Bachelor of Arts [BA] (International Relations)
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$21,547 /Yr
University of Calgary Bachelor of Arts International Relations is a four-year undergraduate program combining political science, economics, history, and international studies. Duration: 48 months (full-time). Mode: On-campus classroom and co-op work terms. Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Eligibility: High school graduation (10+2 or equivalent). International tuition: C$36,000 annually. Fall 2026 intake: closed. Winter 2027 intake: expected September 2026.
This programme trains graduates for careers in foreign affairs, international organizations, government diplomacy, non-profits, and multinational corporations. What makes it distinctive: integrated co-op option (alternates academic and paid four-month work terms), mandatory language and statistics components, and partnerships with 22+ departments. Ideal applicant: someone who speaks or learns a second language, prefers work-integrated learning, and wants hands-on experience in policy or international development.
- Co-op option: earn CAD $18,000–$22,000 per work term while studying and building professional networks.
- Flexible career pathways: specializations in global studies, human rights, trade, security, development, or environmental policy.
- Access to study-abroad terms and international internship placements across 100+ partner universities globally.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Winter 2027 intake are Not Yet Open. International student deadline: Expected September 1, 2026.
Winter 2027 applications usually open mid-August for a January start. International applicants require WES transcript evaluation. Plan six to eight weeks for credential assessment before submission.
Also Check: University of Calgary Admission Requirements
University of Calgary Bachelor of Arts International Relations Fees and Living Costs 2026
International tuition for this programme is C$36,000 per year, plus mandatory ancillary fees covering health insurance and student services.
| Cost Component | CAD (Annual) | INR (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (International) | C$36,000 | INR 25.24 Lakhs |
| Health & Dental Insurance | C$2,270 | INR 1.59 Lakhs |
| Application Fee (one-time) | C$145 | INR 10,168 |
| Admission Deposit (one-time, credited to tuition) | C$500 | INR 35,060 |
| Total Per Year (Tuition + Insurance) | C$38,270 | INR 26.83 Lakhs |
International tuition increases approximately 6% annually for undergraduate students enrolled after 2025. Insurance plans are mandatory and auto-enrolled through the Students’ Union Health & Dental Plan. Deposit is payable within 30 days of receiving your admission offer and is automatically credited toward your first tuition invoice.
- Tuition ranges across all University of Calgary programs: C$26,849 to C$84,085 annually depending on programme and intake level.
- Co-op work-term earnings: C$18,000–C$22,000 per four-month term; most students complete one or two paid co-op terms during the four-year degree.
- Visa processing fees: CAD 150 for study permit application (paid to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, not the university).
- GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate): CAD 20,000 is recommended for Canadian study permit purposes; held in a Canadian bank, not remitted to university.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of CAD 1 = INR 70.12 as of May 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
Cost of Living in Calgary for International Relations Students
Calgary is Canada’s most affordable major city for international students. Monthly living expenses (all-in): C$3,611 (INR 2.53 Lakhs). This includes rent for shared student housing, groceries, transport, phone, and personal expenses but excludes tuition.
| Expense Category | Monthly CAD | Monthly INR | Annual CAD | Annual INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 Bedroom Shared) | C$900–$1,250 | INR 6.30–8.76 Lakhs | C$10,800–$15,000 | INR 75.6–105 Lakhs |
| Food & Groceries | C$400–$550 | INR 2.80–3.86 Lakhs | C$4,800–$6,600 | INR 33.6–46.3 Lakhs |
| Utilities & Internet | C$150–$200 | INR 1.05–1.40 Lakhs | C$1,800–$2,400 | INR 12.6–16.8 Lakhs |
| Transport & Phone | C$100–$150 | INR 0.70–1.05 Lakhs | C$1,200–$1,800 | INR 8.4–12.6 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Living Costs | C$26,040–$38,160 | INR 1.82–2.67 Lakhs | – | – |
Cost Reality for Indian Students: Four-year total cost (tuition plus living) is approximately INR 1.74 to 2.08 Crores. Scholarships can offset INR 20–70 Lakhs depending on merit and intake. Co-op earnings reduce net cost significantly for students in the work-integrated option; two paid co-op terms generate INR 25–31 Lakhs in income.
University of Calgary Bachelor of Arts International Relations Admission
Intakes: Fall (September, typically April 1 deadline) and Winter (January, typically September 1 deadline).
| Intake | Academic Start Date | International Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | September 2026 | April 1, 2026 | Closed |
| Winter 2027 | January 2027 | Expected September 1, 2026 | Not Yet Open |
| Fall 2027 | September 2027 | Expected April 1, 2027 | Expected |
Academic eligibility: High school graduation (10+2, CBSE or ICSE equivalent, minimum 65% overall aggregate). No specific programme-level minimum for International Relations; however, students with 70%+ in English, History, and Social Studies have higher acceptance odds. Indian applicants with prior Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) scores are weighted more favourably than CBSE alone.
University of Calgary does not require standardised entrance exams (SAT, ACT) for international undergraduate applications. Admission is based entirely on high school transcripts and English language proficiency test scores. This significantly simplifies the Indian application process compared to US universities, which typically demand both CBSE marks and SAT scores.
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
All international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Listed tests and minimum scores:
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Reading Component | Writing Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 | 22 | 22 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 | Minimum 105 | Minimum 105 |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 60 | 60 |
| TOEIC (Speaking & Writing) | 340 | 180 | 180 |
- IELTS is the most widely recognised test for Indian applicants; most coaching centres offer weekly mock tests and feedback.
- Hidden threshold for International Relations: instructors expect confident written academic English in essays, policy briefs, and research reports; borderline IELTS 6.5 applicants may struggle in first-year writing seminars.
- Test prep timeline for Indian students: 16–20 weeks of structured study is typical for a 65% high school scorer aiming for IELTS 6.5.
University of Calgary ranks 211 globally (QS 2026) and 200 in THE 2026. For political science and international affairs, the university ranks 8th in Canada. The institution is recognised for research and teaching in policy analysis, security studies, public administration, and international trade.
University of Calgary Bachelor of Arts International Relations Application
Applications are submitted through the University of Calgary student portal. No Canadian education agent is required; direct application from India is straightforward.
| Deadline | Intake | Typical Status |
|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2026 | Winter 2027 (January 2027) | Not Yet Open |
| April 1, 2027 | Fall 2027 (September 2027) | Expected |
| September 1, 2027 | Winter 2028 (January 2028) | Expected |
- After receiving an offer: Complete WES credential evaluation (eight to ten weeks for 10+2 documents).
- Deposit deadline: Within 30 days of receiving your conditional or unconditional offer; typically C$500.
- Study permit application processing by Immigration Canada: Typically four to six weeks; early submission recommended (applications open 30 days before semester start).
Application Tip for Indian Students: Submit transcripts, IELTS, and application together on the first day the portal opens. Early submission does not guarantee early decision, but ensures your documents process before portal overload peaks in late August and March.
University of Calgary Bachelor of Arts International Relations Scholarships
University of Calgary offers merit-based scholarships to international students. Eligibility is automatic for top performers; no separate scholarship application required.
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount (CAD) | Award Amount (INR) | Eligibility | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Entrance Scholarship | Up to C$20,000 | Up to INR 14.02 Lakhs | First-year international entrants; renewable in years 2–4 with GPA 2.60+ over 24.00 units in prior Fall and Winter terms | Yes (3 more years) |
| President’s Admission Scholarship | C$5,000–$15,000 | INR 3.51–10.52 Lakhs | High school final admission average 95%+ (equivalent to 10+2 in India) | Check terms |
| International Graduate Tuition Award | C$3,060 | INR 2.14 Lakhs | Postgraduate students only (does not apply to BA undergraduate) | No |
| International Student Athletes Award | C$10,000 | INR 7.01 Lakhs | Student-athletes in years 2–4 competing for university teams | Varies by sport |
- Most Indian students qualify for the International Entrance Scholarship (C$20,000 in year one if admission average is 75%+ and English proficiency score is strong).
- If renewable, this scholarship can offset 52% of your annual tuition for three additional years, totalling C$80,000 over four years (INR 56 Lakhs).
- Scholarship recipients must maintain GPA 2.60 (roughly 73% or B grade) to keep funding in subsequent years.
Scholarship Reality: Entrance scholarships are automatic for top applicants but require minimum 80%+ high school average combined with strong IELTS (7.0+). A C$20,000 annual award saves INR 14 Lakhs per year, but leaves roughly half the tuition unfunded. Supplement with part-time work, loans, or co-op earnings.
University of Calgary Bachelor of Arts International Relations Salary
Graduates in International Relations pursue diverse careers across government, non-profit, and private sectors. Entry-level salary varies significantly by sector, location, and specialisation.
| Career Path | Typical Entry-Level Salary (CAD) | Typical Entry-Level Salary (INR) | Experience Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government (Foreign Affairs, Diplomacy) | C$55,000–$65,000 | INR 38.6–45.6 Lakhs | 1–2 years after graduation |
| International NGO / Non-Profit | C$40,000–$50,000 | INR 28.0–35.1 Lakhs | 0–1 year (entry positions available) |
| Multinational Corporation (Trade, Business Development) | C$50,000–$70,000 | INR 35.1–49.1 Lakhs | 1–2 years after graduation |
| Policy Research Institute / Think Tank | C$45,000–$55,000 | INR 31.6–38.6 Lakhs | 0–1 year (fellowship or entry positions) |
| Graduate School (Subsequent Masters/Law) | N/A (returns to school) | N/A | Immediate or 1–2 years work experience |
Take-home pay after Canadian federal and Alberta provincial tax is typically 75–80% of gross salary. Federal tax ranges 14–20% for entry salaries, provincial 5–8%, plus Canada Pension Plan (5.95%) and Employment Insurance (1.63%). A C$60,000 gross salary nets approximately C$45,000–$48,000 annually (INR 31.5–33.7 Lakhs).
- Co-op graduates earn C$18,000–$22,000 per four-month work term, significantly reducing net cost and building professional networks before graduation.
- Government roles in Ottawa offer job security, defined-benefit pension plans, and advancement based on tenure—benefits not quantified in base salary.
- Multinational corporations (trade, development finance) offer higher ceilings but more competitive hiring; typically require specialisation or prior internship experience.
Source: University of Calgary Graduate Outcomes Report (2024), General International Relations Career Salary Survey (research.com, 2026).
Salary Reality for International Graduates: First-job salary depends heavily on co-op experience and specialisation (human rights versus trade versus policy). Raw average is C$50,000–$55,000 (INR 35–39 Lakhs). Expect two to three years of post-graduation experience before advancing to C$70,000+ roles.
Canada Visa Pathway for International Relations Students
Canada’s student and post-study work visa pathway is straightforward for Indian applicants. Most IR graduates remain in Canada for three to four years post-graduation to gain work experience and build a permanent residency case.
- Study Permit: Valid for your programme duration (four years for this BA) plus one extra year of grace period if you transition to post-study work. Requires GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) of CAD 20,000 in a Canadian bank and proof of funds for living costs.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Open work permit matching your programme length (up to four years). No employer sponsorship required. Work for any employer in any province; frequently used by IR graduates for government, NGO, and corporate roles.
- Permanent Residence (PR) via Express Entry: After 12 months of Canadian work experience, most IR graduates qualify for Express Entry federal skilled worker pathway. Typical salary requirement: CAD 62,000+ annually. Processing time: six months.
- Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP): Alberta PNP pathway is faster than federal Express Entry (12-month processing versus six months). Requires job offer or previous Canadian work experience in a skilled occupation.
Visa Reality: Post-graduation, you have four years on a PGWP to work in Canada and build a permanent residency case. IR graduates in government policy, NGO leadership, or corporate roles typically qualify for PR within two years of completing the programme.
Read More: Canada Student Visa Guide for Indian Applicants
Bachelor of Arts International Relations at University of Calgary is ideal for students who want structured career exposure (co-op), mandatory language skills, and clear pathways into global affairs, government policy, or multinational development. The combination of work-integrated learning, flexible subject choices (22+ departments), and affordable living costs makes it well-suited for Indian students aiming for government roles, development finance, or international trade. Calgary’s cost of living and scholarship availability make the four-year investment manageable for a mid-income Indian family planning with education loans and part-time work.
Bachelor of Arts International Relations FAQs
Ques. Can I complete a co-op term overseas, or must all work terms be in Canada?
Ans. Approximately 40% of University of Calgary co-op students complete at least one term outside Canada through formal partner agreements with universities and employers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. The co-op office maintains active relationships with organisations in the UK, Germany, Australia, Singapore, and select NGO networks. Overseas co-op requires securing a work permit (varies by country, but typically processed faster than study permits) and meeting the employer’s visa requirements. Domestic co-op placements within Alberta are generally guaranteed for first-term students; subsequent overseas placements are competitive and typically require one prior Canadian co-op term to demonstrate professionalism. Salaries for overseas co-op placements are sometimes lower than Canada (UK co-op at GBP 16,000–20,000 annually) but provide irreplaceable network and visa pathway value.
Ques. What is the difference between the regular BA International Relations and the BA with Co-operative Education?
Ans. The regular BA International Relations is 16 courses over four consecutive years of full-time classroom study. The BA with Co-operative Education alternates academic terms (13–14 weeks) with paid work terms (16 weeks), extending the overall programme to 4.5–5 years in calendar time but packing four to six paid work experiences alongside coursework. Both degrees carry identical academic credits and graduation credentials. Salary during co-op: C$18,000–C$22,000 per term. Co-op students typically complete two to three paid work terms, generating C$36,000–$66,000 in income that offsets living costs. The main trade-off: co-op takes an extra year of calendar time but graduates with substantially lower net cost and stronger professional networks.
Ques. Do I need to choose a specialisation or concentration within International Relations?
Ans. The BA International Relations does not mandate a formal concentration or specialisation; instead, students choose 16 courses across the discipline. However, unofficial specialisation is expected by employers. Most graduates emphasise one or two career-relevant areas—e.g., global governance, human rights, trade and development, security, or environmental policy—by selecting related electives from Political Science, Economics, History, Geography, and Anthropology. University transcripts note areas of strength but do not carry a formal minor or concentration label. The co-op term itself becomes a de facto specialisation; selecting co-op placements in human rights NGOs versus international trade versus government policy shapes your employability narrative regardless of coursework.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying on a study permit?
Ans. Yes. International students are permitted up to 20 hours per week of off-campus work during academic terms (September–April and January–April) and full-time work during official vacation periods (summer, winter, spring breaks, typically 16+ weeks annually). Most IR students work part-time in campus libraries, tutoring centres, government office internships, or NGO research roles to supplement living costs and gain Canadian work experience. Off-campus part-time work does not require a separate work permit and counts toward the 12-month Canadian work experience threshold for Express Entry permanent residency. Many students also take on research assistant roles within the university, which offer flexibility and career-building opportunities.
Ques. Is it easier to secure permanent residency in Canada with an IR degree than other degrees?
Ans. Permanent residency difficulty depends on job offer, work experience, and salary level—not degree type. IR graduates who secure government or policy-track jobs in National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 4012 (policy analysts) or 1111 (senior management) have strong Express Entry profiles. Private sector corporate strategy, international trade, and development finance roles (NOC 1233, 1235) are also high-value and in-demand in Canada. Government roles offer lower salary thresholds (CAD 55,000+) but come with pension and job stability benefits. The degree itself does not determine PR odds, but career pathway does; your co-op experience and first job choice matter more than your diploma.
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- Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake - Apr 1, 2027
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| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $21547 (CAD 30782) |
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| rhEkXj | Znqz7Q |
|---|---|
| Housing | $11536 (CAD 16480) |
| Books and supply | $420 (CAD 600) |
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|---|---|
| 2024 | $18794 (CAD 26849) |
| 2023 | $18794 (CAD 26849) |
| 2021 | $9627 (CAD 13753) |
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| 0pC/y6 | 7d7ba6 |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake | Apr 1, 2027 |
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Complete Application
Application Fee
Official Transcripts
English Language Requirements
A copy of the Passport
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Bachelor of Arts in Canada: Top Universities, Cost for Indian Students, and Scope
Top Undergraduate Courses in Canada: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Admissions, Placements & Salaries
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| 6YtxFj | a+VJO9 | sFGV92 | +zy2Nq | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary Jordie and Robert Jordan Bursary | NDHjH0$ 3,556/Yr$5,080 | 70v4DRBachelor | +zy2NqCollege-Specific | |
| Alberta Geomatics Group Scholarship | NDHjH0$ 254/Yr$363 | 70v4DRBachelor | +zy2NqCollege-Specific | |
| Calgary Senator Stan Waters Memorial Scholarship | NDHjH0$ 3,500/Yr$5,000 | 70v4DRBachelor | +zy2NqCollege-Specific | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | NDHjH0$ 2,450/Yr$3,500 | 70v4DRBachelor | +zy2NqMerit-Based | |
| Jared J. Davis Grant | NDHjH0$ 700/Yr$1,000 | 70v4DRBachelor | +zy2NqMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | NDHjH0$ 1,400/Yr$2,000 | 70v4DRBachelor | +zy2NqCompany-Sponsored |
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| 8MIU1T | S2h7Mt | BxsfMK | uN65io | bwRvnp |
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Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake (1st Apr 2027) | USD 22,665 /Yr CAD 32,379 /Yr |
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Application Deadline for winter Intake (18th Oct 2026) Document Submission Deadline for winter Intake (1st Nov 2026) Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Apr 2027) Document Submission Deadline for Fall Intake (2nd May 2027) | USD 37,229 /Yr CAD 53,184 /Yr |
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To be eligible for admission to the MSc in Data Science program at the University of Calgary, you must have a four-year bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. And if English is not your first lamguage, a valid ELP test score is necessary.
You can apply for the M.Eng Chemical and Petroleum Engineering proghram of the University of Calgary if you have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree in chemical or petroleum engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. You must submit your official transcripts as well as a copy of your cetificate. International students must also submit a valid ELP test score unless eligible for exemption.
The University of Calgary offers Masters programs in various academic disciplines. However, the university does not offer masters program in International Relations.