The best universities in Alberta are famed for their cutting-edge research, innovative tutoring styles, and comprehensive classes. Alberta colleges are home to more than 17,000 international students from all around the world, and this makes the province one of the biggest educational hubs in Canada. The province has some top-ranked universities in Canada that consistently rank among the best universities in the world. In 2024, Alberta welcomed over 21,086 international students, representing a 36% year-on-year increase in study permit approvals for the province.
Alberta offers numerous advantages as a top study destination in Canada. Here are a few reasons that highlight its importance:
The top colleges in Alberta for international students offer courses for various undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as arts, science, engineering, business, education, nursing, pharmacy, and many more. Some of the the Alberta top universities in canada are listed below -
University | Acceptance rate | Popular courses | Fees per year (CAD) |
---|---|---|---|
University of Alberta | 52% | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy| |
33,968.40 |
University of Calgary | 10-20% | Bachelor of Science Anthropology
Master of Architecture |
35,035.07 (UG)
20,873.04 (PG) |
Mount Royal University | 61% | Bachelor of Arts
Bachelors of Business Administration |
23,810 - 25,698 |
Lakeland College | 89% | Bachelor of Agriculture Technology
Diploma in Agribusiness |
18,275. |
Bow Valley College | 37% | Business Administration Diploma
Supply Chain Management Major |
6,315 per 3 credit class |
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology | 95% | Automotive Service Technology
Bachelor of Applied Technology Petroleum Engineering |
5,670 per 3 credit class |
Lethbridge College | 84% | Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology
Certificate in Automotive systems |
15,151.50 |
King’s University | 70% | BA in History
BA in Classical Studies |
12371.06 CAD per term |
For international students wishing to enroll in Alberta for a PG diploma course, there are typically three main intakes.
The admissions in Canada process varies from college to college. Although there is a general admission process as described below. International students often ask about how to study in Canada.
Candidates must have the following documents while applying for admission to Alberta University. Though the document requirement may vary from college to college, here are some general document requirements mentioned. Many universities offer study in Alberta without IELTS
The documents required for admission are given below:
Before applying, the candidates must check the eligibility criteria of the Universities. It may vary from University to University, but here is a general eligibility given below.
Admission requirements vary depending on the university and the difficulty of the course. Exams needed to study in canada with their respective scores are mentioned below. The list below contains the eligibility criteria for the best universities in Alberta-
University | Eligibility criteria |
---|---|
University of Alberta | TOEFL - Total score of 90 with a score of at least 21 on each of the individual skill areas (internet-based) or equivalent
IELTS -6.5, with at least 6.0 on each test band |
University of Calgary | TOEFL iBT- 86
TOEFL PBT - 560 |
Lakeland College | Program-Specific Prerequisite courses completed at the senior level (e.g. Grade 12);
The equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average |
Bow Valley College | Final or provisional degree certificates issued by the degree-awarding institution (Bachelor, Master)
Statement of marks for each year or an academic transcript listing all subjects issued by the degree-awarding institution |
Mount Royal University | Minimum GPA of 2.5
TOEFL iBT - 86 (min. 20 in each of four sections) |
SAIT | IELTS - overall score 6.5
TOEFL - Minimum score of 20 in each component |
King’s University | GPA - 3.0 or higher
IELTS - 6.5, a minimum of 5.5 on each band. |
Lethbridge College | Senior School Certificate; Higher Secondary School Certificate; Intermediate Certificate
Minimum GPA- 2.0 |
Studying at the top universities in Alberta offers various scholarship programs that you can avail. This program will help you reduce your tuition fee to some extent. Some of the scholarships are listed below -
Scholarship Program | University | Eligibility | Award |
---|---|---|---|
University of Alberta - India First Year Excellence Scholarship |
University of Alberta |
Applicable to students who are enrolled in any undergraduate programs at the University of Alberta. |
$5,000 will be given to the students |
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship |
Students must be admitted to any graduate program. Students must obtain a minimum of 60% of a full course load in any term |
||
Gold Standard Scholarship |
The top five percent of students in each undergraduate faculty can receive scholarships of up to $6,000. |
||
President’s Admission Scholarship |
The University of Calgary |
To qualify, students must have a final high school average of 95% or above. | Awards of up to $5,000 are offered to eligible undergraduate students entering their first year of study at the University of Calgary |
Faculty of Graduate Studies International Master’s Scholarship | students registered full-time in a thesis-based Master’s program in the Faculty of Graduate Studies | $10,000 awarded to postgraduate students | |
Eyes High International Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship | students entering their first year of a doctoral program at UCalgary | Ten awards of $15,000 are available | |
Mount Royal Bright Future Scholarship | Mount Royal University | students must demonstrate financial need, have an admissions average of at least 70%and have a track record of extracurricular or communication. | $3,500 renewable award is offered to eligible students enrolling in their first year of undergraduate study at MRU |
Alberta Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship | - | have attended fall and winter terms in the previous academic year and are currently enrolled full-time in the second or subsequent year of undergraduate post-secondary study in a diploma or degree program at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Alberta in a discipline related to agriculture. | Four awards of $1,500 each:
two for students in a diploma program, and two for students in a degree program. |
CEA Entrance Scholarship |
Bow Valley College |
The scholarship is based on portfolio assessment at the time of application and acceptance to the program. | offers eligible international students registering for a two-year program at the Centre for Entertainment Arts scholarships ranging from $3,250 to $19,500 |
International Student Entrance Bursary | International students entering a post-secondary career program, based on financial need | offers bursaries valued at $2,000 |
The top sectors include Wholesale and Retail trade with 14.84% of the workforce, followed by Health care and social assistance at 13.38%. Construction, professional services, and education are also major contributors.
Industry | No of Workers | Percentage of workers |
---|---|---|
Wholesale & retail trade | 2,855,300 | 14.44% |
Health care & social assistance | 2,608,000 | 13.19% |
Professional, scientific & technical services | 1,844,000 | 9.33% |
Manufacturing | 1,754,900 | 8.88% |
Construction | 1,544,300 | 7.81% |
Educational services | 1,483,800 | 7.51% |
Public administration | 1,154,600 | 5.84% |
The top universities in Alberta offer some of the best courses with much affordable fees. As an international student planning to study in Alberta, Canada, you’ll have many universities and colleges to choose from. Alberta is home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, including the University of Alberta. Moreover, the province’s diversity and multiculturalism make it easier for international students to adapt to their new life and feel at home in Canada.
Ques. What are the top universities in Alberta?
Ans. The top universities in Alberta include the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge, among others.
Ques. What programs of study are offered at these universities?
Ans. These universities offer a wide range of programs across various disciplines including arts, sciences, engineering, business, health sciences, and more.
Ques. How do I apply to these universities?
Ans. Each university has its own application process which typically involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, standardized test scores (if required), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.
Ques. What are the admission requirements for international students?
Ans. Admission requirements for international students may vary depending on the university and the program applied to. Generally, they include academic qualifications, English language proficiency tests (such as IELTS or TOEFL), and sometimes additional requirements specific to certain programs.
Ques. Are scholarships available for international students at these universities?
Ans. Yes, many universities in Alberta offer scholarships and financial aid for international students based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Students are encouraged to check each university's scholarship offerings and eligibility criteria.
Ques. What is the cost of tuition for international students at these universities?
Ans. Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the university, program of study, and whether the student is an undergraduate or graduate student. Tuition fees are typically higher for international students compared to domestic students.
Ques. Are there on-campus housing options available for students?
Ans. Yes, most universities in Alberta offer on-campus housing options for students, including residence halls and apartments. Availability and amenities vary by university, so it's best to check with each institution for specific details.
Ques. What resources are available for student support services?
Ans. Alberta universities typically offer a range of student support services including academic advising, counseling services, career services, health and wellness resources, disability services, and more.
Ques. Are there opportunities for research or internships at these universities?
Ans. Yes, Alberta universities provide numerous opportunities for students to engage in research projects, internships, co-op programs, and other experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus.
Ques. What is the campus life like at these universities?
Campus life varies by university but typically includes a vibrant student community, clubs and organizations, cultural events, recreational facilities, and opportunities for socializing and networking.
CD Rank | College Info | Tuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.) | Top Courses | Ranking & Reviews | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#1 | University of Alberta, EdmontonAlberta, Canada66%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $19.8K/Yr (CA$27,463/Yr)Living: $11.2K/Yr (CA$15,600/Yr)Admission | M.B.AGMAT550TOEFL100PTE68$23.4K/Yr CA$32,565 Course duration: 20 months 138+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#2 | University of Calgary, CalgaryAlberta, Canada63%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $21.7K/Yr (CA$30,163/Yr)Living: $9K/Yr (CA$12,534/Yr)Admission | Master Data Science and Analytic...IELTS6.5PTE59$33K/Yr CA$45,778 Course duration: 12 months 136+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#3 | University of Lethbridge, LethbridgeAlberta, Canada84%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $15K/Yr (CA$20,773/Yr)Living: $5.7K/Yr (CA$7,941/Yr)Admission | M.S Computer ScienceDuolingo115TOEFL80PTE54$11.2K/Yr CA$15,521 Course duration: 2 years 223+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#4 | The King's University, EdmontonAlberta, Canada80%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $5.5K/Yr (CA$7,673/Yr)Living: $4.2K/Yr (CA$5,802/Yr)Admission | B.S Computing ScienceDuolingo115IELTS6.5PTE59$5.2K/Yr CA$7,275 Course duration: 4 years 35+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Partner Colleges
SAIT Polytechnic
Calgary, Alberta
$15.3K
1st Year Fees
B.B.A
Apply Now
The King's University
Edmonton, Alberta
$5.2K
1st Year Fees
B.S Computer Graphics and Visualization
Apply Now
Best In Infrastructure
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
$24.6K
1st Year Fees
M.Eng Civil Engineering
Apply Now
Best In Academic
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
$32.7K
1st Year Fees
B.S Computer Engineering
Apply Now
Medicine Hat College
Medicine Hat, Alberta
$13K
1st Year Fees
B.N
Apply Now
Best In Academic
MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta
$17.6K
1st Year Fees
B.N
Apply Now
Best In Academic
Red Deer College
Red Deer, Alberta
$8.1K
1st Year Fees
B.S Psychology
Apply Now
Best In Faculty
Bow Valley College
Calgary, Alberta
$11.6K
1st Year Fees
Diploma Health and Human Services Management
Apply Now
Best In Faculty
Mount Royal University
Calgary, Alberta
$18.5K
1st Year Fees
B.B.A Supply Chain Management
Apply Now
Best In Faculty
University of Lethbridge
Lethbridge, Alberta
$16.1K
1st Year Fees
B.S Computer Science
Apply Now
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#5 | Athabasca University, AthabascaAlberta, Canada75%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $14.7K/Yr (CA$20,372/Yr)Living: $576/Yr (CA$800/Yr)Admission | M.B.A Supply Chain ManagementGMAT500IELTS6.0PTE59$12K/Yr CA$16,705 Course duration: 2 years 11+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#6 | MacEwan University, EdmontonAlberta, Canada59%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $17.6K/Yr (CA$24,480/Yr)Living: $7.7K/Yr (CA$10,640/Yr)Admission | B.S Computer ScienceDuolingo115IELTS6.5PTE59$17.6K/Yr CA$24,480 Course duration: 4 years 39+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#7 | Mount Royal University, CalgaryAlberta, Canada18%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $18.5K/Yr (CA$25,698/Yr)Living: $5.9K/Yr (CA$8,160/Yr)Admission | B.S Computer ScienceTOEFL83PTE58$18.5K/Yr CA$25,698 Course duration: 4 years 44+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#8 | Bow Valley College, CalgaryAlberta, Canada37%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $11.6K/Yr (CA$16,146/Yr)Living: $2.9K/Yr (CA$4,000/Yr)Admission | B.A International English Langua...PTE59$6.8K/Yr CA$9,444 Course duration: 4 years 25+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#9 | Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, EdmontonAlberta, Canada58%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $16.9K/Yr (CA$23,423/Yr)Admission | B.TechIELTS6.0PTE60$18K/Yr CA$25,020 Course duration: 2 years 62+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#10 | Haskayne School of Business, CalgaryAlberta, Canada56%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $28.4K/Yr (CA$39,405/Yr)Admission | M.B.AGMAT550IELTS7$27.3K/Yr CA$37,914 Course duration: 2 years 11+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#11 | School of Business, University of Alberta, EdmontonAlberta, Canada21%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $21.9K/Yr (CA$30,455/Yr)Admission | M.B.AGMAT550TOEFL100PTE68$23.4K/Yr CA$32,565 Course duration: 20 months 6+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#12 | Lakeland College, VermilionAlberta, Canada55%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $12.5K/Yr (CA$17,360/Yr)Admission | B.A PsychologyIELTS6$12.3K/Yr CA$17,100 Course duration: 3 years 8+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#13 | Lethbridge College, LethbridgeAlberta, Canada80%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $3.6K/Yr (CA$5,033/Yr)Admission | B.A.Sc Conservation EnforcementTOEFL80$4.7K/Yr CA$6,477 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#14 | Medicine Hat College, Medicine HatAlberta, Canada72%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $13K/Yr (CA$18,028/Yr)Living: $3.1K/Yr (CA$4,360/Yr)Admission | B.NIELTS6PTE54$13K/Yr CA$18,074 Course duration: 4 years 24+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#15 | NorQuest College, EdmontonAlberta, Canada57%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $13.2K/Yr (CA$18,386/Yr)Living: $4.7K/Yr (CA$6,502/Yr)Admission | Diploma Environmental Protection...TOEFL84PTE59$10K/Yr CA$13,893 Course duration: 2 years 4+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#16 | Northern Lakes College, Slave lakeAlberta, Canada65%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $3K/Yr (CA$4,170/Yr)Living: $3.6K/Yr (CA$4,950/Yr)Admission | Diploma Addiction CounsellingTOEFL84$3K/Yr CA$4,110 Course duration: 2 years 3+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#17 | Portage College, Lac la BicheAlberta, Canada60%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $12.4K/Yr (CA$17,242/Yr)Admission | B.B.A ManagementTOEFL86PTE59$14.7K/Yr CA$20,460 Course duration: 2 years 4+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#18 | Red Deer College, Red DeerAlberta, Canada37%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $11.2K/Yr (CA$15,572/Yr)Admission | B.S NursingIELTS7.0PTE67$8.9K/Yr CA$12,341 Course duration: 4 years 44+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#19 | SAIT Polytechnic, CalgaryAlberta, Canada60%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $14.1K/Yr (CA$19,537/Yr)Admission | B.B.AIELTS6.0PTE53$15.3K/Yr CA$21,240 Course duration: 4 years 42+ More Programs |