University of Alberta, Canada

Ranked among the Top 5 in Canada in QS World University Rankings 2023 and #110 worldwide, University of Alberta, Canada, has an aggregate enrolment of 41,061 scholars from 156 countries, writes Reshma Ravishanker

Sprawled across four campuses in Edmonton, University of Alberta (UoA, estb.1908) is a high-ranked public higher education institution with an aggregate enrolment of 40,061 scholars from 156 countries worldwide. This 114-year-old varsity is ranked among the Top 5 in Canada in QS World University Rankings 2023 and #110 worldwide. UoA is also highly ranked for research impact — #4 in Canada and #81 globally in the NTU (National Taiwan University) Rankings 2019.

A member institution of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, and Worldwide Universities Network, UoA’s 18 faculties offer over 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programmes in the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering and health sciences. Distinguished alumni include the late physicist Richard E. Taylor, Nobel Prize (1990) winner; Joe Clark, former Canada prime minister; former chief justice Beverley McLachlin and Canadian football star Nereo Bolzon.

Established by the University Act 1906, UoA admitted its first batch of 45 students including seven women into its English, mathematics and modern languages faculties in 1908. Since then, the university has expanded steadily by establishing faculties of agriculture, law, medicine, engineering and applied sciences.

Edmonton. Sited on the banks of North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton (pop.1.1 million) is the northern most city of North America and administrative capital of Alberta province. A government, cultural, and educational hub, Edmonton is also known as ‘Canada’s Festival City’ because it hosts a slew of festivals year-round. A popular tourist destination, it boasts West Edmonton Mall, the second largest mall in North America; Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest living history museum; the Elk Island National Park, and Royal Alberta Museum.

Edmonton has freezing winters and sunny summers. Winter temperatures can dip below -10oC and average 23oC in summer.
Campus facilities. UoA is spread across four sites in Edmonton and one in Camrose. The main North campus is located in the heart of the city with a blend of heritage buildings and modern architecture. Set amidst sprawling green lawns, it comprises 150 buildings housing modern academic and laboratory facilities. A short shuttle ride from the North campus is Campus Sain Jean which offers degree programmes in arts, commerce, education, engineering, science, nursing, conservation and environmental sciences. South Campus is a hub for agriculture education and also hosts the university’s state-of-the-art Saville Community Sports Centre, a 32,516 sq. m multi-sports facility. The fourth Enterprise Square campus sited in downtown Edmonton’s historic Bay Building comprises TEC Edmonton, faculty of extension, Alberta School of Business executive education and family business programs, advancement and alumni relations.

The Augustana campus, located in Camrose, 93 km from Edmonton equipped with modern classrooms, labs and residential facilities, offers degree programmes in the liberal arts and sciences, outdoor education and sport. UoA’s library system is the second largest nationwide and houses 13 million volumes, 1.3 million e-books and 1,700 databases. The varsity also owns and manages a 240-acre University of Alberta Botanic Garden, and maintains research stations on all campuses.

For co-curricular education, students have the option of signing up with over 425 student organisations to pursue academic, cultural, recreational and political interests.

Admission. Students who have successfully completed class XII averaging 75 percent-plus are eligible for admission into UoA’s undergraduate programmes. In addition, students must submit proof of proficiency in English language (TOEFL, IELTS and/or Canadian Academic English Language Assessment test scores). Students opting for study programmes in math are required to complete an online Alberta Math 30-1 course. Admission applications must be submitted together with exam transcripts and application fee of CAD $125 (Rs.7,762) before March 1, for admission in the term beginning September.

For further information, email: katherine.melnyk@ualberta.ca; india@ualberta.ca and/or visit www.ualberta.ca

Accommodation. The university offers a variety of student housing options including dormitories and apartments. The Lister residence is a popular option of first year students, and provides furnished rooms, community kitchens and laundry facilities. Other housing options include Peter Lougheed Hall, Residence Saint Jean, Alder, Linden, Nipisiy, Aspen and Maple houses. Personalised meal plans are available for resident students.

Degree programmes. The university’s 18 faculties offer over 200 undergraduate and 500 postgrad programmes, and 300 research specialisations.

Campus Sain Jean

SCHOLASTIC OPTIONS AT UoA

The University of Alberta offers undergraduate, postgrad, professional development, and research programmes across 18 faculties. Among them:

College of Health Sciences. Kinesiology, sport, and recreation; medicine and dentistry; nursing; pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences; School of Public Health; rehabilitation medicine
College of Natural and Applied Sciences. Agricultural, life & environmental sciences; engineering; science
College of Social Sciences & Humanities. Alberta School of Business; arts; education; law,
Faculty of Native Studies. Language; culture; land and resources
Augustana campus. Fine arts and humanities; science, social sciences
Campus Saint-Jean. This francophone campus offers programmes in sciences, fine arts and languages, social sciences, and education
Tuition fees (per year): C$30,090
Housing: C$15,689.00
NB: C$=Rs.62