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10 Best Universities in Calgary

Choosing among universities in Calgary means balancing the subject you want to study with the learning environment and support you will use every day. The list includes research universities, smaller university communities, career colleges and hands-on institutes.

Compare program breadth, class experience, practical training, student services and study format. Other useful differences include online options, continuing education, Indigenous resources, faith-based learning, childcare, laboratories and career or employment support.

How this guide is ordered

Picked in Calgary for expertise in universities, solid ratings, full contact info and handy location.

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Compare 10 Universities in Calgary

Heritage College, Calgary#1
What stands out
  • Hands-on labs and practicum support

Heritage College

4.8330 reviews
3250 Sunridge Way NE Unit 22, Calgary, AB T1Y 7K4, Canada
Best for
Medical office trainingPharmacy assistant studyAccounting and payroll skills

Heritage College offers practical career-focused study, with programs represented in Medical Office Assistant, Pharmacy Assistant, and Accounting and Payroll Administration. The learning experience combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab work and, for some students, practicum placement support. It suits learners seeking workplace-oriented skills in healthcare administration, pharmacy or accounting and payroll. Students can build knowledge in areas such as medical terminology, bookkeeping and payroll administration, while coordinators help guide practicum steps and other program requirements.

ABM College - Calgary Campus#2
What stands out
  • Online diplomas across healthcare, business and tech

  • Employment services and career counselling

  • Practical cybersecurity training

ABM College - Calgary Campus

4.72,314 reviews
112 28 St SE #200, Calgary, AB T2A 6J9, Canada
Best for
Career changers seeking practical diploma trainingStudents exploring healthcare, business or techLearners interested in online career programmes

ABM College’s Calgary campus offers career-focused diploma programs in healthcare, business, technology and related fields, with online study options. Listed programmes include cybersecurity, pharmacy assistant, medical office assistant and unit clerk, dental office administration, accounting and payroll, business administration, human resources, legal assistance and more.

The college suits learners seeking practical training connected to a career change, new qualification or industry entry. Student resources include career counselling, job resources, employment services and career-placement assistance. Programme experiences described by learners emphasise structured coursework, practical skills and instructor support, including hands-on cybersecurity learning and a practicum.

CDI College - Calgary North#3
What stands out
  • Theory and practical instruction

  • Step-by-step enrolment support

CDI College - Calgary North

4.61,054 reviews
403 33 St NE #100, Calgary, AB T2A 7R3, Canada
Best for
Students entering career-focused college programsApplicants needing admissions guidance

CDI College - Calgary North supports students through admissions, classroom learning and practical instruction. The evidence points to programs including Early Learning and Child Care and Level 2 study, with theory and practical teachers helping students understand concepts, build skills and apply them through real-life examples.

It suits people seeking career-focused education with guidance during enrolment and study. Students can expect step-by-step assistance with admissions, opportunities to ask questions and practical instruction designed to build confidence for future work.

Schulich School of Engineering, Calgary#4
What stands out
  • Makerspace for hands-on learning

  • Lecture halls and laboratories

  • Multiple study and recreation areas

Schulich School of Engineering

4.6115 reviews
622 Collegiate Pl NW, Calgary, AB T2L 0Y2, Canada
Best for
Engineering students attending classesStudents needing study and work spacesLearners using a makerspace

Schulich School of Engineering is an academic department at the University of Calgary with lecture halls, laboratories and study areas for engineering students. The building provides spacious lecture settings, tables and desks for individual work, workrooms, private washrooms and water stations. Students can also use a makerspace to learn and practise new skills, with recreational amenities such as ping pong, foosball and pinball. Its mix of teaching, laboratory, study and informal spaces supports students who need somewhere to attend classes, collaborate or work independently across the campus day.

Alberta Bible College, Calgary#5
What stands out
  • Christian learning environment

  • Gymnasium available for rentals

  • Faith development alongside study

Alberta Bible College

4.633 reviews
635 Northmount Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2K 3J6, Canada
Best for
Faith-based college studentsStudents seeking Christian communityGymnasium rental inquiries

Alberta Bible College provides college study in a faith-based learning environment, with coursework described as supporting personal maturity, faith development and knowledge-building. It suits students seeking education connected to Christian belief and a community setting. The college also has facilities used for activities such as dodgeball and gymnasium rentals, extending its relevance beyond enrolled students. Clean, useful facilities and an approachable campus atmosphere support both study and organized recreational use.

University of Calgary#6
What stands out
  • Medicine, business and engineering programs

University of Calgary

4.31,149 reviews
2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
Best for
Research-focused university studyProspective Calgary studentsStudents needing broad campus services

The University of Calgary is a large public research university with medicine, business and engineering among its recognised program areas. Its campus supports academic life through faculty websites, continuing education, student services, active living, maps and an academic calendar. Future students can explore the campus through tours or events, while current students can access support related to physical, mental, spiritual, academic and financial well-being. The campus includes the Cumming School of Medicine, Haskayne School of Business, Schulich School of Engineering and faculties spanning arts, science, law, nursing and social work.

Columbia College, Calgary#7
What stands out
  • Dental assistant clinical continuing education

  • Daycare for student families

Columbia College

4.3289 reviews
802 Manning Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 5W2, Canada
Best for
Adult English learnersDental assistants pursuing continuing educationStudent families needing daycare support

Columbia College provides post-secondary education and continuing education in Calgary, with evidence of English courses and a Dental Assistant Continuing Education program that includes theory, videos and orthodontic clinical learning.

The college also offers daycare services that can support students with children while they study. It suits adult learners building English confidence, dental professionals extending practical skills and student families looking for an education setting with childcare support.

Mount Royal University, Calgary#8
What stands out
  • Smaller class environment

  • Dedicated Iniskim Centre

  • Broad student services

Mount Royal University

4.2802 reviews
4825 Mt Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada
Best for
Prospective Calgary university studentsStudents seeking campus supportIndigenous students exploring dedicated resources

Mount Royal University offers undergraduate programs, continuing education, collaborative degrees, international designated programs, campus experiences and student support services in Calgary. Students can access course and program information, registration tools, academic support, health and wellbeing resources, career and experience services, recreation, campus facilities, library help and financing information. Indigenous students can also find dedicated cultural and support resources through the Iniskim Centre. Smaller classes and a broad program list are recurring practical themes, making MRU relevant to prospective and current students exploring study paths and campus life.

St. Mary's University, Calgary#9
What stands out
  • Close-knit post-secondary community

St. Mary's University

4.199 reviews
14500 Bannister Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Canada
Best for
Students seeking a close-knit universityLearners who value professor interaction

St. Mary’s University offers a post-secondary setting built around a close-knit campus community and direct interaction with professors. It may suit students who prefer a more personalized learning environment and want accessible contact with instructors rather than a highly impersonal campus experience. The historic buildings and grounds also give the university a distinctive visual setting. Students considering the school should weigh the campus atmosphere and support style alongside practical arrangements such as parking and course costs.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Calgary#10
What stands out
  • Hands-on, industry-informed programs

  • Prototype development and validation

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

3.91,041 reviews
1301 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4, Canada
Best for
Students seeking practical career trainingBusinesses exploring applied technology research

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology combines post-secondary education with hands-on training, continuing education, corporate training and applied research. Students can pursue degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeships, micro-credentials and continuing education across areas such as business, construction, manufacturing, health, transportation, energy and engineering technologies. Practical learning includes prototype development, design, building and operation, while industry-informed programs are designed around workplace skills. SAIT also supports businesses through early-stage research engagement, proof-of-concept work, technology verification, third-party validation and access to innovation networks. Its energy research facilities focus on challenges including hydrogen technology, energy storage, water treatment and clean technology.

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviewsBest for
#1Heritage College 4.8330Medical office training
#2ABM College - Calgary Campus 4.72,314Career changers seeking practical diploma training
#3CDI College - Calgary North 4.61,054Students entering career-focused college programs
#4Schulich School of Engineering 4.6115Engineering students attending classes
#5Alberta Bible College 4.633Faith-based college students
#6University of Calgary 4.31,149Research-focused university study
#7Columbia College 4.3289Adult English learners
#8Mount Royal University 4.2802Prospective Calgary university students
#9St. Mary's University 4.199Students seeking a close-knit university
#10Southern Alberta Institute of Technology 3.91,041Students seeking practical career training

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Find Universities and Post-Secondary Campuses in Calgary

The list spans Calgary university campuses, career-focused colleges and specialized academic facilities. Campus scale and setting vary, from broad multi-faculty environments to smaller communities and dedicated training buildings. Use the map to estimate daily travel and compare the location with your timetable, work or family commitments. For a department or program, confirm the relevant building and campus arrangements rather than relying only on the institution’s general location.

What Calgary Universities and Colleges Offer

  • Degree and undergraduate studyCompare broad university programs across areas such as medicine, business, engineering, arts, science, law, nursing and social work.
  • Career-focused diploma trainingFind practical programs in healthcare, business, technology, accounting, cybersecurity, legal assistance and related fields.
  • Hands-on laboratories and makerspacesSchulich and SAIT provide facilities for laboratory work, applied learning, prototype development and technical practice.
  • Student wellbeing and academic supportUniversity and college options include academic guidance, health and wellbeing resources, career help and enrolment assistance.
  • Continuing and online educationCompare continuing education, online programs, apprenticeships, micro-credentials and professional development options.
  • Specialized learner resourcesOptions include Indigenous support, English learning, dental assistant continuing education, daycare and faith-based study.

How to Choose a Calgary University

  1. Start with the credentialAsk whether the institution offers the degree, diploma, certificate, apprenticeship, micro-credential or continuing-education route you need.
  2. Compare learning scaleDecide whether you prefer a large research campus, smaller classes, direct professor interaction or a career-focused teaching environment.
  3. Verify practical componentsAsk about labs, practicums, makerspaces, applied projects, clinical learning and the amount of hands-on work in the specific program.
  4. Measure support around studyCompare academic advising, wellbeing services, career counselling, employment resources, financing guidance and enrolment help.
  5. Check delivery and daily fitConfirm online availability, campus requirements, continuing-education scheduling and the travel demands of regular attendance.

Frequently asked questions

Which Calgary option is strongest for broad university study?

The University of Calgary offers a large public research setting with medicine, business, engineering, arts, science, law, nursing and social work among its faculty areas. It also provides campus services, continuing education, student support and opportunities to explore the campus before enrolling.

Where can career changers find practical diploma programs?

ABM College offers career-focused diplomas in healthcare, business and technology, including cybersecurity, pharmacy assistance, medical office work, accounting and human resources. Its learner support includes career counselling, job resources, employment services and career-placement assistance.

Which institution offers a smaller class environment?

Mount Royal University is described as offering smaller classes alongside undergraduate programs, continuing education, campus experiences and broad student services. St. Mary’s University may also suit learners seeking a close-knit community and direct interaction with professors.

Are there Calgary options for hands-on technology training?

SAIT combines post-secondary study with hands-on training, applied research, corporate training and continuing education. Its offerings include technical degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeships and micro-credentials, with work involving prototypes, design, building and operation.

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