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University of Alberta

Edmonton, Canada Founded 1908 World Rank #110

Updated Sep 2026

Overview

Acronyms: UofA
Founded: 1908
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #110
Rank in Canada: #4
Motto: Quaecumque vera
Colours: Green and gold
University of Alberta academic facilities
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The University of Alberta is a public research university in Edmonton, Alberta, established in 1908 and organised today into 17 faculties spread across five campuses.

Its North Campus, a 150-building site covering roughly 50 city blocks on the edge of the North Saskatchewan River valley, houses the large majority of the university's students; South Campus is given over to agricultural research and recreation facilities, Enterprise Square is a downtown continuing-education and entrepreneurship hub, Augustana Faculty is a small residential campus in rural Camrose, and Campus Saint-Jean delivers programs in French. Total enrolment is about 46,200 students, of whom roughly 8,500 hold study permits, and the university employs close to 11,900 people.

More than 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs are offered, spanning three colleges - Health Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Social Sciences and Humanities - alongside standalone faculties in law, education, native studies and graduate studies. Research strengths are concentrated in artificial intelligence and machine learning, energy and environment, agriculture and food, and health, supported by more than 100 institutes and centres.

Undergraduate admission is competitive and based on five specified Grade 12 subjects, with averages varying by faculty.

International undergraduates are assessed under a program-based tuition model that fixes both an annual and a total program tuition figure before an offer is accepted, while domestic students pay registration-based fees calculated from a per-course fee index.

Location & Contact

Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for University of Alberta. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.

Address: 116 St. and 85 Ave.
Postal Code: T6G 2R3
Phone: +1 (780) 492 3111
Fax: +1 (780) 492 1488
Social Media:

Academic Details

These figures give a quick read on University of Alberta's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.

Academic Year: Fall term (September-December) and Winter term (January-April), with optional Spring and Summer terms
Recognition: Ministry of Advanced Education of Alberta
Admission Requirements: Admission to every undergraduate program is competitive and limited by space. Direct-entry applicants from high school must complete five specified Grade 12 subjects, which always include English 30-1 or the provincial equivalent, with the remaining four set by the program; applicants must present a competitive average for the chosen faculty, and meeting the minimum does not guarantee an offer. International applicants are assessed against the same process using curriculum-specific equivalents of the five required Grade 12 subjects for their country of study. Every applicant regardless of citizenship must demonstrate English Language Proficiency - accepted tests include IELTS Academic (6.5 overall, no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT (90 overall, no section below 21), Duolingo English Test (120 overall, no integrated subscore below 100), CAEL (70 overall, no band below 60) and PTE Academic (61 overall, no communicative skill below 60) - or qualify through three or more years of full-time education in English or a country/institution exemption. Faculty of Education programs and several health-science programs including Nursing additionally require Spoken English Proficiency (e.g. IELTS Speaking 7.5, TOEFL iBT Speaking 26, Duolingo 140 with no subscore below 120). New international applicants pay a CAD 150 application fee and a CAD 5,000 tuition deposit to accept an offer (CAD 1,000 for students already studying in Canada).
Total Students: 46,201
Student Enrollment: 30
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Universities Canada (UC) Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities (U15) Association of Universities of the Canadian Francophonie (AUFC) University of the Arctic (UArctic) Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate (CUSID) Association of University Forestry Schools of Canada (AUFSC) Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Canadian University Press (CUP)

Academic Structures

How University of Alberta structures its academic side — by faculty, school, and unit — is detailed below. The structure affects everything from credit transfer to cross-faculty modules.

Unit 25 items
  • Alberta School of Business
  • Augustana Faculty
  • Campus Saint-Jean
  • Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
  • Faculty of Arts
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Engineering
  • Faculty of Extension
  • Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
  • Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
  • Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
  • Faculty of Native Studies
  • Faculty of Nursing
  • Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation
  • Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Faculty of Science
  • Saint-Jean Faculty
  • School of Business
  • School of Library and Information Studies
  • School of Public Health
  • St. Joseph's College
  • St. Stephen's College

Programs Offered

University of Alberta's degree-level programme breakdown, with search. Industry-sponsored programmes often have bonded service or employment commitments — read the terms before accepting any sponsored place.

164 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada

Bachelor's Degree 116 programmes

Showing 10 of 116.

Master of Business Administration 1 programme

Master's Degree 30 programmes

Showing 10 of 30.

Doctorate 14 programmes

Showing 10 of 14.

Professional Doctorate 1 programme

Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes

How to apply to University of Alberta

Five steps that capture how most applications to University of Alberta flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of Alberta runs 164 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Before applying to University of Alberta, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Canada.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of Alberta's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.ualberta.ca). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (780) 492 3111. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Alberta

Common questions students ask about University of Alberta — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

When did University of Alberta open?

University of Alberta traces its founding to 1908 (approximately 118 years ago).

In which city is University of Alberta?

University of Alberta is based in Edmonton, Canada.

What is University of Alberta's control type?

University of Alberta operates as a public institution.

How many students study at University of Alberta?

University of Alberta has approximately 30,000-34,999 students.

What is University of Alberta's ranking?

It ranks #110 globally and #4 in Canada.

How is University of Alberta organised academically?

University of Alberta is organised into 25 academic units across its disciplines.

Is University of Alberta accredited?

Yes, University of Alberta is recognised by Ministry of Advanced Education of Alberta.

Where can I learn more about University of Alberta?

The institution's website is www.ualberta.ca.

Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)

Strategic alliances often grow alongside Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) membership — bilateral agreements deepen collaboration beyond the broader network frame. Such alliances sometimes exist between University of Alberta and specific members below.

Faculties at nearby universities

Cross-border or within-state choices: the universities near University of Alberta may fall under different governance, fee structures, or visa rules. Confirm the regulatory context for each option separately.

Where Else to Study Sport and Exercise Science

Alumni outcomes data publication varies across Sport and Exercise Science programmes in Canada. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.

Universities Compared with University of Alberta

When students choose University of Alberta, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.

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