Tuition Model
Tuition at the University of Alberta follows two models:
Registration-based: tuition fees are assessed based on the courses that a student is registered in.
Program-based: tuition is assessed based on an annual and total program tuition guarantee. This guarantee means the total cost of program tuition will be calculated based on the number of credits required to complete the program. The assessment will be in place for the typical time required to complete the program, plus one additional year.
Student Type |
Tuition Model |
|---|---|
|
Domestic Students |
Registration-based |
|
Incoming International Students |
Program-based |
|
Continuing International Students (starting in a new, unrelated program) |
Program-based |
Benefits of a program-based model for international students
In November 2018, the provincial government passed Bill 19, An Act to Improve the Affordability and Accessibility of Post-Secondary Education. The bill outlined a new regulatory framework for domestic, international, and apprenticeship student tuition and fees.
As per the Government of Alberta’s legislation, the University of Alberta implemented a program-based tuition model for international students beginning their studies in 2020 and onward. Under the program-based model, international students are provided with a guaranteed tuition amount for the duration of their program. A full, up-front cost for their programs allows students to apply for student visas and funding opportunities and assists them in making an informed decision when selecting their post-secondary school.
Domestic students starting or continuing studies in Fall 2024
There is no change to the tuition model for domestic students starting or continuing their studies in September 2024.
How is my tuition calculated?
Your tuition will be calculated on a registration-based model: meaning your tuition fees are assessed based on the courses you are registered for.
How can I find out what my tuition and fees will be?
Visit the Cost Calculator for a fee estimate. Once registered, your fee assessment will be available through Bear Tracks.
Will my tuition increase during my degree?
Tuition for domestic students is regulated by the Government of Alberta. The University will be permitted to increase domestic student tuition on an annual basis. Any proposed increase approved always follows the tuition fee regulations. Through this regulation, the University is permitted to increase domestic tuition limited to cost of living calculations as calculated by the government.
Is the University of Alberta considering implementing a program-based tuition model for domestic students?
No. The program-based tuition model only applies to international students starting a new program.
International undergraduate students starting in Fall 2024
International undergraduate students will receive a tuition guarantee (annual and program total) for the duration of their program.
How is my tuition calculated?
Your tuition will be calculated using a program-based model. This means you will receive an annual and total program tuition guarantee. Payment of the total program tuition amount can be paid in annual or semi-annual instalments and will remain consistent regardless of how many courses you register for.
Your rate of tuition and the terms of your guarantee will be outlined in your letter of admission. Your total program rate and annual rate are set and based on the rates approved for your admission term. Your annual rate refers to the rate that will be assessed if you are registered in fall and winter. Every term of registration results in a tuition calculated for the term. (Students are provided an annual rate and a total program rate. The annual rate is assessed in the fall/winter terms. If a student registered in the spring/summer term, they will receive an additional tuition assessment.)
How will tuition be calculated if I registered in the spring or summer semester?
Your tuition will be charged at 1/4 of your annual tuition guarantee for each term you register.
When will I receive my tuition guarantee?
This information will be included in your Offer of Admission letter. Visit the Cost Calculator for a fee estimate.
How long is my tuition guarantee good for?
For undergraduate students, the tuition guarantee is set for the typical duration of your program plus one year. Typically, programs are four years, therefore the guarantee would be good for five years.
What if I change programs during my degree?
All continuing students who wish to change their programs must apply to the new program before gaining admission. In general, if an offer of admission is granted you will receive a new guarantee for your new program. However, if your offer is within your current faculty and your new degree program is related to your current program, we will honour the rate of your initial admission guarantee provided that you have not graduated nor discontinued your studies. For example, a student switching from a Faculty of Science Bachelor of Science program to a Faculty of Science Bachelor of Science in Honours program would maintain their initial guarantee, rate of tuition and terms. This cannot be done for transfers between faculties or programs where the credits required for a degree are different.
Will I still receive transfer credit under the program-based model?
Yes, you will continue to receive transfer credit for courses that meet the advanced standing requirements. Transfer credit is accounted for and will lower your total guaranteed tuition amount. The Office of the Registrar reviews all tuition guarantees after the add/drop deadline. We monitor your tuition, credits taken in your program, transfer credit, time taken and your guarantee terms. We evaluate the total credits taken and compare this to your guarantee rate to ensure it’s prorated according to the rate and terms of your guarantee.
What happens if I delete all my courses prior to the add/drop deadline?
If you delete all courses prior to the add/drop deadline, you will not be charged tuition for that term.
What happens if I delete some of my courses prior to the add/drop deadline?
Registration is on a program-based tuition model, which means that your annual tuition will be assessed regardless of how many courses you register for in each term.
What happens if I do not delete my courses prior to the add/drop deadline?
If you do not delete courses prior to the add/drop deadline, you will be charged tuition for that term.
What happens if I withdraw from all my courses prior to the 50 per cent withdrawal deadline?
In this case, tuition in that term will be reduced by 50 per cent.
What happens if I withdraw from some of my courses prior to the 50 per cent withdrawal deadline?
Registration is on a program-based tuition model, which means that your annual tuition will be assessed regardless of how many courses you register for in each term. Unless you withdraw from all courses, there will not be a reduction in fees.
What happens if I withdraw from some of my courses after the 50 per cent withdrawal deadline?
There will be no reduction in fees for that term.
Does a withdrawal or failed course count toward a credit attempt?
Yes. If you withdraw from or fail a course(s), the guarantee does not include the cost of any course you need to repeat or the cost of any course you choose to take, in addition to the courses required for your degree program.
What happens if I take courses that are not required for my degree (extra to degree)?
The guarantee does not include the cost for any courses that are taken outside of your degree requirements. Those courses will count as a credit attempt and you will have to pay for those courses in addition to your guarantee.
Why am I being assessed tuition for Work Experience taken during Spring or Summer?
Per your Admission Letter, you are assessed through a Program Based Tuition Model, meaning you are charged a set amount of tuition by term for the total length of your program. You are not assessed by the number of courses you are registered in.
You will pay tuition and associated fees for all terms with registration. Registering in Work Experience courses will count as registration. Keep in mind that if you register for courses (including a Work Experience course) during the Spring or Summer terms, your annual tuition will increase for that year, but your overall guaranteed total tuition for your program will not change. The tuition amount you pay in your Spring or Summer terms will be subtracted from your assessment when you reach your guaranteed tuition total towards the end of your program.
What happens to my tuition guarantee when I branch into an Engineering Co-op Program?
International Students on a tuition guarantee model who are branched into a Co-op program maintain their original tuition guarantee total. As the Co-op programs take an extra year to complete, your remaining tuition for your program (your total guarantee minus what you paid for your qualifying year) is then divided into 4 years rather than 3 years, but your overall guaranteed total tuition for your program will not change. Please note that you are still assessed the standard non-instructional fees in addition to your tuition each term of your registration. Please review your tuition guarantee for the registration conditions and requirements for your guarantee.
International graduate students starting in Fall 2024
International graduate students will receive a tuition guarantee (annual total) for a specified program duration.
How is tuition calculated for my course-based master's?
Tuition will be calculated using a program-based model. This means you will receive an annual and total program tuition guarantee. Payment of the total program tuition amount can be made in annual or semi-annual instalments and will remain consistent regardless of how many courses you register for.
How is tuition calculated for my thesis-based master's or my PhD?
Your tuition will be calculated using a program-based model. This means you will receive an annual and total program tuition guarantee. Payment of the total program tuition amount can be made in annual or semi-annual instalments for up to four years for a master's thesis and up to six years for a PhD thesis. Should you require additional years of study to complete your requirements, you can do so but will be assessed a new tuition rate at that time.
When will I receive my tuition guarantee?
This information will be included in your Offer of Admission letter.
How long is my tuition guarantee good for?
Masters course-based students: the length of the guarantee is four years.
Masters thesis-based students: the length of the guarantee is four years.
PhD students: the length of the guarantee is six years.
What if I change programs during my degree?
All students who change programs must apply to their new program before gaining admission. If an offer of admission is granted you will receive a new admission offer with a new tuition rate guarantee for the new program.