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Study in Alberta 2024: Universities, Courses, Costs, Scholarships & Career Prospects

By Akansha Semwal

Updated on Apr 25, 2024 | 383 views

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This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of studying in Alberta, including the best universities, top courses, available scholarships, student life, and many more.

Overview of Education System in Alberta 

Alberta Kindergarten to Grade 12 school system is divided into Early Childhood, Elementary, Junior High, and Senior High School. Post that, students can enroll in universities/colleges. In Alberta, there are many Comprehensive Academic and Research Universities, Independent Academic Institutions, Comprehensive Community Colleges, and Polytechnic Institutions.

Want to study abroad in Alberta? Let’s explore the top universities, scholarships, and more.

Why Study in Alberta - 6 Top Reasons  

  1. Has plenty of top-tier universities with thousands of domestic and international students.
  2. Alberta is one of the quick-growing economies in Canada with an increase of $16.6 billion in GDP from 2021 to 2022.
  3. Employment opportunities are growing well and employment in Alberta reached 2.5 million (by Feb 2024).
  4. Moderate cost of living for students with good living standards.
  5. International students can find many part-time work opportunities and work for about 60 hours during breaks.
  6. Alberta has numerous World Heritage Sites and beautiful places, so students can explore.

Best Universities to Study in Alberta 

To assist students who want to study in Alberta, this table highlights the top 5 well-known universities in Alberta.

Name of the University  THE World University Rank 2024
University of Alberta 109
University of Calgary 201-250
University of Lethbridge 1201-1500
Mount Royal University N/A
MacEwan University N/A

Best Courses to Study in Alberta 

If you want to study in Alberta, here is the list of the top courses offered by different universities:

Course Name University Name Average Annual Fees
Bachelor of Science in Nursing University of Alberta C$124,358
Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering University of Alberta C$181,929
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering  University of Alberta C$181,929

Cost of Living in Alberta 

The cost of living in Alberta is moderate for international students. Here is a brief overview of the living costs in Alberta: 

Parameter  Monthly Average Cost (CAD)
Accommodation  C$900 to C$1,200
Groceries & Food C$200 to C$300
Internet & Phone Bill  C$170
Recreation Activities  C$75
Utilities (electricity, gas, etc) C$240 to C$450

Cost of Studying in Alberta 

As for the cost of studying in Alberta, it varies greatly based on the university, the course you are enrolled in, and other factors. However, you need to pay between $9,750 and $26,560 for two semesters in Alberta colleges. For universities in Alberta, the cost of two semesters for international students ranges from $11,780 to $45,208. The cost to study in technical institutes in Alberta varies from $11,100 to $18,750.

Top Scholarships for Students to Study in Alberta 

Scholarship Name University Name Eligibility Criteria  Benefits 
University of Alberta - India First Year Excellence Scholarship University of Alberta
  • Applicable to students who are enrolled in any undergraduate programs at the University of Alberta.
  • Students are chosen based on their high school academic merit 
  • Transfer students are not qualified 
  • Students should have a high school certificate and obtain A-level, AP, or less than 24 IB credits 
$5,000 will be given to the students.
University of Alberta India Centenary Scholarship University of Alberta
  • Applicable to students who are enrolled in any undergraduate programs at the University of Alberta.
  • Students are chosen based on their high school academic merit 
  • Transfer students are not qualified 
  • Students should have a high school certificate and obtain A-level, AP, or less than 24 IB credits 
$20,000 will be given to the students over 4 years.
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship Any university in Alberta 
  • Students must have admission to any graduate program.
  • Students must obtain a minimum of 60% of a full course load in any term 
Students will be given between $11,000 and 15,000 

Student Life in Alberta 

The cost of living in Alberta is not high, so students can live and study well without worrying about high living expenses. Also, there is no provincial sales tax in Alberta. The majority of the cities in Alberta, such as Edmonton and Calgary, have good transportation systems like trains, public buses, etc. 

Icefields Parkway, Banff Avenue, Heritage Park Historical Village, Moraine Lake, and Maligne Canyon are the must-visit attractions in Alberta. In Alberta, thousands of students are from different countries, which allows them to learn about each other’s cultures. Students can try numerous adventure activities during their free time, like hiking, snowboarding, etc.  The Winter Festival of Speed, the Calgary Stampede, and Big Valley Jamboree are some of the top annual events that students can attend in Alberta. 

Career Prospects for Students in Alberta 

Let’s explore some of the on-demand employment opportunities in Alberta, along with their average annual salaries: 

Occupation 

Average Annual Salary in Alberta 

Nurse Practitioner 

C$97,308 

Retail Manager 

C$46,278

Industrial Engineer 

C$69,223 

Senior Accountant 

C$68,841 

Sales Coordinator 

C$48,410

Source: PayScale

Disclaimer: All course fees and salaries are approximate and subject to change depending on various conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a student visa to study in Alberta?

Can I work and study in Alberta?

Which course is best to study in Alberta?

What support services are available for international students in universities in Alberta?

What cultural experiences and attractions can I explore in Alberta outside of my studies?

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert |234 articles published

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to c...

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