ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY

Athabasca University is a public university specializing in online education. Therefore, not only are courses open to international students in Alberta, but students may also take courses at the university while still living abroad, or while living elsewhere in Canada. The fee structure is based on where a student is living, as well as the program duration. The pay-per-course model means students may take courses at their own pace, and there is no minimum grade requirement to enroll. Year-round admission and the flexibility of the timetable draw many students to Athabasca University for more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. Around half of the university’s students are aged between 25 and 44, and the majority continue to work while studying. However, prospective international students should bear in mind that their options for working in Canada after graduation may be limited if they obtain a degree, certificate, or diploma through online classes.

City: Athabasca

Undergraduate tuition fees:
$9,730 – $16,370

Graduate tuition fees:
$16,500

Signature programs: Governance, Law and Management, e-Commerce, Science (Architecture)

MacEwan University

MacEwan University is an undergraduate, teaching-focused institution. With four faculties, two schools, and almost 20,000 students, it is a major player in Alberta’s post-secondary education scene and many students come here from colleges to continue their studies. Its five faculties and schools offer nine baccalaureate degree programs, two applied degree programs and more than 40 diploma and certificate programs. The university is also known for its university preparation, English as a Second Language courses, and part-time non-credit personal and professional development courses. With three campuses in downtown Edmonton, MacEwan sets its students in the midst of the action.

City: Edmonton

Undergraduate tuition fees:
$18,090 – $24,120

Signature programs: Communication Studies, Psychiatric Nursing, Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music

Mount Royal University

Mount Royal University is a public university in Calgary, Alberta. Despite hosting more than 10,000 students, class sizes remain small with an average of 29 students per class. MRU appreciates that many students value career preparation during their studies, and a range of work placements and co-op placements are available to ensure students obtain relevant work experience while studying. This approach pays off — the university boasts a graduate employment rate of 91 percent. With 11 Bachelor degree options, 14 faculties and departments, and a prestigious music conservatory, there may be something for everyone here.

City: Calgary

Undergraduate tuition fees:
18,000$ – $21,000

Signature programs:
Education, Business Administration, Nursing, Child Studies, Music Performance

University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is one of the world’s top 100 – and one of Canada’s top five – research intensive universities, with a reputation for excellence in discovery and translational research, scholarship and creative activities across diverse areas. Home to more than 100 research centers and institutes, 500 graduate programs and 200 undergraduate programs, the university is also one of Canada’s three national artificial intelligence hubs. The university’s more than 40,000 students come from 156 different countries, while our graduates enjoy one of the highest employment rates in Canada and among the best in the world, according to QS Graduate Employability Rankings.

City: Edmonton

Undergraduate tuition fees:
$29,500

Graduate tuition fees:
$11,186

Signature programs: Engineering (in particular Chemical, Biochemical and Nano science), Nanotechnology, Law, Education, Pharmacy

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

The University of Calgary is located in Canada’s rapidly-booming energy capital. Not surprisingly, Engineering and energy-related disciplines and business programs prosper here, helped by significant private sector funding. It is also a center for political science and public policy. It has even launched two research satellites into space. At about 30,000 students, it’s a midsize school with big aspirations. For students who are interested in external opportunities, there are many perks to living in Calgary: not least of which are job opportunities and internships with local energy companies.

City: Calgary

Undergraduate tuition fees:
$20,172

Graduate tuition fees:
$8,081 – $17,849

Signature programs: Engineering, Business, Medicine, Veterinary Sciences and Development Studies

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

The University of Lethbridge consistently ranks as one of the top undergraduate schools in the country, so it’s not surprising that international students from more than 87 countries have chosen it as their study destination in Canada. Some of the university’s many institutes include the Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience and the Institute for Space Imaging Science. In certain of these niche areas Lethbridge has committed to funding top academics to work alongside its students. This kind of mentorship — paired with small class sizes — means students can contribute and share in the discoveries and breakthroughs of its professors and guest researchers. Though one of three research-intensive universities in the province, Lethbridge is not only a school for science students; it actually has its roots as a liberal arts university, and expects its students to take a selection of courses outside their main discipline.

City: Lethbridge

Undergraduate tuition fees:
$13,303 – $18,403

Graduate tuition fees:
$13,532

Signature programs: Computer Science, Neuroscience, Public Health, Urban and Regional Studies