5 Best Universities In Edmonton For International Students 2025

Edmonton is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Canada. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 5 universities in Edmonton, University of Alberta and MacEwan University are the top-performing schools in Edmonton. This list covers both public and private institutions in Edmonton.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Edmonton, Alberta. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Edmonton, Alberta.

Rank University Country Type
1 University of Alberta Canada Public
2 MacEwan University Canada Public
3 Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Canada Public
4 Concordia University of Edmonton Canada Private
5 King’s University Canada Private

How do I get admission to the best universities in Edmonton?

Applying to the universities in Edmonton involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Edmonton to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Edmonton?

Tuition fees at Edmonton’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 13,700 CAD to 24,600 CAD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 9,320 CAD to 17,000 CAD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Edmonton!

As we cover the best universities in Edmonton for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Edmonton for International Students

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#6 in Canada
#39 in North America
#73 in World
Percentage of International Students
18%
Total Number of students - 40,060
International Number of students - 7,200

The University of Alberta is a vibrant university in Canada with five campuses at various locations in Canada — four in Edmonton and one in Camrose. It is the fifth-largest university in the country, with over 35,000 students enrolled at the school yearly. The university has garnered a reputation for its impactful research and commitment to bettering the lives of students from indigenous communities in the region. Among its numerous initiatives for indigenous students are free online courses and targeted scholarships.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#56 in Canada
#675 in North America
#2030 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 18,345

Established as Grant MacEwan Community College in Alberta, the institute has a rich history of growth and expansion from a community college to a university. It aims to provide a transformative education, facilitating a unique educational experience for students to help them on the path towards growth and accomplishment. Located in the heart of the city of Edmonton, MacEwan University offers undergraduate and diploma programs in a range of disciplines.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#63 in Canada
#848 in North America
#2497 in World
Percentage of International Students
8%
Total Number of students - 34,000
International Number of students - 2,600

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, popularly known as NAIT, is among the leading polytechnics in Canada. Initially established in 1962 as a training institution for apprentice electricians, the polytechnic has evolved into a large, comprehensive polytechnic. NAIT offers various courses and provides both degree and skill programs to motivated individuals. Most of its programs focus on developing competencies relevant to the work environment.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#70 in Canada
#1347 in North America
#3993 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 2,333

The Concordia University of Edmonton was established in Alberta by the Lutheran Church as a junior college for men. It expanded over the years, opening its doors to women and offering general courses in 1939 before gradually becoming a degree-awarding institute in 1987. Though it is no longer a faith-based campus, its goal to “create a community of active citizens, of good and honorable people” has stayed the same. The university prides itself on being a small university with a close-knit community where every student is important while having a global outlook.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#86 in Canada
#1670 in North America
#7090 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 885

King’s University (TKUC) is a private Christian university in Edmonton, Alberta. With its focus on internships, practicum placements, hands-on learning, and career counselling, TKUC hopes to ensure success before and after the student graduates. It has a low student-to-lecturer ratio and uses a small class size for teaching to promote student engagement and create interactive lectures.TKUC’s approach to education has led to the university ranking highly on national surveys for student-faculty engagement and quality of teaching.

We know that choosing your dream school in Edmonton not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Edmonton, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Edmonton! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!