Canada is a destination for international students. The country offers a range of higher education options, including institutions in Alberta. International tuition varies by institution, program, course load, residency situation, and academic year.
The list below highlights several Alberta institutions and provides links to current tuition pages. The figures are reference amounts rather than universal prices, so review the linked official page for the cost of your intended program. Let’s take a look at affordable universities in Alberta for international students.
Affordable Schools in Alberta for International Students
1. Athabasca University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: estimated CA$61,620–CA$66,100 total for a 120-credit undergraduate program for non-Canadian students living temporarily in Alberta (2026/27); graduate tuition varies by program
Athabasca University was established in 1970 and became Alberta’s fourth public university in 1978. It is an open university specializing in flexible online and distance education. In 1994, AU introduced the world’s first online MBA.
The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs online. It has also supported learner-athletes through a partnership with the Western Hockey League.
2. MacEwan University
MacEwan University, founded in 1971, is a public undergraduate university in Edmonton. It offers a range of programs through its faculties and schools.
Prospective students should check the university’s official website for current scholarship, award, and financial aid information before applying.
3. Mount Royal University
Mount Royal University was founded in 1910 and became a university in 2009.
Its programs include broadcast media studies, journalism, and psychology. The university also has faculties focused on science and technology and on health, community, and education. Its research centers include the Centre for Community Disaster Research.
4. University of Lethbridge
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: CA$12,560.64–CA$12,790.16 per 15-credit term at the Calgary or Lethbridge campus (Fall 2025/Winter 2026 tuition and fees)
The University of Lethbridge was founded in 1967 and has campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary. Its academic offerings span areas such as health sciences, fine arts, and management.
The university’s research and teaching facilities include the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience and the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building.
5. University of Alberta
Next on our list of Alberta universities is the University of Alberta. Founded in 1908, the university has five campuses and 46,201 students.
Its community includes people representing 159 nationalities. International students should use the university’s official tools to calculate tuition because fees vary by program and admission cohort.
6. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary became an autonomous university in 1966 after operating as a branch of the University of Alberta. It is a research university with programs across multiple disciplines.
The university has four campuses, 14 faculties, more than 250 programs, more than 38,000 students, and 1,850 academic staff members.
7. Concordia University of Edmonton
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: base undergraduate tuition of CA$4,980 for 15 credits, plus mandatory and international student fees; graduate tuition and fees vary by program (2026/27)
Concordia University of Edmonton was founded in 1921 as Concordia College by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to prepare young men for preaching and teaching ministries. The Edmonton institution later expanded its academic offerings and began university-level courses in affiliation with the University of Alberta.
Today, Concordia University of Edmonton offers undergraduate and graduate study. Residence options are also available on campus.
We hope this article on affordable universities in Alberta was helpful. If you are interested, make sure also to check out the Canada Page and Available Courses for International Students!
