University of Alberta Acceptance Rate

University of Alberta Acceptance Rate

Edmonton, AlbertaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1908established year
46201enrollment
Public
Partner [4 Courses]
7.5/10
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Shreyashi Pathak

Study Abroad Expert | Updated on - Jun 16, 2026

Highlights:

  • Acceptance Rate: University of Alberta maintains an acceptance rate of 58%.
  • Requirements: Indian students require at least 75% marks to apply for the UG courses. For applying to the graduate programs, 83% - 86% is required.
  • SOP and LOR: The university requires a SOP of at least 2 pages. You must also submit recommendation letters from past teachers and counselors for admission.
  • Indian Students: There were 482 Indian students enrolled in University of Alberta in the previous academic year.
  • Decision Time: The university takes around 1 - 2 weeks to process the applications and release the decisions.

The overall University of Alberta acceptance rate is 58%. That number sounds comfortable, but it does not tell the full story. At the graduate level, only 35.6% of applications received an offer of admission in 2025-26. Programs like Engineering, Science, Nursing, and Computing Science are far more competitive. Indian students need at least 75% in Class XII for undergraduate programs and 83% to 86% for graduate programs to be considered.

Indian students looking for University of Alberta admissions must meet the following criteria:

  • Candidates applying for the UG courses require a High School Certificate (CBSE or CISCE) with a minimum of 75%.
  • Graduate programs require around 83% - 86% from Indian students.
  • English Proficiency test scores of TOEFL (90 or 4.5), IELTS (6.5), DET (120), PTE (61).

There were nearly 482 Indian students enrolled at University of Alberta. The average GPA of University of Alberta, falls in the range of 3.0 - 3.5. Some facts about University of Alberta are given below:

  • University of Alberta has 35,080 UG and 8,410 graduate students.
  • The university has a student and faculty ratio of 9:1.
  • The ratio of male and female students is 44:56.

University of Alberta Highlights

Before getting into acceptance rates, here is a quick snapshot of the university. The U of A was established in 1908 and has 5 campuses across Edmonton and Camrose. It currently enrolls 46,201 students in total.

Out of these, 5,457 are international undergraduate students and 3,090 are international graduate students, as per the university's official facts page. India ranks 4th among all source countries for graduate students at U of A, with 286 Indian graduate students enrolled in Fall 2025.

Detail Data
Established 1908
Total Students 46,201
International UG Students 5,457
International Graduate Students 3,090
Indian Graduate Students (Fall 2025) 286
QS World Ranking 2026 #94
Rank in Canada (QS 2026) #4
Overall Acceptance Rate 58%
Application Fee (UG) CAD 150 (~₹10,152)
Application Fee (Graduate) CAD 135 (~₹9,137)

Conversion Note: 1 CAD = ₹67.68 (as of June 15, 2026)
Explore:
Study in Canada for International Students


University of Alberta Acceptance Rate 2026

The overall acceptance rate at the University of Alberta is 58%. This applies broadly across programs. However, the university does not publish a single fixed acceptance rate for all programs. The actual rate varies by faculty, program, and level of study.

For graduate programs, the official 2025-26 enrolment report shows that 35.6% of graduate applications resulted in an offer of admission. That is significantly more competitive than the overall 58% figure suggests. The yield rate (students who accepted and enrolled) currently stands at 61.5%.

Here is a quick breakdown of what the numbers look like at the graduate level:

Program Type Applications (2024-25) Admitted Registered
PhD Part of 13,060 total 615 338
Thesis-based Master's Part of 13,060 total 961 653
Course-based Master's Part of 13,060 total 2,422 1,453

Note: International graduate applications dropped significantly in 2025-26 to 4,918 (as of Dec 1, 2025), down from 7,757 in 2024-25. This is largely due to Canada's immigration policy changes and geopolitical factors. This means competition may be slightly lower this cycle for international applicants.

Also Read: University of Alberta Admissions 2026


University of Alberta Program-Wise Acceptance Rate for UG

The university does not publish exact acceptance rates per program. Instead, it shares admission average ranges based on the past three admission cycles. These ranges tell you what kind of grades are competitive for each faculty.

The minimum average required across five subjects is 70%. But meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission. Here is what the competitive ranges look like:

Faculty / Program Competitive Average Range (3-Year Trend)
Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences 70% – 83%
Arts (General) 70% – 77%
Arts – Criminology / Honors 84% – 92%
Arts – Drama + Education Combined / Planning 80% – 89%
Business 84% – 89%
Education (Elementary) 70% – 83%
Education – Secondary (Art, Drama, Music) 75% – 86%
Education – Secondary (Other Majors) 75% – 95%
Engineering 84% – 89%
Nursing 84% – 92%
Science 84% – 92%
Kinesiology (Bachelor of Kinesiology / BSc Kinesiology) 84% – 89%
Kinesiology – Combined with Education 87% – 92%
Recreation, Sport and Tourism (BA) 75% – 89%
Augustana Campus (All Programs) 70% – 74%
Campus Saint-Jean (General) 70% – 77%
Native Studies 70% – 77%

Important: These averages change every year. They are benchmarks, not guarantees. The university evaluates applications on a rolling basis from October 1 to August 31.

Note on "Competitive Average": This is the average grade across your five required high school subjects. The U of A calculates this based on your best five academic subjects relevant to your chosen program. It is not the same as your overall school percentage.


University of Alberta Admission Requirements

Indian students applying to U of A are evaluated on their Class XII board results (CBSE or CISCE). The university has a dedicated India-specific admissions page and accepts both CBSE and CISCE curricula directly.

Here is what Indian students specifically need to know:

  • For undergraduate programs, a minimum of 75% in Class XII is required.
  • For graduate programs, Indian students typically need 83% to 86% (equivalent to a GPA of 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale).
  • CBSE and CISCE students who score 75% or above in Class XII English automatically meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement. No IELTS or TOEFL needed in that case.
  • If your English score is below 75%, you will need to submit IELTS (minimum 6.5, no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 90).
Requirement Undergraduate Graduate
Minimum Academic Score 75% in Class XII (CBSE/CISCE) 83%–86% (GPA 3.0–3.5)
IELTS  6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT  90 (no section below 21)
4.5 (no section below 4.5)
90 (no section below 21)
4.5 (no section below 4.5)
Duolingo English Test 120 overall 120 overall
PTE Academic 61 overall 61 overall
ELP Waiver (CBSE/CISCE) 75%+ in Class XII English Not applicable (check program)
Application Fee CAD 150 (~₹10,152) CAD 135 (~₹9,137)

Note on ELP Waiver: This is specific to the University of Alberta. If you studied in a CBSE or CISCE school and scored 75% or more in your final Class XII English exam, you do not need to submit a separate English test score. This is a significant advantage for Indian students and is not offered by most Canadian universities.

Check: University of Alberta Acceptance Rate for Indian Students


University of Alberta Graduate Program Acceptance Rate

For Indian students targeting a master's or PhD, the competition is tighter. The graduate acceptance rate at U of A is approximately 35.6% based on the 2025-26 data. Each program has its own minimum and competitive GPA requirements.

Here is a look at the competitive GPA requirements for popular programs among Indian students:

Program Minimum GPA Competitive GPA
MBA (Full-time) 3.0 3.5 (Average class GPA)
MS Computing Science 3.3 3.5+
MS Biomedical Engineering 3.3 3.5
MEng Mechanical Engineering 3.0 3.5
MEng Electrical & Computer Engineering 2.7 3.0
MA Economics 3.0 3.2
MA Political Science 3.0 3.3
Master of Accounting (MAcc) 3.0 3.5+
Law (JD) 3.3 3.8 (Average GPA)
Medicine (MD) 3.3 3.5+ (Competitive mean MCAT: 128)
Pharmacy (PharmD) 3.0 3.7

Note on AGPA: The University of Alberta uses an Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) for graduate admissions. This is calculated from the grades in your most recent 60 course credits. It is not the same as your overall undergraduate GPA. If your recent performance is stronger than your overall record, this works in your favour.

Explore: University of Alberta Programs, Fees & Deadlines 2026


University of Alberta Rankings 2026

Rankings matter because they reflect the value of your degree in the job market. The U of A has been consistently climbing in global rankings. It jumped from #111 in QS 2024 to #94 in QS 2026, a significant rise in just two years.

Ranking Body 2026 World Rank 2025 World Rank Rank in Canada (2026)
QS World University Rankings #94 #96 #4
Times Higher Education (THE) #119 #116 #5
ARWU (Shanghai Rankings) #101 #101-150 #4
THE Impact Rankings #8 #6 #2
CWUR #81 #81 #4

For Indian students, the subject rankings are especially relevant. U of A ranks #2 globally in Petroleum Engineering and #5 globally in Artificial Intelligence (ARWU). These are two of the most sought-after fields among Indian students going abroad.

Check: University of Alberta Rankings 2026


Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into University of Alberta

A 58% acceptance rate means competition is real but not impossible. Here is what actually helps your application stand out, based on the university's own admission criteria and student experiences.

  • Apply early. Admission is on a rolling basis. The earlier you apply, the better your chances. Applications open on October 1 of your Grade 12 year.
  • Choose a second-choice program. The U of A allows you to list a backup program. If you are not admitted to your first choice, you are automatically considered for the second. Pick one with a lower competitive average.
  • Score 75%+ in Class XII English (CBSE/CISCE). This waives the IELTS/TOEFL requirement entirely and saves you time and money.
  • For graduate programs, focus on your last 60 credits. The AGPA is calculated from your most recent 60 course credits. A strong final year can significantly boost your AGPA.
  • Submit a strong SOP. For graduate programs, a Statement of Purpose of at least 2 pages is required. Be specific about your research interests and career goals.
  • Get strong LORs. At least 2 Letters of Recommendation are required. Choose recommenders who know your academic work well.
  • Consider the Year One Foundation Program if you do not meet all requirements. This is a full-time on-campus program that prepares you to enter a degree program in your second year.

From Indian students who studied here: Multiple reviewers on Collegedunia noted that the university is very research-focused and rewards students who are proactive. One student pursuing MS Chemical Engineering mentioned that faculty connections and networking events are key to finding jobs and internships. Another student doing BSc Computer Science said the university has strong developer clubs and networking groups that directly connect students with recruiters.

Read More: University of Alberta Reviews by Indian Students

FAQs

Ques. What is the University of Alberta acceptance rate for international students?

Ans. The overall University of Alberta acceptance rate is 58%. For graduate programs specifically, approximately 35.6% of applications result in an offer of admission, based on the 2025-26 enrolment report.

Ques. Is the University of Alberta hard to get into for Indian students?

Ans. It is moderately selective. Indian students need a minimum of 75% in Class XII for undergraduate programs and 83% to 86% for graduate programs. Competitive programs like Engineering, Science, and Nursing require averages in the mid to high 80s.

Ques. Do Indian students need IELTS for University of Alberta?

Ans. Not always. CBSE and CISCE students who score 75% or above in their final Class XII English exam automatically meet the English Language Proficiency requirement. If your score is below 75%, you will need IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90.

Ques. What GPA is needed for University of Alberta graduate programs?

Ans. The minimum GPA required is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for most graduate programs. Competitive programs like MS Computing Science require 3.3 minimum, while Law (JD) has an average admitted GPA of 3.8. The university uses an AGPA calculated from your most recent 60 course credits.

Ques. How many Indian students are at the University of Alberta?

Ans. As of Fall 2025, there are 286 Indian graduate students enrolled at the University of Alberta. India ranks 4th among all source countries for graduate students at U of A. The total number of Indian students including undergraduates is estimated at around 482 based on recent enrollment data.

Ques. What is the application deadline for University of Alberta for Indian students?

Ans. For most undergraduate programs, the deadline is March 1 each year. For Fall 2027, applications open on October 1, 2026. Graduate deadlines vary by department and can be as early as 12 months before the program starts. The September intake graduate deadline is July 1 of each year.

Ques. Is the University of Alberta a good choice for Indian students?

Ans. Yes. It is ranked #94 globally by QS 2026 and #4 in Canada. It is particularly strong in Petroleum Engineering (#2 globally), Artificial Intelligence (#5 globally), Nursing, and Biological Sciences. Alberta also has no provincial sales tax and a higher minimum wage compared to most Canadian provinces, which helps with cost of living.

Ques. What is the AGPA at University of Alberta?

Ans. AGPA stands for Admission Grade Point Average. It is calculated from the grades in your most recent 60 course credits at the university level. It is used for graduate admissions and is different from your overall undergraduate GPA. A strong final year of study can significantly improve your AGPA.

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