Overview
The University of Alberta (U of A) is one of Canada’s leading public research universities, located in Edmonton, Alberta. It is recognized for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and a diverse student community. The university is widely known for research impact and consistently competes for top positions in Canadian university rankings.
1. General Information
| Full Name | University of Alberta (U of A) |
| Established | 1908 |
| Motto | “Quaecumque Vera” (Whatsoever Things Are True) |
| Location | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Campus | 5 Campuses (North Campus, South Campus, Campus Saint-Jean, Augustana Campus, Enterprise Square) |
| Chancellor | Peggy Garritty |
| President | Bill Flanagan |
| Student Population | 40,000+ students |
| International Students | 7,000+ from 150+ countries |
| Affiliations | U15, ACU, Universities Canada, QS World Rankings, THE Rankings |
2. Academic Excellence University of Alberta
- Total Programs 500+ Undergraduate, Graduate & Doctorate Programs
- Faculties 18 Faculties, including Engineering, Business, Medicine, Science, Law, and Arts
- Popular Fields Artificial Intelligence (AI), Health Sciences, Renewable Energy, Business, Engineering, Indigenous Studies
- Global Ranking Top 150 Universities Worldwide
- Canada Ranking Top 5 Universities in Canada
3. Major Faculties & Schools
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
- Alberta School of Business
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Nursing
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation
4. Research & Innovation University of Alberta
Research Focus Areas Artificial Intelligence, Health Sciences, Energy, Nanotechnology, Business. Students benefit from strong ties between academic programs and research groups, which can support thesis work, lab experience, and collaborative projects. If you are also comparing research-focused options in Alberta, you may find it helpful to review similar pathways at the university of calgary.
- Annual Research Budget $500 Million+
- Major Research Institutes Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII), Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology,
- Nanotechnology Research Centre
- Industry Collaborations Google, Microsoft, Tesla, Canadian Government
- International Partnerships Collaborates with 100+ universities worldwide
5. Campus Life & Facilities University of Alberta
Total Campuses 5 (North Campus, South Campus, Campus Saint-Jean, Augustana Campus, Enterprise Square). Campus life at the University of Alberta is shaped by a mix of large research spaces and student-centered services, including libraries, residence options, and a wide range of clubs and athletics.
- Libraries 12 Libraries with over 5.2 million books & digital resources
- Student Residences Available for local & international students
- Sports & Recreation Gym, Swimming Pools, Ice Hockey Rinks, Soccer Fields, Butterdome
- Student Clubs & Organizations 450+ Active Student Societies
6. Tuition Fees & Scholarships
| Program | Domestic Fees (CAD) | International Fees (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (BS, BA, BSc, BBA, etc.) | $5,300 – $12,000 | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Graduate (MS, MBA, MPhil, etc.) | $8,000 – $25,000 | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| PhD Programs | $9,000 – $30,000 | $18,000 – $45,000 |
Tuition can vary by program, course load, and residency status. For students planning a broader search across Canada, comparing funding options at another institution can provide context; for example, you can explore the university of waterloo guide to see how program mix and pathways affect planning.
7. Alumni University of Alberta
- Joe Clark Former Prime Minister of Canada
- Rona Ambrose Former Minister of Health, Canada
- Richard Taylor Nobel Prize Winner in Physics
- Daryl Katz Businessman & Owner of Edmonton Oilers
- Ellen Louks Fairclough First Female Cabinet Minister in Canada
8. Global Rankings & Recognition
- QS World University Rankings Top 150
- Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings Top 125
- U.S. News Best Global Universities Top 5 in Canada
- #1 in Canada Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research
9. Admission Requirements
Admission requirements can change by intake year and program, so applicants should verify details on the official University of Alberta program pages. Below are commonly referenced minimum expectations; competitive programs may require higher grades and additional documents.
Undergraduate
- High School Diploma, Minimum GPA 3.0+, IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+
Graduate
- (MS, MBA, MPhil, etc.) Bachelor’s Degree, Minimum GPA 3.2+, IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+, GRE/GMAT
PhD Master’s Degree,
- Research Proposal, IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+
10. Contact Information University of Alberta
- Website www.ualberta.ca
- Address Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Phone +1 780-492-3111
- Email admissions@ualberta.ca




