University of Calgary Acceptance Rate: Is It Competitive?

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Getting into a university can be daunting, especially if you aim for a top-tier institution. The University of Calgary is one such institution that has gained recognition for its academic excellence and research capabilities. However, with increasing competition and a growing pool of applicants each year, the acceptance rate has become a significant factor for many prospective students.

We’ll delve into the factors that affect admission decisions, the historical trends of acceptance rates at the university, and what you can do to increase your chances of acceptance. By the end of this post, you’ll better understand what it takes to get into the University of Calgary and whether it’s the right fit for you.

Is the University Of Calgary A Good Place To Study?

The University of Calgary is a publicly-funded research institution in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1966, the university offers various undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, including engineering, business, law, medicine, and arts.


As a student at the University of Calgary, a sense of community and diversity permeates the campus. There are over 28,000 undergraduate students and 7,000 graduate students enrolled at the university. With such a large student body, there are many opportunities for engagement, involvement, and socialization. Various programs, clubs, and associations cater to diverse interests and backgrounds, promoting an inclusive campus culture.

The university has a reputation for academic excellence, offering high-quality programs that prepare students for successful careers, research, and other endeavors. The faculty comprises world-renowned scholars, researchers, and experts, who bring their expertise and experience into classrooms, labs, and other learning spaces. Students benefit from modern facilities, cutting-edge technology, and resources that support their learning, growth, and development.

A sense of freedom, independence, and responsibility marks life as a student at the University of Calgary. A wide range of housing options, including on-campus residences and off-campus apartments or homes, allow students to live in an environment that suits their needs and preferences. The vibrant city of Calgary, surrounded by natural beauty, offers many social, cultural, and recreational opportunities.

The university has a strong commitment to supporting students’ well-being and success. Various services include academic advising, counseling, career development, health, and wellness support. Additionally, there are programs to help students manage their finances, academic workload, and personal life.

One of the highlights of attending the University of Calgary is the opportunity to participate in research, innovation, and community engagement initiatives. The university prides itself on driving forward research that is impactful, collaborative, and addresses real-world challenges. Students can participate in research projects, internships, experiential learning opportunities, and community outreach programs to gain practical skills, deepen their understanding of their field, and contribute to society.

University of Calgary Tuition Fees

The University of Calgary is one of the premier universities in Canada, with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. As a school advisor, I must provide accurate information about tuition fees for students considering studying at the University of Calgary.

1. Tuition for Bachelor Programs

For most bachelor’s degree programs at the University of Calgary, the tuition fees for domestic students range from $6,839 to $8,845 CAD per year. However, for international students, the tuition fees range from $21,980 to $27,757 CAD per year.


The price difference is because Canadian citizens and permanent residents receive government subsidies that greatly reduce the cost of their education.

2. Tuition for Master Programs

For master’s programs, the tuition fees for domestic students vary between $7,377 and $11,622 CAD per year, while international students can expect to pay between $22,572 and $37,661 CAD per year.

3. Tuition for Doctoral Programs

At the doctoral level, tuition fees for domestic students range from $3,781 to $12,967 CAD per year, while international students will pay anywhere from $12,005 to $31,945 CAD per year.

It is important to note that in addition to tuition fees, students at the University of Calgary are also required to pay additional fees. These fees may include health and dental insurance, student union fees, and other miscellaneous charges.

4. Scholarships and Awards

Fortunately, numerous scholarship and award options are available for domestic and international students. These scholarships and awards can greatly reduce the financial burden of studying at the University of Calgary.

Some of the most notable scholarships include the undergraduate merit-based scholarship, graduate awards, and the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship.

University of Calgary Acceptance Rates

The University of Calgary has maintained its reputation as one of the leading academic institutions in Canada. The university receives many applications for admission into its programs across various faculties each year.

While the admission process is highly competitive, the university has established transparent admission requirements to guide prospective applicants and program acceptance rates.

The University of Calgary’s acceptance rate varies by program and faculty. For instance, the acceptance rate for undergraduate programs is approximately 60%, while graduate programs have a lower acceptance rate of around 30%. Competitive programs like medicine, law, and engineering have a more stringent acceptance rate of around 10%.

What Are The Programs Available at The University of Calgary?

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study.

Whether you are interested in arts, business, education, engineering, environmental design, graduate studies, kinesiology, law, medicine, nursing, science, or veterinary medicine, the University of Calgary has something for you.

FacultyProgram
ArtsAnthropology
ArtsArt
ArtsClassics
ArtsCommunication and Media Studies
ArtsDrama
ArtsEconomics
ArtsEnglish
ArtsFrench
ArtsGerman
ArtsGreek
ArtsHistory
ArtsInternational Indigenous Studies
ArtsItalian
ArtsLatin
ArtsLinguistics
ArtsMusic
ArtsPhilosophy
ArtsPolitical Science
ArtsPsychology
ArtsReligious Studies
ArtsRussian
ArtsSociology
ArtsSpanish
ArtsWomen’s Studies
BusinessAccounting
BusinessBusiness Technology Management
BusinessEntrepreneurship and Innovation
BusinessFinance
BusinessGeneral Management
BusinessHuman Resources and Organizational Dynamics
BusinessInternational Business
BusinessMarketing
BusinessOperations Management
EducationEducation
EngineeringChemical Engineering
EngineeringCivil Engineering
EngineeringElectrical Engineering
EngineeringGeomatics Engineering
EngineeringMechanical Engineering
EngineeringOil and Gas Engineering
Environmental DesignArchitecture
Environmental DesignEnvironmental Design
Graduate StudiesApplied Mathematics
Graduate StudiesBiochemistry and Molecular Biology
Graduate StudiesBiological Sciences
Graduate StudiesChemistry
Graduate StudiesCommunication and Culture
Graduate StudiesComputer Science
Graduate StudiesCultural, Social and Political Thought
Graduate StudiesEconomics
Graduate StudiesEducational Research
Graduate StudiesEnglish
Graduate StudiesEnvironmental Design
Graduate StudiesGeography
Graduate StudiesGeology and Geophysics
Graduate StudiesHistory
Graduate StudiesLaw
Graduate StudiesLinguistics
Graduate StudiesManagement and Public Policy
Graduate StudiesMathematics
Graduate StudiesMechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Graduate StudiesMedical Science
Graduate StudiesNeuroscience
Graduate StudiesNursing
Graduate StudiesPhilosophy
Graduate StudiesPhysics and Astronomy
Graduate StudiesPolitical Science
Graduate StudiesPsychology
Graduate StudiesPublic Health
Graduate StudiesSocial Work
Graduate StudiesSociology
Graduate StudiesSustainable Energy Development
KinesiologyKinesiology
LawLaw
MedicineMedicine
NursingNursing
ScienceActuarial Science
ScienceApplied Mathematics
ScienceAstrophysics
ScienceBiological Sciences
ScienceChemistry
ScienceComputational Science
ScienceComputer Science
ScienceData Science
ScienceEnvironmental Science
ScienceGeology and Geophysics
ScienceMathematics
ScienceMedical Science
ScienceNeuroscience
SciencePhysics and Astronomy
Veterinary MedicineVeterinary Medicine
Note that program availability may vary from year to year.

University of Calgary Admission Requirements

Before applying, reviewing the admission requirements set for the program you plan to apply for is crucial. The requirements vary for different faculties, with some programs having more stringent requirements than others.

Some general admission requirements apply to most programs at the University of Calgary.

1. Academic Requirements

The University of Calgary requires admission applicants to complete their secondary school education with at least five subjects, including English. To qualify for a bachelor’s program, applicants must have a minimum score of 70% in their secondary school subjects (excluding English).

For graduate programs, applicants must have a minimum bachelor’s degree, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent.

2. Language Requirements

Language proficiency is an essential requirement for admission into the University of Calgary. Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not studied in an English-speaking institution must prove their English proficiency by taking an English language test such as TOEFL, IELTS, or CAEL.

In addition to academic and language requirements, applicants may be required to provide other documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and portfolios, depending on the program they applied to.

What We Like About the University of Calgary

It was founded in 1966 and has since become one of the top universities in Canada, known for its innovative research, diverse student body, and a strong sense of community.

1. World-class research

One of the things that sets the University of Calgary apart from other universities is its commitment to research. The university is home to several research institutes and centers, including the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, and the Institute for Quantum Science and Technology.

These institutes research various fields, including neuroscience, energy, sustainability, and public policy. The university is also a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, a group of the top research-intensive universities in Canada.

2. Diverse student body

The University of Calgary is home to a diverse student body, with students from over 150 countries. This diversity creates a vibrant campus culture, with students from different backgrounds and cultures coming together to learn and grow.

The university is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and equity and has several programs and initiatives to support students from diverse backgrounds.

3. Strong sense of community

The University of Calgary is known for its strong sense of community, with students, faculty, and staff coming together to create a welcoming and supportive environment.

The university has several programs and initiatives to help students feel connected and supported, including student clubs and organizations, mentorship programs, and mental health support services.

4. Beautiful campus

The University of Calgary is on a beautiful campus spanning over 200 hectares. The campus is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The university has invested heavily in campus infrastructure in recent years, with new buildings and facilities that provide students with state-of-the-art learning and research spaces.

5. Strong commitment to sustainability

The University of Calgary is committed to sustainability and has many programs and initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The university has set ambitious sustainability goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030.

The university has also implemented several sustainability programs, including a campus-wide recycling program, a bike-share program, and a sustainability office that promotes sustainable practices on campus.

6. Strong ties to the community

The University of Calgary has strong ties to the local community, with several partnerships and collaborations with local businesses and organizations.

The university is committed to supporting the local economy and has many programs and initiatives to foster community entrepreneurship and innovation.


Conclusion

The University of Calgary is a vibrant and diverse institution that offers high-quality education with a competitive acceptance rate. With a focus on innovation, research, and collaboration, it offers various programs to suit students’ diverse interests and goals.

Though tuition fees vary depending on the program, the university is committed to helping students access education through scholarships, bursaries, and other financial aid options. The University of Calgary is an excellent option for students seeking a world-class education in Canada.

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