Founded in 1908, the U of A has a strong history of innovative teaching and research which has built its international reputation as a leading university, ranking highly in many subject areas, including nursing (#1 in Western Canada), Petroleum Engineering (#2 globally) and artificial intelligence research (1st in Canada).
A top four university in Canada and ranked in the top 100 institutions in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025), the University of Alberta (U of A) is a large, immersive, and inspirational institution. Over 47,500 students call the U of A home, with 156 nationalities represented on campus.
Upon graduation, students will join an alumni network of more than 340,000 which spans around the world. The U of A also has a 97% graduate employment rate.
Located in Edmonton, Canada, students will enjoy a young, vibrant city with a strong and dynamic economy. The main campus is located steps from the beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley, the largest urban parkland in North America. This area is an ideal location to bike, hike, ski, and much more. Nicknamed “Festival City”, Edmonton is home to over 50 festivals each year, ranging from theatre to sports to cultural events.
International students will feel welcome on campus with a friendly and dedicated international student services team ready to help assist with the transition. With a variety of convenient and modern on-campus accommodations to suit diverse housing needs, students will be sure to find a fit to make them feel at ease and at home. International students may also be eligible to receive specifically designated scholarships based upon academic excellence.
The U of A has a graduate employment rate of 97 percent, one of highest graduate employment rates in Canada. Many students choose to stay within the province after graduation due to its average salary rate, which is the highest in Canada.
2025 101
2024 101 10
2023 91
2026 94 2
2025 96 15
2024 111
2026 119 3
2025 116 7
2024 109
The University of Alberta (U of A) has made a strong impression in the most recent QS World University Rankings, where it placed 94th overall, putting it in the world’s top 100 universities. Programs including petroleum engineering and kinesiology are ranked top 10 in the world and help secure the university’s place among the top Canadian and global universities.
Innovative research is also highly valued at the U of A. Dr. Michael Houghton, a professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, won the 2020 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for the diversity of the hepatitis C virus – a reflection of the high caliber of talent fostered by the university.
The University of Alberta is proud to offer international students a tuition guarantee, allowing students to know the full tuition cost of their program at the time of admission. There is no need to worry about future tuition increases. Note: some non-tuition fees may increase year over year.
CAD$37,027 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
CAD$12,286 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
The University of Alberta awards over CAD 53 million in financial support for the benefit of undergraduate and graduate students each year. Most scholarships are awarded for academic excellence.
Scholarships for international students include:
President’s International Distinction Scholarship
CAD 120,000 is awarded over four years to 25 students based on academic standing, demonstrated leadership qualities, and involvement in extracurricular and community activities. An application is required.
International Leadership Scholarship
CAD 15,000 is awarded to eligible students who are well-rounded leaders with superior academics. An application is required.
International Admission Scholarship
Up to CAD 10,000 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.
International applications will need to meet academic and language requirements for admission into their chosen course at the University of Alberta. Each program at the university sets its own academic requirements for entry, so students should check the university website before applying as some courses offer recognition for prior studies or credit transfers.
All programs at the University of Alberta are taught in English, except for courses taught at the Campus Saint-Jean campus, which are delivered in French.
There are several ways students can meet the English language requirements. They can:
Students will need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent. Alternative test scores, such as Duolingo, may also be accepted with full information on the university’s website.
Learn from the best and work alongside them in their research labs or participate in their field studies. Our award-winning professors include people like Michael Houghton, who was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Medicine, and Richard Sutton, who won the 2024 A.M. Turing Award.
Each faculty at the U of A is academically distinct and powered by staff who have a deep passion for their subject. The U of A is home to over 40 3M National Teaching Fellowships instructors – more than any other Canadian university. 3M National Teaching Fellowships are Canada’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in educational leadership and teaching at the post-secondary level and demonstrate the high esteem these instructors hold.
Spread over five campuses, the University of Alberta has 18 faculties with many research centres and institutes. Each one is equipped with relevant, contemporary facilities and staffed by expert tutors and lecturers within their respective fields, guaranteeing students a quality education.
There are also two affiliated colleges, namely St. Joseph's College and St. Stephen's College.
With eleven student housing options on the University of Alberta campus, including three specialized for first-year students, there is plenty of options to suit each student’s unique needs. New international students who apply before April 30th are guaranteed on-campus accommodation for their first year.
On-campus accommodation offers a safe and easy way for students to enjoy university life, meet new people and get involved with countless social activities, including comedy nights, movie nights, concerts, farmers’ markets, international week, and sustainability week.
Foodies will be delighted with the dining options on campus as well as in nearby neighbourhoods. Within walking distance, students will find cuisines from all over the world, as well as must-try Canadian delicacies.
Some of the world’s most advanced research facilities are located at the U of A. For example, the Canadian Ice Core Lab is studying over 10,000 years of climate change, while artificial intelligence labs are creating smart bionic limbs. Another example is the Nursing Simulation Centre which supports immersive learning in a safe environment and provides learning experiences that range from introductory to highly complex situations, including ones that may be difficult to experience in clinical settings (e.g. cardiac arrest or birthing of a baby).
The U of A is also 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, and over 100 institutes and centres on campus.
Finally, students can get involved in their favorite sports, or simply enjoy the community spirit during events. Students can sign up to compete against other U of A students in intramural sports and use the extensive sports facilities on campus which are included in fees.
U of A athletic teams compete throughout the year, and all students can watch on-campus games for free.
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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
