University of Calgary is a public research university with its location in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in the northwest quadrant of the city. It is a big university with around 29,000 undergraduates. The admissions are competitive with an acceptance rate of around 15%. Some of the most favored majors are Engineering, Business, Medicine, Social Sciences, and Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is about 90%, and University of Calgary graduates earn a median starting income of approximately INR 52,48,000 (converted from $63,400 median earnings ten years after graduation).
Mount Royal University is a public undergraduate university in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, situated in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. It is a mid-sized institution with about 12,500 undergraduate students and a total enrollment of 15,700. Admissions are competitive, with an approximate acceptance rate of 61%. The most popular majors are Business, Health Professions, Social Sciences, Arts, and Education. The six-year graduation rate is 85%, and Mount Royal's graduates have a median starting income of around INR 45,82,000 (converted from $55,300 median earnings ten years after entering the labor force).
| University of Calgary | Mount Royal University | |
|---|---|---|
| Programs | UG Programs -63 PG Programs -62 Doctorate Programs -10 | UG Programs -45 |
| Acceptance Rate | 55.0 % | 61.0 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-115 GMAT-550 IELTS-6.5 PTE-60 TOEFL-86 | IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-83 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 16642 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 13386 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 24728 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 16425 [For UG Program] Hostel + Meal - 20172 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate Employability Ranks (2023): #131-140. Top recruiters- University of Calgary, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, ATB Financials, Enbridge Pipelines Inc., Alberta Health Sevices, etc.
| The average salary ranges around $61000 CAD |
| application requirements | Some specific courses are required for admissions (vary with program). | Submit high school and post secondary school transcripts Submit English language proficiency test scores Different courses may have program specific requirements |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Haskayne School of Business | NA |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.4/10 Read 33 reviews | 8.3/10 Read 3 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 86/120 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 86/120 |
| application dates | Mar 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) | Apr 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Calgary | Mount Royal University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1966 | 1910 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 23:1 | 15:1 |
| Male:Female | 47% Male, 53% Female | 37% Male, 63% Female |
| Location Facts | Located in Calgary, main campus lies in the northwest quadrant close to Bow River and has a view of Alberta's rocky mountain. The other smaller campus lies in the city center. | There are two campuses: Lincoln park campus (main campus) and Springbank campus |
| Library | Comprises 6 different libraries and a museum. There is a dedicated library offering recourses on business. It also has a special and archive collection. Eight largest library in Canada with over 4.0 million printed volumes, and over 300,000 full electronic text. | The Riddell Library and Learning Centre is a contemporary building and has inclusive space for collaboration and connection with expertise and resources that inspire and support innovative teaching, learning and scholarship. This four-storey, nearly 16,000-square-metre, building brings together experts and resources from the Academic Development Centre, including the START Lab (student technology and resource training); Department of Education; Mokakiiks Centre for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning; Student Learning Services; and University Library. |
| Campus Life | You can join various groups led by UG and PG student organizations. The Q center is dedicated to people from the queer community. A Variety of volunteering options are available. The annual Strong Festival and Carnival are two of the most celebrated events. A variety of athletic activities are also available. Calgary Dinos compete in 12 varsity sports. The university houses aquatic center, fitness studio, dance studio, weight rooms, and climbing walls. It runs 2 newspapers, a radio station and a TV production where students can indulge. | University life has both study time and time to explore. There are events like Cougars game, students can join any club among 75 clubs, and attend unique events all on campus. From New Student Orientation to the Crowchild Classic and arts performances, you’ll find meaningful experiences. Other facilities include recreation centers, athletics, peer groups etc. |
| Hostel | #Single Suite - $10219 #Two bedroom suite - $8609 | #Four Bedroom Suite - $5756 #Two Bedroom - $6256 #One Bedroom - $8160 |
| Famous Alumni | Stephan Harper (Former Canadian PM), Naheed Nenshi (Politician), Robert Thirsk (Former Canadian Space Agency Astronaut), James Gosling (Computer Scientist), Kristina Groves (Speed Skater), Hal Kvisle (Canadian Businessman), Rob Anders (Former Canadian MP), Ian Brodie (Canadian Political Scientist), Ronal Wright (Canadian Author), Peter Wong (Chief Executive of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Coorp), etc. | Paul Brandt (music artist), Chris Gailus (television news anchor), Doris Hilda Anderson (author), Craig Wrobleski (cinematographer) |
| Weather |
University of Calgary vs Mount Royal University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Both Mount Royal University (MRU) and University of Calgary (UCalgary) are well-known institutions in Calgary, but UCalgary far surpasses MRU around the world. At QS World University Rankings 2026, UCalgary is 211th globally and MRU is not included in the top 1000. UCalgary is ranked 201st–250th by Times Higher Education 2025, but MRU is not ranked in the top 1000. UCalgary performs well at Engineering (top 100 in the world), Medicine, and Business, frequently appearing at the top 50–100 for fields such as Hospitality and Leisure Management. MRU, with a concentration in undergraduate education, excels regionally in Business, Health Professions, and Arts with a top 50% ranking in 32 research subjects but without the worldwide subject leadership of UCalgary.
General Information
UCalgary, founded in 1966, is a multidisciplinary research university with over 38,000 students enrolled, with more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs offered through 14 faculties. Its principal campus is 200 hectares in size with ample research space. MRU, established in 1910 and recognized as a university in 2009, offers a total student enrollment of around 15,700 students, mostly undergraduates, with 13 bachelor's degrees and 37 majors, as well as diplomas and certificates. MRU's 118-acre campus focuses on small class sizes (average 30 students) and experiential learning, offering a cozier educational experience than UCalgary's larger, research-focused setting.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Admission at UCalgary is very competitive with a 15% acceptance rate, a minimum of 3.0 high school GPA, and English ability marks such as IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 86 for foreign students. MRU also has a less competitive acceptance rate of 61%, with the same minimum of 2.0–2.5 GPA and comparable English requirements (IELTS 6.5). The process of UCalgary is intense, sometimes involving personal statements for competitive courses such as Engineering and Medicine. MRU emphasizes portfolios and practical skills for Arts and Business, appealing to students wanting an inquiring entry into university. International students are welcomed at both institutions, with a better yield from UCalgary due to its reputation.
Research Impact & Facilities
UCalgary is a leading research university that has $380 million in sponsored research income, with 73 Canada Research Chairs and more than 80 research institutes with a focus on energy, health, and sustainability. Its infrastructure features state-of-the-art labs and collaborations with international agencies. MRU, being an undergraduate-oriented institution, stresses applied research in fields such as community prosperity and health innovation, with research centers like the Institute for Community Prosperity. Though UCalgary dominates research production and influence, MRU's lower-scale facilities facilitate projects under student direction and regional partnership, enabling hands-on innovation.
Cost & Financial Aid
UCalgary's undergraduate fee for 2025–2026 is around CAD 7,000 for Albertans, CAD 8,500 for the rest of Canada, and CAD 22,000 for overseas students annually. MRU's fees are lower at CAD 6,500 for home students and CAD 19,000 for foreign students per year. Calgary living expenses average CAD 15,000 annually for both. UCalgary has significant financial aid, with more than CAD 17 million in scholarships awarded each year, achieving demonstrated need for most students. MRU has CAD 5.5 million in scholarships and bursaries, with excellent assistance for international and Indigenous students, which makes it easier for financially limited students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
UCalgary is 131–140th worldwide in QS Graduate Employability Rankings, with 96% of its graduates employed within months, specifically in Engineering, Business, and Medicine, with higher median salaries because of its research reputation and over 200,000-strong alumni network. MRU has a 94% employment rate of its graduates, with high-useful fields such as Health Professions and Business, with high regional engagement in Calgary's economy and career service access for five years after graduation. UCalgary's international ranking offers wider options, while MRU's emphasis on employability skills delivers strong local results and satisfaction, as 96% of graduates highly rated teaching quality.
