Best Colleges in Alberta for International Students

Alberta has gained popularity as a preferred destination for international students in Canada thanks to its prestigious universities and colleges. This province stands out as an excellent choice for studying due to several compelling reasons. 

Moreover, Alberta boasts one of the highest rates of post-graduate employment, further cementing its appeal to international students. To delve deeper into this captivating location and discover more about its renowned universities, I encourage you to read the complete blog.

Why Study in Alberta?

Alberta is known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, making it a destination of great significance. The province's distinction lies not only in its breathtaking natural beauty but also in its six UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites. Alberta encompasses a thriving industry and a diverse blend of cultures, contributing to its beauty as an exceptional place to live, study, and work. From dynamic urban centres with opportunities to promising research prospects, Alberta offers a multitude of reasons to choose it as a preferred destination. It is worth noting that Alberta achieved an impressive second position among all Canadian provinces in terms of college study permit approvals from January to July 2021, underscoring its appeal as an ideal location for educational pursuits.

Alberta offers numerous advantages as a top study destination in Canada. Here are a few reasons that highlight its importance.

1. Exceptional educational standards: Alberta's education system is renowned for its high standards, attracting a significant number of international students, surpassing 17,000. The province's universities, including the University of Lethbridge, the University of Calgary, and the University of Alberta, contribute to its academic prestige, providing a conducive environment for global students to interact and socialise.
2. Vibrant atmosphere: The vibrant atmosphere of Alberta stems from its substantial population of young individuals, creating a dynamic ambience. The region thrives on a multitude of cultural events, encompassing music festivals, sports activities, and lively celebrations, fostering an exhilarating and engaging environment for residents and students alike.
3. Abundant research prospects: Alberta offers abundant research prospects, serving as a catalyst for numerous groundbreaking discoveries. With sponsored research funding amounting to approximately CAD 800 million, the province plays a pivotal role in facilitating innovative research initiatives and driving advancements across various fields of study.
4. Extensive career options: Graduates of Alberta's educational institutions benefit from extensive career options, with over 19,000 new career opportunities emerging in Canada since 2016. This trend eases the path to employment for students completing their studies in Alberta, as the region presents a diverse range of potential career paths to explore.

Reliable transportation infrastructure: Alberta boasts a reliable transportation infrastructure that ensures excellent connectivity to popular destinations within the country. Students can conveniently commute throughout the region at affordable prices, making transportation accessible and facilitating a seamless exploration of the province.

Which Are the Best Colleges in Alberta for International Students?

As mentioned above, there are several colleges in Alberta that are chosen by international students. A few popular ones are listed below.

• Bow Valley College
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
• University of Lethbridge
• Red Deer College
• Lakeland College
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College, a public institution supported by the board, stands among the prestigious research colleges in Canada, ranking within the top 50. Welcoming a diverse student body of more than 17,000 individuals from around the globe, the college provides an extensive range of educational opportunities. These include diploma programs, post-diploma certificates, as well as English-language programs catering to the diverse needs and aspirations of its students.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

With its founding dating back to 1916, SAIT is a renowned polytechnic institute that attracts more than 11,000 full-time students across a diverse range of disciplines. The institute prides itself on its graduate employability rate, which stands at 91%.

University of Lethbridge

The University of Lethbridge ranked as the #2 institution for Medical and Science grants at the Undergraduate level in Maclean's University Rankings 2021, provides a diverse range of academic programs, including Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral options. Moreover, the university boasts an impressive graduate employment rate of 95.5%, highlighting its commitment to preparing students for successful careers.

Red Deer College

As a prominent public community college in Canada, this institution consistently maintains a strong position in various national rankings. It distinguishes itself by offering a substantial amount of scholarships and bursaries, totalling over CAD 100,000, which greatly appeals to international students.

Lakeland College

Lakeland College, drawing a diverse student body of over 8,000 individuals worldwide, provides a wide array of educational opportunities, including certificates, diplomas, and online programs. In 2013 alone, the college generously awarded more than CAD 1 million to its students through bursaries, scholarships, and awards.

Eligibility to Study at Colleges in Alberta

The requirements for admission to prestigious universities and colleges in Alberta differ based on the specific institution and program of study. Consequently, providing an exhaustive list of specific criteria can be challenging. Nevertheless, we have compiled a table outlining the general English-language requirements that are typically required by the majority of institutions.

Top Courses to Study in Alberta, Canada

Within Alberta, you will find a wealth of esteemed colleges and universities that provide exceptional education across a wide range of fields and subjects. Notably, the cost of living and studying in this province is relatively affordable. To assist you in exploring the educational opportunities available, we have compiled a helpful list of the top courses offered in Alberta.

• Business Management
• IT& Computer Science
• Engineering
• Health,77 Biosciences & Pharmacy
• Media & Journalism

Admission Process to Study at Colleges in Alberta

The application process for studying in Alberta may vary depending on the specific university you wish to apply to. However, there is a general application process that you can follow as a guideline. We have provided an overview of this process below for your convenience. It is important to note that for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to the official website of the university you are interested in.

1. Visit the official website of the university and create an account.
2. Log in to your account and fill in the necessary information.
3. Upload all the documents.
4. Pay the application fee and submit the application.

Scholarships to Study at Colleges in Alberta

A multitude of scholarships are available that are funded by universities, colleges, government bodies, and private institutions. These scholarships have distinct eligibility criteria and offer varying values of financial assistance. To provide you with a glimpse of the opportunities, we have compiled a selection of scholarships below for your reference. It is important to note that exploring further scholarship options is recommended.

1. BeArt Presets Academic Scholarship
2. Google PhD Fellowship Program
3. Horowitz Foundation Grants
4. University of Lethbridge SGS Dean's Scholarship
5. Richard A. Freund International Scholarship

High Demand Jobs in Alberta

The employment landscape in Alberta offers a vast array of opportunities, ensuring that you can find a job that aligns with your interests and preferences. The average annual salary may vary based on factors such as qualifications and experience. However, a general range for average annual salaries in Alberta can be expected to fall between CAD 19,000 and CAD 39,000. To gain insights into the high-demand occupations in Alberta, you can refer to the table provided below.

In conclusion, Alberta is an excellent choice for studying in Canada. It boasts a great reputation and offers convenient access to major landmarks. Moreover, Alberta is home to renowned colleges and universities in the country. All in all, if you are considering studying in Canada, Alberta should undoubtedly be at the top of your list.

AECC is one of the world's leading educational consultancies with versatile expert professionals who are ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey of fulfilling your dream.

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