Make an impact with a Science degree from the University of Alberta

Interested in studying science and making a positive impact on the world? Then the University of Alberta Faculty of Science could be the perfect place for you to study.

A top 100 university in the world (QS World Rankings 2025) and situated in one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, the University of Alberta is an ideal destination for international students looking to make a difference.

If you don’t yet meet the academic entry requirements, Kaplan can help you apply to the U of A’s Year One Foundation Program (YOFP). You’ll complete the first year of a four-year bachelor’s degree with additional support, and upon successful completion, continue to your second year without having lost any time on your path to graduation.

Through the Year One Foundation program, you’ll be a U of A student from day one and be well on your way to becoming a change-maker.

Help shape the world

The University of Alberta aims to create graduates who can shape the world. Inclusivity, purpose-driven work, and dedication to learning are instilled across their faculties and programs.

As a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, the U of A is a research powerhouse that empowers students to make a difference. This is demonstrated by the Faculty of Science’s nine centres and institutes that are committed to cutting-edge research.

As a U of A student, you’ll get to take advantage of these exceptional resources. This includes the Centre for Earth Observation Sciences (CEOS). Established in 2006, CEOS focuses on environmental changes, resource management, and sustainable development policies. From tropical rainforests to the Canadian Arctic, CEOS participates in a range of research initiatives funded by public and private organizations.

The other institutes and centres cover topics such as artificial intelligence, space, mathematics, and more.

Take advantage of highly-ranked programs

Through the Year One Foundation Program, you’ll have access to nearly 30 programs at the Faculty of Science, so you’re sure to find the right program for you.

Several of the University of Alberta’s science programs are highly ranked across Canada and the world. With its #1 rankings in Canada for Earth Sciences (Research.com 2024) and AI research (U.S. News & World Report Global Universities Ranking 2024) the U of A offers excellent programs across various topics.

No matter what you choose to study, the University of Alberta helps Faculty of Science graduates thrive in the workforce.

State-of-the-art facilities and resources

As a Faculty of Science student, you’ll gain access to small labs, hands-on learning experiences, and unique learning sites and specialized labs such as the Geoscience Garden. In fact, U of A is home to over 100 teaching and research labs, and boasts more lab contact hours in first-year undergraduate courses than any other university in Canada. There’ll be no shortage of valuable learning opportunities!

On top of these outstanding facilities, there are also over 300 highly engaged teaching staff and researching academics who are there to guide you to success. Over 150 of U of A’s science faculty members have been named to the Royal Society of Canada — a community of cross-discipline scholars who have gained recognition for their remarkable contributions to their fields.

With all of these resources at your fingertips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a change-maker.

Get career ready

U of A graduates have some of the highest employment rates in Canada, coming in at #6 nationally (Times Higher Education 2024). In addition to that, 97% of their alumni are employed or self-employed within five years of graduating and the university received a top 100 ranking for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022).

The University’s Science Internship Program allows students to integrate up to 16 months of work experience into their degree. This helps students develop real-world skills and increase their employability after graduating, with over 300 employers actively recruiting from this internship program.

Along with their internship program, U of A’s Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) offers students the chance to conduct and be part of desirable undergraduate research possibilities — and gain a competitive edge over peers when seeking career opportunities.

Need more reasons to choose the University of Alberta?

Here are some other key considerations to keep in mind:

• Friendly international community: With over 40,000 students from 156 countries, you’ll find a welcoming and diverse student environment at the U of A.
• Affordability: Edmonton is 20–35% cheaper than other major Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto (Numbeo). And with the tuition cost fixed, you’ll get quality education at a more affordable value.
• Great city to live in: Edmonton’s 325 days of sun, lively city life, and beautiful scenery make it a great city to be in. You’ll enjoy a diverse culinary scene, rich arts culture, and an abundance of nature just outside your door.

Apply today!

Kaplan makes it easy to apply — we’ll help you through the admission process to the University of Alberta’s Year One Foundation Program. We also provide on-campus support through dedicated services so that international students like you can settle into their studies and adapt to living abroad.

Interested in applying to the University of Alberta? Fill out the application form below, or contact one of our Education Advisors if you have any questions.