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CANADA · EDMONTON

University of Alberta

public · Founded 1906 · Languages: en, fr

In short

The University of Alberta is a top Canadian research university founded in 1908, offering over 700 undergraduate and graduate programs across 17 faculties to more than 46,000 students from 159 countries. It is recognized for its research excellence and diverse academic offerings.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1906
Students: 46,201
International students: 8,547
Acceptance rate: 58%
Tuition (intl): €17–32k/yr
Languages: EN, FR
Location: Edmonton, Canada

The University of Alberta is one of Canada's top four research universities, founded in 1908 in Edmonton, Alberta. With 17 faculties, over 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs, and more than 46,000 students from 159 countries, it offers exceptional breadth in engineering, sciences, arts, business, law, and health sciences. U of A is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities and ranks among the global top 100, supported by a legacy including a Nobel laureate and 78 Rhodes Scholars.

Why study here

Access over 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs spanning virtually every academic discipline across 17 faculties.
Benefit from world-class research infrastructure — U of A is in the U15 elite group of Canadian research universities with $700M+ in annual research funding.
Study in Edmonton, a vibrant, affordable city offering easy access to Canada's Rocky Mountains, Banff, and Jasper National Parks.
Choose from five distinct campuses including Augustana for a residential liberal arts experience and Campus Saint-Jean for French-language education.
Join a globally connected community: 8,500+ international students from 159 countries, with strong alumni networks across government, industry, and academia.
Benefit from a strong commitment to Indigenous education, community engagement, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

Student life

The University of Alberta boasts a vibrant student life across its five campuses, serving over 46,000 students. Beyond academics, students can engage in a highly successful athletics program (Golden Bears and Pandas) with 103 national championship titles. The Students Union operates extensive services including a student food bank, legal clinic, and entertainment venues. The main North Campus sits on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River Valley, giving easy access to one of North America's largest urban park systems. The Digital Scholarship Centre offers workshops, virtual reality labs, and collaborative maker spaces.

Fees

InternationalApproximately EUR 17,000-32,000 per year for international students depending on program (professional programs such as medicine and law are higher).

HomeApproximately CAD 6,000-12,000 per year for Canadian domestic students.

LivingApproximately EUR 1,100-1,600 per month in Edmonton including rent, food, and transport — one of Canada's more affordable major cities.

Some courses, such as graduate-level Planning courses, are offered at an increased rate of fee assessment. Refer to the University Regulations section of the Calendar for detailed tuition and fees information. On-campus residence costs CAD 8,000-14,000 per academic year.

Admissions

Academic standingMinimum average of approximately 70-80% (varies by competitive program) in senior secondary or post-secondary courses relevant to the intended faculty.

PrerequisitesProgram-specific course prerequisites in sciences, mathematics, or languages depending on faculty; check the Faculty requirements page.

International transcriptsOfficial transcripts with certified translations where applicable; equivalency assessed by U of A Admissions.

References / personal statementRequired for select competitive and graduate programs; not universally required at undergraduate level.

IELTS Academic6.5 overall, no band below 6.0

TOEFL iBT90 overall

Duolingo English Test120

PTE Academic61

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2024110

Times Higher Education World Rankings 2024Top 150

Maclean's University Rankings 2024 – Medical-Doctoral4th in Canada

University scholarships

International Student ScholarshipCAD 9,000 (one-time, renewable based on GPA) for high-achieving entering international undergraduates

Provost Doctoral Entrance AwardCAD 5,000 for incoming doctoral students of distinction

CFA Program University Student ScholarshipOffsets CFA exam costs; available through the Alberta School of Business

Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES)CAD 11,000 for international graduate students nominated by department

Accreditation

The University of Alberta is a public university established by provincial statute (Post-Secondary Learning Act, Alberta) and is accredited through the Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC). Professional programs hold additional accreditations: engineering (Engineers Canada / CEAB), law (Federation of Law Societies of Canada), medicine (CACMS / LCME), business (AACSB), and pharmacy (CCAPP).

For international students

Canada

Student 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

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Alberta · Canada

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine)

The University of Alberta's Department of Medicine offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program focused on research in various areas of medicine. This doctoral program allows students to conduct research in basic sciences, epidemiology, public health sciences, or clinical sciences, pursuing either theoretical or applied projects. The program is thesis-based and designed for individuals who have completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or equivalent degree, or as part of specialized postgraduate training.

University of Alberta · Canada

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geophysics (Physics)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with a specialization in Geophysics (Physics) at the University of Alberta is a research-intensive doctoral program for graduates with strong backgrounds in physics, engineering physics, or geophysics. This thesis-based program allows students to delve deeply into specialized areas of geophysics, contributing to the forefront of scientific knowledge. The program is offered by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in conjunction with the Department of Physics, providing a rich interdisciplinary environment. Research within the geophysics specialization includes areas such as fluids in porous media, geodynamics, magneto-telluric methods, paleomagnetism, rock magnetism, rock physics, and seismology. Students will engage in experimental, observational, computational, and theoretical components of their research, guided by faculty members and their supervisory committee.

University of Alberta · Canada

Doctor of Philosophy (Physics)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics program is designed for graduates with a strong foundation in physics, engineering physics, or geophysics. This research-intensive program allows you to delve deep into specialized areas under the guidance of faculty experts. The program emphasizes theoretical, computational, and experimental components, preparing you for advanced research and academic careers. You will conduct original research, culminating in a thesis that contributes to the field of physics.

University of Alberta · Canada

Doctor of Philosophy in Law

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law is a three-year research-focused degree designed for aspiring legal academics who have already completed a postgraduate law degree. The program requires students to conduct original research, articulate their findings, and defend a thesis that meets the standards of reputable peer-reviewed publications. Graduates often pursue academic careers in law faculties worldwide, and some have become high-level judges or professors at the forefront of their fields. The program fosters intellectual curiosity and provides opportunities to delve deeply into pressing legal topics.

University of Alberta · Canada

Master of Laws (LLM)

The Master of Laws (LLM) is a one-year research-focused degree designed for law students, lawyers, and academics in related fields who wish to deepen their legal expertise and conduct advanced research. This program allows you to articulate and defend a thesis, demonstrating your proficiency in scholarly work and your ability to contribute original research to your chosen field. Graduates often pursue doctoral studies, academic teaching positions, or careers in private practice, government, or the non-profit sector. The Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta offers a robust curriculum, an innovative learning environment, and instruction from distinguished experts, supporting rigorous and impactful legal research.

University of Alberta · Canada

Master of Science (Medicine)

The Master of Science (MSc) in Medicine program at the University of Alberta offers students the opportunity to conduct research in various medical fields. Students can specialize in Translational Medicine or pursue a general program in Medicine. Research can be conducted in basic sciences, epidemiology, public health sciences, or clinical sciences, and can be either theoretical or applied. The program is thesis-based and requires completion of coursework and a defended thesis.

Scholarships

for Canada

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

University 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.

University 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.

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.

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.

Canadian 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.

CIHR / 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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at the University of Alberta?

International students can expect tuition fees to range from approximately EUR 17,000 to EUR 32,000 per year, with professional programs like medicine and law having higher costs. Some graduate courses may also be assessed at an increased rate.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?

Applicants typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 90. Other accepted tests include the Duolingo English Test (120) and PTE Academic (61).

What are the general academic requirements for admission?

A minimum average of approximately 70-80% in senior secondary or post-secondary courses relevant to the intended faculty is generally required. Program-specific prerequisites in subjects like sciences, mathematics, or languages may also apply.

What is the University of Alberta's international ranking?

The University of Alberta is ranked 110th in the QS World University Rankings for 2024 and is among the Top 150 in the Times Higher Education World Rankings for 2024.

What is the estimated cost of living for students in Edmonton?

Living costs in Edmonton, including rent, food, and transport, are estimated at EUR 1,100-1,600 per month, making it one of Canada's more affordable major cities.

Last updated 3 July 2026