University of Alberta Undergraduate Admission 2026: Scholarships & Guide for Indian Students

Introduction

Canada remains a top destination for Indian students, but rising costs in cities like Toronto and Vancouver are pushing smart aspirants to look elsewhere. Enter the University of Alberta (UAlberta). Located in Edmonton, it offers a perfect mix of top-tier education, affordable living, and high return on investment.

If you are planning for University of Alberta Undergraduate Admission 2026, this guide is for you. From the exclusive "India Centenary Scholarship" to the low cost of living in Edmonton, we cover everything a Class 12th student needs to know to secure a seat at this world-class institution.

University of Alberta 2026 Highlights

Feature	Details
University Type	Public Research University
Global Ranking	Top 5 in Canada, Top 100 Globally (QS/THE)
Location	Edmonton, Alberta (Low cost of living)
Intake	Fall 2026 (September Start)
Application Fee	CAD 125 (Approx. ₹7,800)
Avg. Tuition Fees	CAD 30,000 – CAD 45,000 per year
Top Courses	Petroleum Eng, CS, Nursing, Business

Why Choose University of Alberta for Undergraduate Admission in 2026?

For Indian students, the 2026 intake at UAlberta offers specific advantages over other Canadian universities:

• Affordability: Edmonton’s cost of living is significantly lower than Toronto or Vancouver. Rent is cheaper, saving you lakhs over 4 years.

• Employability: Alberta has a strong economy driven by energy and tech. UAlberta ranks #2 in Canada for graduate employment rate.

• Research Powerhouse: It is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, ensuring your degree holds global value.

Important Dates for Fall 2026 Admission

Missing a deadline can cost you an entire year. Mark these tentative dates for the University of Alberta Undergraduate Admission 2026 cycle.

Event	Date
Applications Open	October 1, 2025
Scholarship Priority Deadline	January 10, 2026
General Application Deadline	March 1, 2026
Document Submission Deadline	August 1, 2026
Classes Begin	September 2026

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

To apply for an undergraduate degree, you must meet specific academic and language requirements.

1. Academic Requirements (Class 12th)

• Boards Accepted: CBSE, CISCE (ISC), and State Boards are accepted.

• Minimum Marks: While the minimum passing requirement is lower, admission is competitive.

  • Engineering/CS: Expect to need 85% - 90%+ in PCM.

  • Arts/Sciences: Expect to need 75% - 85%.

• Subject Requirements: You must have 5 academic subjects in Class 12, including English. For Engineering, Math, Physics, and Chemistry are mandatory.

2. English Proficiency

You must prove you can study in English.

• IELTS: Overall 6.5 (No band less than 6.0)

• TOEFL iBT: Total 90 (No section less than 21)

• Exemption: If you are from a CBSE/CISCE school and score 75% or higher in Class 12 English, you may be exempt from IELTS/TOEFL.

Scholarships for Indian Students (2026 Intake)

This is the most important section for financial planning. UAlberta offers millions in scholarships, some specifically for Indians.

Scholarship Name	Amount (CAD)	Eligibility
India Centenary Scholarship	$20,000	Indian citizen with superior academics (payable over 4 years).
India First Year Excellence	$5,000	Top academic Indian students entering 1st year.
President’s Int. Distinction	Up to $120,000	Highest achievers with leadership skills (Application based).
International Leader Award	Up to $10,000	Well-rounded leaders with good academics.

Tuition Fees & Cost of Living (2026 Estimates)

Understanding the total cost is vital for your education loan and budget.

1. Tuition Fees (Per Year)

• Faculty of Arts: ~CAD 30,000 (₹18 Lakhs)

• Faculty of Science: ~CAD 32,000 (₹19.5 Lakhs)

• Faculty of Engineering: ~CAD 43,000 (₹26 Lakhs)

• Business: ~CAD 35,000 (₹21 Lakhs)

2. Living Costs in Edmonton

Edmonton is budget-friendly. Here is a monthly breakdown for a student:

• Rent (Shared): CAD 500 – 700

• Groceries: CAD 300

• Transport (UPass): Included in student fees

• Total Monthly Estimate: CAD 1,000 – 1,200 (approx ₹60,000 - ₹75,000)

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to secure your University of Alberta Undergraduate Admission 2026:

1. Choose Your Program: Browse the program finder on the official website. You can select a 1st choice and a 2nd choice.

2. Apply Online: Use the UAlberta "Launchpad" portal.

3. Pay Fee: Pay the non-refundable CAD 125 application fee.

4. Submit Transcripts: Upload your Class 10th and Class 11th mark sheets. If Class 12th results are pending, submit predicted grades.

5. Wait for Offer: Conditional offers are usually released within 2–4 weeks.

6. Accept Offer: Pay the tuition deposit (usually CAD 1,000) to confirm your seat.

7. Apply for Visa: Once you have the admission letter, start your Canadian Study Permit application.

Documents Required

• Class 10th Mark sheet

• Class 11th Mark sheet

• Class 12th Predicted Scores (if applying before results)

• IELTS/TOEFL Scorecard

• Passport Copy

• Credit card for application fee

FAQs regarding University of Alberta Admission

1. Is it hard to get admission to the University of Alberta?

Admission is competitive, especially for Engineering and Computer Science. However, if you have an academic average above 80-85% in CBSE/ISC, you have a strong chance.

2. When should I apply for University of Alberta Undergraduate Admission 2026?

Applications open on October 1, 2025. It is best to apply by December 2025 to ensure you are considered for all major entrance scholarships.

3. Is IELTS mandatory for Indian students?

Not always. If you study in a CBSE or CISCE school and score 75%+ in your Class 12 English final exam, you might get an IELTS waiver.

4. How much is the application fee for Indian students?

The application fee is CAD 125. For the 2026 intake, this is approximately ₹7,800 INR, depending on the exchange rate.

5. Can I work while studying?

Yes. International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 24 hours/week as per new rules) during terms and full-time during scheduled breaks.

6. What is the India Centenary Scholarship?

This is a specific scholarship for Indian citizens applying to UAlberta. It is valued at CAD 20,000 and is paid out over your 4-year degree.

Conclusion

Securing your University of Alberta Undergraduate Admission 2026 is a smart career move. You get a world-class degree, access to the "India Centenary Scholarship," and the advantage of lower living costs in Edmonton.