Being the region’s highest-ranked educational institution, the University of Alberta (U of A) has the second-largest student population in Canada. The U of A is considered a “comprehensive academic and research university” (CARU), offering various academic and professional programs leading to undergraduate and graduate-level credentials.
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, the University is ranked among the top five universities in Canada and offers state-of-the-art facilities, excellent teaching, diverse societies, and clubs to meet new people.
If you wish to study at the University of Alberta and want to know more about the application process, book a free consultation with SI-Canada today.
Reasons to Choose the University of Alberta
1. Great career prospects
The University of Alberta ranks among the top five universities in Canada in the Graduate Employability Rankings, meaning there are many opportunities for career development.
The chance to build a solid resume with an internship, job shadowing and career mentoring, apart from trying hands in the non-profit sector through Community Service-Learning (CSL), are some of the options U of A gives. Students can study outside their classrooms and still earn credits for their degrees by being in the field school or spending semesters abroad through the study abroad option of the University. You can also add a Certificate in Community Engagement and Service-Learning to your degree if you can complete more than one CSL course.
2. Academic excellence and variety
University of Alberta programs are available at every study level. Each student can choose from many academic and professional growth options with over 200 programs for majors, minors, specializations, certifications, honours programs, practicums, and co-ops. The University of Alberta MBA is an option for business students seeking to advance in their chosen field. Master's courses at the university are particularly renowned for their rigorous curriculum and presence of renowned scholars, researchers, and industry experts as faculty members. At the graduate level, students also get the opportunity to engage in research-intensive programs in various disciplines. Many of these courses take an interdisciplinary approach to education, allowing students to take up specific fields of interest as per their career goals.
The University of Alberta also offers options for Native Studies ranging from certification courses to undergraduate and graduate degree programs, which is a first for a Canadian University at this level.
3. Rankings and reputation
The University of Alberta consistently ranks among the top universities in Canada and the world. Several prominent ranking systems consistently place the University of Alberta in high regard, highlighting its strengths across various disciplines, study areas, and research capabilities. Following are some of the major rankings of recent times:
- QS World University Rankings 2024: 111th
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024: 109th
- Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023: 7th
In subject rankings, Alberta excels in nursing (5th in the world and best in Canada), petroleum engineering (5th in the world and best in Canada), and mining and mineral engineering (10th in the world and 2nd in Canada) in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2023.
4. Stunning Canadian location
Located in Edmonton, U of A has the advantage of being an educational institution nestled in a modern, busy, yet naturally beautiful city in one of the best provinces of Canada. As Alberta has stunning landscapes, students can get the opportunity to explore the great outdoors by going to the Rocky Mountains, hiking in Banff or Jasper National Park, and going for skiing and mountain biking adventures. They can also attend various cultural events and festivals organized in Alberta throughout the year to immerse themselves in the rich cultural diversity of the province.
At the University of Alberta, more than 36,000 students, including 8,000 from over 150 countries, are free to choose from around 450 student clubs, giving them many opportunities to grow other than academic progress that is, in any case, excellent at the University.
5. Comprehensive healthcare and wellness system
Each student at the University of Alberta is entitled to free and confidential health resources to help them thrive in an environment that is there to care for all their needs. This is particularly important for international students, who are new to the place and system, so they are much more likely to enjoy their university life when they can get better healthcare facilities on campus. Mental health care, immunizations, counselling, and therapy sessions are available on campus to support students' emotional and psychological well-being. The university’s counselling services provide confidential support and guidance for a wide range of mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and academic challenges.
The University of Alberta generally promotes wellness and prevention through various programs and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent illness, and enhance overall well-being.
6. Study abroad options
Taking learning opportunities far beyond the classroom, U of A, through its agreements with universities worldwide, allows students to grow globally. From learning Portuguese in Brazil to studying European politics in Lille and taking media studies in Germany, the study-abroad options at the U of A can make you grow at various levels. The university also facilitates international internship opportunities that provide students with hands-on work experience in a global setting. For students interested in academic research, U of A allows research exchanges with partner institutions worldwide, enabling students to collaborate with international scholars.
Study at Alberta
Are you interested in studying at the University of Alberta? Arrange a free consultation with SI-Canada to begin your application today.
