University of Victoria vs University of Calgary: Which is better for international students?

University of Victoria vs University of Calgary

University of Victoria is one of the oldest postsecondary Canadian institutes in British Columbia,is one of the top 400 universities in the world according to ranking agencies like QS, THE, U.S. News and World Report among others.University of Calgary is one of the top comprehensive research universities in Canada. International students are offered with more than 250 programs at University of Calgary through 14 faculties across its 5 campuses,  it’s overall ranking by QS is #182 out of 1401 globally

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University of VictoriaUniversity of Calgary
Collegedunia Score4.7 sfHSI/5.4 sfHSI/
CtVgo0# 258 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
# 301 Times Higher Education 2026
# 358 QS World University 2026
# 140 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
# 200 Times Higher Education 2026
# 211 QS World University 2026
Subject Strength# 194 sQv06Y Engineering Vi2Pqx Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
# 206 sQv06Y Medicine Vi2Pqx Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
# 140 sQv06Y Law Vi2Pqx Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
# 112 sQv06Y Engineering Vi2Pqx Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
# 83 sQv06Y Medicine Vi2Pqx Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
# 150 sQv06Y Law Vi2Pqx Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
ProgramsK6FNSL -48
+BcTMq -44
uAFC26 -23
K6FNSL -63
+BcTMq -62
uAFC26 -10
Acceptance Rate63.0 %55.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
PTE-65
TOEFL-90
Duolingo-115
GMAT-550
IELTS-6.5
PTE-60
TOEFL-86
Cost to Study78XRnV   21330
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78XRnV  15345
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4fro2k + zNMGDV - 22205 j5deyA
78XRnV   16642
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78XRnV  13386
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4fro2k + zNMGDV - 24728 j5deyA
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Some of the programs and the average salary are:

  • MBA :  $104,000 
  • Bachelor of Science : $70,000 
  • Bachelor of Arts : $58,000 
  • Master (Other) : $55,000 
  • BBA :  $54,000 
  • Bachelor (Other) : $47,000 

Graduate Employability Ranks (2023): #131-140. Top recruiters- University of Calgary, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, ATB Financials, Enbridge Pipelines Inc., Alberta Health Sevices, etc.

  • Bachelor of Arts :  $126,000 
  • Masters in Science : $75,000 
  • Bachelor of Science : $63,000 
  • Other Degree : $57,000 
  • MBA : $47,000 
  • Master (Other) : $45,000 


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82% in bachelor for graduate admission; at least 2 years of work experience for MBA and Masters in Nursing

Some specific courses are required for admissions (vary with program).
Country-specific entry requirements criteria must be fulfilled. 
PG applicants must have a GPA 3.0 on scale of 4.0 (Grade B/percentile: 83-86)

Campuses and B-SchoolsPeter B. Gustavson School of Business
Haskayne School of Business
CollegeDunia Reviews8.2/10 FlUcco7.4/10 FlUcco
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H1MbuoUniversity of VictoriaUniversity of Calgary
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1963
1966
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Location Facts

Campus is located few 100 feet away from Pacific Ocean at Cadboro Bay; 3 libraries are situated on-campus and rest across Victoria, British Columbia and Vancouver Island


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. 


Library

35 libraries; 2,196,849 volumes; 1,434,350 microforms; 266,304 journal subscriptions; 21,739 cartographic items; 46,750 sound recordings; 37,023 music scores; 17,674 films and videos; 2,161 linear metres of manuscripts and archival materials


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. 


Campus Life

University has a Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities, books and computer store, and health and medical services; Biblio Cafe, Commons Kitchen, Cap’s Bistro, Court Cafe, etc are located inside the campus for dining


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. 


Hostel#Cluster room: 2 bedroom townhouse - $12552
#Cluster room: 4 bedroom unit - $9653
#Single Suite - $10219
#Two bedroom suite - $8609
Famous Alumni

Kim Adams (sculptor); Bill Burns (conceptual artist); WP Kinsella (novelist); Ryan Holmes (founder and CEO of Hootsuite); Sheridan Scott (vice-president of Bell Canada); Jeff Mallett (former president and chief operating officer of Yahoo); Trevor Van Damme (Aegean archaeologist); Kirsten Barnes (winner of two Olympic gold medals in rowing)


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.  


City Life

Greater Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia; Unemployment rate was 4.4% in November 2022; Main industries supporting the economy are construction, defense, food, fiber, medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, retail, and travel; Major tourist attractions are Inner Harbour, Royal BC Museum, Butchart Garden, Fairmont Empress Hotel, etc.


Calgary is the energy capital of Canada. It is one of the most liveable city of North America and the fourth largest city in Canada. It records the most patents per capita, highest concentration of corporate head office, and small businesses per capita in Canada. Attend events like Internation Film Festival, concerts, parades, tournaments, derby, etc. It has Calgary Stampede (national music center), few museums, and a zoo. Unemployment rate to Dec 2022: 5.8%(Dec 2022)


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