University of Calgary
About University of Calgary
University of Calgary, Canada: Courses, Fees, Rankings, Campus & International Student Guide
The University of Calgary is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta. Established in 1966, it has developed into a comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate education across a wide range of disciplines.
For international students, the university provides study options in areas such as business, engineering, computer science, science, health sciences, arts, education and social sciences. Its location in Calgary also places students in one of Alberta's major urban centres, with access to a growing economy and a range of professional opportunities.
Choosing the University of Calgary involves more than looking at its overall reputation. Students should consider their intended program, admission requirements, tuition, scholarships, accommodation, living costs and the services available to international students.
What is University of Calgary Known For?
The University of Calgary is known for its research-intensive environment, broad academic offering and location in Calgary.
The university offers programs across areas including:
- Engineering
- Business
- Computer Science
- Science
- Health Sciences
- Arts
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Law
- Nursing
- Environmental and Earth Sciences
- Kinesiology
Its academic and research activities cover areas ranging from energy and engineering to health, artificial intelligence, sustainability and social sciences.
The university also emphasizes experiential learning, research and connections with industry and the wider Calgary community.
Rankings – University of Calgary
The University of Calgary appears in major national and international university rankings.
Ranking systems measure different factors, including research performance, academic reputation, citations, international outlook and other institutional indicators.
For prospective students, rankings can provide useful context, but they should be considered alongside the specific program, curriculum, tuition costs, campus environment and career opportunities.
Why These Rankings Matter
Rankings can help students understand a university's academic and research profile in comparison with other institutions.
However, an overall ranking does not necessarily describe the experience or outcomes of every individual program.
International students should also examine:
- Program curriculum
- Faculty expertise
- Research opportunities
- Tuition and living costs
- Scholarships
- Internship opportunities
- Career services
- Student support
- Location and campus environment
Quick Facts
|
Category |
Details |
|
University |
University of Calgary |
|
Location |
Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
|
Institution type |
Public research university |
|
Founded |
1966 |
|
Main campus |
Main Campus, Calgary |
|
International students |
Yes |
|
Academic areas |
Business, Engineering, Science, Arts, Health and more |
|
DLI |
Yes |
|
General undergraduate IELTS |
6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
|
City |
Calgary |
Q&A: Is the University of Calgary a good university for international students?
The University of Calgary offers a broad range of programs, research opportunities and student services in a major Canadian city. International applicants should compare the requirements and costs of their specific program before applying.
Campus – University of Calgary
The University of Calgary's main campus is located in the northwest part of Calgary.
The campus provides students with access to academic buildings, laboratories, libraries, recreation facilities, student services, residences and dining options.
Its location provides a combination of a university campus and access to Calgary's wider urban environment.
Students can also participate in clubs, societies, athletics, cultural activities and other campus programs.
The university has several facilities designed for teaching, research and student life, supporting both academic and extracurricular activities.
Q&A: Where is the University of Calgary located?
The University of Calgary is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Its main campus is in the northwest area of the city.
Courses – University of Calgary
The University of Calgary offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs across numerous faculties.
Engineering
Engineering programs cover areas such as:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Energy Engineering
Business
The Haskayne School of Business provides education in areas including:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
Science
Science students can study subjects such as:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
Health and Kinesiology
The university provides programs and research opportunities in health, kinesiology and related disciplines.
Arts and Social Sciences
Students can choose from subjects including:
- Economics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Science
- History
- English
- Communication and Media Studies
Popular Subject Areas at University of Calgary
The university's wide academic portfolio provides options for students with different interests.
Engineering: Students can pursue several engineering disciplines and participate in research and practical learning.
Business: Business students can explore areas such as finance, accounting, marketing, management and entrepreneurship.
Computer Science: The university provides study opportunities in computing, software, data and related technological fields.
Science: Programs span biological, physical, mathematical and earth sciences.
Health: Health-related programs include areas such as kinesiology and other health and life-science disciplines.
Q&A: What courses is the University of Calgary known for?
The University of Calgary has a broad academic portfolio. Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Science, Health-related subjects, Arts and Social Sciences are among its major study areas.
Student Life at University of Calgary
Student life at the University of Calgary includes academic, cultural, recreational and social activities.
Students can join clubs and student organizations, participate in athletics and recreation, attend campus events and become involved in volunteering and community activities.
The university's Calgary location also provides access to the city's cultural attractions, businesses, restaurants, public transportation and employment opportunities.
For international students, participating in campus activities can be an important way to build connections and become familiar with Canadian university life.
Facilities & Campus Life
The University of Calgary provides a variety of academic and student facilities, including:
- Libraries
- Research laboratories
- Recreation facilities
- Student residences
- Dining facilities
- Study spaces
- Student health services
- Academic support
- Career services
- Student clubs and organizations
The campus also includes facilities supporting research and innovation across different academic disciplines.
Q&A: Does the University of Calgary provide student accommodation?
Yes. The university offers residence options for students. International and first-year students should review residence application deadlines and eligibility requirements carefully because availability can vary.
Careers & Employability – University of Calgary
Career development is an important part of the university experience, particularly for students preparing to enter Canada's workforce.
The University of Calgary provides career-related resources covering areas such as career planning, employment preparation, networking and experiential learning.
Depending on their program, students may gain professional experience through internships, practicums, co-operative education, research and other forms of experiential learning.
Students can develop practical skills through:
- Internships
- Co-operative education
- Research
- Career events
- Employer networking
- Student employment
- Volunteering
- Practical and experiential learning
Career Support Includes
- Career advising
- Resume and application preparation
- Interview preparation
- Employment resources
- Networking opportunities
- Employer events
- Experiential learning
- Career planning
Q&A: Does the University of Calgary offer career support?
Yes. The university provides career resources and services to help students with career planning, employment preparation, networking and professional development.
Fees – University of Calgary
International tuition at the University of Calgary varies according to the program, number of courses and academic year.
As a general planning range, international undergraduate students should budget approximately CAD 30,000–40,000 per year for tuition, although some programs can fall outside this range.
Engineering, professional programs and programs with different course or fee structures may have different costs.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students
|
Expense |
Approximate Cost |
|
International undergraduate tuition |
CAD 30,000–40,000 per year |
|
Application and administrative fees |
Additional |
|
Accommodation |
Additional |
|
Food and personal expenses |
Additional |
|
Books and study materials |
Additional |
The figures above are intended as a general planning range. Students should check the university's current fee information for their exact program before making financial arrangements.
Scholarships for International Students
The University of Calgary offers scholarships and awards for eligible students.
International students may be considered for entrance scholarships and other awards depending on their academic performance, program and eligibility.
Some scholarships are automatic while others require an application.
Students should review scholarship deadlines carefully because award requirements and application dates can differ.
Q&A: Does the University of Calgary offer scholarships to international students?
Yes. The University of Calgary offers scholarships and awards, including opportunities that may be available to international students. Eligibility, award amounts and application requirements vary.
University of Calgary for International Students – Calgary
The University of Calgary welcomes students from Canada and around the world and provides services to help international students transition into university life.
International students can access support related to:
- Immigration and study permits
- Orientation
- Academic advising
- Health and wellness
- Housing
- Career development
- Cultural adjustment
- Student involvement
Calgary also offers an urban environment with public transportation, businesses, cultural attractions and employment opportunities.
International applicants must satisfy the academic requirements of their chosen program and demonstrate the required English-language proficiency.
For general undergraduate admission, the IELTS Academic requirement is 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, although individual programs can have additional or different requirements.
Q&A: What IELTS score is required for the University of Calgary?
The general undergraduate English-language requirement is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Applicants should confirm the exact requirement for their intended program.
The Honest Verdict – Is University of Calgary the Right Choice for You?
The University of Calgary offers a comprehensive research-university environment with a wide selection of academic programs and extensive student facilities.
Its Calgary location can provide students with access to a major Canadian city while maintaining a large university campus environment.
The main considerations for prospective international students include program-specific admission requirements, tuition, living costs, scholarships and the type of campus experience they prefer.
University of Calgary Is an Excellent Choice If You...
- Want to study at a Canadian research university
- Are interested in Engineering, Business, Computer Science or Science
- Want a broad range of academic programs
- Are interested in research or experiential learning
- Prefer studying in a major Canadian city
- Want access to extensive campus facilities
- Value career and professional development opportunities
It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...
- Prefer a very small university environment
- Need a very low tuition budget
- Want a highly specialized program that is not available
- Prefer studying in a smaller town rather than a major city
- Want a campus with a very different institutional structure
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Calgary
Is the University of Calgary a public university?
Yes. The University of Calgary is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta.
Is the University of Calgary a DLI?
Yes. The University of Calgary is a designated learning institution in Canada.
What IELTS score is required for international students?
The general undergraduate requirement is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, although program-specific requirements may differ.
How much does the University of Calgary cost for international students?
International undergraduate tuition varies by program. A general planning range is approximately CAD 30,000–40,000 per year, before living and other expenses.
Does the University of Calgary offer scholarships?
Yes. The university offers scholarships and awards for eligible students, including opportunities for international applicants.
Does the University of Calgary have student residence?
Yes. Student residence options are available on campus. Students should apply according to the relevant residence deadlines.
What can I study at the University of Calgary?
Students can study Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Science, Arts, Education, Health-related disciplines, Social Sciences and many other subjects.
Where is the University of Calgary located?
The university's main campus is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
A Final Word – Why University of Calgary Deserves Your Consideration
The University of Calgary provides international students with access to a broad range of academic programs, research opportunities and student services in one of Alberta's major cities.
Its programs span Engineering, Business, Computing, Science, Health, Arts and Social Sciences, giving students numerous academic pathways.
For international applicants, the most important next step is to look beyond general university information and examine the exact requirements and costs of their intended program.
Tuition, accommodation, living expenses, scholarships, admission requirements and future career plans should all form part of the decision-making process.
For students whose academic interests and financial plans align with its programs, researching the University of Calgary's specific degree options can provide a clearer picture of what studying in Canada could look like.
Entry Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall
Fees & Scholarships
CAD 26,000 - CAD 42,000
Ready to Apply to University of Calgary?
Our advisors guide you from eligibility check to offer letter — at no cost to you.