Key takeaways
- Statistics Canada average for international undergraduates in Alberta, 2026/2027: $36,369 (graduate: $18,302)
- University of Calgary: $3,078.21 per 3-unit course in most faculties; about $30,782 for 10 courses
- University of Alberta guarantees international undergraduate tuition for the program length plus one year
- NAIT: $22,050 a year for many 2-year diplomas in 2026/27
- Students with a 12-month study permit who live in Alberta can apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
How much is international tuition in Alberta?
Statistics Canada (StatCan) put out preliminary 2026/2027 averages on September 16, 2026. For these students, Alberta sits in the middle of the provinces.
| Alberta, 2026/2027 | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $8,260 | $36,369 |
| Graduate | $6,962 | $18,302 |
Alberta’s average for these undergraduates rose about 6.4% from 2025/2026. That is faster than the rise across Canada, about 4%. StatCan’s table by field of study shows Alberta averages for them of $44,852 for engineering, $35,199 for business and $35,021 for math and computer science. Compare provinces in tuition fees in Canada.
What does the University of Calgary charge?
The University of Calgary charges tuition per 3-unit course. The rate depends on which faculty offers the course. These rates come from UCalgary’s calendar and start in Spring Term 2026.
| Faculty offering the course | International, per course | 10 courses (estimate) | Domestic, per course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most faculties (Arts, Science, Kinesiology and others) | $3,078.21 | $30,782.10 | $738.66 |
| Nursing | $3,078.21 | $30,782.10 | $777.36 |
| Haskayne School of Business | $3,610.44 | $36,104.40 | $1,066.23 |
| Schulich School of Engineering | $4,148.73 | $41,487.30 | $963.03 |
The 10-course total is our estimate for a full year (five courses per term). Your real cost depends on the courses you take. General fees, such as the transit pass and student union fees, are extra. Students admitted in earlier terms may keep an older rate.
How does the University of Alberta tuition guarantee work?
The University of Alberta uses a program-based model for international undergraduates. Your tuition for each year and for the whole program is guaranteed. Your exact rate is in your offer letter, or you can estimate it with UAlberta’s cost tool.
- Length: the guarantee covers your program’s usual length plus one year. For a 4-year degree, that is 5 years.
- Fixed amount: you pay the same program tuition no matter how many courses you take. You pay it once or twice a year.
- Not included: non-instructional fees and residence fees. These can rise each year. Repeated courses and extra courses also cost more.
- Fall 2027 changes: UAlberta plans a 5.5% rise for new international undergraduates. For new students, Computing Science will rise 26% to match Engineering, and Nursing will rise 20%. UAlberta says these rises do not apply to current students.
We do not list UAlberta’s dollar rates here, because UAlberta shows them in its online tool and offer letters. Check your letter before you compare.
What do Alberta polytechnics charge?
NAIT, in Edmonton, posts its tuition for these students by program for 2026/27 (September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027). Most business, technology and engineering technology programs cost $735 per credit. Health programs cost $935 per credit. Here are examples for a full course load.
| NAIT program | Year 1 | Year 2 | Full program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration (diploma) | $22,050 | $22,050 | $44,100 |
| Software Development (diploma) | $22,050 | $22,050 | $44,100 |
| Civil Engineering Technology | $26,460 | $26,460 | $52,920 |
These are tuition only. NAIT lists required fees, such as the U-Pass and health and dental plans, on their own. Check that your program leads to a work permit before you apply. See PGWP eligible fields.
Can international students get Alberta health care?
The Government of Alberta says international students may apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) if one of these is true for them.
- They have a 12-month study permit for an Alberta school and will live in Alberta for 12 months or more.
- They have a study permit of more than 6 but less than 12 months and a letter confirming enrolment. They also plan to live in Alberta for 12 months or more.
- They have a study permit for another province or territory with 6 months or more left. They have moved to an Alberta school and have proof of full-time attendance.
AHCIP is a public plan. It covers medically necessary doctor and hospital services. Alberta says it does not cover all care. Most people need extra insurance for prescription drugs, dental care and vision care. So schools often add a student health plan. In Ontario, by contrast, universities charge these students for UHIP. See health insurance for international students.
Worked example: UCalgary Science vs an Ontario average
Amir takes 10 Science courses at UCalgary in 2026-27.
- 10 × $3,078.21 = $30,782.10 in tuition.
- General fees: extra (check UCalgary’s fee charts).
- Health: he can apply for AHCIP if he has a 12-month permit. A student health plan for drugs and dental care may be extra.
StatCan’s 2026/2027 average for international undergraduates in Ontario is $50,088. That is about $19,300 more than Amir’s tuition estimate. Averages hide big gaps between programs, so compare your own program. Calgary and Edmonton rents also differ from Toronto. See the Calgary city guide.
How many study permits can Alberta support in 2026?
IRCC gave Alberta 32,271 application spaces for 2026 for students who need a provincial attestation letter (PAL), with about 21,582 permits expected. Master’s and PhD students at public schools do not need a PAL in 2026. See study permit cap and PAL.
Tuition in other provinces: Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
Common questions
How much is tuition for international students in Alberta?
Do international students get free health care in Alberta?
Is Alberta cheaper than Ontario for international students?
Does the University of Alberta fix tuition for international students?
How much is NAIT for international students?
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Table 37-10-0045-01, Canadian and international tuition fees by level of study (2026/2027 preliminary)
- Statistics Canada: Table 37-10-0005-01, International undergraduate tuition fees by field of study
- University of Calgary Calendar: P.1.1 Undergraduate tuition
- University of Alberta: Tuition model
- University of Alberta: Tuition increases
- NAIT: International students tuition and fees
- Government of Alberta: AHCIP for students
- Government of Alberta: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
- IRCC: 2026 provincial and territorial allocations under the international student cap