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The University of Alberta is a public institution located in Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, Canada. The institution was founded in 1908 and offers 216 Undergraduate and 109 Postgraduate programs across the disciplines of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, Medicine & Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Health and others. The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in Canada and is recognized for its strong academic programs, research output, and faculty expertise. The University is ranked 111th in QS World University Rankings, 2024 and 118th in THE Rankings, 2023 and accredited by AACSB.
The University of Alberta is made up of five campuses, four of which are in the city of Edmonton, including the main North Campus. The language of instruction is English with the exception of the university’s Campus Saint-Jean, where French is the primary language. More than 20% of the University of Alberta student body is international and University housing is available for undergraduate and graduate students in Edmonton and Augustana campuses. The University accepts English Proficiency Tests such as TOEFL, DET, PTE, CAEL, and others as evidence of English proficiency of students who wish to study in Canada.
The University of Alberta is affiliated with major research institutions and has more than 400 research, teaching, and exchange agreements with schools and other organisations around the world. The University is known for its research excellence and is recognized as one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities. The institution has more than 700 international agreements in over 80 countries and welcomes more than 200 exchange students from around the world each year. Some of the notable partner universities of the University of Alberta include the University of Sydney, Tsinghua University, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, the University of Michigan, the University of Pennsylvania and others.
The University of Alberta offers numerous facilities for the development of its students and other benefits of studying in Canada. It comprises several clubs, student organisations, athletics programmes, and extracurricular activities along with strong academic programs. The University of Alberta has notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including science, politics, business, arts, and more.
The University of Alberta offers 216 Undergraduate and 109 Postgraduate programs across the disciplines of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, Medicine & Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Health, Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Science, Arts, Business, Education and Law. Some of the courses offered at Alberta University are Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Arts, and others.
The University of Alberta's cost of living is quite expensive. The estimated living expenses are approximately $22,000-$30,000 CAD. International students should plan their finances accordingly to manage their cost of living in Canada. The housing costs may vary depending on the type of accommodation. The total living costs for one academic year excluding the tuition fee are given in the table below.
University of Alberta cost of living for international students
Cost item | Annual Expenses |
Housing | $10,800 - $14,400 |
Utilities | $2,880 - $5,400 |
Internet & mobile phone | $2,040 |
Food | $2,400 - $3,600 |
Clothing | $500 - $700 |
Transportation (Bus) | Included in student fees (U-Pass program) |
Educational Supplies | $1,600 |
Recreation | $900 |
Total cost (excluding tuition) | $21,320 - $28,640 (approx.) |
The University of Alberta's admission process requires students to fulfil the academic and English proficiency requirements. Students applying for admission from high school must show that they have successfully completed the five academic subjects. The subjects will vary according to the program and Faculty. Hence, applicants must check the academic requirements of the program they wish to pursue before applying for admission. Applicants can also apply at the University before receiving their class 12th final results under the Early Admission Program and will be evaluated on the basis of the following: Class X board results and Predicted Class XII grades.
University of Alberta: How to Apply?
The applicants must follow the given steps in order to apply for admission at the University of Alberta.
Visit the official website of the University at ualberta.ca.
Go to the Admissions + Programs tab on the University Homepage.
Click on ‘Apply Now’ under the selected degree program.
A new page will open.
Click on view info for international students.
Click on the ‘Apply Now’ link given under step 3 of the admission process.
The applicants can create a Launchpad account after answering a few admission-related questions.
The applicants can register at the Register Account.
Login credentials will be sent via a registered email address.
Use the credentials to log in to the Launchpad portal and fill out the online application.
Upload the documents in the PDF format in the supporting documents section of the application.
Pay the application fee and submit the application.
Documents Required for Undergraduate Program
All the documents must be translated into English if they are available in any other language.
Higher Secondary School (class 12th) Certificate.
Academic Transcripts, sent directly from the issuing institution to the University Office via email at transcripts@ualberta.ca. or in a sealed envelope at the address given below.
Copy of Passport document.
Certificate of English Language Proficiency Test scores*.
Certified document/s of any additional education acquired post-secondary (after class 12th).
* Only official IELTS and TOEFL scores can be uploaded through the Launchpad portal. For all other language tests, the results need to be sent to the University of Alberta.
Address: University of Alberta, Office of the Registrar, Administration Building, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2M7.
Application Fee
The application fee for new students applying at the University is $125. It is a non-refundable payment and must be paid at the time of application. Accepted payment methods are MasterCard, Visa, Visa Debit, AmEx, and Discover.
Documents Required for Graduate Program
A four-year Baccalaureate Degree/Bachelor's Degree, or its academic equivalent, from an institution recognized by the University of Alberta (for PG Program).
Master's Degree, or its academic equivalent, from an institution recognized by the University of Alberta (for Doctoral Program).
Statement of research interests.
Previous work experience.
Educational tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or Miller Analogies Test.
**The last three documentation requirements are determined by the selected course of study.
The University of Alberta offers over $28 million in scholarships and financial support to undergraduate students each year. The scholarships are divided into two categories: Admission-based scholarships and Application-based scholarships. Scholarships in Canada are offered to attract students with strong academic backgrounds from around the world to study in Canadian universities. Some of the prominent scholarships offered by the University of Alberta are as follows:
International Admission Scholarship
Regional Excellence Scholarship
Gold Standard Scholarship
President's International Distinction Scholarship
International Leader Scholarship
May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship
University of Alberta Global Citizen Scholarship for IB Diploma International Students
The academic requirements of the University of Alberta vary according to the courses. Applicants can check their eligibility under the selected course of study. The basic minimum eligibility required for admission is as follows.
The minimum age of the applicant must be 18 years.
A minimum of 60% or grade B in Bachelors is required for PG admission.
A minimum score of 3 on most 4-point scale or grade B is required for Doctoral Degree admission.
English language proficiency as per the University requirements.
Any additional requirements of the selected course of study.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their native language are required to prove their English language proficiency to meet the admission requirements of the University of Alberta. Students from CBSE or ICSE boards with 75%+ in their class 12th final exams, meet the Alberta English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement. Following English Proficiency Tests are accepted at the University.
University of Alberta English Proficiency Test Scores
English Proficiency Tests | Minimum Required Scores |
TOEFL | 90 |
IELTS Academic | 6.5 |
Duolingo English Test | 120 |
CAEL | 70 |
Cambridge English Scale (CAE/CPE) | At least 180 on the C1 Advanced At least 180 on the C2 Proficiency |
PTE Academic | 61 |
University of Alberta campus life is full of opportunities for students to learn and grow. There are various facilities and amenities offered to the students living on campus. The benefits of living on campus include proximity to academic buildings and resources, amazing residences, meal plans, a peer tutor program, higher GPA, lifelong connections, campus events, work opportunities, campus security services etc.
The campus library offers a number of services such as interlibrary Loans, 3D printing, accessing Library online resources, book study space, and others. There are 30 registered museum collections distributed throughout campus. The recreation centre offers facilities and amenities for students and staff, including Club Sports Programs, Intramural Sports Programs, Leisure and Crafts, Martial Arts, Sports Skills, Wellness Programs, Aquatics, Dance, Fitness, and several others. With over 450 student groups, incoming students have the opportunity to join any of these that suits their interests and passions.
The University of Alberta has ranked number one for graduate employment in Canada and also provides students with the opportunity to work while studying in Canada. The Student Service Centre at the University is readily available to help students with their academic and personal issues and needs. Parking and transportation-related services are available on all the campuses. The students can also avail of U-Pass to facilitate their travel across and around the campus. University of Alberta Career Centre is responsible for providing career and employment information and expertise to the students to develop the skills, knowledge, experiences, and connections they need to build their careers.
International students can contact the University of Alberta on the following details.
Gaurav Chhabra, In-Country Representative (India)
University of Alberta India Office
Address: New Delhi, India
Email: india@ualberta.ca
Phone Number: +91 9319117776
Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi
International students studying outside of Canada:
Administration Building
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2M7
Email: welcome@ualberta.ca
The University of Alberta accommodations are available as both on-campus and off-campus residences. Some of the on-campus residences also have meal plans included in their total cost. The on-campus accommodations are well-equipped with the following facilities and amenities: Study libraries, Communal kitchens, Laundry facilities, Exercise facilities, a Music room, Outdoor gathering spaces, Gymnasium, TV lounges, 24-hour Wi-Fi connectivity, Security services, and others. The University of Alberta's on-campus accommodations along with their room type and rents are mentioned in the table below.
University of Alberta on-campus accommodations
Residences | Room Type | Total Cost/ 8 months |
Lister Residence (included Meal Plan) |
| $16,181 $13,665 $12,649 |
Peter Lougheed Hall (included Meal Plan) |
| $19,530 $20,831 |
Alder House and Linden House | Single | $10,031 |
Nîpisîy House | 4 bedroom 6 bedroom | $10,348 $9,259 |
Pinecrest and Tamarack House | 2 bedroom 4 bedroom | $10,324 $9,226 |
Aspen and Maple House | 1 bedroom 2 bedroom | $1,690 $9,243 |
International House | Single | $8,040 |
Graduate Residence (11 months) | Studio 2 bedroom | $15,391 $12,609 |
University of Alberta off-campus accommodations
The University students who do not wish to live on campus can go for off-campus accommodations. The information on off-campus accommodations and price ranges in Edmonton is offered on a site named Elev. International students can get a variety of accommodations in Canada. Prices for off-campus accommodations vary depending on size, location, etc., and may include the cost of utilities (electricity, heat, water, etc.) in the rent. Sharing apartments can be less expensive for students than renting an apartment alone. Some of the Edmonton accommodations are mentioned below.
High Rise Apartments
Walk-up Apartments
Suites (in a house)
Bachelor Apartment
Shared Accommodation (house, apartment, or suite)
Room and Board (Apartment or house)
Homestays
Homestays in Edmonton can be availed at the University of Alberta English Language School Homestay and Canada Homestay International.
The tuition fee for the University of Alberta is estimated at $10,000 for one academic year.
The application fee for new students applying at the University is $125. It is a non-refundable payment and must be paid at the time of application. Accepted payment methods are MasterCard, Visa, Visa Debit, AmEx, and Discover.
The University of Alberta is located at 116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
The University of Alberta is ranked 111th in QS World University Rankings, 2024.