Photo: Wikimedia Commons
About the university
A major research university anchoring Edmonton, with particular strength in engineering and energy research — Alberta's resource economy and the university's applied-science programs have grown up together.
Country
🇨🇦 Canada
City
Edmonton, Alberta
Founded
1908
Study levels
Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Postgraduate Research
Intakes
September, January, May (selected programmes)
Approx. tuition
CAD 30k–45k/yr
Popular courses
What people actually study here.
Entry requirements & approximate costs
What it takes to get in, and to fund it.
Academic entry
Completed GCE A/Levels (or equivalent), assessed against the university's admission average for your intended programme.
English proficiency
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (often with a minimum per-band score) is typical, unless your prior education was taught in English and meets IRCC's own exemption criteria.
Approximate tuition
Roughly CAD 30,000–45,000 a year for most undergraduate and master's programmes; medicine and a handful of specialised degrees run higher. Confirm current fees on the university's site.
These figures apply broadly across Canada's higher-education system, not just University of Alberta, always confirm your specific course's exact requirements and fees on the university's own site.
Scholarships
Ways to lower the cost.
Global Citizen and other major entrance scholarships are available for international undergraduates.
The vibe
What it actually feels like.
- A large, self-contained campus connected to downtown Edmonton by light rail.
- Genuine four-season weather — proper winters bring skating rinks and toques onto campus itself.
- Strong engineering and energy-sector ties, reflecting Alberta's resource-economy roots.
For Sri Lankan applicants
Why Sri Lankan students consider it.
Alberta's engineering and energy-sector strength, alongside generally lower tuition than Toronto or Vancouver, makes it a practical option for Sri Lankan students focused on a technical degree and cost.
Fun things to do
Life outside the lecture hall.
Skate for free on the outdoor rink at Rice Howard Way in downtown Edmonton, a short LRT ride away.
Explore West Edmonton Mall — one of North America's largest, with an indoor water park.
Walk the river valley trail system right along the edge of campus.
Opportunities for international students
What's on offer if you're coming from abroad.
Application guidance
From application to visa-ready file.
- 1
Choose your programme and check the admission average for your background
- 2
Apply directly to the university with certified transcripts and English test results
- 3
Receive your Letter of Acceptance and arrange your GIC and tuition payment
- 4
Begin your study permit documentation
Once you have an offer, the documentation process covers exactly what identification, academic and financial evidence your visa file will need next.
Related guides
Documentation, explained.
Student Visa Document Checklist for Sri Lankan Students
The short version. For the full explanation of each item, see our complete documentation process guide.
Student Visa Proof of Funds Explained
The single most common reason a student visa file stalls, explained in plain English.
Common Student Visa Documentation Mistakes
Most refused or delayed files aren't refused for one big reason. They're delayed by three or four small, avoidable ones.
Also in Canada
Other top Canada universities.
References & sources
Where this page comes from.
- University of Alberta · official websiteVisit ↗
- International admissions pageVisit ↗
- Hero photograph · Wikimedia CommonsSource ↗
- Rutherford Library · Wikimedia CommonsSource ↗
- Convocation Hall · Wikimedia CommonsSource ↗
Course lists, scholarships and admissions details summarised here are illustrative. Always confirm the current, exact terms on the university's own official website before applying. Photography is freely licensed via Wikimedia Commons, not sourced from the university's own site.
Aiming for University of Alberta? Let's make the money story match.
Campus photography & crest via Wikimedia Commons contributors. Course, admissions and scholarship details change. Always confirm current terms on the official site above before applying.