CANADA · EDMONTON
Concordia University College of Alberta
public · Founded 1921 · Languages: English
In short
Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) is an independent, publicly funded university in Edmonton, Alberta, offering undergraduate and graduate programs. It is known for its small class sizes, personalized instruction, and supportive community, with accredited degrees and scholarship options.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1921
- Students
- 3,000
- International students
- 700
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Tuition (intl)
- €11–17k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Edmonton, Canada
Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE), formerly Concordia University College of Alberta, is an independent, publicly funded university in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Established in 1921, it is accredited under the Alberta Post-secondary Learning Act and is recognized for small class sizes, personalized instruction and a strong sense of community. CUE offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, science, management and education, serving a diverse and increasingly international student population.
Why study here
- Small class sizes and close faculty mentorship for a personalized learning experience.
- Recognized Canadian undergraduate and graduate degrees accredited under Alberta legislation.
- Affordable tuition relative to many larger Canadian universities, with scholarship options.
- Welcoming, diverse campus community with strong support for international students.
- Compact campus close to downtown Edmonton with access to internships and city life.
Student life
Student life at Concordia University of Edmonton is friendly and community-oriented, reflecting the institution's small size. Students take part in clubs, intramural and varsity Thunder athletics, leadership opportunities and cultural events throughout the year. On-campus residence, dining and dedicated international student services help newcomers settle in, while Edmonton's river valley, festivals and arts scene provide plenty to explore beyond the classroom.
Fees
InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition is approximately CAD 17,000-25,000 per year (around EUR 11,000-17,000) depending on program and credit load. Graduate program fees vary by program.
HomeDomestic (Canadian) tuition is significantly lower, typically around CAD 6,000-8,000 per year for undergraduate programs.
LivingLiving costs in Edmonton, including accommodation, food and transport, are estimated at roughly CAD 12,000-16,000 per year.
International students must also budget for mandatory health insurance and student fees. Tuition and fees are reviewed annually; confirm current rates with the university.
Admissions
Academic recordsCompleted secondary or post-secondary transcripts meeting program admission averages; specific course prerequisites for certain programs.
International credentialsDocuments demonstrating completion of studies equivalent to Alberta high school or a recognized undergraduate degree for graduate study.
Study permitInternational students require a valid Canadian study permit prior to enrolment.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 (program minimums may vary)
TOEFL iBTApproximately 86 overall, with minimum sub-scores set by program
Rankings
Institution typeSmall independent Canadian university; not ranked in major global university tables
University scholarships
International Student Entrance ScholarshipsAwarded to high-achieving incoming international students based on academic merit
Academic Achievement AwardsMerit-based awards for continuing students with strong academic standing
Accreditation
Concordia University of Edmonton is accredited under the Alberta Post-secondary Learning Act and its degrees are recognized across Canada. It is a member of Universities Canada.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Concordia University of Edmonton?
+
International undergraduate tuition at Concordia University of Edmonton is approximately CAD 17,000-25,000 per year, depending on the program and credit load. Graduate program fees vary by program. International students should also budget for health insurance and student fees.
What are the estimated living costs for international students in Edmonton?
+
Living costs in Edmonton, including accommodation, food, and transport, are estimated at roughly CAD 12,000-16,000 per year for students. These costs are in addition to tuition fees.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
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International applicants typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of approximately 86 overall with minimum sub-scores set by the program. Program-specific minimums may vary.
Does Concordia University of Edmonton offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, Concordia University of Edmonton offers scholarships for international students, including International Student Entrance Scholarships for high-achieving incoming students and Academic Achievement Awards for continuing students based on merit.
What makes Concordia University of Edmonton stand out for international students?
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The university is recognized for its small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a strong sense of community. It offers accredited Canadian degrees, affordable tuition relative to larger universities, and provides welcoming support services for international students.
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