St. Mary's University

St. Mary’s University – A Close-Knit Canadian University Focused on the Whole Student

Choosing a university in Canada is about more than tuition fees and programme names. International students also need to consider class sizes, academic support, practical learning, career opportunities, campus culture, scholarships, and the overall cost of living.

St. Mary’s University is a private, Catholic university located in Calgary, Alberta. The university emphasizes liberal arts and sciences, personalized instruction, ethical reasoning, social responsibility, and the development of the whole student. Its average class size is 25 students, creating a relatively intimate learning environment.

St. Mary’s offers eight Bachelor of Arts degrees, a Bachelor of Science degree, Bachelor of Education after-degree programmes, a Master of Education in Catholic Leadership, and transferable university courses across 35 academic disciplines.

For international students, St. Mary’s is a Designated Learning Institution and accepts eligible students studying in Canada on a study permit. The university provides international admissions guidance, English-language support, immigration information, and other student services.

Located in Calgary, St. Mary’s provides students with a smaller campus experience while still offering access to the opportunities and amenities of one of Alberta’s major cities.

What is St. Mary’s University Known For?

St. Mary’s University is particularly known for its liberal arts and sciences education, small-campus environment, Catholic Intellectual Tradition, personalized instruction, and emphasis on ethics and social responsibility.

The university's academic approach focuses on critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, and developing a broad understanding of the world.

Its programmes include areas such as:

• Psychology
• Biology
• English
• History
• Management
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Philosophy
• Drama
• Family Studies
• Canadian Studies
• Catholic Studies
• Social Justice and Catholic Studies
• Entrepreneurship and Social Responsibility
• Education

Students can also take courses in a much wider range of disciplines. St. Mary's course catalogue covers 39 academic disciplines, from Art History to Physics.

The university also highlights hands-on learning and opportunities to connect classroom learning with the real world.

Rankings – St. Mary’s University

St. Mary’s University is a smaller Canadian institution, so students should look beyond broad global rankings when assessing whether it is suitable for their academic goals.

For an undergraduate student, factors such as class size, programme structure, faculty accessibility, practical learning, student support, tuition, and career pathways can provide important information alongside rankings.

St. Mary’s itself emphasizes its small campus, close-knit community, and personalized learning environment rather than positioning the university around large-scale research rankings.

Why These Rankings Matter

Rankings can be useful when comparing universities, but they should not be the only factor considered.

Students should also compare:

• Programme curriculum
• Class size
• Faculty interaction
• Admission requirements
• Practical learning opportunities
• Career support
• Tuition and fees
• Scholarships
• Campus environment
• International student services
• Location and living costs

For students considering a smaller university, these factors can provide a more complete understanding of the experience.

Quick Facts

• University: St. Mary’s University
• Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• Type: Private Catholic university
• Academic Focus: Liberal arts and sciences
• Average Class Size: 25 students
• Bachelor's Degrees: Arts and Science
• Education: Bachelor of Education after-degree
• Graduate Study: Master of Education in Catholic Leadership
• Academic Disciplines: 35+ transferable academic disciplines
• International Status: Designated Learning Institution
• Campus: Calgary
• International Support: Available

Q. Is St. Mary’s University a good university?

A. St. Mary’s University provides a small-campus, student-focused education with an emphasis on liberal arts, sciences, ethics, social responsibility, and personalized instruction. It can be particularly relevant for students who prefer smaller classes and a close-knit academic community.

Campus – St. Mary’s University

St. Mary’s University is located at 14500 Bannister Road SE in Calgary, Alberta. The campus provides students with a smaller university environment where academic, social, and student-support activities are closely connected.

The university describes its campus as a close-knit community dedicated to developing students academically and personally.

Students can access classrooms, academic facilities, student services, recreational opportunities, and spaces for clubs and community activities.

The smaller scale of the university contributes to its intimate atmosphere. With an average class size of 25, students can have opportunities for meaningful interaction with instructors and classmates.

Q. Where is St. Mary’s University located?

A. St. Mary’s University is located at 14500 Bannister Road SE in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Courses – St. Mary’s University

St. Mary’s University offers eight Bachelor of Arts degrees, a Bachelor of Science degree, Bachelor of Education after-degree programmes, and a Master of Education in Catholic Leadership. It also provides transferable university courses across a wide range of academic disciplines.

The university's course offerings cover 39 academic disciplines, although the exact courses offered can vary by academic year.

Students can therefore build their education around broad liberal arts and science foundations while choosing subjects that align with their interests and career plans.

Popular Subject Areas at St. Mary’s University

Psychology

Psychology students study human behaviour, cognition, development, research, and social interaction.

The subject can provide a foundation for further education or careers in areas involving people, research, education, social services, and business.

Biology

Biology provides students with a foundation in biological sciences, research, laboratory work, and scientific analysis.

Students interested in healthcare, environmental science, research, and further scientific study can explore biology as an academic pathway.

Management & Business

Management | Entrepreneurship and Social Responsibility

Management-related studies introduce students to organizational behaviour, leadership, business, entrepreneurship, and decision-making.

The university's entrepreneurship and social responsibility focus also connects business education with broader social and community considerations.

English & Humanities

English | History | Philosophy | Liberal Studies | General Studies

Humanities programmes develop communication, research, analytical thinking, writing, and critical reasoning.

These skills can be useful across education, communications, public service, business, cultural organizations, and other professional environments.

Social Sciences

Political Science | Sociology | Family Studies | Canadian Studies

Social science subjects allow students to examine society, government, communities, institutions, relationships, and social change.

Social Justice & Catholic Studies

Students interested in ethics, social justice, Catholic studies, and community engagement can explore programmes and courses combining academic study with questions surrounding the common good and social responsibility.

Education

Elementary Education | Secondary Education

St. Mary's offers Bachelor of Education after-degree programmes for students pursuing education-related careers. The university also offers graduate study in Catholic Leadership.

Q. What are the best courses at St. Mary’s University?

A. The best programme depends on a student's academic interests and career plans. St. Mary's offers programmes and courses across psychology, biology, management, English, history, philosophy, sociology, political science, education, social justice, and other disciplines. Students should compare the curriculum and career pathway of their preferred programme before applying.

Student Life at St. Mary’s University

Student life at St. Mary's extends beyond academic classes. The university encourages students to participate in athletics, clubs, community service, and campus activities.

St. Mary's describes its student experience as one that develops the whole person through academic, physical, social, and community engagement.

The university also reports that 50% of its students are active volunteers on campus and in their community, reflecting the institution's emphasis on service and community involvement.

For international students, participating in campus activities can also be an effective way to meet classmates and develop connections in Canada.

Facilities & Campus Life

St. Mary's provides facilities and services supporting academic study, recreation, student activities, and community engagement.

Students can access:

• Academic classrooms
• Library and learning resources
• Student spaces
• Athletics and recreation
• Student clubs
• Community-service opportunities
• Academic advising
• Career support
• International student services
• Student wellbeing resources

The university's smaller campus allows academic and community activities to take place within a relatively connected environment.

Q. Is Calgary a good city for international students?

A. Calgary offers international students access to a major Canadian city with public transportation, restaurants, shopping, cultural attractions, employment opportunities, and recreational activities. Students at St. Mary's can combine this urban environment with the university's smaller campus community.

Careers & Employability – Building Skills for the Future

St. Mary's academic approach emphasizes more than theoretical knowledge. The university describes its programmes as providing theory and knowledge alongside hands-on experience and opportunities to connect classroom learning with the real world.

Students can develop transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, research, teamwork, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving.

These skills can be useful across a broad range of careers and can also provide a foundation for graduate or professional education.

Career Support Includes

• Career planning
• Academic advising
• Professional development
• Resume preparation
• Interview preparation
• Job-search resources
• Networking
• Experiential learning
• Community engagement
• Guidance for further education

Students should also consider internships, volunteer work, research, and other practical experiences as part of their overall career preparation.

Q. Does St. Mary’s University provide career support?

A. St. Mary's provides students with academic and career-related support while emphasizing hands-on learning and connections between classroom education and the real world. Students can also develop transferable communication, research, analytical, and professional skills through their programmes.

Fees – Understanding the Cost of Studying at St. Mary’s University

Tuition at St. Mary's University is charged according to programme and course load.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, international undergraduate Arts and Science students taking a full course load have a published annual total of CAD 29,719.25, including tuition and listed university fees. International Education after-degree students have a published annual total of CAD 37,469.25.

International students should also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, health coverage, books, and personal expenses.

Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students

Programme / Study Cost	Approximate Annual Cost
Undergraduate Arts & Science	CAD 29,719.25
Education After-Degree	CAD 37,469.25
Master of Education – 2 courses	CAD 4,897
Books and supplies	Varies by programme
Accommodation and living expenses	Varies

Fees are based on St. Mary's published 2026–2027 schedule and are subject to change. Students should verify the latest official fees before applying.

The published international undergraduate tuition is CAD 936 per credit, with additional university fees.

Scholarships for International Students

Scholarships and awards can help eligible students manage the cost of studying in Canada.

Students should review St. Mary's current scholarship and award information carefully because eligibility, award values, and deadlines can vary.

Potential sources of financial support may include:

• Entrance scholarships
• Academic awards
• Merit-based awards
• Programme-specific opportunities
• External scholarships
• Bursaries where eligibility permits

International students should not assume that every Canadian scholarship is available to them. Eligibility should be confirmed for each award before applying.

Q. Does St. Mary’s University offer scholarships?

A. St. Mary's provides scholarship and award opportunities, although eligibility varies by award and student category. International students should check the current university requirements and deadlines before applying.

St. Mary’s University for International Students – A Welcoming Calgary Community

St. Mary's University is a Designated Learning Institution eligible to accept international students studying in Canada on a study permit.

International applicants are required to submit the appropriate application, pay the international application fee, provide English-language proficiency where required, and submit academic documentation.

The university states that international applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. International academic documents may also need assessment through organizations such as IQAS or WES.

For BA, BSc, Open Studies, ESR Diploma, and Transfer programmes, St. Mary's currently accepts IELTS Academic with no individual band below 6.0. The university also lists other accepted English-language qualifications.

Interestingly, India is included among the countries where students who completed qualifying full-time education in English may satisfy the English-language requirement with appropriate proof.

International Student Support Includes

• International admissions guidance
• Study-permit information
• Provincial Attestation Letter guidance
• English-language requirements
• Academic documentation guidance
• Orientation
• Academic support
• Student services
• Career guidance
• Campus activities
• Community support

International students should begin the admissions process early because study-permit processing and document preparation can take time. St. Mary's recommends that international students begin the admissions process at least three months before their intended start term.

Q. Is St. Mary’s University good for international students?

A. St. Mary's can be suitable for international students who prefer a smaller university environment, personalized instruction, liberal arts and sciences education, and a close-knit campus community in Calgary. The university also provides dedicated international admissions and study-support services.

The Honest Verdict – Is St. Mary’s University the Right Choice for You?

St. Mary's University offers a distinctly smaller university experience compared with Canada's large public research universities.

Its average class size of 25 students, liberal arts and sciences focus, and emphasis on ethics, social responsibility, and holistic development are central features of the university experience.

The university's programme portfolio covers psychology, biology, management, English, history, philosophy, sociology, political science, education, and other areas.

Its Calgary location provides students with access to a major Canadian city while allowing them to study within a relatively small academic community.

International students should nevertheless consider the total financial commitment carefully. The published 2026–2027 international undergraduate annual total is CAD 29,719.25 before broader living expenses such as accommodation and food.

Students should compare their preferred programme, tuition, scholarships, accommodation costs, campus environment, and career plans with other Canadian universities before making a final decision.

St. Mary’s University Is an Excellent Choice If You...

• Prefer a smaller university environment
• Value smaller classes and personalized instruction
• Are interested in liberal arts and sciences
• Want to study in Calgary
• Value ethics and social responsibility
• Want opportunities for community involvement
• Are interested in psychology, biology, management, humanities, social sciences, or education
• Prefer a close-knit campus
• Want opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Prefer a very large university campus
• Want hundreds of highly specialized undergraduate programmes
• Are primarily looking for a large research-intensive institution
• Prefer a university outside a major city
• Need the lowest possible total cost of studying in Canada
• Prefer a campus with a very large student population

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Mary’s University

Q. Is St. Mary’s University good for Indian students?

A. St. Mary's can be considered by Indian students looking for a smaller Canadian university environment with programmes in arts, sciences, management, education, psychology, biology, humanities, and social sciences. India is also included among the countries whose qualifying English-medium education may satisfy the university's English-language requirement with appropriate documentation.

Q. What is St. Mary’s University famous for?

A. St. Mary's is known for its liberal arts and sciences education, small class sizes, Catholic Intellectual Tradition, emphasis on ethics and social justice, and close-knit campus community.

Q. Does St. Mary’s University offer scholarships?

A. The university provides scholarship and award opportunities, subject to individual eligibility requirements. Students should check current scholarship information and deadlines before applying.

Q. Can international students work while studying?

A. Eligible international students may be able to work in Canada according to the conditions of their study permit and current Canadian immigration regulations. Students should check the latest IRCC requirements before making employment plans.

Q. Does St. Mary’s University provide career support?

A. St. Mary's provides academic and student support while emphasizing hands-on learning and transferable skills. Students can develop professional abilities through their programmes, practical experiences, community engagement, and career-related guidance.

Q. How much does St. Mary’s University cost for international students?

A. For 2026–2027, the published annual total for international undergraduate Arts and Science students is CAD 29,719.25. The Education After-Degree annual total is CAD 37,469.25.

Q. Where is St. Mary’s University located?

A. St. Mary's University is located at 14500 Bannister Road SE in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Q. What IELTS score does St. Mary’s University require?

A. For BA, BSc, Open Studies, ESR Diploma, and Transfer programmes, St. Mary's lists IELTS Academic with no individual score below 6.0. Requirements for the Bachelor of Education after-degree are higher.

Q. Does St. Mary’s University accept international students?

A. Yes. St. Mary's University is a Designated Learning Institution and accepts eligible international students who meet its admission and immigration requirements.

A Final Word – Why St. Mary’s University Deserves Your Consideration

St. Mary's University provides a different type of Canadian university experience: smaller classes, a close-knit campus, liberal arts and sciences education, and a strong emphasis on developing students academically and personally.

Its programmes span psychology, biology, management, English, history, philosophy, sociology, political science, education, social justice, and other disciplines, while its course catalogue extends across 39 academic areas.

For international students, the university provides dedicated admissions and immigration-related support and is authorized to enroll eligible students on Canadian study permits.

The Calgary location adds access to the opportunities and lifestyle of a major Canadian city, while the university's smaller scale allows students to remain connected to their professors and campus community.

Before applying, students should compare their preferred programme, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, accommodation costs, and long-term career goals.

For students seeking a smaller Canadian university where academic learning, personal development, ethics, and community engagement are closely connected, St. Mary's University offers an environment worth exploring.