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Studying in Alberta, Canada

Edward

Edward
Published 8 April 2025Updated 5 November 202520 min read
Studying in Alberta, Canada

Studying in Alberta is one of the leading choices for international students setting out to study in Canada.

Alberta’s post-secondary education system is recognised for the excellent range of its universities, colleges, technical institutes and research facilities. With a high standard of living and options for employment and immigration after graduating, Alberta is one of the most attractive places in the world to continue higher education and build a career. Competitive tuition fees and an affordable cost of living make Alberta a sound choice for post-secondary education.

Situated in western Canada and home to Canada’s two fastest-growing cities, Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta is the most populous of the country’s three prairie provinces. The province is also known as one of the most beautiful regions in North America, with renowned national parks such as Banff and Jasper.

Overview

  • Population: 5,007,302 (updated 2 June 2025)
  • International students: 63,425 (2023 data from ICEF Monitor)
  • Main places of study: Edmonton, Calgary

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The advantages of studying in Alberta

  • The Alberta Transfer ProgrammeEstablished more than 30 years ago, the Alberta Transfer Programme allows students to study at one institution and then transfer seamlessly to another. This makes entry into the 2nd or 3rd year at some of the country’s most competitive universities easier, and also allows students to obtain several qualifications.
  • Subsidised education for minorsWhere you are studying on a long-term academic programme at a college or university in Alberta, your children are eligible for public school tuition subsidies. This can save each minor and parent more than US$10,000 in tuition fees a year.
  • Employment opportunities after graduatingAlberta has a large and diverse economy, with many employment opportunities for graduates after completing a programme in the province.
  • A young populationWith a median age of just 36, Alberta has the lowest median age of any Canadian province. Young people are particularly drawn to the cities of Calgary and Edmonton.
  • The Rocky Mountains on your doorstepAlberta’s natural beauty, including its vast forests and the iconic Rocky Mountains, contributes to an appealing living environment.

Immigration after studying in Alberta

  • The Post-Graduation Worker Stream of theAlberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP): this AINP sub-stream is for graduates of a programme of at least 1 year at an eligible institution in Alberta who are working in the province on aThe post-graduation work permit.
  • The International Graduate Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP): this AINP sub-stream was created for individuals who have graduated from a post-secondary institution in Alberta and have received a full-time, permanent job offer from an Alberta employer.
  • Express Entry: candidates immigrating to Canada through the federalComprehensive Ranking System (CRS)who have completed their studies at an institution in Alberta may be awarded a significant number of additional points for their higher level of education. International students graduating from Canadian institutions may also already have Canadian work experience, a factor highly valued in the Express Entry System.

Institutions in Alberta

These institutions are featured because of their size, their proximity to urban centres, and their tradition of including international students in their student body.

University of Alberta

  • Website: https://www.ualberta.ca/
  • Regarded as one of the top five universities in Canada and in the global top 100, it combines excellent teaching, modern facilities, well-funded programmes and world-renowned research.
  • Notable programmes: engineering, law, education, pharmacy
  • Location: Edmonton
The University of Alberta is regarded as one of the top five universities in Canada and in the global top 100, combining excellent teaching, modern facilities, well-funded programmes and world-renowned research.
The University of Alberta is regarded as one of the top five universities in Canada and in the global top 100, combining excellent teaching, modern facilities, well-funded programmes and world-renowned research.

University of Calgary

  • Website: https://ucalgary.ca/
  • Consistently featured in global rankings, the University of Calgary recently ranked first in Canada and 13th in the world in the “Top 50 Under 50”, a ranking of universities less than 50 years old. (Founded in 1966, the university was no longer on this list in 2017.)
  • Notable programmes: engineering, business, medicine
  • Location: Calgary
The University of Calgary is consistently featured in global rankings, and recently ranked first in Canada and 13th in the world in the "Top 50 Under 50", a ranking of universities less than 50 years old. (Founded in 1966, the university was no longer on this list in 2017.)
The University of Calgary is consistently featured in global rankings, and recently ranked first in Canada and 13th in the world in the “Top 50 Under 50”, a ranking of universities less than 50 years old. (Founded in 1966, the university was no longer on this list in 2017.)

SAIT Polytechnic

  • Website: https://www.sait.ca/
  • The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is an enterprising institution offering more than 100 programmes across its main campus and three satellite campuses.
  • Notable programmes: aviation technology, diagnostic medical sonography, energy asset management, meat and food processing management, dental assisting
  • Location: Calgary
SAIT Polytechnic is an enterprising institution offering more than 100 programmes across its main campus and three satellite campuses.
SAIT Polytechnic is an enterprising institution offering more than 100 programmes across its main campus and three satellite campuses.

The University of Lethbridge

  • Website: https://www.ulethbridge.ca/
  • The University of Lethbridge is consistently ranked among the leading undergraduate universities in Canada, so it is no surprise that international students from more than 87 countries have chosen to study there.
  • Notable programmes: computer science, neuroscience, public health, urban and regional studies
  • Location: Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge is consistently ranked among the leading undergraduate universities in Canada, so it is no surprise that international students from more than 87 countries have chosen to study there.
The University of Lethbridge is consistently ranked among the leading undergraduate universities in Canada, so it is no surprise that international students from more than 87 countries have chosen to study there.

Other institutions in Alberta

The selected institutions are those Prosperous Living Investment has assessed for quality, value and capability with international students studying in Alberta. These institutions are accredited by Colleges and Institutes Canada (formerly the Association of Canadian Community Colleges) or have been selected for their proven pathway programmes and excellent student services.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about studying in Alberta

To apply for a Canadianstudy permit, a prospective international student must first receive aLetter of Acceptance (LOA)from aDesignated Learning Institution in Canada (DLI). As each institution may have different admission requirements and application processes, interested applicants may contact their chosen institution directly.

  • The University of Alberta:Regarded as one of the top five universities in Canada and in the global top 100, the University of Alberta combines excellent teaching, modern facilities, well-funded programmes and world-renowned research. It is based in Edmonton, with a campus in Camrose. Notable programmes: engineering (particularly chemical, biochemical and nanoscience), nanotechnology, law, education, pharmacy.
  • The University of Calgary:Consistently appearing in global rankings, the University of Calgary recently ranked first in Canada and 13th in the world in the “Top 50 Under 50”, a ranking of universities founded less than 50 years ago. Notable programmes: engineering, business, medicine, veterinary science, development studies.
  • The University of Lethbridge:Consistently ranked among the leading undergraduate universities in Canada, the University of Lethbridge is known for its research reputation and dedicated guidance. Its small size allows for intimate classes and a low staff-to-student ratio. Notable programmes: computer science, neuroscience, public health, Indigenous health, urban and regional studies.
  • NorQuest Collegehas a strong industry reputation for its healthcare programmes. With its main focus on preparatory and career-oriented courses, the college is popular with mature students — more than 60% of its students are over 25, with a median age of 31. It has four campuses, two in Edmonton, one in Stony Plain and one in Wetaskiwin. Of interest to prospective international students, more than half of NorQuest’s students were born outside Canada. Notable programmes: healthcare (particularly nursing and health care aide), academic upgrading, business, hospitality and service industry training
  • The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)offers more than 100 programmes to thousands of students. NAIT can confer bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates and diplomas. It is also the largest apprenticeship institute in Canada, training more than 15,000 apprentices a year.
    Notable programmes: Bachelor of Business Administration, Biomedical Engineering Technology Diploma, Hospitality Management Diploma
  • The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), although a separate institution from NAIT, has a similar number of students and also offers more than 100 vocational programmes leading to a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, certificate or diploma. SAIT trains students with career goals in mind, and its graduates have a 95% employment rate.
    Notable programmes: aviation technology, diagnostic medical sonography, energy asset management, meat and food processing management, dental assisting
  • Institutions in Alberta offer many specialist engineering programmes, a number of them relating to the oil and natural resources industries.
  • Healthcare is a major field of employment in Alberta, which is reflected in the high quality of many of its healthcare programmes.
  • Beyond the programmes above, institutions across Alberta offer a wide range of programmes.

Tuition fees for international students vary considerably, depending on the institution and the programme. An undergraduate international student in Alberta may pay between US$18,000 and US$50,000 a year at a university.

International students at colleges or technical institutes may pay between US$10,000 and US$26,000 a year. Language school and postgraduate fees may differ considerably.

International students studying in Canada are required to purchase health insurance before arriving in Canada. This is usually arranged through the post-secondary institution.

The provincial Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) may be provided free of charge to international students holding a Canadian study permit, where they are on a programme of study of one year or more. The AHCIP covers basic medical costs.

Students not eligible for the AHCIP may have to buy private health insurance. Individual institutions may also offer health insurance plans.

To apply for a study permit, a prospective international student must demonstrate that they have US$10,000 in addition to tuition fees to cover living costs in Alberta, equivalent to US$833 a month. Actual figures may differ between urban and rural areas.

Item Per month Per year
Accommodation (shared, off campus) $550 $6,600
Food $250 $3,000
Clothing and other costs $150 $1,800
Leisure and activities $150 $1,800
Transport (post-secondary student fare in Edmonton) $89.50 $1,074
Phone bill $60 $720
Internet $50 $600
Utilities $120 $1,440
Total living costs $1,419.50 $17,034

International students in Alberta may access private loans on similar terms to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Loans may be offered by banks, student organisations or other groups. It is important to research the loan options carefully, and to understand the interest rates and repayment plans, before committing to any agreement. Many organisations and institutions may offer scholarships or grants to international students studying in Alberta.

For further information, students are encouraged to contact their institution’s international student services office. Postgraduate programmes in particular often have funding options for students pursuing a master’s or doctoral programme. It is important to contact the institution directly for further information.

  • As one of the leading fields of study in Alberta, most institutions offer a range of engineering programmes. These are often highly specialised in fields such as petroleum engineering and environmental engineering. The University of Calgary and the University of Alberta are both ranked by Maclean’s among the top 10 Canadian universities for engineering.
  • The University of Alberta offers 21 areas of specialisation within its engineering programme.
  • NAIT offers 26 engineering technology programmes at certificate and diploma level; SAIT offers 12.
  • As a popular field of study across Canada, many computing technology programmes are available at universities and colleges in Alberta.
  • The University of Calgary and the University of Alberta are both ranked by Maclean’s among the top 10 Canadian universities for computer science.
  • Several colleges in Alberta are also highly regarded for their technology programmes. NAIT and SAIT in particular are institutes specialising in applied science and technology.
  • As a popular programme across Canada, nursing and related health programmes can be studied at many universities and colleges in Alberta.
  • The University of Calgary and the University of Alberta are both ranked by Maclean’s among the top 10 Canadian universities for nursing, with the University of Alberta third.
  • Several colleges offer a Bachelor of Nursing in partnership with universities — Lethbridge College with the University of Lethbridge, for example, and Medicine Hat College with the University of Calgary.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Although careers in STEM fields are very popular, there is no specific programme called “STEM” at a college or university in Alberta. Prospective students are encouraged to research programmes in their particular field of interest.

The high-technology sector is currently booming in Alberta, with significant growth in the professional, scientific and technical fields between June 2015 and September 2016. Employment in finance, insurance, real estate, and information, culture and recreation also grew significantly over the same period. Alberta’s leading industries by employment, as at September 2016, were:

  • Wholesale and retail trade
  • Construction
  • Health care and social assistance

Graduates of a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Alberta may apply for aPost-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)after graduating from an eligible programme of study.

The Post-Graduation Worker Stream of the Strategic Recruitment Stream of theAlberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)is for graduates of a programme of at least one year at an eligible institution in Alberta who are working in the province on a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

The International Graduate Stream of the Alberta Employer Stream targets individuals who have graduated from a post-secondary institution in Alberta and received a full-time, permanent job offer from an Alberta employer.

International students graduating from an institution in Alberta may be eligible to immigrate through the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Graduates may be awarded a significant number of additional points for their higher level of education. International students graduating from Canadian institutions may also already have Canadian work experience, a factor highly valued in the Express Entry System.

Like most of Canada, Alberta is warm and dry in summer, and cold and snowy in winter. Because the province stretches more than 1,200 kilometres from its northernmost point to its southern border with the United States, the climate varies considerably across it. Although winters can be cold with heavy snowfall, Alberta is known as Canada’s sunniest province, with the highest proportion of bright sunshine hours year round.

  • Students in Alberta can benefit from a low cost of living — there is no provincial sales tax on goods and services — as well as a magnificent natural environment of mountains, lakes and prairies.
  • Students beginning their studies in Alberta can also look further afield to other institutions through the Alberta Transfer Programme. This programme allows students to study at one institution and then transfer seamlessly to another. This means students can gain entry to some of the country’s most competitive universities for the second or third year of their programme, and can also obtain several qualifications.
  • Calgary and Edmonton are the largest cities in Alberta. Calgary is home to many major corporate head offices, and its prominent industries include energy, financial services, film and television, transport and logistics, technology, manufacturing and aerospace. Edmonton is known as the “Gateway to the North”, as it is the staging point for the large-scale oil sands projects in northern Alberta and the large-scale diamond mining operations in the Northwest Territories.
  • Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Grande Prairie are the next largest towns.

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