Study in Alberta
The post-secondary education system in Alberta is recognized for its excellent range of universities, colleges, technical institutes, and research facilities.
With a high standard of living and post-graduation employment and immigration options, Alberta is one of the most desirable locations in the world for continuing higher education and building a career. Competitive tuition fees and an affordable cost of living make Alberta a wise choice for a post-secondary education.
Located in Western Canada and home to two of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta is the most populous of the country’s three ‘prairie provinces’. It is also renowned as one of the most beautiful parts of North America, with famous national parks such as Banff and Jasper.
Population
4.2 million
International Student Population
17,601 (2014 figures)
Main Study Destinations
Calgary, Edmonton
Studying in Alberta: The Advantages
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The Alberta Transfer Program
Established over 30 years ago, the Alberta Transfer Program allows students to undertake studies at one school and then transfer seamlessly to another. This means an easier 2nd or 3rd year admission to some of the most competitive universities in the country, and also allows for students to obtain multiple degrees.
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Subsidized Education for Minor Children
If you are studying in a longer-term academic program in an Alberta College or University, your children are eligible for public school subsidies. This can save each minor child and their parents over $10,000 in fees per year.
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Employment Options After Graduation
Alberta has a large and diverse economy, with a broad range of employment opportunities for graduates upon completion of their studies in the province.
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Young Population
At just 36 years, Alberta has the lowest median age of any Canadian province. Young people are particularly drawn to the cities of Calgary and Edmonton.
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The Rockies on Your Doorstep
Alberta's natural beauty, including vast forests and the iconic Rocky Mountains, contribute to a desirable living environment.
Immigrate After Studying in Alberta
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The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) Post-Graduate Worker Category
This AINP sub-category is open to students who have graduated from a study program of at least one year at an eligible Alberta institution and are working in the province with a post-graduation work permit.
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The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) International Graduate Category
This AINP sub-category was created for individuals who graduate from a post-secondary institution in Alberta and have received a full-time, permanent job offer from an Alberta employer.
- Express Entry Candidates for immigration to Canada through the federal Express Entry immigration selection system who have completed their education at a school in Alberta may be awarded a significant number of points on account of their high level of education. Moreover, international graduates of Canadian educational institutions may have obtained important Canadian work experience, another highly valued factor under the Express Entry system.
Destination Schools in Alberta
These institutions are featured due to their size, proximity to urban centers, and tradition for enrolling international students into their student bodies.
University of Calgary
Consistently landing on global ranking lists, the University of Calgary recently scored first in Canada and 13th in the world in the "Top 50 under 50", a system that evaluates universities less than 50 years old. (Established in 1966, the university is no longer on this list for 2017.)
Signature programs: Engineering, Business, Medicine
Location: Calgary
University of Alberta
Considered a top five University in Canada, and in the top 100 globally, the school combines excellent instruction, state-of-the-art facilities, well-funded programs, and world-renowned research.
Signature programs: Engineering, Law, Education, Pharmacy
Location: Edmonton
SAIT Polytechnic
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is an entrepreneurial institution offering more than 100 programs distributed between the main and three satellite campuses.
Signature programs: Avionics Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Energy Asset Management, Butchery and Charcuterie Management, Dental Assisting
Location: Calgary
The University of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge consistently ranks as one of the top undergraduate schools in Canada, so it's not surprising that international students from over 87 countries have chosen to study here.
Signature programs: Computer Science, Neuroscience, Public Health, Urban and Regional Studies
Location: Lethbridge
Other Select Schools in Alberta
Select Schools are those that Alpha Consultants has assessed for quality, value, and competency with international students. These schools are accredited by Colleges and Institutes Canada (formerly the Association of Community Colleges of Canada) or are chosen because of proven pathway programs and exemplary student services.
Alberta College of Art and Design
Bow Valley College
Grande Prairie Regional College
Keyano College
Lakeland College
Lethbridge College
Medicine Hat College
NorQuest College
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Northern Lakes College
Olds College
Portage College
Red Deer College
The King's University College