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 (7th globally), engineering (Top 20 globally), and artificial intelligence (1st in Canada).
A top five 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 44,000 students call the U of A home, with 157 nationalities represented on campus.
Upon graduation, students will join an alumni network of more than 300,000 which spans around the world. The U of A also ranks in the top 100 globally for graduate employment.
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, 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. Whatever your interests, there is plenty to do outside of study time, and something happening every month of the year.
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 also has one of the highest graduate employment rates in Canada, and many students choose to stay within the province after graduation due to its average salary rate, which is the highest in Canada.
2024 101 10
2023 91 1
2022 92
2025 96 15
2024 111 1
2023 110
2024 109 9
2023 118 7
2022 125
The University of Alberta (U of A) has made a strong impression in the most recent QS World University Rankings, where it placed 96th overall, putting it in the world’s top 100 universities. Subjects including petroleum engineering and nursing are ranked in the top 15 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.
CAD$33,280 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
CAD$10,520 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
CAD$31,090 Vocational Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
CAD$19,530 Living costs
CAD$14,006 To live on campus
The University of Alberta awards over CAD 52 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 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.
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.
The University of Alberta is recognized in university rankings from many countries around the world, with a particular highlight being its teaching and quality research. More than CAD 500 million is externally invested into the university’s research every year.
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.
These instructors are deeply involved in their industries and communities. The Faculty of Engineering, for example, are at the heart of a global network of esteemed alumni, who work together to train the next generation of engineering leaders. The Faculty of Science has a multi-award-winning academic team, including staff who are members of organizations like the Royal Society of Canada, while the Faculty of Nursing is home to two Canada Research Chairs.
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 with their favorite sports, or simply enjoy the community spirit during events. Use of the extensive sports facilities are included in student fees and offer a full range of recreational programs including dance, fitness classes, club sports, skating, martial arts, gaming, and more. U of A athletic teams compete throughout the year and all students can watch on-campus games for free.