Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta (U of A) offers over 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs and is currently ranked in the top five universities in Canada. The University uses the most advanced resources and facilities in research, offering path-breaking insights into artificial intelligence, life sciences, and health. Over 40,000 students are enrolled at the University, of which over 9,000 are international from 150 countries. The University is ranked second in Canada and in the global top 100 for post-graduation employment outcomes (QS Graduate Employability Rankings). The Career Centre supports all students and recent graduates with programs to launch their careers. The University receives almost $500 million of research annually from external sources and houses over 400 distinct research laboratories. Currently, the University of Alberta ranks among the top five universities for research in Canada. It is also a member of the U15 universities, apart from being a part of the Worldwide Universities Network, an organisation comprising 19 universities on six continents. The U of A strives to enhance students’ opportunities to study internationally at dozens of partner institutions. Exchanges are also possible with fellow members of the Worldwide Universities Network, a consortium of 18 top universities established to facilitate global research and teaching collaborations.
Services for international students
The University of Alberta delivers continuous support to international students, ensuring that incoming students know what to expect before entering Canada. The International Services Centre at the University helps students get all the relevant information regarding immigration, health insurance, programs, housing arrangements and renter’s agreements. It is home to International Student Services, Global Education, Visiting Programs and Education Abroad. The team is open for in-person and online advising, for which students need to book an appointment. The team also assists in airport pick-ups when the international students first arrive. U of A+ is an academic success programme that helps international students culturally adapt to a new learning environment. Workshops, activities, and classes are conducted to help students acclimatise. Close to 450 student groups are active on campus in nearly every area of student interest: academic, cultural, recreational, and political.
Ranking
111th in QS World University Ranking 2024 118th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 7th in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 126-150th in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2022
Accommodation
The University has a total of 13 halls of residence, and these are open to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Lister Centre is the primary residence of first-year students, located on the north Campus. Both single (private) and shared rooms are available. Provisions for students with families are also available. Accommodation varies from dormitories to apartments, available as furnished or unfurnished.
Location
The University of Alberta has five campuses, four in Edmonton and one in Camrose. Some campuses are more self-contained, with facilities like tennis courts, a lifestyle centre, a gym, and a wellness centre. Several parks, a museum, the Metro Cinema, and stores are nearby the University. Most students either walk around the campus or cycle. The Light Rail Transit or bus service are the best options to travel between campuses and Enterprise Square. In addition, a free shuttle bus service operates between Campus St. Jean and the North Campus. International students can reach the University of Alberta by landing at the Edmonton International Airport (YEG), which is 25 km away from the University.
Alumni
Joe Clark (former Canadian Prime Minister) Violet King Henry (first black female lawyer in Canada) Richard Taylor (Nobel laureate, Physics) Beverly McLachlin (former Chief Justice, Canada) Margaret Atwood (novelist and poet)
