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International student in greenhouse

International students

The University of Calgary is one of Canada’s top research institutions.

You’ll find high-quality programs, exceptional paid work experiences through co-ops and internships, and many opportunities to make a difference and contribute to research. And, with students from more than 138 different countries attending UCalgary every year, you can be part of a vibrant, lively and welcoming campus community.

Check out our International Viewbook

Discover what our institution offers by exploring our International Viewbook, your guide to programs, campus life, and student support. 

Home to students from 134 different countries

Calgary is ranked the #1 place to live in Canada

165+ languages spoken in Calgary

Calgary is Canada's third most culturally diverse city

Supports and services for international students

UCalgary offers a wide range of resources to help you excel on campus both before you arrive and once you're in Calgary. This includes services such as personalized immigration advice and housing support, academic success programs, job search events, and more. Plus, you'll find an amazing array of campus events that offer endless opportunities to forge new friendships and immerse yourself in our community. 

Support for international students

The International Student Services (ISS) team guides international students from pre-arrival to full campus integration, helping make the transition to UCalgary smooth and successful. ISS offers: 

  • Support with study permit applications and immigration questions
  • Resources to help you settle into Calgary and campus life
  • Programs and events to connect with the international student community 

Learn what ISS has to offer

Experience campus life

The Students’ Union (SU) energizes campus life with programs, events and services that support undergraduate students and build a vibrant campus community. The SU offers: 

  • 400+ student clubs and numerous campus events
  • Services like the used textbook store, and health & dental plan
  • Undergraduate Research Symposium with prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000

Learn what the SU has to offer

Faith and spiritual life

The Faith & Spirituality Centre (FSC) supports spiritual well-being on campus by offering inclusive resources, events and spaces for students of all faiths and traditions. The FSC offers: 

  • Bookable multi-faith prayer and reflection spaces on campus
  • Peer support and spiritual representatives
  • Events celebrating religious and cultural holidays 

Learn what the FSC has to offer

Supporting your academic success

The Student Success Centre (SSC) helps students build academic skills and confidence through advising, workshops and personalized learning support. The SSC offers: 

  • Peer tutoring sessions
  • Workshops and online academic resources
  • One-on-one writing advising  

Learn what the SSC has to offer

Experiential learning opportunities

The Office of Experiential Learning (OEL) helps students enhance their degree through hands-on opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world experience. The OEL offers: 

  • Research opportunities, both on campus and abroad
  • Certificate programs that complement your degree
  • Hands-on learning experiences 

Learn what the OEL has to offer

Support to launch your career

The Centre for Career & Personal Development (CCPD) supports students in building career skills and planning their professional future during and after their degree. The CCPD offers: 

  • Advisors to help with career guidance and planning
  • Resumé help, job search assistance and career preparation
  • A dedicated job board for UCalgary students  

Learn what the CCPD has to offer

Explore a day in the life of current UCalgary students

Meet Zainab, a computer science student from India.

Meet Sandra, who is studying psychology in the Faculty of Arts.

Meet Khadiza, a biomedical engineering student from Bangladesh.

Meet Ahad, an international student at UCalgary.


Additional resources

UCalgary has dedicated units to support and assist international students.

Housing options

Calgary offers a range of on- and off-campus housing to fit your needs. Apply for residence by May 1 to secure a guaranteed spot on campus for your first year. Prefer to live off-campus? You'll find plenty of nearby neighbourhoods with various housing options that'll keep you close to the action.

Learn more about our housing options

Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)

Complete the ACC, the UCalgary English pathway program. If you're registered in the ACC, you may be eligible for conditional admission to a degree program. The ACC will take from 4 to 11 months to complete, depending on your English level and is eligible for 6 units of transfer credit.

Connect with the ESL Recruitment Team


Welcome centre

Connect with the Welcome Centre

New to Calgary? The Welcome Centre provides support and programming for new-to-Calgary students. This service is available at the beginning of the Fall Term, and is run by student staff who can help with adjusting to life in Calgary, accessing resources, finding things to do in Calgary and more.

Are you interested in being a visiting, inbound exchange or outbound exchange student? Learn about these exciting opportunities

Choose UCalgary podcast thumbnail image

Season 10 Episode 20: From Study Permit to Life as an International Student at UCalgary

Tune in for the final episode of Season 10 as Prithul brings things full circle—reflecting on his own experience as an international student while sitting down with Bree Carney, Manager of the International Student Recruitment team, and Lien Tran, Manager of the International Student Services team — known to our students as ISS. 

Listen to the episode


International Student Recruitment Team

UCalgary has a team of International Student Recruitment Advisors that support international students, their families and supporters, and high school guidance counsellors. Contact our team for answers to questions about online applications, scholarships and majors. 

International presentation

Attend an in-person or virtual event

Join us online or in-person for events such as in-country Meet and Greet events and virtual faculty information nights. We also offer webinars about admissions, financial aid and applying for your study permit. Watch our recorded webinars on YouTube whenever it's convenient for you.

View our upcoming tours and events

Take a virtual tour

Join one of our weekly virtual campus tours. Explore our entire campus from the comfort of your home and chat directly with an advisor during the tour.

Sign up for a tour today