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.
“As one of Canada’s and the world’s top universities, students find their purpose at the University of Alberta,” says president Bill Flanagan. “Students can immerse themselves in our vibrant, diverse community of changemakers and community builders, acquiring the skills and knowledge they will need to make a difference in the world.”
U of A welcomes three new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in 2024—world leaders in virology, diabetes research and meta-science, and averages more than $595 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.
Undergraduates receive a strong foundation from professors who have been awarded more 3M National Teaching Fellowships than any other Canadian university, and alumni have a 97 per cent employment rate. 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)
$8,029
Minimum Entering Grades
Arts: 70-87% | Science: 71-86% | Commerce: 73% | Engineering: 80%
Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 31,954 | Part-time: 2,722
Graduates: Full-time: 6,950 | Part-time: 1,458
Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 5,210 (2,610 reserved for first-year students)
Cost of single room: $7,032 to $10,031
Cost of double room with meals: $12,655 to $14,368
Cost of single room with meals: $12,649 to $20,831
Cost of apartment-style: $5,097 to $15,391
Standout programs
Nursing: In this honours program, students receive clinical training as well as the opportunity to conduct research and present it at conferences.
Aboriginal Teacher Education Program: Students learn how to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in the classroom and connect with community Elders. Remote learning options are available.
Engineering: After a foundational year, undergrads can choose from a wide range of subjects, including environmental, biomedical, mining and nanoengineering. Programs offer state-of-the-art labs, field experience and industry connections.
