University of Calgary

The University of Calgary (UCalgary), known for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life, is a leading institution in Alberta, Canada. It has a rich history of providing high-quality education and fostering a diverse and inclusive community. With its commitment to innovation and research, the University of Calgary has become a renowned institution nationally and internationally. As a top choice for students seeking a world-class education, the University of Calgary is a trailblazer in various fields of study.

Location

The University of Calgary is set in the heart of the Southern region of Alberta. The university acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7. Included in this acknowledgment are the Blackfoot Confederacy which is made up of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations, and the Tsuut'ina First Nation, as well as the Stoney Nakoda, which includes the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations. The Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3 also calls Calgary home.

Learn more about the city of Calgary.

History

The history of the University of Calgary dates back to its humble beginnings as the Calgary branch of the University of Alberta. In September 1905, during the period before Alberta became a province, young Calgary citizens had their hearts set on a post-secondary institution in the city. In 1906, the Alberta Normal School, later named the Werklund School of Education, started operating, helping the province gain the knowledge needed to excel.

In 1908, the University of Alberta was founded in Strathcona, today part of Edmonton. This development did not go down well with Calgarians, who ended up lobbying for their own independent institution of their own. While it took decades to materialize, their efforts eventually paid off on April 29, 1966, when the University of Calgary gained autonomy.

Students at UCalgary

Each year, this top Canadian university attracts over 30,000 students. The number of undergraduate students stands at around 25,000 while the total number of graduate students runs up to around 6,000. International students account for about 3,000 of the total student body.

Notable UCalgary Alumni

The university's alumni network reaches beyond the 160,000 mark. Former students include:

• Former Canadian prime minister, Stephen Harper
• Theatre creator and artistic director, Jennifer Brewin
• Ice hockey Olympic gold medalist, Hayley Wickenheiser
• Astronaut and Canadian record holder for the longest space flight and longest period spent in space, Robert Thirsk
• Lululemon Athletica founder Chip Wilson

UCalgary Campuses

The University of Calgary has five campuses. Take a look at each of them.

UCalgary’s Main Campus

UCalagary's Main Campus is in the city's northwest quarter. The campus is spread over 200 hectares and is the university's academic, recreational, residential, and activity hub. It was built in the sixties and has, over the years, transformed into the setting for 11 of the university's 14 faculties. Also included on the campus are its world-class research and athletics facilities, along with support platforms for students, faculty members, and university staff.

The university's Fine Arts and Humanities has the Art Building, Craigie Hall, and several theaters for its performances. These are located close to the main entrance. The buildings for the Sciences, Engineering, Biology, Social Sciences, and Kinesiology are on the northern part of the campus. The Education, Environmental Design, Nursing, Social Work, Business, and Law buildings are on the south side. You'll also find student residences and Hotel Alma, a hotel for campus guests on the Main Campus.

UCalgary’s Foothills Campus

UCalgary set up its Foothills Campus in 1975. First to open was the Health Sciences Building, which was built next to the new Foothills Hospital. It was at this point that the university's Faculty of Medicine - which was established in 1967 - moved from Main Campus.

In 1987, UCalgary added the Heritage Medical Research Building in a bid to create another setting for over 100 new biomedical and healthcare researchers. Then, 2011 saw the opening of the Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC), which houses a lab block and next to it, the Teaching, Research and Wellness building. The HRIC is a university facility that is part laboratory, classroom, and hospital. It's a space where researchers meet real-life patients to treat. Also on the Foothills Campus are the Cumming School of Medicine and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

UCalgary’s Downtown Campus

As its name states, UCalagary's Downtown Campus can be found in the city's downtown area. This particular campus is an educational hub serving as a meeting and event space for Calgary's business community. Here, you'll have access to select graduate-level and executive educational programming via the Haskayne School of Business, as well as the School of Public Policy. Also situated here is UCalgary's Alumni Association.

UCalgary’s Spy Hill Campus

The University of Calgary's Agricultural Research Centre was set up in the 1970s in a bid to provide support for a farm program for animals for the University of Calgary's Faculty of Medicine in the northwestern region of Calgary. Today, Spy Hill Campus hosts clinical and diagnostic learning facilities for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and clinical and applied research.

Facilities on this campus consist of the Clinical Skills Building, the Veterinary Sciences Research Station, and the Wildlife Research Station. UCalgary is also home to the university's storage facility for its advanced High-Density Library, which holds around 60% of its book and journal collection.

UCalgary’s Doha, Qatar Campus

UCalgary's first overseas campus was launched in 2007 in Doha, Qatar. It has become a popular institution for molding future leaders in the field of nursing. The campus offers Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing programs that are accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). This campus has a reputation for excellence when it comes to health promotion and disease prevention in Qatar.

Starting Your Academic Journey UCalgary as an International Student in Canada

Now that you know more about this prestigious Canadian University, you'll want to start your academic journey as an international student in Canada. Here is a breakdown of how to get the process going.

Step 1: Connect With the University Recruitment Team

Contact the university and chat with a representative within its recruitment team to learn about the application process.

Step 2: Take a Virtual Tour of the University

Do your homework and explore UCalgary virtually to understand what you can expect when studying there.

Step 3: Explore the University’s Programs

Check whether UCalagary offers the program you wish to enroll for.

Step 4: Check the Application Requirements

The admission process at the University of Calgary is the same for undergraduate and graduate programs.

The basic admission requirements are as follows:

• Certified copy of the current passport
• Certified copy of academic transcripts/certificates
• Portfolio/Essay based on course entry requirements (if applicable)
• Documents must be submitted with an English translation if they are not in English
• Financial/sponsorship documents
• English Language Test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) for international students

Note that there are different admission deadlines per subject. The entire list is detailed on the University of Calgary's website.

Step 5: Understand the University's Fee Structures

Before you get into the application process, it's a good idea to learn more about tuition fees and what is involved with paying for your studies here. You'll have to pay application fees and deposits for each term of the full program before receiving a Letter of Acceptance. Note that application fees and deposits are non-refundable. Fees are to be paid in Canadian dollars (CAD).

The university accepts admission fees up to 30 days before the start of the program. You also have to ensure that overdue payments are paid 15 days before the start of each term.

Step 6: Start Your Application

Prepare to start your UCalgary by setting up an online profile or eID. You can apply to your program of choice as soon as this is done.

Step 7: Complete Your Application

Fill out your application as truthfully and accurately as you can. You can use the university's application guide if you need assistance with your application.

Step 8: Submit Your Application

Once your application is complete, you must submit it online. As a future international student in Canada, you must also pay an application fee of CAD145.

Step 9: Submit Your Required Documents

When it comes to documents that need to be submitted, the university will send a notification online profile to let you know what you must submit.

Why Study at the University of Calgary?

If you're interested in studying in Alberta, Canada, here's why you should choose UCalgary as your study abroad destination:

• Calgary is well-known for its academic excellence
• It is the youngest research university in Canada to be ranked among the top 5 in the country
• The university has a 94% post-graduation employment rate
• It is Canada's top entrepreneurial university
• It is the creator of startups in the Great White North
• You’ll have access to great student facilities

FAQs

Do I need a Canadian Study Permit to Study in Canada?

Yes, you need a Canadian Study Permit to study in Canada. This document allows you to study at Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs). You must apply for one before leaving to study in Canada.

How Long Does it Take For a Canadian Study Permit Application to be Processed?

According to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the processing time for Canadian Study Permits is 11 weeks.