the top five universities in Canada and ranked in the top 100 institutions in the world, the University of Alberta (The U of A) is a large, immersive and inspirational institution.
Over 36,000 students call The U of A home, with 7,000 international students. There are more than 130 nationalities represented at the university.
Founded in 1908, The U of A has a strong history of innovative teaching and research. This has consequently built its international reputation as a leading university. It consistently fares well in global university rankings and stands out in many subject areas.
University of Alberta
Table of Contents
Overview
About this university
International students will feel at home on campus, as the dedicated International Student Services team is very helpful and friendly. Students can choose from a variety of on-campus accommodations to suit their needs, as well as receive awards for academic excellence in the form of scholarships.
There is plenty for students to get involved in outside of study time. Many students are attracted to the U of A because of its diverse and vibrant location. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, students can enjoy a young, vibrant city with a strong and dynamic economy. The north campus is above the beautiful North Saskatchewan River valley, one of the continent’s biggest urban parklands, where students can bike, hike, ski, and much more.
The university strives to create an empowering student experience that prepares individuals to make a positive difference to the world after they graduate. The U of A has one of the highest graduate employment rates in Canada, and the province of Alberta has the highest average salaries in the country.
University ranking
Academic Ranking of World Universities
QS World University Rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings
2022
2021
2020
2024
2023
2022
2023
2022
2021
92
101
101
111
110
126
118
125
131
+9
-1
+16
+7
+6
What’s new
The University of Alberta has made a strong impression in the most recent QS World University Rankings. Subjects including sports, geology, petroleum engineering and nursing are all ranked in the top 10 in the world, and help secure the university’s place among the top Canadian and global universities.
The university celebrated its faculty member, Dr Michael Houghton who won the 2020 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for the diversity of the hepatitis C virus. This is a reflection of the high caliber of talent fostered by the university.
Tuition Fee Guarantee
The University of Alberta is proud to offer international students a tuition guarantee.
This guarantee allows students to know the full tuition cost of their program at the time of admission, so they don’t need to worry about future tuition increases.
Finances
How much will it cost?
Average tuition fees per year
Living costs
CAD$31,180
CAD$10,920
CAD$19,530
CAD$14,006
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Living costs
To live on campus
CAD$29,190
Vocational
Scholarships & fundingThe University of Alberta awards over CAD 34 million in financial support for the benefit of undergraduate and graduate students each year. Most scholarships are awarded for academic excellence.
Advertisement
Scholarships for international students include:
Application Based Scholarships
President’s International Distinction Scholarship
CAD 120,000 is awarded over four years to 25 students based on academic standing and demonstrated leadership qualities, as well as on involvement in extracurricular and community activities. An application is required.
International Entrance Leadership Scholarship
CAD 10,000 is awarded to eligible students who are well-rounded leaders with superior academics. An application is required.
Admission Based Scholarships- no application required
International Admission Scholarship
Up to CAD 5,000 is awarded to eligible students for academic excellence.
Regional Excellence Scholarship
Up to CAD 5,000 is awarded to eligible students for academic excellence, with preference given to students in target regions. No application is required.
Gold Standard Scholarship
The top 5 per cent of students in each faculty could receive up to CAD 6,000, depending on admission average.
Advertisement
Campus Saint-Jean International Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded to eligible students who are studying on Campus Saint-Jean for academic excellence and can demonstrate financial need. No application is required.
Discover scholarships
University of Alberta provides scholarship for students enrolling for the courses offered by them.
Eligibility
Entry requirements
For admission to the University of Alberta, international students will need to meet the academic and language requirements. Each program has specific academic entry requirements and students are advised to check the entry criteria for their chosen course of study. Certain courses at the U of A do allow for credit transfer and recognition of prior qualifications/study.
All programs at the U of A are taught in English, apart from at Campus Saint-Jean where programs are taught in French.
There are a number of ways students can meet the English language requirements. They can:
Successfully complete an English language proficiency test
Prove prior education taken in the English language at a recognized institution
Successfully complete the Bridging Program
Students will need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent.
Department and Faculty
Teaching quality
Regularly recognized by university rankings across the world, the University of Alberta is well-known for its high-quality research and teaching. More than CAD 513 million is externally invested into the university’s research every year.
All of the U of A’s faculties stand out academically in their own way, with professors who are passionate about their subject areas who are qualified to provide a leading education. U of A professors have received 41, 3M teaching fellowships, which is Canada’s highest honor for post-secondary faculty. This is the most among all Canadian universities.
The Faculty of Education has placed within the top four faculties of its kind in Canada for four consecutive years. The Faculty of Engineering has an esteemed global alumni network which is known for its commitment to improving issues in society. The Faculty of Science has an academic team which has won many awards, with several members being part of national organizations such as the Royal Society of Canada.
Faculties
Spread over five campuses, the University of Alberta has 18 faculties with many research centres and institutes.
Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
Alberta School of Business
Faculty of Arts
Augustana Campus (fine arts, humanities, physical education, science, and social sciences)
Campus Saint-Jean (French-language faculty)
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Extension
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
Faculty of Native Studies
Faculty of Nursing
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation
Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
School of Public Health
Faculty of Science
There are also two affiliated colleges, namely St. Joseph’s College and St. Stephen’s College.
Advertisement
Campus and Facilities
Facilities
With eleven student housing options on the University of Alberta campus, including three specialized for first-year students, there is plenty to suit everyone’s needs. Campus accommodation offers a safe and easy way for students to enjoy university life, meet new people and get involved with the countless social activities. New international students who apply before April 30th are guaranteed on-campus accommodation for their first year.
Many exciting social events are held throughout the year including comedy nights, movie nights, farmers’ markets, international week, and sustainability week. Foodies will be delighted with the dining options on campus as well as areas nearby. Students will be able to find cuisines from all over the world, as well as must-try Canadian delicacies.
The U of A is home to Canada’s second largest research library system, with over five million titles and 7.5 million volumes. Students will benefit from the hundreds of laboratories, including over 100 institutes and centres on campus.
Students can get involved with their favorite sports, try new things, or simply enjoy the community spirit during sports events. Many sports teams win competitions throughout the year and all students can watch on-campus games for free.
