Navigating UCalgary's Tuition Fees: Your Investment in Education

At UCalgary, one of Canada’s top-five research universities, we believe in the transformative power of education. Investing in your future here is a big step, and we’re committed to providing you with all the information you need to fully understand and manage that investment as you prepare for your academic journey.

Tuition Fees Explained

When you register for courses at UCalgary, your tuition fees will appear in your student centre. The exact amount will depend on your faculty and residency status. If you’re a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold refugee status, you’ll be charged the Canadian tuition rate. International students will pay the international rate.

Tuition fees are due by the fee payment deadline each term. The good news? You can easily pay online from anywhere in the world using our range of payment options. Plus, if you prefer to break it down, we offer payment plans that allow you to pay in installments throughout the term, rather than in one lump sum.

Before you register, you can get an estimate of your tuition fees using our Undergraduate Cost Calculator, which helps you plan ahead.

Remember, tuition rates are regularly reviewed by the Board of Governors in consultation with students. For the most up-to-date information, always check the academic calendar.

The Maximum Tuition Guarantee: What You Need to Know

If you’re an international student, you’ll receive information about your maximum tuition costs with your admission letter. Initially, this will be an estimate, but by January, the final guaranteed maximum tuition amount will be confirmed once approved by the Board of Governors.

You may notice that the figure in your admission letter differs from the one in the cost calculator. Here’s why:

The guaranteed maximum tuition represents the highest possible cost for the entirety of your program at UCalgary, based on the highest number of courses and the highest tuition rate for your program. This means the total tuition for your degree will never exceed the guaranteed amount in your admission letter, though it could be lower depending on the specific courses required.

In contrast, the cost calculator gives you an estimate based on the typical course load for first-year students and the current approved tuition rates.For example, the guaranteed maximum tuition amount for an Engineering student is based on 36 units of Engineering courses (12 courses per year) for the four years to graduate. However, the cost calculator uses 33 units (11 courses) of course work (5 in Engineering and 6 in other faculties), which is a typical course load for first year Engineering students using current 2024-2025 approved fees.

Additionally, the cost calculator helps estimate other important expenses, such as general fees, personal costs, and living expenses, whether you’re living on or off-campus.

By understanding these details, you can make well-informed decisions and confidently plan for your time at UCalgary.

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