Best 5 Colleges in Calgary, Canada in 2024

Calgary is a cosmopolitan and bustling city in Canada. With increasing employment, it stands to be one of the most popular destinations in Canada. Per the data of Calgary & Economic Region Outlook 2023-2028 report, employment in December 2023 has increased by 24,600 compared to the previous year. If you are planning to study in Calgary, let’s take you through the renowned colleges in Calgary known for their commitment toward academic excellence while ensuring global exposure for students.

Why Study at Colleges in Calgary

Before discussing top higher education institutes in Calgary, let us first understand why studying here benefits international students. Studying at colleges in Calgary, Canada promises to be a good decision on several counts. These include the following:

• Higher quality of life: Calgary is one of the most attractive destinations in the world, offering a robust economy, clean surroundings, and a lower crime rate. As per the Economist Intelligence Unit Global Liveability Index for 2022, Calgary was ranked as the third most livable city in the world. 
• Dynamic experiences for students: Life in Calgary is diverse and exciting, with residents speaking 120+ languages. Another factor that contributes to the dynamism is its relatively younger median age (just less than 38 years). This is one of the lowest figures among cities in Canada. As a result, building friendships and integrating into the local community will be a breeze for international students. The city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing adds to the advantages. 
• Thriving economy: Calgary’s economic growth makes it easier to find employment after graduation. In fact, Global News reports forecast 3.7% real GDP growth in 2024 for Calgary, which is higher than the national forecast of 0.8%. The city is also an emerging hub for startups, with the Startup Genome Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023 ranking it among the Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems list and in the top 60 global ecosystems. In 2022, Calgary became a large tech market with 50,000+ jobs,  representing 6.9% of total employment. 
• Top-ranked universities for higher education: Aspirants can choose from an extensive list of colleges in Calgary for admissions. The city has premier institutions like the University of Calgary, which ranks 182nd in the QS World University Rankings 2024 list. It is also home to other prominent colleges like the Mount Royal University and the University of Alberta. 
• Post-study work opportunities: Calgary offers a post-graduation work permit for international students with a Canadian degree of more than eight months (full-time) duration. The permit allows graduates to work for employers anywhere in the country for up to three years.
• Part-time and full-time work opportunities while studying: This policy allows the international students in Calgary to work 20 hours per week off campus while studying and full-time during breaks.

 Top 5 Colleges in Calgary

Here is a list of colleges in Calgary that are worth considering. 

Source: Official websites of universities

These top colleges in Calgary offer global exposure and advanced curricula along with top-notch infrastructure for students and researchers. At the same time, the city’s flourishing job market is another plus point for those looking to study and work here in the future.