University of Alberta

The research-intensive University of Alberta offers more than 200 undergraduate programs and over 500 graduate programs. Located on the edge of the North Saskatchewan River, the main campus is a serene, green space surrounded by newer steel-and-glass buildings devoted to engineering, science and medicine. U of A has three more campuses in Edmonton, including the francophone Campus Saint-Jean. The close-knit Augustana campus is in nearby Camrose. “Recognized internationally as a leader in education and research, the University of Alberta is dedicated to providing students with an exceptional experience that challenges them, provides them with opportunities for exploration and connection, and prepares them to become global innovators who lead with purpose,” says president and vice-chancellor Bill Flanagan. “Students learn from experts in their fields and thrive in a welcoming, supportive and vibrant community.” U of A welcomed three new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in 2024—world leaders in virology, diabetes research and meta-science, and receives approximately $600 million in research funding annually. Alumni have a 97 per cent employment rate, and alumni-founded companies earn $250 billion in annual revenue. Drawing on U of A programming, the Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization initiative helps communities create a future where Indigenous languages are spoken in all aspects of life.

Campus buzz: The school’s new University Commons has several rooms designed by students, including a quiet study room and a calm room with puzzles, yoga mats and fidget toys. 

Quick facts

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
 $9,184

Median Entering Grades
Arts: 82% | Science: 89% | Commerce: 85% | Engineering: 88.5%

Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 35,290 | Part-time: 2,451
Graduates: Full-time: 6,865 | Part-time: 1,592
 International Students: First-year: 11.5% | Graduate: 47.9%

Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 5,223 (guaranteed for first-years)
Cost of single room: $10,562 to $11,936
Cost of double room: $8,168
Cost of double room with meals: $10,276 to $14,199
Cost of single room with meals: $12,017 to $17,967
Cost of apartment-style: $5,776 to $15,352

Standout programs

Fashion Business Management: This joint initiative between the faculty of agriculture, life and environmental sciences and the Alberta School of Business prepares students for a career in the fashion industry through a combination of theoretical and practical studies in textiles, clothing design, production, distribution and consumption. 

Impact Series: In this four-year program, commerce students build their business skills through experiential learning and explore first-hand the value of community engagement. 

Agriculture: Students have access to one of the most extensive networks of plant and animal research facilities in the country in this four-year bachelor of science. 

Reputation

Ranked #4 (Medical Doctoral) among faculty members and hiring managers in the 2025 reputation survey, powered by Angus Reid Group.