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CanadaQS #38 vs #962026
University of British Columbia vs University of Alberta
A free side-by-side comparison of fees, rankings, entry requirements and admissions. Check which fits your scores and budget with the free College Predictor.
▶ Compare more universities (free)University of British Columbia vs University of Alberta — at a glance
| University of British Columbia | University of Alberta | |
| Country / City | Canada, Vancouver, BC | Canada, Edmonton, AB |
| QS World rank | #38 | #96 |
| Tuition (intl) | CAD 9–35k/yr | CAD 12k/yr |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 90 | 90 |
| GRE | Optional | Optional |
| Acceptance rate | 53% | 58% |
| Intl students | 30% | 25% |
| Intakes | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) |
| Top programs | MSc Computer Science, MEng, Master of Data Science | MSc Computing Science, MEng, MBA |
Which should you choose?
Choose University of British Columbia if you want a more selective brand name and value Computer Science & Business. Choose University of Alberta for AI/ML & Energy. The best choice depends on your target program, budget and post-study plans — run both through the free predictor.
Frequently asked questions
- Is University of British Columbia better than University of Alberta?
- University of British Columbia is ranked QS #38 and University of Alberta #96. "Better" depends on your course, budget and goals — University of British Columbia costs CAD 9–35k/yr with 53% acceptance, University of Alberta CAD 12k/yr with 58%. Use the free LandingPrep College Predictor to see which fits your profile.
- Which is cheaper, University of British Columbia or University of Alberta?
- International tuition is CAD 9–35k/yr at University of British Columbia and CAD 12k/yr at University of Alberta. Add living costs and check scholarships — both are covered free on LandingPrep.
- What IELTS score do I need for University of British Columbia vs University of Alberta?
- University of British Columbia typically requires IELTS 6.5 and University of Alberta IELTS 6.5. Confirm exact, program-specific requirements on each official site.