Alberta · Study destination

Study in Calgary

Energy, finance, and the gateway to Banff and the Rockies

Population

1.34M (city) / 1.6M (metro)

1-br rent

$1,840/month

Transit pass

$112/month (Calgary Transit)

Institutions

5

About Calgary

Calgary is Alberta's largest city and Canada's energy capital. It has the highest average household income of any major Canadian city and no provincial income tax. The University of Calgary is the primary research institution; SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) offers applied programs. Access to Banff National Park (90 minutes by car) is a major draw for outdoor-oriented students.

Cost of living

Average 1-bedroom rent$1,840/monthCMHC 2024
Monthly transit pass$112/month (Calgary Transit)Published 2025 fare
Avg. international tuition$22,000–$40,000/yrLocal institutions 2024–25

Key employers

Major employers in Calgary relevant to student internships, co-op placements, and post-graduation careers.

Suncor EnergyEnbridgeTC EnergyShaw CommunicationsATB FinancialWestJet

Climate

Cold winters with frequent Chinook warm spells. Sunny — more sunshine hours than any other major Canadian city.

Student life highlights

  • Banff National Park (90 min)
  • Calgary Stampede
  • Peace Bridge
  • 17th Avenue dining
  • Bow River pathways
  • Stephen Avenue Walk

Find an adviser for Calgary

Screened advisers who know Calgary schools — with fee model disclosed before you contact them.

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Data provenance

Population: Statistics Canada Census of Population 2021

Rent: CMHC Rental Market Report 2024

Effective: 2024-01-01

Full sources registry →