Top 5 Colleges in Alberta for International Students in 2024



Colleges in Alberta, Canada, have everything, ranging from a proud history of university education to over $800 million in sponsored research funding. Alberta, a province in Western Canada, has plenty more to offer especially for international students. With one of the highest standards of living and post-graduation employment opportunities, colleges in this province have always attracted a good number of international students from different parts of the world.

Cities like Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer and Edmonton, are the ones that top the list when it comes to global ed destinations in Alberta and the whole of Canada.


Why study in Alberta colleges?

There are many reasons why Alberta has become one of the favourite destinations for international students. This Canadian province has an unparalleled history of higher education which dates back to early 1881, and presently it is a magnet of fresh talent and innovation from all around the world.

Top-quality education:

According to the official data, Alberta colleges are home to more than 17,000 international students from all around the world, and this makes the province one of the biggest educational hubs in Canada. It is also home to a few of the top-ranked and internationally acclaimed universities; the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge are the ones that top this list.

Alongside top universities, this province is also famous for post-secondary institutions, technical schools, community colleges, trade schools, and Vocational schools. NorQuest College, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Lakeland College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Athabasca University, Olds College, and Bow Valley College are a few colleges that fall under these categories.

Better career opportunities:

Students who graduate from Alberta colleges and universities find it relatively easy to get a well-remunerated career opportunity within the province, as it has become a professional paradise of Canada since 2016. There are more than 19000 fresh career opportunities created here since 2016, and this contributes to more than half of Canada’s job growth.

Young Population:

This is one province that has the lowest median age when compared to all the other Canadian provinces. This makes it a hub of vibrant activities and cultural programs; the province is famous for music, sports, nightlife and many festivals. Close 40% of people in Calgary are of 20-44 years of age, while the average age in Calgary is 36.

Reliable Public Transportation:

There are several cheap and reliable options available here when it comes to travelling from one place to another within the province. The extensive public transport facility in the province makes it really easy for the students to commute by not spending a hefty amount.

Path-breaking research outcomes and research opportunities :

Colleges and universities in Alberta have always been known for their phenomenal contributions and path-breaking outcomes in multiple areas of research. According to the official data, the province has gathered over $800 million in sponsored research funding, and the province has also witnessed some of the world’s top discoveries.

How much does it cost to study at a university in Alberta?

Some of the best colleges in Alberta for international students are well known for high-quality education at the lowest and most affordable rates. The tuition fees and living expenses are much cheaper here when compared to other provinces like Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal.

Let’s explore in detail the tuition fee, application fee, cost of living, and study permit fee.

Tuition Fee

Tuition fees in colleges and universities in Alberta for international students can depend on many factors like the type of schools that you are attending, the kind of program, which city it is located, and also the length of the programme. Along with this, students will also have to spend on books, health care, and other student association memberships.

The average undergraduate education in universities in Alberta for international students will cost about CA $11,000 to CA $ 45,280 for an academic year. This is much cheaper when compared to cities like Toronto, where the minimum cost is around CA$34,400, Vancouver -CA, $36,000, and Montreal – CA, $32,275.

When it comes to colleges in Alberta and technical institutions, this rate will differ drastically; the tuition fee is based on two undergraduate semesters, and for a total of 8 months of instruction and this will come to be about CA $9,750 to CA $ 26,560 in colleges and CA$ 11,100 to CA $ 18,750 at technical institutions.

Application Fee:

Each university will have a different application fee, and the average application fees of the universities will range anywhere between CA $17 to CA $150.

Study Permit Fee

Students should apply for a study permit after receiving the letter of acceptance from the university. This will cost CA $150 per person. International students can only enter Canada or remain in Canada without a study permit to attend a course or program of study of 6 months duration or less, so this becomes one of the most important criteria when it comes to studying in Canada.

Cost of living

Let’s now explore the cost of living in according to the official government data; this includes housing, entertainment, and taxes. Students will have to pay a monthly rent between CA$ 800- CA$ 1,050 for single, off-campus, shared accommodation in this province. This is one of the cheapest when compared to all the other major provinces in Canada.

When it comes to Food and clothing, the students will have to spend around CA $ 300 per month. Students will also have to take miscellaneous costs into consideration as this can come up to CA$ 150 per month, which includes a monthly phone bill of CA$ 50, a laundry bill of CA$30 and a recreation/entertainment amount of CA $75.In total, depending on your lifestyle choices, you can expect to spend anywhere between $1,400 and $2,000 per month as living expenses.



Disclaimer: This video reflects details and rankings from 2023

What are the best colleges in Alberta for international students?

Before we get into the list of top colleges in Alberta, let us clarify one thing. Universities and colleges cannot be used interchangeably when talking about Canadian higher education. Universities are larger institutions that offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The emphasis is more on academics and research. In contrast, colleges in Canada focus on the practical application of a subject. They prepare you for employment by offering certifications, diplomas and bachelor’s degrees.
So, before we delve into the colleges, here is a list of the top universities in the province of Alberta Canada.

S.No University Location World University Ranking (QS 2024)
1 University of Alberta Edmonton 111
2 University of Calgary Calgary 182
3 Concordia University Edmonton
4 St Mary’s University Calgary
5 University of Lethbridge Lethbridge

Of these five, Concordia University of Edmonton is an undergraduate university and does not offer any postgraduate degrees. The universities of Alberta and Calgary have recognised global standing and attract thousands of international students every year.

That said, the following is the list of best colleges in Alberta, Canada

  • Bow Valley College
  • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
  • Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
  • Lakeland College
  • Lethbridge College
S.No College Location Average Fees in CAD
1 Bow Valley College Calgary 10,000 – 25,000
2 Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Edmonton 18,000 – 26,000
3 Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Calgary 18,000 – 23,000
4 Lakeland College Lloydminster and Vermilion 17,100 (base international tuition fee)
5 Lethbridge College Lethbridge 13,000 – 30,000

1. Bow Valley College

Founded in 1965, Bow Valley College is a public, board-governed college that offers certificates, diplomas, post-diploma certificates, and English language learning courses. The college has a student strength of 17,000 students from all around the world. Bow Valley College is a member of the Alberta Rural Development Network and Colleges and institutes in Canada.

Why is it good to study here?

Bow Valley College is one of the top 50 research colleges in Canada, and the college has students from over 148 countries. High graduate employability rate, small class size, and personalised teaching are the main attractions of this college, and there is a whopping 86% employment rate for the graduates of this college, making it one of the best colleges in Alberta for international students.

Fees

  • The tuition fee at Bow Valley College will be between CA $10,000 – CA $25,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.
  • Students will have to pay an application fee of CA $ 140.

Eligibility

The following are the general eligibility criteria of Bow Valley College :

  • TOEFL iBTs score of 83
  • IELTS score of 6.5
  • English and Math from Secondary and Senior Secondary School Examination
  • PTE score of 59-64
  • Official academic transcripts

Courses offered & admission process

  • Business and Health Administration
  • Basic Literacy Programs
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Social Services
  • Workplace Training
  • Healthcare Aide
  • Nurse
  • Education and Early Learning
  • Community Services

Application for Bow Valley college happens online through the university website. The student will have to complete an online application at the official website by providing all the necessary documents along with the residence fees. The college offers three admission intakes in a year: Spring, Fall and Winter.

2. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Established in 1962, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology is a popular polytechnic and applied science institute in Edmonton. Presently there are more than 16,400 students, of which 1900 students are from over 94 different countries.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology offers both full-time as well as part-time courses in various programs. The college has seen an average employer satisfaction of 98%. The university has a faculty strength of 2,700 staff members and is partnered with around 64 industries.

Why is it good to study here?

This institute has four different campuses around Canada, three campuses are located in the city of Edmonton, and one is located in Spruce Grove. The college has generated a total revenue of $378 million, and the college has also provided $5.6 million as bursaries and scholarships to students.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology believes in practical education and offers practical education in all fields for students to get hands-on experience or students. The college also has a strong alumni network of 200,000 members around the world.

Fees

The tuition fee will be between CA $ 18,000 – CA $26,000 per year, and this includes tuition and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Students will have to pay an application fee of CA $ 115.

Eligibility

The following are the general eligibility criteria

  • Official transcripts of high school
  • Letter of recommendation.
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Financial support evidence
  • English Proficiency test scores
  • GMAT or GRE score
  • IELTS score of 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT score of 83 with a 20 in each section

Courses offered & admission process

Following are the program areas available

  • Academic Upgrading and English as a Second Language
  • Clerical and Administrative Support
  • Business and Administration Studies
  • Communications, Journalism, and Related Studies
  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Engineering, Architecture, and Related Studies
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Environment, Forestry, and Related Studies
  • General Studies
  • Health Care, Medical Studies, and Technologies
  • Personal, Home, and Food Studies
  • Physical Education and Recreation
  • Sciences

Students will have to fill out the online application form through the university’s official website. There are three intakes, fall, winter and spring. There will be an application fee of CA $ 115, which is to be remitted at the time of applying.

Students will receive an email containing their NAIT student registration ID after the application process is done, after which the students will have to submit an original proof of education and all the necessary details. Results can be found in the online myNAIT portal after the results are announced.

3. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Established in 1916, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology is a polytechnic institute located in Calgary. SAIT offers more than 100 programs in the field of business and technology. Presently there are 11,000 full-time and 1,270 part-time students enrolled in SAIT from different parts of the world. SAIT has a graduate employability rate of 91% and a strong alumni network.

Why is it good to study here?

SAIT is popular for the best quality education and the student-teacher ratio. It is also a member of Polytechnics Canada, and it is one of the Top 50 employers in the province. From being the second oldest post-secondary institution in Calgary and Canada’s first publicly funded technical institute to a top research institution in Alberta, SAIT has crossed a lot of miles when it comes to providing a top-notch education.

The prime focus of SAIT is to provide practical education for students which can be put to work immediately after graduation; to achieve this goal, SIAT has partnered with over 11,000 industries. The institution also has an acceptance rate of 95%.

Fees

The tuition fee is between CA $ 18,000  – CA $23,000  per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Students will have to pay an application fee of CA $ 175.

Eligibility

The following are the general eligibility criteria

  • Official transcripts of high school
  • IELTS score of 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT score of 80 with a 20 in each section
  • Letter of recommendation.
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Financial support evidence
  • English Proficiency test scores
  • GMAT or GRE score, if required

 

Courses offered & admission process

Following are a few program areas available

  • Accounting
  • Academic Upgrading
  • Advanced care paramedic
  • Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology
  • Applied Product Go-To-Market Strategy
  • Bachelor of Applied Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Business Administration
  • Agricultural Equipment Technician
  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Computer science
  • Business and Entrepreneurship
  • Chemical Engineering Technology
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Data Analytics

Students can apply through the university’s online portal by paying an application fee of CA$ 75 or 175. It’s advised to apply much before the deadline as the applications submitted post-deadline will be only considered depending on the availability of the slots. The student will be asked to submit all the necessary documents, and then the final step will be notified through your email id if the student is selected.

4. Lakeland College

Established in 1911 with the motto of ever to excel, Lakeland College is a post-secondary institution funded by the government of Canada. The college saw a total enrolment of 8000 students from different parts of the world who are pursuing various courses in the college.

Students choose to study at Lakeland college because of its proven ability to offer students the crucial skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen careers. The college offers more than 50 certificates, diplomas, university transfer, and online programs.

Why is it good to study here?

Lakeland College provides baccalaureate degree programs in partnership with various degree-granting universities. The college has a really vibrant campus that offers clubs, recreation centers, athletic and social activities, and student housing for single students and those traveling with their families.

The college is also famous for awarding scholarships for bright and academically sound students; in 2013, during its centennial year, Lakeland gave out more than $1 million in awards, scholarships, and bursaries to deserving students.

Fees

The tuition fee at Lakeland College will be between CA $ 17,000 – CA $32,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Students will have to pay an application fee of CA $ 90.

Eligibility

The following are the general eligibility criteria of Lakeland College :

  • TOEFL iBTs score of 78
  • IELTS score of 6.0
  • PTE score of 53
  • Evidence of sufficient funds
  • Acceptance letter
  • Medical examination
  • Academic transcripts
  • GRE or GMAT score if asked

Courses offered & admission process

  • Agricultural science
  • Business
  • Continuing education
  • Dual Credit
  • Energy
  • Environment science
  • Fire and emergency services
  • Health and wellness
  • University Transfer

Your application for this college happens online through the university website. The student will have to complete an online application at the official website by providing all the necessary documents. Admissions are offered to students on the basis of their academic excellence, official test scores, supporting documents and other criteria.

5. Lethbridge College


Established in 1957, Lethbridge college is a public college located in Lethbridge. The college offers more than 50 career training programs in multiple disciplines. Lethbridge College is also famous for its path-breaking research outcomes and hands-on research training, which helps students to come up with unique and innovative ideas.

Why is it good to study here?

Lethbridge College is popular for its programs in the field of career training certificates, diplomas and applied bachelor’s degrees in academic upgrading, early childhood education, educational assistance and interior design administrative, agriculture, automotive and business administration.

The current student strength is over 4,00 students from different parts of the world. Lethbridge College has transfer agreements with the University of Alberta, the Athabasca University of Calgary and also the university of Lethbridge. This helps students who wish to transfer or further their studies with a bachelor’s degree.

Fees

The tuition fee at Lethbridge College will be between CA $ 16,000  – CA $39,000  per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Students will have to pay an application fee of CA $ 90.

Eligibility

  • A minimum GPA of 2.0
  • Financial statement
  • Medical fitness proof if required
  • TOEFL iBTs score of 80
  • IELTS score of 6.0
  • PTE score of 54
  • Academic transcripts
  • GRE or GMAT score if asked

Courses offered & admission process

  • Academic Upgrading
  • Agriculture
  • Apprenticeships and Trades
  • Business
  • Culinary
  • Engineering Technologies
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Exercise Science
  • General Arts and Science
  • Health and Wellness
  • Human Services
  • Justice Studies
  • Media and Information Technologies
  • Spatial Design Technologies

Students can apply through the university’s online portal by paying an application fee of CA$ 90. The website will have all the necessary details and important dates for International students. Then you will be asked to submit all your documents, and then the final step will be notified through your email id if you are selected.

Apply to Schools in Alberta with Ease

The colleges in Alberta, Canada are well known for their quality education and research outcomes; this has also made the province one of the most popular global ed destinations for international students.

If you are preparing to study in a university in Alberta and if you feel like the process is becoming overwhelming as there is a lot to plan and consider, you can get the best guidance and support from the team TC Global to get admission to the best colleges in Alberta.

We at TC Global, ’simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses

.Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to the applications, visas, and departure – we see you through it all.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! 🚀

Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member.

Let’s shape your future together.

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Date added
29.12.2023

Filed under:

Global Ed

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