Top 15 Colleges in Calgary: Fees, Courses & More

Calgary's education scene is both competitive and diverse, with tuition fees ranging from INR 3 lakh (CAD 5,000) to INR 26 lakh (CAD 40,000) per year. The city is home to top-ranked colleges in Canada. Use this guide to compare key details, including tuition fees in INR and CAD, location, and flagship programs, to choose the best option for your academic and career goals.

Here is a list of the top colleges in Calgary.

1. University of Calgary
2. Mount Royal University
3. SAIT Polytechnic
4. Bow Valley College
5. CDI College
6. Reeves College
7. Grande Prairie Regional College (Northwestern Polytechnic)
8. Lakeland College
9. Keyano College
10. Lethbridge College
11. ABM College
12. Bay River College
13. Rocky Mountain College
14. Ambrose University
15. Alberta University of the Arts

Let's explore each university in detail, including its average fees, programs, location, and other important details.

University Calgary is one of the top universities for international students. This public research university offers 250+ study programs to local and international students. It is one of the finest universities in Calgary, Canada, which is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian public research universities. Around 30,000+ students are pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programs in this university. 

The University of Calgary is known for its research-intensive environment, with state-of-the-art facilities and a strong emphasis on innovation and discovery. The campus, spread over 200 hectares, provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for students from all walks of life.

Mount Royal University is popular for its excellent infrastructure and personalized learning experience across diverse fields. This university was established in 1910 as Mount Royal College and gained university status in 2009. 

Mount Royal distinguishes itself through its commitment to smaller class sizes, fostering a close-knit learning environment where students receive individualized attention from faculty. Its location in Calgary provides access to a thriving city with a diverse cultural scene and ample opportunities for internships and work experience.

SAIT Polytechnic is a polytechnic institute in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is known for its career-focused education and strong ties with the industry. SAIT Polytechnic focuses on applied learning, providing students with practical skills and knowledge through industry-relevant programs. 

Its close collaborations with industry partners ensure that its curriculum remains current and prepares graduates for immediate employment in their chosen fields. SAIT boasts a 90% graduate employment rate, a testament to its practical approach to education.

Bow Valley College is a public community college in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Established in 1965, it is the largest community college in Alberta. Bow Valley College is recognized for its commitment to open access and providing educational pathways for a diverse student population. 

The college offers a wide range of certificate, diploma, and degree programs that cater to both academic and career aspirations. Its focus on student success is reflected in its comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and personal support.

CDI College is a private career college in Canada. CDI College differentiates itself through its industry-driven programs designed to meet the evolving demands of the job market. The college offers short-term, diploma, and certificate programs in areas such as healthcare, business, technology, and early childhood education. 

Its career services department provides students with job search assistance, resume writing workshops, and networking opportunities to enhance their employability.

Reeves College is a private career college in Canada that specializes in providing students with direct pathways to enter the workforce. Reeves College focuses on providing practical, hands-on training in fields with high demand, ensuring their graduates are well-prepared for their chosen careers.

Grande Prairie Regional College offers a variety of programs, from apprenticeship training to personal interest courses. The college is known for its supportive learning environment, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty who prioritize student success. GPRC strives to meet the diverse needs of its community by providing accessible and affordable education options.

Lakeland College offers a variety of programs, including bachelor's degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship training, and academic upgrading. Lakeland is known for its strong focus on applied learning, particularly in agriculture and related industries. The college operates a working farm, providing students with hands-on experience in their chosen fields.

Keyano College offers a variety of programs, including bachelor's degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship training, and academic upgrading. Located in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Keyano College plays a vital role in providing education and training opportunities for the region's residents. The college is committed to meeting the needs of its community by offering programs that align with local industry demands.

Lethbridge College offers over 50 programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, health, justice, and trades. Lethbridge College prides itself on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters student success. The college offers small class sizes, personalized attention from instructors, and a range of support services to help students thrive.

ABM College is a private career college in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. ABM College prioritizes industry-relevant skills and knowledge, ensuring graduates are equipped to make immediate contributions to their chosen fields.

Bay River College is a private career college in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Bay River College designs its programs to align with current industry trends and demands, equipping students with the skills and knowledge employers seek.

Rocky Mountain College is a private liberal arts college in Billings, Montana. Rocky Mountain College emphasizes a holistic education that integrates academic learning with personal growth and civic engagement. The college's small size allows for personalized attention from faculty and a strong sense of community.

Ambrose University is a private Christian university in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. As a values-based institution, Ambrose University emphasizes ethical leadership, community service, and a commitment to social justice.

Alberta University of the Arts is a public art university in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. AUArts is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to arts education, encouraging students to explore connections between various art forms and to push creative boundaries. The university is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with the resources they need to develop their artistic talents to their fullest potential.

Note: Some ELP scores are estimates based on common requirements for institutions in the area. It's always best to check directly with the university for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

Calgary is one of the most popular study destinations and home of some of the premier institutes, internationally recognized for its education, research, and campus. Below we have given some of the reasons to choose Calgary for study:

1. Quality of life

 Calgary is recognised as one of the most popular and safest cities. Quebec is the 4th most livable city across the world and home to over 6,000 restaurants, theatres and patios, which makes this city a considerable choice for international students.

2. Globally Recognised Education

The public and private colleges in Calgary are known to provide quality education and degrees that are recognized all over the world. Courses in the college's curriculum are well intended to prepare the students for the real world.

3. Best Job Opportunities

Calgary colleges are known for offering great job opportunities for their graduates with the best employability rate along with good exposures in terms of training and internships as well.

Suggested: How is the student life in Canada?

Several factors go into the cost of studying at colleges in Calgary, like tuition fees, rent, program, personal expenses, etc. While some costs might be covered by financial aid, you must be prepared to bear a few others.

• Tuition Fee: The tuition fees vary depending on the college and program. Many colleges offer financial aid for tuition fees. On average, tuition fees range from INR 6.1 lakh to INR 30.5 lakh per year (CAD 10,000 to CAD 50,000).

• Living Expenses: Living expenses include accommodation, food, personal expenses, daily commute, etc. The average cost of living in Calgary is around INR 1.5 lakh (CAD 2,500) per month.

• Other expenses: A student must consider other miscellaneous expenses like recreation, flight fares, university charges related to books and clubs, etc.

Many universities in Calgary offer scholarships and financial aid programs designed specifically for international students. These may include:

• Merit-based Scholarships: Awards granted based on academic excellence.

• Need-based Grants: Financial assistance for students who demonstrate financial need.

• External Funding: Opportunities provided by government bodies and private organizations.

Prospective students are encouraged to review the financial aid section on each institution’s website and reach out to their admissions offices for personalized guidance.

Admission requirements for universities and colleges in Calgary are designed such that each prospective student is fully equipped to cope with the pressures of university studies. Fulfilling these requisites opens up opportunities for greatness in a congenial and highly competitive learning platform.

Application Requirements 

Prospective students must show excellent performance in academics as indicated by previous transcripts and at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale. In postgraduate courses, a bachelor's degree over four years is usually anticipated. Standardized exams like IELTS (6+), TOEFL (80+), GRE, or GMAT scores might be expected based on the program. 

• Academic Qualifications: A student must have their previous transcripts. A minimum of 3 GPA on a 4-point system is required for admission. A four-year bachelor's degree is required for a master’s program.

• English Language Proficiency Tests: The scores of standardized tests like IELTS and TOEFL are required for admission. The minimum score for each college is different. An IELTS Score of 6+ and a TOEFL score of 80+ is recommended.

• Standardized Test Scores: For specific courses, GRE and GMAT scores are required for admission.

Required Documents

A well-prepared and organized application is essential to impress admissions committees. In addition to your academic documents, preparing essential documents such as letters of recommendation and an effective statement of purpose is paramount. These documents serve to present your academic history, professional goals, and personal goals.

Additional materials such as portfolios, resumes, or interviews are also sometimes required for some programs, so going through each program's individual requirements is important.

• Letters of Recommendation: Typically 1-2 letters from teachers or professional references.

• Statement of Purpose: An essay outlining your academic interests, career goals, and reasons for choosing the institution.

• Additional Materials: Some programs may require portfolios, resumes, or interviews as part of the admission process.

Calgary is home to some of the best universities and colleges in Canada as well as among the major cities of Canada. Students who want to get the best education without burning their pockets can look for the institutions of Calgary. The average monthly cost of staying in an off-campus apartment is around CAD 1,389 (₹84,400). However, living in on-campus houses is cheaper, at around CAD 600 to CAD 1,500 (₹36,400-  ₹91,100) monthly.

Calgary offers students amazing educational opportunities and a high standard of living. Canada is becoming an increasingly popular study-abroad destination, and Calgary is one of the best and most opted-for cities. Sectors like tourism and energy are well established in Calgary, and technology is an emerging sector, thus providing students with various opportunities after university. 

Need help with your application process for applying to Calgary colleges? Our professionals at Yocket Premium have helped more than 10,000 students secure admission to top international universities. Get in touch with Yocket today!