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 averages approximately $600 million in annual research funding. In 2020, U of A virologist Michael Houghton won a Nobel Prize for his work in the discovery of the hepatitis C virus. 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 recently established Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization initiative will help communities create a future where Indigenous languages are spoken in all aspects of life.
Campus buzz: A new campus hub, University Commons, is slated to open in 2024. The space modernizes the century-old Dentistry/Pharmacy Centre and is a multi-functional building that will support student services, academics, administration and community.
Quick facts
Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$8,188
Minimum Entering Grades
Arts: 70-84% | Science: 70-85% | Commerce: 71% | Engineering: 77%
Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 32,878 | Part-time: 2,572
Graduates: Full-time: 6,872 | Part-time: 1,491
International Students: First-year: 13.62% | Graduate: 49.84%
Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 5,216 (2,616 reserved for first-year students)
Cost of single room: $10,120 to $11,430
Cost of double room: $7,826
Cost of double room with meals: $12,936 to $13,681
Cost of single room with meals: $15,230 to $17,285
Cost of apartment-style: $10,040 to $14,760
Standout programs
Nursing: In this honours program, in addition to clinical training, students conduct research with a faculty supervisor and have the opportunity to present it at conferences.
Impact Series: In this four-year program for B.Com. majors, students build their business skills through experiential learning and explore first-hand the value of community engagement.
Environmental and Conservation Sciences: Students develop real-world solutions to environmental issues like land and water conservation and adapting to climate change.
