Unity in Diversity was the foremost reason of choosing this university. Completing higher education in India is not a big deal, but most of the students do not know what to choose as their profession. U of A has the first year as qualifying year. It gives us an opportunity to understand the subjects in depth and that makes more clear about the specific field. I was pretty sure about the computing field but the grades and understanding in the MATLAB (which I did for the first time) made it more clear that I was right ! I belong to a small pilgrimage place, Dakor from Kheda district in Gujarat. Studying in the only English school in whole district, I got ample of opportunities in every field because of the higher illiteracy rates around my hometown. I am glad that I am here with the grace of God and surely, the dedication and hard work of my parents.
Exams :
The only exam to meet the eligibility requirements is IELTS. The minimum requirement for engineering at U of A in 2018 was 6.5 with no less than 6. It might have changed now. I had 7.0 in IELTS with no less than 6.5 but I have also appeared for SAT which is for bachelor's. It is used for scholarships and especially for admissions in USA universities. I scored 730 in math out of 800 and it was 98th percentile rank among Indian and USA students.
Placement :
Placements and job opportunities are pretty good. Since the University of Alberta is ranked amongst the top 100 in the world and amongst the top 5 Canadian institution, it has a impressive reputation all over the globe and so the impression of the students from this university. This year the university has been placed at ranked no 3 in terms of research opportunities and quality in Canada and it is upgraded rank from last year's no 4.
Internship :
Internship opportunities are for some programs and not for for all. There is a option better than internship for the co-op students in engineering. It starts in second year and I have just completed my first year so I really don't have a experience for internships but I am really excited for co-op now. On campus jobs can be found for info link volunteers and bloggers !
Fees :
It is CAD 27000 for the first year known as the qualifying year. For my course I mentioned in the second year, it has raised to approximately CAD 31000 ! Ample of options for scholarships but most of them are for the the first nations. For international students, the best chance to get scholarships are while applying for the university. They offer $500 scholarship to the new coming students but there is a deadline to apply for that and it is too early. Like I applied a bit late for the university so I was not eligible to apply for scholarship. If you are trying the Sept intake 2019, then deadline might be December 22, 2018 ! Almost a year ahead. So, plan early and apply for scholarship before hand if you are pretty sure that you want to study in the University of Alberta.
Faculty :
It is really impressive. They have many student groups like international student advisee committee, Engineering student society, hempact, and much more. Once you start engaging, it is a really good way to seek knowledge.
Hostel :
I would surely recommend Lister Residence for the first year. That's something one can never experience after that. I have lifetime memories attached with the Lister Residence. It is mainly for the first year students only. There are 5 towers with different prices but the meal plan is mandatory for each student living in residence. And Believe me, it's worth it. After first year, I would prefer living off campus. Maybe near the university or near any lrt station.
