Calgary is home to some of the top educational institutions in Western Canada. Whether you’re a newcomer, an international student, or a local resident planning your next academic step, Calgary offers strong universities known for research, innovation, and career-focused programs.
This guide provides a complete overview of the best universities in Calgary, including programs, tuition fees, rankings, scholarships, admission requirements, and campus locations.
1. University of Calgary (UCalgary)
⭐ The #1 university in Calgary and one of Canada’s top research institutions
Website: https://www.ucalgary.ca
Address: 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Type: Public Research University
Founded: 1966
QS World Ranking 2025: ~#182
Students: 35,000+
International Students: ~10,000
Why UCalgary Stands Out
- Top-tier research in energy, engineering, health sciences, and business
- Strong partnerships with industry and tech sector
- State-of-the-art labs and innovation hubs (e.g., Hunter Hub, Schulich MakerSpace)
- One of Canada’s best entrepreneurship ecosystems
Popular Programs
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Oil & Gas, Electrical)
- Computer Science & Data Science
- Business (Haskayne School of Business)
- Medicine & Nursing (Cumming School of Medicine)
- Environmental Science
- Psychology & Social Sciences
Tuition Fees (2025 – International Students)
- Undergraduate: $23,000 – $32,000/year
- Graduate: $10,000 – $18,000/year
Campus Highlights
- Olympic Oval (built for the 1988 Winter Olympics)
- Taylor Family Digital Library
- MacEwan Student Centre
- Large on-campus residence system
2. Mount Royal University (MRU)
Website: https://www.mtroyal.ca
Address: 4825 Mt Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6
Type: Public Undergraduate University
Founded: 1910
Students: 14,000+
Why Students Choose MRU
- Smaller class sizes and hands-on learning
- Strong focus on applied degrees and work-integrated learning
- Excellent reputation in journalism, health, aviation, and business
Popular Programs
- Aviation (Pilot Training – one of Canada’s best)
- Nursing & Public Health
- Broadcast Media & Journalism
- Business Administration
- Interior Design
- Computer Information Systems
Tuition Fees (2025 – International Students)
- Undergraduate: $22,000 – $28,000/year
Campus Highlights
- MRU Conservatory (one of Canada’s top music facilities)
- Recreation Centre, theatres, maker labs
- Clean and modern campus with upgraded tech spaces
3. SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology)
Website: https://www.sait.ca
Address: 1301 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4
Type: Polytechnic Institute
Founded: 1916
Students: 40,000+ (full-time and continuing education)
Why SAIT Is Popular
- Industry-focused training
- Highest graduate employment rate among Alberta institutions
- Strong reputation in tech, trades, engineering technology, and digital media
Popular Programs
- Software Development
- Cyber Security & Networking
- Film & Video Production
- Culinary Arts (internationally acclaimed)
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
- Petroleum & Chemical Engineering Technology
Tuition Fees (2025 – International Students)
- Diplomas & certificates: $18,000 – $27,000/year
- Applied degrees: $20,000 – $30,000/year
Campus Highlights
- High-tech labs, production studios, aviation hangars
- Downtown proximity
- Unique hands-on training
4. St. Mary’s University (SMU)
Website: https://www.stmu.ca
Address: 14500 Bannister Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2X 1Z4
Type: Liberal Arts University (Catholic, but open to all)
Founded: 1986
Students: ~1,000
Why Students Choose StMU
- Small class sizes and individualized academic support
- Strong liberal arts and education programs
- Welcoming community atmosphere
Popular Programs
- Bachelor of Education
- Psychology
- English & Liberal Studies
- History & Philosophy
- Biology (pre-med track)
Tuition Fees (2025 – International Students)
- Undergraduate: $16,000 – $21,000/year
Campus Highlights
- Quiet suburban campus
- Strong student-to-professor interaction
- New science and teaching facilities
5. Ambrose University
Website: https://www.ambrose.edu
Address: 150 Ambrose Cir SW, Calgary, AB T3H 0L5
Type: Private Christian University
Founded: 1921
Students: ~900
Why Ambrose?
- Small campus community
- Well-known for theology, arts, and business programs
- Affordable tuition compared to other private institutions
Popular Programs
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Theology & Christian Studies
- Arts & Humanities
- Education (after-degree)
Tuition Fees (2025 – International Students)
- Undergraduate: $15,000 – $18,000/year
Campus Highlights
- Fitness centre, modern classrooms
- Strong community values
- Small, intimate learning environment
Comparison Table: Best Universities in Calgary (2025)
| University | Type | Top Programs | Intl. Tuition (Avg.) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Calgary | Public Research | Engineering, CS, Business, Medicine | $23k–$32k | ucalgary.ca |
| Mount Royal University | Public Undergraduate | Aviation, Nursing, Journalism | $22k–$28k | mtroyal.ca |
| SAIT | Polytechnic | IT, Cybersecurity, Film, Trades | $18k–$30k | sait.ca |
| St. Mary’s University | Liberal Arts | Education, Psychology | $16k–$21k | stmu.ca |
| Ambrose University | Private | Business, Psychology, Theology | $15k–$18k | ambrose.edu |
Which University Should You Choose?
Best for Engineering & Science:
University of Calgary
Best for Aviation, Nursing & Journalism:
Mount Royal University
Best for IT, Film, Trades & Hands-on careers:
SAIT
Best for Liberal Arts or Education:
St. Mary’s University
Best for Business + Faith-based education:
Ambrose University
Conclusion
Calgary offers excellent post-secondary options for every type of student — from research-focused degrees at UCalgary to applied technology programs at SAIT and personalized liberal arts education at smaller universities.
Each institution provides strong career opportunities, modern facilities, and unique program offerings, making Calgary one of Canada’s best cities for higher education.
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