International High School Students Currently Studying in Canada

The U of A has many benefits for international students currently studying high school within Canada. On this page you will find information on scholarship opportunities, our international tuition guarantee, program information and more.

If you are an international student applying from outside of Canada, please visit our International Students website.

Join our friendly community of over 8,000 international students, including many just like you who have completed their high school in Canada.

How to Apply

Our Academic Excellence

Our Rankings

The U of A is a top 5 university in Canada and top 100 in the world. Our opportunities in Research and Innovation and Work Integrated Learning make our institution a top choice for students as we push the boundaries of learning and discovery.

Our Programs

Explore our more than 200 undergraduate programs or take our interactive quiz to find the right fit for you. The U of A remains one of the best places in Canada to study nursing and petroleum engineering, and 18 of our subjects rank in the top 100 internationally.

Our Campuses

The U of A is a multi-campus university comprising three main teaching campuses, each with their own atmosphere and focus. Journey to North Campus or Campus Saint-Jean in Edmonton or Augustana Campus in Camrose through in-person or virtual campus tours and see what they have to offer.

Live on Campus

Living in residence has its perks, including an all-access meal plan, zero commute to campus, a tight-knit community and built-in friends, and a world-record history of dodgeball. Apply before April 30 to guarantee your spot.

Admission to the U of A

Admission Requirements

All undergraduate programs, with the exception of Doctor of Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy, are open to international students and have the same course and grade requirements as for Canadian students. Use our Program Tool to find your admission requirements by Canadian province and territory. We encourage students to apply early, as admission is competitive. For reference, we have listed our historical admission averages but these do not serve as a guarantee for future admission.

English Language Proficiency

All U of A students are required to meet English Language Proficiency (ELP) in order to be granted admission. There are many ways to meet this requirement through language tests, years of study or specific high school coursework. Final transcripts or language test results will be evaluated to ensure the requirement is met. The deadline to submit these documents is August 1.

Transcripts

Please do not submit any documents prior to completing your U of A application. Once you submit your application, you will be able to upload electronic unofficial copies of your documents through your Launchpad portal.

For students who completed Grade 10 or Grade 11 outside of Canada, ensure you have accurately filled in your Academic History section in your application to include all countries and curricula completed. Once the application has been submitted, a checklist item will appear in Launchpad allowing students to submit transcripts from their Grade 11 institution for consideration. We review Grade 11 and Grade 12 coursework to begin our evaluation process, so it is important we have a record of both.

A checklist item for Final Official Transcripts will be included in Launchpad. Unofficial copies may be uploaded, but final official transcripts must be submitted directly from the issuing school or ministry by August 1.

Bridging Program

The U of A has five faculties that can offer a Bridging Program (BP) for students who meet all admission requirements except ELP. Students can improve their academic English skills and fulfill the ELP requirement by taking English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses while earning credits. After completing BP, you will continue as a full-time undergraduate student.

Study Permits

All international students will require a new study permit to attend university in Canada — even if you already have a study permit for high school. Our International Student Services webinars can help with your study permit extension and renewal questions. Upon admission and acceptance of your offer, you can schedule advising with our immigration advisors before even stepping foot on campus! The sooner you can begin this process, the better to ensure your study permit arrives in time.

Funding Your Degree

Scholarships and Awards

The U of A administers more than $46 million in undergraduate financial support and we have scholarships and awards specifically for international students studying in Canada!

Admission-Based Scholarships

You could be starting with scholarships you don’t even have to apply for! You will be automatically evaluated for these scholarships when you apply for admission.

  • Gold Standard Scholarship — The top 5% of students in each faculty could receive up to $6,000, depending on admission average.
  • University of Alberta International Admission Scholarship — Students with superior academics in high school may receive a scholarship up to $5,000.
  • University of Alberta Regional Excellence Scholarship — Students attending high school in Canada on a study permit with an admission average of 80%+ could receive a scholarship up to $5,000. Selection is based on the student’s high school region.

Application-Based Scholarships

Once you have applied for admission to your program, you may apply for application-based scholarships. Fill out a single application through our Awards Portal and we will assess your eligibility based on your background, experiences, academics and interests. The deadline to apply is January 10, 2025.

  • President’s International Distinction Scholarship — Our most prestigious and competitive scholarship for international students, valued at $120,000 (payable over four years). It is intended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity and who are recognized leaders within their school or community.
  • University of Alberta International Leader Scholarship — Well-rounded leaders with superior academics could receive a scholarship ranging from $5,000 - $10,000.
  • Maple Leaf Centenary Scholarship — Students attending high school in Canada on a study permit, with superior achievement and leadership qualities, may receive up to $20,000 (payable over four years).

Tuition Guarantee

As an international student, you will receive a tuition guarantee based on the program you are applying for. This means your tuition will remain the same each year, for the typical length of the program you were accepted into. All other fees are subject to change and will be calculated on an annual basis. Estimate your costs for your first year using our Cost Calculator.

Please note that international students currently studying in Canada are required to pay international tuition fees.

Work While You Study

Work Integrated Learning

Did you know you can get real-world work experience and participate in ground-breaking research while you study? Co-ops, practicums and internships are available in all direct-entry faculties, and the Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) and faculty-led field schools provide opportunities for undergraduate students to pursue research projects as early as their first year.

Supported Students Succeed

From immigration and academic advising, to health care and mental wellness, to business and mentorship networks, your success at the U of A is everyone’s goal. Here are just a few of the many resources available to you on campus:

Connect with Us

Support for international students starts before you even begin studying at the U of A, and there are many ways to stay connected and information. For support, contact us at mapleleaf@ualberta.ca or submit a ticket to our Student Service Centre. We cannot wait to welcome you to the U of A!