Top 10 Colleges in Calgary: Courses, Fees, Requirements

Calgary is one of the best student cities in Canada which is Alberta province. It offers a great blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and outdoor adventure. Some of the popular educational institutions in Calgary are the University of Calgary and St. Mary’s University which offer a variety of courses.

Calgary is a great option for international students since it combines high-quality education, cultural diversity, safety, professional prospects, and a good standard of living.The University of Calgary, a leading research institution, offers a wide range of courses in fields like engineering, medicine, and more. Mount Royal University is known for its strong liberal arts programs. The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is a renowned polytechnic institute.

In short, there's something for every student to study in Calgary. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 colleges in Calgary and their various aspects such as top courses, fees, admission requirements, and much more.

Why Study at the Best Universities in Calgary?

Studying in Canada and at the best universities in Calgary can offer several advantages for international students. Here are a few reasons why studying at these universities can be beneficial:

• Quality Academics: The best universities in Canada (including the ones in Calgary) are renowned for offering excellent academic programmes and education. These universities offer a wide variety of courses and programmes in numerous subjects, and their faculties are well-established.
• Research Opportunities: The universities in Calgary are renowned for their robust research opportunities and programmes. Students get the opportunity to collaborate with eminent scholars and advance cutting-edge research in their chosen fields.
• Global Recognition: Many of the universities and colleges in Calgary are ranked in various international university rankings and are widely known around the world. This widespread recognition can raise the value of your degree and broaden your job options, both domestically and abroad.
• Networking: Calgary has a thriving corporate community, and varied job sectors, and is a large city. Universities in Calgary offer possibilities for networking with and developing relationships with individuals from a variety of industries. These contacts may be useful for future internship and employment possibilities.
• Career Support: To assist students in making the transition from the classroom to the workplace, Calgary's institutions provide extensive career assistance services. These services include resume building, networking opportunities, and career counselling. Students can apply for a post-study work permit in Canada (PGWP Canada) after completing their studies. This can also open up their path to a Canada PR.
• Multicultural Society: You can participate in a diverse and multicultural learning environment by attending one of Calgary's top institutions to further your education. As a result of interacting with students from various origins and cultures, you may find that your perspectives are expanded and your educational experience is enriched.

A quality education, research possibilities, international recognition, a varied learning environment, networking chances, and a terrific lifestyle may all be had by attending one of Calgary best colleges.

Top 10 Colleges in Calgary

Let us now look at the important details of the top 10 colleges in Calgary for international students:

1) University of Calgary

University of Calgary is ranked at 198th position on the QS World University Rankings 2025. Here are some important details of the University of Calgary:

2) Mount Royal University

Canada's Mount Royal University is a public institution with cutting-edge facilities and green construction. In 1910, the Albertan government granted it a charter, turning it into a university. Here are the essential details of the University:

3) St. Mary’s University

St. Mary’s University was founded in the year 1802. It has been ranked in the top 5 positions in Canada on the 2023 Maclean's University Rankings. Here are the important details of the university:

4) Alberta University of the Arts

Canada's Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is a public art institution. The university has four academic schools. The University was established in 1926 as part of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). In 1985, it was separated from SAIT.

5) Ambrose University

Ambrose University is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Here are the University details:

6) Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) was established in 1916. It is home to more than 11,000 students. Here are the important details of the institute:

7) Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College was established in 1965. It offers various courses across different programme types that include certificates, diplomas, and degrees. Here are the important details of the College:

8) Rocky Mountain College

Rocky Mountain College has served more than 4,000 students and has recorded a 100% graduate employment rate in 2019 and 2020. Here are the important details:

9) Columbia College

Columbia College was established in 1986. Here are the essential details of the college:

10) Cambrooks College

Here are the important details of Cambrooks College:

Cost of Studying at Colleges in Calgary

The cost of studying at colleges and universities in Calgary can vary depending on factors such as the institution, program of study, etc. Here is a general overview of the cost of studying in Calgary:

• Tuition Fees: The tuition fee for Calgary best colleges varies widely between universities and programmes. In comparison to domestic students, you can anticipate paying higher tuition as an overseas student. The specific programme and university you select will determine the tuition costs. Tuition fees may range from CAD 9,500 to CAD 45,000 per annum.
• Other University Costs: In addition to the tuition fee, students might have to pay for other university and college costs. These include charges for health services, student associations, recreational facilities, technology resources, books, study materials, supplies, etc.
• Living Expenses: Budgeting for studying in Calgary requires taking into account living expenses in Canada like lodging, food, transit, and personal expenditures. Depending on your lifestyle and tastes, the cost of living can change. Common options for lodging include shared apartments, on-campus housing, and homestays. According to Numbeo, the average cost for a single person in Calgary without rent is CAD 1,539. If a 1-bedroom apartment in the City Centre is taken into account, an additional CAD 1,780.70 needs to be spent.

Scholarships for the Top Universities in Calgary

Student scholarships are beneficial because they give students who want to pursue higher education financial support. They contribute to making education more accessible and cheap by lowering the burden of student debt. Additionally, scholarships frequently come with extra advantages like networking opportunities and mentorship programmes that help students grow personally and professionally. If the scholarship amount is sufficient, students may avoid working part-time in Canada and focus solely on their studies. Here are some scholarships for the top universities in Calgary:

• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: The maximum scholarship amount is CAD 20,000.
• Seymour Schulich Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship: The maximum scholarship amount is CAD 26,350.
• Haskayne School of Business Entrance Bursary: The maximum scholarship amount is CAD 2,500.
• C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad: The maximum scholarship amount is Rs. 8,00,000.
• Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program: The maximum scholarship amount is USD 10,000.

Admission Requirements for the Best Universities in Calgary

Admission requirements for the best universities in Calgary may vary depending on the specific institution and program. However, here is an overview of the admission requirements for universities in Calgary:

• Academic Qualifications: Students must have completed their schooling, undergraduate degree (if applying for a master's or PG diploma), and master’s degree (if applying for a doctoral degree).
• English Language Proficiency: Since English is the primary language of instruction, international students are typically required to demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or DET.
• Standardized Tests: Depending on the program and institution, applicants may be required to take standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate admissions or the GRE or GMAT for graduate admissions.
• Application Documents: Students are also expected to provide application documents such as a statement of purpose, 2-3 letters of recommendation, admission essays, etc.

Documents for the Best Universities in Calgary

An overview of the documents required to study at the top 10 colleges in Calgary is given in the points below (these documents might vary as per the university or course requirements):

• Formal Schooling with a certain minimum percentage (usually above 70%)
• Bachelor’s degree with a certain CGPA and academic courses (usually, the CGPA required for a master's in Canada is 3.0 out of 4.0)
• Academic or Professional experience (depends on the course)
• GRE or GMAT scores
• English language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or DET
• Latest resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• LORs (Letters of recommendation)
• Admission Essays
• Work Samples + Video Samples (for creative courses)

Now that students are aware of the various details of the best universities and colleges in Calgary, they are advised to conduct their own research as well. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.