Study in Alberta 2024: Universities, Courses, Costs, Scholarships & Career Prospects
Updated on 25 April, 2024
Akansha Semwal
Study Abroad Expert
)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
- Has plenty of top-tier universities with thousands of domestic and international students.
- Alberta is one of the quick-growing economies in Canada with an increase of $16.6 billion in GDP from 2021 to 2022.
- Employment opportunities are growing well and employment in Alberta reached 2.5 million (by Feb 2024).
- Moderate cost of living for students with good living standards.
- International students can find many part-time work opportunities and work for about 60 hours during breaks.
- 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 |
|
$5,000 will be given to the students. |
| University of Alberta India Centenary Scholarship | University of Alberta |
|
$20,000 will be given to the students over 4 years. |
| Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship | Any university in Alberta |
|
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?
If you want to study in Alberta, follow the below steps to acquire a student visa:
- Apply for the university in Alberta and obtain the acceptance letter.
- You can apply offline in case of any disability. For online application, you need to go to the Government of Canada website.
- Prepare the required documents:
- A valid passport
- Acceptance letter (admission letter) from the university
- Attestation letter
- Proof of sufficient funds in your bank account
- Fill out the application with your mandatory details and upload the documents. Pay the application fees.
- The student visa application processing time is around 11 weeks.
Can I work and study in Alberta?
Yes. You can work while studying in Alberta. During summer and winter breaks, when the university is closed, students can work full-time. However, during the academic term, students can only work for about 20 hours per week.
Which course is best to study in Alberta?
Based on the subject ranking, some of the best courses to study in Alberta are Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Chemical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering which the University of Alberta offers.
What support services are available for international students in universities in Alberta?
The universities in Alberta offer different types of support services for international students. However, some of the common support services include — an orientation program for new students along with pre-arrival information and airport greetings. Some universities also conduct regular seminars, workshops, and social events, offer guidance on academic issues, and give professional advice related to finances. They also provide support to help international students adapt to campus life, local lifestyle, culture, etc.
What cultural experiences and attractions can I explore in Alberta outside of my studies?
Some of the best things to do and explore in Alberta are to see the spectacular Athabasca Falls, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise. You can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Alberta and attend the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Jasper Dark Sky Festival, and Calgary Stampede. Also, students can explore Chinatown and landmark museums.
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