University of Alberta: Strengths, Costs and Scholarships

Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta is one of the leading public research universities in Canada. The university was built with a mission to create knowledge, foster innovation, and make a positive contribution to communities in the province of Alberta and around the world. U of A offers hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate programs spanning a wide range of fields: Engineering, Health Sciences, Business to Creative Arts.

The university is also home to a large community of international students from more than 150 countries, creating a multicultural, dynamic and open learning environment. With a strong research background, experienced faculty and many opportunities for practical experience, the University of Alberta is the right destination for those who want to develop academically and build a sustainable career path in Canada.

2.1. North Campus

The University of Alberta's North Campus is located on Treaty No. 6 land, stretching from Route 116 to Route 110, embracing the Northern Saskatchewan River, and connecting to University Avenue. The campus is surrounded by peaceful neighborhoods such as Windsor Park, Belgravia, McKernan, and Garneau, creating an environment that is both academic and close to the community.

• The campus offers a harmonious mix of historic buildings dating back to 1911 and a system of modern classrooms, labs, and research centers.

• The North Campus currently has more than 35,000 students and 7,500 faculty members studying and working, and is the main hub for much of the university's learning and research.

• The university has a strong network of partnerships with major businesses and hospitals in the city, providing students with a wide range of opportunities for internships, part-time work, and practical experience.

2.2. Saint-Jean Campus

Campus Saint-Jean was established in 1908 and officially became part of the University of Alberta in 1963. Located in the peaceful Bonnie Doon neighborhood, it is an important training and research hub in the fields of science, arts, social sciences, education, and languages.

• Campus Saint-Jean is the University of Alberta's entirely French-language training facility, suitable for students who want to study in a bilingual environment or pursue a French education.

• With a team of about 40 researchers and more than 80 ongoing projects across 14 areas of expertise, Campus Saint-Jean stands out for its interdisciplinary research orientation and strong spirit of collaboration between faculties.

2.3. Augustana Campus

Augustana Campus is located in the town of Camrose, Alberta, Canada, about 1 1-hour drive from Edmonton. The campus has been part of the University of Alberta since July 1, 2004, after merging with Augustana University College in Camrose (formerly Camrose Lutheran College).

• The campus offers a small-scale, cohesive learning environment with a focus on liberal arts & sciences. This allows students to interact more closely with faculty, participate in small classes, and develop a personalized learning experience.

• The curriculum at Augustana emphasizes holistic development: professional knowledge, critical thinking, social skills, and leadership.

• The campus is located in a natural environment, with little noise, which is very suitable for those who want to focus on studying, researching, and developing themselves.

2.4. South Campus

South Campus is located south of the city of Edmonton, Canada. This campus mainly serves programs related to agriculture, veterinary medicine, applied sciences, environment, and sustainable development.

• It is home to leading agricultural research facilities in North America, including laboratory areas for animal metabolism, crops, dairy farming, poultry, pigs, etc.

• It is also home to Agri-Food Discovery Place—an advanced food technology research center—along with the Medical Isotope and Cyclotron Facility for biomedical research.

• In addition, the campus is home to two world-class sports centers: Foote Field and Saville Community Sports Centre, which cater to both students and the community.

2.5. Enterprise Square

Located in the heart of Edmonton, Enterprise Square is one of U of A's most dynamic campuses.

• This is home to TEC Edmonton (Institute for Technology Innovation) and many start-up support units, helping students access Alberta's startup and innovation ecosystem.

• Enterprise Square offers workspaces, conference rooms, and workshop areas and serves as a bridge between the University of Alberta and local businesses and partner organisations.

• University of Alberta is a member of U15, the leading group of research-intensive universities in Canada.

• U of A is ranked #94 globally, #4 in Canada according to the QS World University Rankings 2026.

• U of A is ranked #116 globally, #4 in Canada according to Times Higher Education Rankings 2026.

• U of A is ranked #101 globally and #4 in Canada according to ARWU 2026 (Academic Ranking of World Universities).

• In THE Impact Rankings 2025, the University of Alberta is ranked #1 in the world for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and #2 in Canada according to Partnership for the Goals and Life on land.

• U of A has produced 78 Rhodes Scholars – the highest number in Western Canada, a testament to the quality of education and excellence of its students.

• According to reports from prestigious rankings such as QS, THE Rankings, US News and ARWU, U of A leads in Canada in many fields, including Agricultural Sciences, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Chemical Engineering, Instruments Science + Technology and Earth Sciences.

• Many of the majors taught at U of A are among the top in the world, such as Agriculture & Forestry (#69), Artificial Intelligence (#53), Chemical Engineering (#51–75), and Earth Sciences (#24).

The University of Alberta (U of A) is a leading research centre, offering students a wide range of academic options. Below are the school's strengths and outstanding majors:

• Education

• Engineering

• Business

• Law

• Art, Design & Fine Arts

• Energy & Earth Sciences

• AI & Computer Science

• Health Sciences and Nursing

• Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences

In addition to its undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the University of Alberta offers a variety of flexible study options to meet the diverse needs of students, such as:

• Online Courses

• Continuing Education

• Leadership Development Course

• English Language School for students who need to improve their English

• Bridging Program

• Exchange Programs, Visiting Student

• Some options support Inclusive Education, which expands learning opportunities for a variety of student groups.

5.1. For Undergraduate

The GPA required to study at the University of Alberta will depend on the department and program you choose, and this score may change each year according to the competitiveness of the application. To be considered for admission to a bachelor's program, Vietnamese students need to meet the following academic and English language requirements:

• Grade 12 GPA is 70% or more, depending on the major.

• IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0

If you meet the academic criteria but need to improve your English, the university has an Academic English program for you to complete before entering the main program.

5.2. For Postgraduate

Specific conditions:

• Undergraduate GPA is 7.0/10, depending on the major and course requirements.

• IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0

To find out about the right field of study for you as well as the entry requirements for each program, please contact IDP for the most accurate advice.

Tuition fees at the University of Alberta are calculated on a program-by-program basis, so each department and industry will have different fees. Costs typically include:

• Tuition:

  main tuition fee

• Non-instructional fees:

  student services, technology, sports, library, etc.

• Course-specific fees:

  fees for labs, studios or specific subjects

Below are the reference fees for international students, calculated based on a standard academic year:

• Undergraduate:

  from CAD 17,000 - 50,000/year

• Postgraduate:

  from CAD 19,000 - 32,000 per year, especially in Medicine, Dentistry, and Engineering often have higher tuition fees.

In addition to tuition fees, you need to plan for additional living expenses of about CAD 10,000 – 12,000/year, which is considered to be much more affordable than other countries. You also need to be prepared for other fees such as housing rent, the cost of books, and health insurance for international students.

The University of Alberta updates tuition fees annually depending on the discipline and program of study. If you want to know the exact fees for the course you are interested in, as well as to find out the right scholarship or financial aid options, contact IDP for a detailed and free consultation.

See more: Cost of studying in Canada in 2026

The University of Alberta offers a wide range of financial aid opportunities for international students, from scholarships that are automatically considered to programs that require application. Here are the outstanding scholarships that you can refer to when preparing your U of A study abroad application.

See also: Summary of the latest scholarships to study in Canada in 2026

Find the right major for you at the University of Alberta (U of A)

The University of Alberta is an ideal destination for those who want to pursue a quality academic environment, a clear research orientation, and solid career development opportunities in Canada. With strong disciplines ranging from Engineering, Health Sciences, Business to Artificial Intelligence, and a variety of scholarships for international students, U of A offers a pathway that suits both academic and future goals.

If you are dreaming of studying in Canada and want to explore the field of study that best suits you at the University of Alberta, IDP's consultants will support you comprehensively in every step of your study abroad journey, including:

• Advice on choosing a school and major: Suggesting a study program that suits your goals and abilities. IDP always organises study abroad seminars

  that take place throughout the year. You can meet directly with school representatives, consider scholarships on the spot.

• Admission Application Guide:

  Detailed instructions for you to complete your application accurately and completely, ensuring that all requirements of the University of Alberta are met.

• English Certificate Preparation:

  Support you to register for the IELTS test with many attractive offers.

• Scholarship Assistance: Stay up-to-date with the latest scholarship information and guide the application process to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.

• Visa consulting: Assisting in preparing documents and guiding the process of applying for a Canadian student visa.

Book a consultation with IDP today!

Free study abroad consultation hotline: 19006955