Best Colleges in Alberta for International Students

Alberta is not only home to a few of the world's top universities but is also a popular province among international students. There are several reasons why Alberta is one of the best places to study in Canada. 

With one of the highest post-graduate employment rates, Alberta has become a top choice among international students who study in Canada. You can read the blog completely to learn more about this captivating place and its universities.

Why Study in Alberta, Canada?

With its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Alberta is renowned for several other matters, including its six UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites. This captivating province showcases awe-inspiring natural beauty and encompasses a flourishing industry and a vibrant mix of cultures. From dynamic urban centres to outstanding research prospects, Alberta offers a host of compelling reasons to choose it as an exceptional destination for living, studying, and working. Notably, Alberta secured an impressive second position among all Canadian provinces for college study permit approvals from January to July 2021, emphasising its appeal as an ideal place for educational pursuits.

Alberta offers numerous advantages as a top study destination in Canada. Here are a few reasons that highlight its importance:

1. Exceptional educational standards: Alberta boasts a high-quality education system, attracting more than 17,000 international students. Interacting and socialising with fellow students from around the world is effortless. Additionally, Alberta is home to renowned universities such as the University of Lethbridge, the University of Calgary, and the University of Alberta.
2. Vibrant atmosphere: With a large population of young people, Alberta has a dynamic ambience. Countless cultural events, including music festivals, sports activities, and celebrations, create a lively and exciting environment.
3. Abundant research prospects: Alberta presents vast research opportunities. With sponsored research funding reaching approximately CAD 800 million, the province has played a pivotal role in numerous groundbreaking discoveries.
4. Extensive career options: Since 2016, more than 19,000 new career opportunities have emerged in Canada, making it easier for students to secure employment after completing their studies in Alberta. The region offers a wide range of potential career paths for graduates.
5. Reliable transportation infrastructure: Alberta enjoys excellent connectivity to popular destinations within the country. Students benefit from reliable transportation options at affordable prices, facilitating convenient commuting throughout the region.

Which Are the Best Colleges in Alberta for International Students?

As mentioned above, there are several colleges in Alberta that are chosen by international students. A few popular ones are listed below.

• Bow Valley College
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
• University of Lethbridge
• Red Deer College
• Lakeland College
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College, a public institution supported by the board, stands among the prestigious research colleges in Canada, ranking within the top 50. Welcoming a diverse student body of more than 17,000 individuals from around the globe, the college provides an extensive range of educational opportunities. These include diploma programs, post-diploma certificates, as well as English-language programs catering to the diverse needs and aspirations of its students.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

With its founding dating back to 1916, SAIT is a renowned polytechnic institute that attracts more than 11,000 full-time students across a diverse range of disciplines. The institute prides itself on its graduate employability rate, which stands at 91%.

University of Lethbridge

Ranked #2 in Medical and Science grants at the Undergraduate level in the Maclean's University Rankings 2021, the University of Lethbridge offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctoral programs. It also has a high graduate employment rate of 95.5%.

Red Deer College

It is a public community college in Canada that is a constant presence in several national rankings. The college offers over CAD 1,00,000 as scholarships and bursaries, thus making it popular among international students. 

Lakeland College

Lakeland College, drawing a diverse student body of over 8,000 individuals worldwide, provides a wide array of educational opportunities, including certificates, diplomas, and online programs. In the year 2013 alone, the college generously awarded more than CAD 1 million to its students through bursaries, scholarships, and awards.

Eligibility to Study at Colleges in Alberta

The requirements for admission to prestigious universities and colleges in Alberta differ based on the specific institution and program of study. Consequently, providing an exhaustive list of specific criteria can be challenging. Nevertheless, we have compiled a table outlining the general English-language requirements that are typically required by the majority of institutions.

Top Courses to Study in Alberta, Canada

Alberta is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the world that offer courses in all streams and disciplines. The city is quite affordable to live in and study at. We have given a list of the top courses you can learn in Alberta. You will find the list useful.

• Business Management
• IT& Computer Science
• Engineering
• Health,77 Biosciences & Pharmacy
• Media & Journalism

Admission Process to Study at Colleges in Alberta

The application procedures for studying in Alberta can differ based on the university you choose to apply to. Nonetheless, there is a general application process that you can adhere to. We have provided an overview of this process below. For the most up-to-date information, it is advisable to consult the official website of the university you are interested in.

1. Visit the official website of the university and create an account.
2. Log in to your account and fill in the necessary information.
3. Upload all the documents.
4. Pay the application fee and submit the application.

Scholarships to Study at Colleges in Alberta

There are several scholarships funded by the universities, colleges, government and other private institutions. These will have varying eligibility criteria and scholarship values as well. A few scholarships are listed below for your reference.

1. BeArt Presets Academic Scholarship
2. Google PhD Fellowship Program
3. Horowitz Foundation Grants
4. University of Lethbridge SGS Dean's Scholarship
5. Richard A. Freund International Scholarship

High Demand Jobs in Alberta

The employment landscape in Alberta offers a vast array of opportunities, ensuring that you can find a job that aligns with your interests and preferences. The average annual salary may vary based on factors such as qualifications and experience. However, a general range for average annual salaries in Alberta can be expected to fall between CAD 19,000 and CAD 39,000. To gain insights into the high-demand occupations in Alberta, you can refer to the table provided below.

Summing up, Alberta is one of the first places you can choose to study in Canada. It has a very good reputation and is also well-connected to all the major landmarks. Alberta also houses some of the top colleges and universities in Canada. In short, Alberta can definitely be your first choice if you are thinking about studying in Canada.

AECC is one of the world's leading educational consultancies with versatile expert professionals who are ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey of fulfilling your dream.

FAQs