There are many factors that go into deciding which school is the best for your needs. If you want to study in Canada, then finding a school that is right for you will be a big decision. There are many schools in Canada that offer quality education, but these are some of the top choices for international students. Why? Keep reading and you will have an idea of why they are worth considering.

If you are reading about Best Colleges In Calgary For International Students for the first time, it may seem overwhelming to those who have not previously done so, but you will probably find it fascinating. 

You’ll also find more information about other topics like Bow Valley College Admission Requirements, Stfx Engineering Requirements, Bow Valley College Online Courses, Bow Valley College Courses And Fees For International Students, Bow Valley College International Students on collegelearners.

Best Colleges in Calgary

Wondering what are the top colleges in Calgary you can study in? With most of its support and aid from extensive government funding, education and schools in Calgary are considered the best in the province. The school system is divided into 2 categories – publicly-funded schools and privately-funded schools. Public education for children between the ages of 5 to 19 is free and is considered mandatory by the Calgary Board of Education.

Private Schools, which are considerably more expensive with fees ranging from $3,000-$20,000 per year, come with the added advantage of scholarships for gifted children. Schools not only focus on development and excellence in scholastic aspects but also extra-curricular and non-scholastic areas, thereby contributing to the child’s holistic development. The government education system also funds a majority of Roman Catholic Schools.

top 10 colleges in calgary

1. Colleges in Calgary- SOUTHERN ALBERTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CALGARY

Motto: “Incipio Et Erudio”

I take in hand and educate

Offering over 100 career programs in business, trade and technology, over 1,300 educational courses, and training courses for around 200 companies per annum, SAIT, holds the largest employment rate in the province with a 90% employment rate. A major polytechnic University and Home to Applied Research and Innovation Sciences, SAIT acquires $7 million per annum in research funding by connecting entrepreneurs, industry partners, researchers and students.

It has 9 academic schools under its leadership, which are as follows:-

• Business
• Energy
• Construction
• Health and Public Safety
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Information and Communications Technologies
• Manufacturing and Automation
• Transportation
• Advanced Digital Technology

It offers certificate, diploma, and applied degree programs, baccalaureate programs, apprenticeship degrees, continuing education, and non-credit courses.

Depending on the year and the nature of the course and study program, the fee structure ranges from $19,848 per annum for Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations Year 1 to $98 per week for Basic Apprentice Programs.

Kaella Carr, a television news anchor and reporter for CTV, and Dug Horner, 7^th Deputy Premier of Alberta, are well-known and recognized alumni of the institution.

2. Colleges in Calgary- BOW VALLEY COLLEGE, CALGARY

Established as a community institution under the Post Secondary Learning Act of Calgary, Bow Valley College is a premier educational institution located in Calgary’s Downtown Core. It’s known to be the only University in the Top Rank to provide academic accessibility and educational services to learners and students with disabilities. Its schools are as follows:-

• Chiu School of Business
• School of Community Studies
• School of Continuing Learning
• School of Creative Technologies
• School of Foundational Learning
• School of Global Access
• School of Health and Wellness

Bow Valley has around 7 campuses in and around Calgary, including Airdrie, Banff & Canmore, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, Strathmore, and The Entrepreneur Centres.

Domestic tuition fees are considerably lower than other universities, with structure ranging from $94 for apprenticeship programs such as Assist with Medication Delivery to $8,334 for Corporate Readiness Training.

3. Colleges in Calgary- The UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

Motto:  Gaelic: “Mo Shùile Togam Suas”

I will lift my eyes

Mascot: Rex

Home to over 30,000 students, the University of Calgary is one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Established in 1966, it offers over 250 academic and research programs. According to Times Higher Education 2020, it has been ranked #201-250 globally and #8 in Canada itself. It has 14 faculties, four campuses in Calgary itself and one in Doha, Qatar, established in 2007, and operates around 50 research centers and institutions.

It is involved in research, generating an income of over 320 million. The former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, former Olympian in speed skating, Christine Nesbitt and astronaut, Robert Thirsk are notable alumni of the University Of Calgary. The university also entertains international visitors, government officials, and delegations every year. Calgary has been ranked as the most livable city in North America.

With immigrants coming to the city from China, Germany, France, Africa, and South Asia, the student population at UCalgary is highly ethnically diverse. Events such as Germany Day are celebrated to encourage the international community to showcase their culture and heritage and foster a shared sense of unity and familiarity among the local Calgary community members.

Domestic Tuition fees are considerably higher than other colleges in the city, with fees ranging from $108,383 per annum for Executive MBA Programs to $714 for a Diploma Course in Nursing.

4. Colleges in Calgary- ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY

Motto : “In lumine tuo videbimus lumen”

               In your light, we shall see the light

St. Mary’s University is a private Catholic University located in Calgary, Alberta. It offers degrees in liberal arts, sciences and education. Values such as a passion and commitment towards ethics, morale, social justice and difference of belief and opinion are highly encouraged and fostered. With around 900 students in total, the average class size ranges from 25-30.

Its vision is to instill in students the essential importance of passion, confidence and individual integrity. The significance of working towards social justice and the greater common good are encouraged from day one. Mentoring and volunteering and giving back to the community at every phase of life is its golden motto. Its selective admission policy is based on past academic experience and grades.

Events such as Speakers Series, Academic symposiums, drama performances, social justice campaigns are regularly held to transform individuals into compassionate and better citizens and tomorrow’s leaders.

Following a Catholic Intellectual tradition and being a non-profit entity provides a high-quality education at affordable rates. Tuition is calculated per credit hour, which usually ranges from $253 per class for Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science to $330 for Bachelor of Education students. Scholarships and awards are available to provide financial aid and support for Post Secondary education.

5. MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY

(Source: macleans.ca)

Motto : “Quam Bene Non Quantum”

               How well not how much

Mascot: Calvin

Established in 1910, Mount Royal University is known for its academic excellence, personalized learning and wholistic all-inclusive teaching. It currently offers around 12 degrees and 32 majors with 2 campuses and an average class size of 29.

Its total student population is over 9,500 and has around 5 faculties and various centers and institutes under its leadership.

• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Business and Communication Studies
• Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension
• Faculty of Health, Community, and Education
• Faculty of Science and Technology

Bret Hart, professional wrestler of WWE(World Wrestling Entertainment) and WCW(World Championship Wrestling), and Alison Redford, 14^th Premier of Alberta( from  October 2011 to March 2014), are notable alumni of this University.

Total fees for one academic year, which is 8 months, ranges from $18,792 to $21,240, which is subject to change depending on additional fees of specific programs. Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards to help lower the cost of education are also available.

6. Colleges in Calgary- ALBERTA UNIVERSITY OF ARTS

Established in 1926, Alberta University of Arts is a public Arts and Design University located in Calgary, Alberta. It encourages the cultivation of creativity and innovation, both at the community and global level. Its major goal is to develop critical thinking abilities, advanced creative skills and indulge in new contemporary craft conversations.

Program Areas catered to by the University include the following :

• Media Arts
• Drawing
• Glass
• Sculpture
• Visual Communication
• Jewelry and Metals
• Fiber
• Ceramics
• Painting
• Print Media
• Photography

Fees are calculated on a per-credit basis. Learning Assistance Resources helps create an equitable and fair environment to help students with disabilities develop personal skills and enhance academic success. Students can apply for AUArts Awards Advisory Committee and can enroll in various scholarships to receive financial aid and support. Academic support in the form of availability of a tutor and counseling services are also provided. Resources and support for International Students are also provided.

John Lindley Byrne, an American writer and artist of superhero comics, and Joni Mitchell, a Canadian singer-songwriter, are notable alumni of this institution.

7. Colleges in Calgary- HASKAYNE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Named after Richard F. Haskayne – a Canadian Business and Philanthropist; the Haskayne School of Business has been ranked as one of Canada’s top colleges and 43^rd in North America.  The school offers 4-Year Bachelor of Commerce Programs for 18 different areas and programs in Hotel and Resource Management. Some of the concentrations under their BComm Program include :

• Accounting
• Business Process Management
• HR and Organisational Dynamics
• Finance
• General Commerce
• Personal and Financial Planning
• Risk Management and Insurance
• Supply chain management
• Tourism Management
• Tourism Marketing

Full and part-time MBA Programs are available as well. Executive Education Programs combine human knowledge with complex research to help executives, business people and entrepreneurs grow and achieve success in a much more dynamic way.

Garrett Camp, the co-founder of Uber and Hal Kvisle, President and CEO of TransCanada Corporation (2001-2010), are notable alumni of this prestigious institution.

8. Colleges in Calgary- CUMMING SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Photo from the Cumming School Of Medicine website

Another of the best colleges in Calgary, The Cumming School of Medicine, a research-intensive law school, was initially established as the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine in 1967. It was renamed the Cumming School of Medicine only in 2014. It is a research-intensive medical school affiliated with various research centers such as – McCaig Institute – for bone and joint health, Hotchkiss Brain Institute.

Some of the different faculties of medicine catered to include :

• Anaesthesiology
• Emergency medicine
• Medical genetics
• Medicine
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Oncology
• Pediatrics
• Pathology and Laboratory medicine
• Psychiatry
• Radiology
• Surgery

Recently they received global recognition for their research which focused on building equitable artificial intelligence for public health.

9. Colleges in Calgary- CDI – CALGARY CITY CENTRE

CDI is a private career training and recruitment counseling college in Canada, which has been under the Eminata Group’s ownership since 2007. It has 23 campuses located across 5 of the Canadian Provinces. One of its campuses is also located in the heart of the city, i.e., the Calgary City Centre Campus.

Different programs offered at the Calgary City Centre Campus are :

• Accounting and Payroll Administration
• Business Accounting Technician
• Event Specialist
• Hospitality Business Management
• Human Resources Administration
• Travel and Tourism
• Child and Youth Services Worker
• Pharmacy Assistant
• Legal Administration

10. Colleges in Calgary – ABM COLLEGE

Photo from the ABM College website

ABM College of Business & Technology, established in 2011, is a leading private career training college in Calgary and Toronto that offers Health, Business, and Technology programs. Its main goal is to provide education to gain employment and a successful, long-lasting career. ABM College has provided domestic and international students with high-quality professional training and the right skill-sets to meet current employment market demand.

The college focuses on the study of abstract knowledge and skills necessary for critical and practical application. Their vision is to help individuals ensure long-term progress and stability in their jobs. ABM College’s learning experience can help enhance your performance and creativity level.

It offers programs catering to :

● Personal Support Worker Certificate (Toronto campus only)
● Addictions and Community Support Worker Diploma
● Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk Diploma
● Pharmacy Assistant Diploma
● Massage Therapy Diploma
● Health Care Aide Certificate
● Legal Assistant Diploma
● Education Assistant Diploma
● Administrative Assistant Diploma
● Accounting and Payroll Administration Diploma
● Business Administration Diploma
● Help Desk Analyst Diploma
● Mobile App Developer Diploma
● Digital Marketing Diploma
● Web Design and Development Diploma
● Graphic Design Diploma
● Network Administrator Diploma
● CPR and First Aid Training

Students are briefed about the total expenses and costs at the time of the admission process itself. Financial assistance is available through various scholarships and provincial student loan applications.

cheapest colleges in calgary for international students

Because international students represent a sizable market in Calgary, numerous schools offer high-quality education. However, many of these come with hefty tuition bills. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of cheap colleges in Calgary with low tuition rates and cost of living. These schools will help you stretch your dollar further!

Alberta University of the Arts

The Alberta University of the Arts is a university that focuses on art and design education. This public University, formerly known as the Provincial Institute of Technology & Art, located in Calgary, was founded in 1916.

You can enroll for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Media Arts, Sculpture, Fiber, Painting, Drawing, Visual Communication, Ceramics, Print Media, Glass, Jewelry & Metals, and Photography. Fees are assessed per credit. Tuition for undergraduate programs is generally around $12,211 per year and about $23,910 per year for graduate programs.

Prepare your transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and other supplementary documents, such as portfolios and statements of intent, since these are required for undergraduate and postgraduate degree applications.

Athabasca University

Athabasca University is a public university that specializes in online distance learning, making it the first in Alberta to do so. Founded in 1970, this University has become one of the province’s most comprehensive academic institutions. In-person education, individual study, collaborative online courses, and grouped study are among its unique delivery models.

Bachelor’s programs in Health Administration, Business Administration, Management, Commerce, and Professional Arts, to name a few, are available at this low-cost University in Calgary. It also offers graduate programs in architecture, the arts, business, health care, and information systems, among other fields.

Undergraduate tuition costs between $7,488 and $37,437 per year. While graduate programs can cost anywhere from $19,998 to $22,330 per year.

Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College, established in 1965, is a public, board-governed college that operates as a full-service community institution. Its campuses are located in Airdrie, Banff, Canmore, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, and Strathmore.

It provides various programs in Business, Community Studies, Continuing Learning, Creative Technologies, Foundational Learning, Global Access, and Health & Wellness. Bow Valley College is Calgary’s cheapest University for undergraduate programs, with tuition fees around $5,500 to $7,300 per year. But unfortunately, this college does not offer graduate programs.

Students can apply online through ApplyAlberta’s student portal. Because program availability varies by term, it’s best to check the college’s website for vacancy information.

University of Calgary

UCalgary is a public research university with four campuses in Calgary. It began as a branch of the University of Alberta in 1944 and eventually became an autonomous institute in 1966. UCalgary currently houses 14 faculties as well as 85 research centers and institutes.

UCalgary is one of Canada’s top research universities, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Architecture, Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Kinesiology, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Science, Social Work, and Veterinary Medicine. Tuition fees for undergraduate programs range from $15,433 to $22,209 per year, while graduate programs cost between $6,183 and $22,209.

You can check their website for enrollment requirements. You can also contact their International Student Services (ISS), which offers individualized immigration advice even before your admission.

University of Lethbridge

The University of Lethbridge is a cheap public university specializing in Liberal Arts education in Calgary. Its main campus, though, is in Lethbridge.

The University has over 150 programs through its seven departments: Arts & Science, Business, Education, Fine Arts, Graduate Studies, Health Science, and Liberal Education. The University of Lethbridge has the lowest graduate tuition fee in Alberta, at $10,000 per year. Tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $13,410 a year.

Aside from your secondary school certificate or diploma, you may be required to submit additional requisites such as a portfolio or personal statement for your application. At the same time, some programs may also require an audition.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology is the Great White North’s first publicly sponsored technological institute. It has a student population of over 11,000 students. Around 1,600 of them are international students from 94 different countries! How cool is that? ## Over a hundred career programs are available through SAIT’s eight schools, including Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Construction Project Management. Undergraduate international tuition fee ranges from CAD 8,145 to CAD 27,742 each year!

St. Mary’s University

While the country’s most well-known Saint Mary’s University (SMU) is in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Alberta’s Calgary also has its own St. Mary’s University (StMU). With only 875 full-time and part-time students, this small, private Catholic institution is one of the cheapest colleges in Calgary.

StMU provides a Bachelor of Science degree, a Bachelor of Education after-degree, and eight Bachelor of Arts degrees in subjects such as General Studies, Liberal Studies, English, and Psychology. Students at this low-cost college in Calgary can apply for various scholarships and bursaries ranging from $500 to $31,000.

Undergraduate tuition fees for international students range from CAD 23 760 to CAD 30,330 per year!

Wrap Up

Enrolling in college is a big decision. Not only do you have to choose the right school, but you also have to decide how you’re going to pay for it. If you wish to save money on your education, enrolling in one of the cheapest colleges in Calgary is a great option. You will save money on tuition, and you’ll also get access to quality education and facilities!

Additionally, using a money transfer service like Remitbee to send money abroad while studying will help you save even more. With Remitbee, you’ll get the best exchange rate and low fees. You can focus on your studies and not worry about your finances.