Canada City guide
Study in Calgary
Calgary offers universities and colleges oriented to energy, business and technology, usually with a more accessible cost of living than Toronto or Vancouver.
The C-Train is fare-free in the downtown commercial core; the University of Calgary sits in the northwest quadrant and winters regularly drop to -20 °C with wind chill.
Mid-range costs
Study Permit (student visa)
Up to 20 hours/week while studying + up to 3 years post-graduation (PGWP)
You pay the institution directly — ApplySite adds no hidden student fees.
The University of Calgary and Mount Royal University cover undergraduate and graduate routes; SAIT is the local polytechnic reference. The city's energy, engineering, business and services profile shapes which programs make sense if you want placements or permitted part-time work.
The CTrain links campuses and residential areas, but the city sprawls more than Montreal — check real commute times before signing a lease. Cold winters and dry summers are part of the package; the international student community keeps growing.
Many applicants pick Calgary when they want Canada with a tighter budget and a labour market different from the Toronto–Vancouver corridor. Compare September and January intakes with enough lead time for the Study Permit.
On ApplySite you review published Calgary options, compare entry rules and apply without a middleman. The institution decides admission; we help you track the file.
City guide
Why students choose Calgary
- Often more affordable than Toronto/Vancouver
- Strong link to energy, engineering and business
- SAIT and UCalgary as academic anchors
Education
Types of institutions
Universities and higher education
Institutions with their own admissions in Calgary; check language of instruction and intake dates.
Colleges and vocational training
Applied one- to three-year diplomas, often with local placements.
Language schools
Intensive courses before academic study or to raise language scores.
Programs
What you can study in Calgary
Programs are published in stages at launch. Use the links below to explore the country catalog or speak with an advisor.
Catalog expanding at launch
Languages in Calgary
Language schools and intensive courses in Calgary to level up before college or university in Canada.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Undergraduate study in Calgary
Diplomas, technical degrees and pathways with Calgary institutions focused on local employability.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Postgraduate programs in Calgary
MBAs, master's and specializations on campus or hybrid with networking in Calgary's ecosystem.
See programs →Student life
International student associations, country meetups and campus sports fill out your network in Calgary during term one. Ask admissions about orientation — it often covers a local SIM, banking basics and library access.
Visa and paperwork
To study in Calgary you will typically need the Study Permit (student visa). Allow several weeks for documents, biometrics and any health checks required for your nationality. While enrolled, up to 20 hours/week while studying + up to 3 years post-graduation (PGWP) Immigration rules change — confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Guide to Canada →Immigration rules change. Information last updated May 2026 — check the official embassy or government site for your nationality.
Planning your budget
Cost of living in Calgary
Indicative monthly ranges for one person; rent varies sharply by neighbourhood.
Indicative figures only — not a quote from institutions. Last reviewed in May 2026. Verify rent, tuition and visa fees on official sources before you budget or apply.
Canada
Other cities in Canada
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while studying in Calgary?
With a valid study permit you can work up to 20 hours/week during classes and full-time in scheduled breaks.
How much does it cost to live in Calgary?
Housing is usually the largest expense. Use the cost table on this page as a guide; it varies by area and housing type in Calgary.
How do I apply to a program in Calgary?
On ApplySite you compare programs in Calgary, save favorites and submit your application directly to the institution with admissions tracking.
Do I pay ApplySite?
No. ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden student fees. Official costs (application, tuition, insurance if required) are paid directly to the institution under their published terms.
Are there hidden fees when I apply?
Browsing, comparing and submitting your application on ApplySite is free for students. Each school lists its fees; what you pay goes to the institution. We do not add undisclosed charges on top of those amounts.
Planning your move to Calgary?
Create your account, save institutions you like and send your application when programs go live. You pay the school directly — ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden fees.