Tuition Model

Tuition at the University of Alberta follows two models:

Registration-based: tuition fees are assessed based on the courses that a student is registered in.

Program-based: tuition is assessed based on an annual and total program tuition guarantee. This guarantee means the total cost of program tuition will be calculated based on the number of credits required to complete the program and will be in place for the typical time required to complete the program plus one additional year.

Tuition Model
Domestic Students Registration-based
Continuing International Students (previously on a registration-based model and remaining in their current program) Registration-based
Incoming International Students Program-based
Continuing International Students (starting in a new, unrelated program) Program-based

In November 2018, the provincial government passed Bill 19, An Act to Improve the Affordability and Accessibility of Post-Secondary Education. The University of Alberta's program-based tuition model is intended to provide international students with a guaranteed tuition amount for the duration of their program. This model will continue to allow international students to apply for their student visas and funding opportunities, and will allow them to make an informed decision when selecting their post-secondary school.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a domestic student starting or continuing my studies in Fall 2023.

There is no change to the tuition model for domestic students starting or continuing their studies in September 2021.

How is my tuition calculated?
Your tuition will be calculated on a registration-based model meaning your tuition fees are assessed based on the courses you are registered for.
How can I find out my tuition and fees?
Visit the Cost Calculator for a fee estimate. Once registered, your fee assessment will be available through Bear Tracks.
Will my tuition increase during my degree?

Tuition for domestic students is regulated by the Government of Alberta. The University will be permitted to increase domestic student tuition on an annual basis.

For the 2023/24 academic year, a tuition increase has been proposed. Visit the Tuition Increases web page for more information.

Is the University of Alberta considering implementing a program-based tuition model for domestic students?
No. The program based tuition model only applies to international students starting a new program.

I am an international undergraduate student starting in Fall 2023.

International undergraduate students will receive a tuition guarantee (annual and program total) for the duration of their program.

How is my tuition calculated?
Your tuition will be calculated using a program-based model. This means you will receive an annual and total program tuition guarantee. Payment of the total program tuition amount can be paid in annual or semi-annual instalments and will remain consistent regardless of how many courses you register for.
How will tuition be calculated if I registered in the spring or summer semester?
Your tuition will be charged at 1/4 of your annual tuition guarantee for each term.
When will I receive my tuition guarantee?
This information will be included in your Offer of Admission letter. Visit the Cost Calculator for a fee estimate.
How long is my tuition guarantee good for?
For undergraduate students, the tuition guarantee is set for the typical duration of your program plus one year. Typically programs are 4 years, therefore the guarantee would be good for 5 years.
What if I change programs during my degree?
All students who change programs must apply to their new program before gaining admission. If an offer of admission is granted you will receive a new admission offer with a new tuition rate guarantee for the new program.
Will I still receive transfer credit under the program-based model?
Yes, you will continue to receive transfer credit for courses that meet the advanced standing requirements. You will receive an updated tuition guarantee after the add/drop deadline of your first semester that reflects the transfer credit tuition adjustment you will receive at the end of your program.
What happens if I delete all my courses prior to the add/drop deadline?
If you delete all courses prior to the add/drop deadline you will not be charged tuition for that term.
What happens if I delete some of my courses prior to the add/drop deadline?
Registration is on a program-based tuition model, which means that your annual tuition will be assessed regardless of how many courses you register in each term.
What happens if I withdraw from all my courses prior to the 50% withdrawal deadline?
Tuition in that term will be reduced by 50%.
What happens if I withdraw from some of my courses prior to the 50% withdrawal deadline?
Registration is on a program-based tuition model, which means that your annual tuition will be assessed regardless of how many courses you register for in each term. Unless you withdraw from all courses there will not be a reduction in fees.
What happens if I withdraw from some for all of my courses after the 50% withdrawal deadline?
There will not be a reduction in fees for that term.
Does a withdrawal or failed course count towards a credit attempt?
Yes. If you withdraw from or fail a course(s), the guarantee does not include the cost of any course you need to repeat or the cost of any course you choose to take in addition to the courses required for your degree program.
What happens if I take courses that are not required for my degree (extra to degree)?
The guarantee does not include the cost for any courses that are taken as extra to degree. Those courses will count as a credit attempt and you will have to pay for those courses in addition to your guarantee.

I am an international graduate student starting in Fall 2023.

International graduate students will receive a tuition guarantee (annual total) for a specified program duration.

How is tuition calculated for my course-based masters?
Your tuition will be calculated using a program-based model. This means you will receive an annual and total program tuition guarantee. Payment of the total program tuition amount can be paid in annual or semi-annual instalments and will remain consistent regardless of how many courses you register for.
How is tuition calculated for my thesis-based masters or my PhD?
Your tuition will be calculated using a program-based model. This means you will receive an annual and total program tuition guarantee. Payment of the total program tuition amount can be paid in annual or semi-annual instalments for up to 4 years for a masters thesis and 6 years for a PhD thesis. Should you require additional years of study to complete your requirements, you can do so, but will be assessed a new tuition rate at that time.
When will I receive my tuition guarantee?
This information will be included in your Offer of Admission letter.
How long is my tuition guarantee good for?
For Masters course-based students the length of the guarantee is 4 years.
For Masters thesis-based students the length of the guarantee is 4 years.
For PhD students the length of the guarantee is 6 years.
What if I change programs during my degree?
All students who change programs must apply to their new program before gaining admission. If an offer of admission is granted you will receive a new admission offer with a new tuition rate guarantee for the new program.
Quick links
Questions?
Contact us