University of Alberta
Edmonton, Canada
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Canada
Founded
1908
Institution Type
Public Research
Total Students
46,000+
QS World Ranking
#94 (2026)
Discover the University of Alberta: A Leading Canadian Research University
Discover the University of Alberta: A Leading Canadian Research University
The University of Alberta (U of A) is a public research university founded in 1908 by Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first Premier of Alberta, and Henry Marshall Tory, its first president. Located along the scenic North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton, the university comprises five campuses — four in Edmonton and one rural campus in Camrose — spanning over 400 buildings and nearly 1.7 million square metres of real estate.
As one of Canada's top five universities, the U of A offers over 200 undergraduate programs and more than 500 graduate programs across 17 faculties organized into three colleges. With more than CAD 550 million in annual sponsored research revenue and a global alumni network exceeding 300,000, the university generates an estimated CAD 19.4 billion in annual economic impact in Alberta alone.
The University of Alberta is recognized for its strengths in artificial intelligence, energy research, health sciences, and engineering. It hosts the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute and is home to Nobel Prize-winning researchers. English is the primary language of instruction, with the exception of Campus Saint-Jean, where French is used.
Key Milestones
- 1908: University founded with 45 students and five faculty members in Strathcona, Edmonton.
- 1913: Faculties of Law, Medicine, and Applied Science (Engineering) established during early rapid growth.
- 1990: Alumnus Richard E. Taylor awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for deep inelastic scattering research.
- 2020: Dr. Michael Houghton awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for co-discovering the Hepatitis C virus.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
The University of Alberta organizes its 17 faculties into three colleges, offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With strengths spanning STEM, health sciences, humanities, and professional disciplines, the university attracts top talent from around the world.
College of Health Sciences
Encompasses faculties focused on medicine, nursing, pharmacy, rehabilitation, and public health, supported by leading research facilities including the Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation.
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Nursing
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
College of Natural and Applied Sciences
Brings together faculties in science, engineering, and agriculture, with particular strength in petroleum engineering, artificial intelligence, and environmental sciences.
- Engineering (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and more)
- Science (Computing Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
College of Social Sciences and Humanities
Houses faculties covering arts, education, business, law, and other social science disciplines, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and community engagement.
- Arts (Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts)
- Alberta School of Business (BCom, MBA)
- Education
Faculty of Law
One of Canada's oldest law faculties, established in 1912, offering JD and graduate law programs with a focus on energy law, constitutional law, and Indigenous rights.
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Health Law Certificate
Faculté Saint-Jean
The university's francophone campus offering programs taught entirely in French, serving as a key institution for French-language post-secondary education in Western Canada.
- Bachelor of Arts (French)
- Bachelor of Education (French)
- Bachelor of Science (French)
Augustana Faculty
A liberal arts and sciences campus located in Camrose, Alberta, offering an intimate learning environment with small class sizes and a strong focus on undergraduate education.
- Bachelor of Arts (Liberal Arts)
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Music
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- High School DiplomaEquivalent to Alberta Grade 12 diploma with five required academic subjects
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90
- Competitive AverageVaries by program; ranges from accessible to highly competitive
- Application FeeCAD 150 (non-refundable)
- Tuition DepositCAD 5,000 required to accept offer and receive Provincial Attestation Letter
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeFour-year bachelor's degree or equivalent with strong academic performance
- Minimum GPAGenerally 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; competitive programs may require higher
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent; some programs require higher
- Supporting DocumentsTranscripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, CV/resume
- Application FeeCAD 135 for international applicants
Primary application deadline for most undergraduate programs beginning in September.
Deadline for programs offering January intake; limited program availability.
Deadlines vary by department and program. Check specific program pages for exact dates.
Apply early for best consideration for entrance scholarships and financial aid packages.
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
The University of Alberta offers a program-based tuition model for international students, providing a guaranteed total tuition amount for the duration of their program. Domestic tuition is regulated by the Government of Alberta. Fees vary by program and are subject to annual adjustments.
| Cost Category | Domestic (CAD/year) | International (CAD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Arts, typical) | CAD 6,000 - 7,500 | CAD 27,000 - 33,000 |
| Tuition (Engineering, typical) | CAD 7,500 - 9,000 | CAD 45,000 - 55,000 |
| Student Fees and U-Pass | CAD 1,500 - 2,000 | CAD 3,000 - 3,500 |
| Books and Supplies | CAD 1,200 | CAD 1,200 |
| Total | CAD 9,900 - 19,700 | CAD 32,400 - 92,700 |
International Entrance Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships automatically considered upon admission for international undergraduate students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement.
- Value: Up to CAD 9,000 per year
- Eligibility: International students with exceptional academic records
- Application: Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships
The university provides funding packages for graduate students including teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and awards based on academic and research achievements.
- Type: Teaching/Research Assistantships, Fellowships, Awards
- Coverage: Tuition offset plus living stipend for many research-stream programs
- Application: Contact department or potential supervisor for details on available funding
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Alberta's five campuses encompass over 400 buildings and structures totalling nearly 1.7 million square metres. The main North Campus, covering approximately 50 city blocks along the North Saskatchewan River, is the heart of university life and is connected to Edmonton's LRT system.
The iconic central quad on North Campus, surrounded by historic and modern academic buildings along the river valley.
A state-of-the-art health research and clinical complex including the Kaye Edmonton Clinic and Kipnes Health Research Academy.
One of Canada's largest academic library systems, housing approximately 13 million titles across multiple locations.
Housing and Dining
Residence Options
First-year students who apply before the housing deadline are guaranteed on-campus accommodation. Multiple residence halls offer a range of room types from traditional to suite-style.
- Lister Centre (largest residence community)
- Schaffer Hall (single rooms with private washrooms)
- Graduate student and family housing available
Dining and Amenities
Campus dining includes multiple meal plan options, cafeterias, cafes, and food courts. Students also have access to recreation facilities, health services, and the U-Pass for city transit.
- Seven-day and five-day meal plan options
- Van Vliet Complex and fitness centres
- University Health Centre and Counselling Services
Student Life at the University of Alberta
Student Life at the University of Alberta
Student life at the U of A is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of clubs, organizations, events, and athletic programs. The Students' Union hosts events year-round, from live music and trivia nights to orientation activities, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Edmonton: A Dynamic City for Students
Edmonton: A Dynamic City for Students
Life in Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital of Alberta and one of Canada's most dynamic and affordable major cities. Known as Canada's Festival City, Edmonton offers a thriving arts scene, diverse culinary landscape, and extensive river valley park system. The city's proximity to the Rocky Mountains provides easy access to outdoor recreation year-round.
Affordable Cost of Living
Edmonton offers a lower cost of living compared to Toronto and Vancouver, with no provincial sales tax in Alberta, making it an attractive destination for students.
Festival City
Home to over 50 annual festivals including the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, Folk Music Festival, and Heritage Festival celebrating global cultures.
River Valley Parks
Edmonton's river valley is the largest stretch of connected urban parkland in North America, offering trails, parks, and outdoor activities minutes from campus.
Strong Job Market
Alberta's capital city is a hub for energy, technology, health, and government sectors, providing excellent co-op and career opportunities for students and graduates.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers of U of A Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The U of A provides dedicated support for international students including immigration advising, orientation programs, cultural adjustment resources, and ongoing academic support throughout your studies.
International students are enrolled in the University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan at approximately CAD 50 per month, providing comprehensive health coverage during the academic term.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks. The U of A also offers co-op programs combining studies with paid work experience.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Alberta: Worldwide Rankings
University of Alberta: Worldwide Rankings
The University of Alberta consistently ranks among the top universities in Canada and worldwide. Its strong performance reflects sustained excellence in research output, academic reputation, and international collaboration across multiple ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering | QS World Rankings | Top 10 Globally |
| Nursing | QS World Rankings | Top 50 Globally |
| Environmental Science | EduRank | #45 Globally |
| Artificial Intelligence | CSRankings / Multiple Sources | Top 5 in Canada |
Features
Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta is a major research center located in Edmonton. The institution currently serves approximately 44,000 students within a wide array of disciplines. Supported by 3,600 academic staff members, the university maintains a reputation for high-impact discovery and professional training. As a top-tier Canadian institution, it remains dedicated to academic rigor and the advancement of global knowledge through its multi-campus structure.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
October - March
4 week
January - September
4 week
Location
116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
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