University of Calgary emblem

University of Calgary

Calgary, Canada • Founded 1966 • QS 2027 #249

Updated Sep 2026 · Source: ucalgary.ca

Overview

Acronyms: UCalgary
Founded: 1966
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #249 Times Higher Education 2026 #200 ARWU (Shanghai) 2025 #151-200 CWTS Leiden 2025 #337 SCImago 2026 #159
Motto: Mo Shùile Togam Suas
Colours: Red, gold and black
Mascot: Rex
Front view of University of Calgary
1 / 5

The University of Calgary is a public research university in Calgary, Alberta, established as an autonomous institution in 1966 after operating as a branch of the University of Alberta.

It enrols more than 38,000 students, roughly 30,000 undergraduate and 7,700 graduate, across 14 faculties and over 250 programs, supported by about 1,850 academic staff and more than 4,500 non-academic staff. Teaching and research are organised through faculties including Arts, Science, Kinesiology, Law, Nursing, Social Work, Veterinary Medicine and Graduate Studies, alongside named units such as the Schulich School of Engineering, the Haskayne School of Business, the Cumming School of Medicine, the Werklund School of Education and the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape.

The main campus sits in the northwest quadrant of Calgary and is served by the city's light rail network; additional sites include the Foothills medical campus and the downtown campus. Reflecting its location in Canada's energy capital, the university has particular depth in energy, geoscience, engineering and business, including an interdisciplinary MSc in Sustainable Energy Development based in the School of Public Policy.

Undergraduate tuition is assessed per unit using faculty-specific rate groups rather than a single flat annual rate, so published costs differ substantially between Arts, Science, Engineering, Business and Nursing.

Location & Contact

University of Calgary's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.

Address: 2500 University Drive NW
Postal Code: T2N 1N4
Phone: +1 (403) 210 7625
Fax: +1 (403) 220 0762
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for University of Calgary are listed below.

Academic Year: Fall term (September-December) and Winter term (January-April) form the main academic session, with additional Spring and Summer terms; the fee year runs May 1 to April 30
Recognition: Ministry of Advanced Education of Alberta
Admission Requirements: Undergraduate admission is by competitive average on the required Grade 12 subject combination for the chosen faculty; Alberta applicants present five required Grade 12 subjects and international applicants are assessed on the equivalent subjects from their own curriculum, with Engineering, Business, Nursing and Science each specifying their own subject sets. No institution-wide minimum average is published - admission averages are competitive and set per faculty. All applicants must satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, TOEFL iBT 86 (tests taken before January 21, 2026, on the legacy 0-120 scale; tests on or after that date are scored on the revised 1-6 scale with a 4.5 minimum) or Duolingo English Test 120; Nursing and Education require higher scores. Exemptions apply after three years of formal full-time secondary study in English (in an exempt country or at a school accredited to deliver Canadian, American or British curricula) or two years of formal full-time study in English at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution. Applications are made through the UCalgary application portal (TOEFL institution code 0813).
Total Students: 38,000
Academic Staff Range: 1,500-1,999
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Universities Canada (UC) Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities (U15) Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate (CUSID) Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)

Academic Structures

University of Calgary's academic units are listed below, by type.

Unit 14 items
  • Cumming School of Medicine
  • Faculty of Arts
  • Faculty of Graduate Studies
  • Faculty of Kinesiology
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Nursing
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Social Work
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
  • Haskayne School of Business
  • School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
  • School of Public Policy
  • Schulich School of Engineering
  • Werklund School of Education

Programs Offered

Every programme University of Calgary currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.

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

Bachelor's Degree 89 programmes

Showing 10 of 89.

Master of Business Administration 2 programmes

Master's Degree 108 programmes

Showing 10 of 108.

Doctorate 56 programmes

Showing 10 of 56.

Professional Doctorate 2 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate 21 programmes

Showing 10 of 21.

Postgraduate Diploma 4 programmes

Scholarships in Canada

Scholarships and grants accessible to students attending University of Calgary or other universities in Canada are below.

CBE International Entrance Scholarship
University funded · International students · Partial Tuition
International students entering first year who graduated from a high school within the Calgary Board of Education; selection on academic merit
Energizing Canada International Entrance Scholarship
University funded · International students · Renewable · Partial Tuition
International students entering first year who graduated from a recognized high school in China, including Hong Kong and Macau; preference to students entering Engineering, Commerce, Health Sciences or Arts - Urban Studies; selection on academic merit.
IPSEA International Entrance Scholarship
University funded · International students · Partial Tuition
International students entering first year who graduated from a high school in an IPSEA member school district; selection on academic merit.
University of Calgary International Entrance Award
University funded · International students · 20,000 CAD per year · Partial Tuition
International students entering first year of any undergraduate degree who pay international tuition and are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents; selection on academic merit.
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
University funded · International students · Renewable · 20,000 CAD per year · Partial Tuition
International students entering first year of any undergraduate degree who pay international differential tuition and are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents, and who satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement. Selection is on academic merit.

How to apply to University of Calgary

What applying to University of Calgary involves, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at University of Calgary

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of Calgary offers 282 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Each programme at University of Calgary has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Apply directly via University of Calgary's online portal at www.ucalgary.ca. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (403) 210 7625. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Calgary

Frequently asked questions about University of Calgary.

In what year was University of Calgary established?

University of Calgary was founded in 1966 (approximately 60 years ago).

In which city is University of Calgary?

University of Calgary is based in Calgary, Canada.

Is University of Calgary a public or private institution?

University of Calgary is a public institution.

How many students study at University of Calgary?

University of Calgary has approximately 38,000 students.

Where does University of Calgary stand in university rankings?

It ranks QS 2027 #249.

How is University of Calgary organised academically?

University of Calgary has 14 academic units.

Who recognises University of Calgary?

The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Advanced Education of Alberta.

What is University of Calgary's official website?

You can find University of Calgary online at www.ucalgary.ca.

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Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)

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