University of Alberta: Tuition, Programs & How to Apply (2027/28)

At the University of Alberta, international students in thesis-based master's and PhD programs pay CAD 10,518.72 a year (full-time, for students admitted from fall 2026 to summer 2027). Course-based master's cost CAD 826.36 per credit. That makes U of A one of the best-value options in Canada for graduate study at a large research university.

Undergraduate tuition is higher and set per program, but it is guaranteed for your program in your offer letter, so you know the cost up front. Below are fees, programs, deadlines, requirements and steps for 2027/28.

Why the University of Alberta is good value

Alberta's average international graduate tuition was CAD 18,302 in 2026/27, below the national average of CAD 24,693 (Statistics Canada). U of A's thesis-based rate is well under both. For undergraduates the attraction is different: a wide choice of programs and a tuition guarantee that protects you from yearly increases in your program.

• Low thesis-based graduate tuition and minimum guaranteed funding for PhD students.
• Tuition guarantee for international undergraduates, written into the offer letter.
• Co-op engineering: programs such as Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering and Chemical Engineering run 4 years, or 5 with co-op.
• Year One Foundation Program for international students who are missing some required subjects.

Tuition and fees for international students

Non-instructional fees are charged on top. For your exact undergraduate figure, use the official cost calculator. Amounts for earlier graduate cohorts are different, so always check the year of admission on the fee page.

English-taught programs

Our data lists 240 bachelor's, 130 master's and 59 doctoral programs taught in English. (Campus Saint-Jean teaches in French and is not covered here.) Examples:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering (co-op)
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, including Clean Energy and Sustainable Process Systems
• Bachelor of Commerce Honors in Accounting, Finance or Operations Management
• Bachelor of Science with Majors in Neuroscience or Physiology
• Bachelor of Music, Nursing (collaborative honors) and many Education degrees, including at the Augustana Campus in Camrose

Deadlines for 2027/28

Undergraduate admission is rolling and competitive. Offers made before 1 April must be accepted by 1 May 2027, and high school documents are due by 1 August 2027. Nursing, Dentistry, Medicine and Law have different dates. Graduate deadlines for international applicants are often 15 January, 1 March or 1 May; check the official deadlines table for your program.

Admission requirements

Bachelor's

• Five required academic subjects for your program, with at least a 70% average. Competitive averages change every year: Arts in the low to mid 70s, Science from the low 80s to mid 90s.
• English: IELTS Academic 6.5 (each band at least 6.0), TOEFL iBT 90 (or 4.5 on the new scale), Duolingo 120 or CAEL 70.
• You can choose a second-choice program, which helps if your first choice is full.

Master's and PhD

You need a four-year bachelor's degree with an admission GPA of 3.0 out of 4 over the last two years; a PhD usually requires a master's. Upload transcripts, English scores (IELTS 6.5, PTE 61, Duolingo 120), a CV, a statement of intent and references. Some programs need the GRE or GMAT, and thesis programs may need a supervisor.

Scholarships and funding

International undergraduates are considered for automatic entrance awards. Application-based awards have a 10 January 2027 deadline. At graduate level, PhD students receive minimum guaranteed funding, and there are recruitment scholarships. International PhD students already registered can also look at the federal Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CAD 40,000 a year). See our scholarships guide.

Budget and work rules

IRCC asks you to prove first-year tuition, CAD 23,448 for living costs (one person, applications from 1 September 2026) and return travel. For a thesis-based master's student, tuition of CAD 10,518.72 plus the living-cost amount is a much smaller total than for most undergraduate programs in Canada. Funding letters from your department or supervisor can be used as proof of funds.

Full-time degree students may work off campus up to 24 hours per week during classes and without a limit in scheduled breaks. Master's graduates can receive a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years, even if the program was shorter than two years, provided it lasted at least eight months. Read our work and stay in Canada guide.

Honest pros and cons

How to apply step by step

1. 1

   Choose a program

   Use the undergraduate program list or the graduate program pages.

2. 2

   Check country requirements

   Read the international admission requirements for your curriculum.

3. 3

   Apply and pay the fee

   CAD 150 for undergraduate, CAD 135 for graduate. Apply by 1 March 2027 for most fall programs.

4. 4

   Apply for awards by 10 January

   Submit application-based scholarship forms by 10 January 2027.

5. 5

   Accept and pay the deposit

   Undergraduates pay CAD 5,000 to accept and receive the PAL. Master's and PhD students at public institutions are PAL-exempt from 2026.

6. 6

   Apply for the study permit

   Show tuition plus CAD 23,448 for living costs. Plan with our cost of studying in Canada guide.

Also in Alberta: University of Lethbridge. Explore more on the Canada hub.