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Study in Canada at Mount Royal

 

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For more than 100 years, Mount Royal University has been committed to quality undergraduate, post-secondary education in Calgary, Alberta.

With some of the highest student satisfaction rates in Canada, we offer future-focused programs taught by passionate professors in smaller classes. Confidently prepare for your future career or graduate school in a safe and inclusive environment.

Map of North America, with Canada and its provinces marked out and Calgary identified in the province one away from the West Coast

Make Calgary your home

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Largest city in Alberta

More than 1.6 million people call Calgary home

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Globally recognized as a great place to live

Calgary was ranked the fifth most livable city in the world by Economist Intelligence Unit in 2024

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Extensive parks and pathways

Calgary has the largest bikeway network in North America with more than 905 km of paved paths and 95 km of trails

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Fun and festive

There are more than 30 major festivals each year, the world-renowned Calgary Stampede and four professional sports teams

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A diverse city

People from over 200 ethnic backgrounds live in Calgary

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Perfect for snow sports

On average, 128 cm of snow falls per year

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Sunny weather

Calgary is Canada’s sunniest major city with an average of 333 days of sun each year

Average daytime high
in July: 24ºC
in January: -3ºC

Quick facts about MRU

Average MRU class size is

30

students

Students from

70

different countries studied at MRU in 2023

 

96%

of graduates were satisfied with the quality of teaching in their program 1

94%

of MRU degree graduates are employed within two years of graduation 1

1 Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020 (2017/18 graduates)

Check out our campus

Mount Royal’s campus is a safe and welcoming place to live and learn. You can study in our state-of-the-art Riddell Library and Learning Centre, join a student club, work out at MRU Recreation and so much more.

View our campus

Be bold.

Be inquisitive.

Be transformed.

MRU is a welcoming community of professors, students and alumni who are making a difference in Calgary and beyond. Discover stories about ground-breaking research, landing dream jobs, succeeding in the face of adversity and everything in between.

Learn more

Meet an international student

International student Trinh Dong poses in front of the Rocky Mountains

Trinh Dong

Bachelor of Communication — Public Relations

From Vietnam

Read more

Nina Petinglay sitting on a cushion in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre's Immersion Studio.

Nina Petinglay

Bachelor of Business Administration — Accounting

From the Philippines

Read more

Esthevan Machado, arms crossed and smiling in front of a row of small lockers.

Esthevan Machado

Bachelor of Health and Physical Education — Physical Literacy

From Brazil

Read more

Chat with an international student


Become a Mount Royal student

From preparing to apply for a program to getting ready for your first day on campus, learn everything you need to know about starting your MRU journey.

 

Before
you apply

Choose
your program

Our smaller class sizes support your learning while our innovative laboratories, simulation centres and research opportunities prepare you for future work or graduate school. Begin your Canadian experience at Mount Royal and be ready for the next step in your life anywhere in the world. Find the program that’s right for you.

Explore programs

 

Admission
requirements

When you apply to Mount Royal, there are general AND program-specific admission requirements you must meet depending on your chosen program(s). You must also meet MRU's English Language Proficiency requirements if your first language (learned and understood) is not English. Learn about applicant categories, admission requirements, English language requirements, competitive admission averages and more.

View requirements

 

Tuition & costs

Estimated international student expenses for an academic year (8 months)

Tuition and fees for international students  1 $25,604 – $26,938
Books and supplies $1,500
Residence/rent 2 $6,610 – $9,444
Living expenses and spending money $4,700 – $6,500
Transportation Calgary Transit U-Pass included in fees
Total for international students $38,414 – $44,382 Canadian dollars

1 Based on 2024/25 fees. Additional fees may apply for specific programs.

2 Based on 2024/25 Residence fees. Cost can vary depending on type of residence. Application and programming fees not included.

View budget estimator

Learn English for Academic Purposes (LEAP)

Length: starting at 13 weeks, maximum 15 months (depending on your starting level)

LEAP offers four levels of high-quality English language instruction to help you develop the language skills needed for academic and career success. Learn from experienced Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certified instructors, enhance your fluency and accuracy, and gain international university experience in a safe and welcoming environment. The recommended minimum language level for student success is CLB 4 or an IELTS score of 4.0.

Learn more about LEAP

 

LEAP to Credit

If you’re qualified for admission but don’t yet meet MRU’s English language proficiency, you can apply for dual admission to LEAP and your intended university program. Once you finish the highest level of LEAP you can start your program in the next available term. Only available for select MRU programs.

 

Attend an
information session

Register for a session with an admissions and recruitment specialist to learn more about MRU programs, the admission process and student life.

Register for a session

Apply

Applications for MRU’s fall semester open Oct. 1.

Apply now!

Did you know?

When you apply to Mount Royal, you can select two programs with just one application.

Adding a second program to your application, such as an alternative entrance option, is always a good idea.

Early admission

Mount Royal’s early admission application period is open from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1. Every application received during this time is reviewed equally and all competitively qualified candidates will receive an offer of admission. This means all applicants are treated as though their applications were submitted on the same day.

Once early admission is over, applications are received on an ongoing basis in the order they are received until a program is declared full. If you wait too long to apply, your program of choice may not be available.

 

Apply for
scholarships

Post-secondary education is an investment in your future. International students are eligible for scholarships at Mount Royal. Applications are open from Nov. 1 to March 1.

Apply now

Admission dates & timelines

Early admission
Oct. 1, 2024 – Feb. 1, 2025
Choose up to two programs. Applications continue to be accepted beyond this date for most programs based on space and availability.
Within one week of application Receive acknowledgement email with an MRU student ID number
Feb. 1, 2025 Application and document deadline for Early Admission to all programs. Nursing, Midwifery, Education, and Interior Design applications close with Early Admission, and will not accept applications or documents after Feb. 1.
April 1, 2025 Application deadline for International students (students eligible to apply for a study permit under IRPA 214 and 215 may continue to apply after April 1).
May 1, 2025 Document deadline for all programs unless they have already been closed by this date.
Ongoing:
Nov. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025
Application assessed by MRU
Ongoing:
Nov. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025
Receive conditional admission offer
Within two to three weeks of offer Accept your admission offer and pay the non-refundable tuition deposit
Aug. 13, 2025 Tuition and fees due
Sept. 4, 2025 First day of classes

Live
on campus

MRU
Residence

Photo of an apartment style suite in Mount Royal's West Residence.

Be part of a vibrant student community and enjoy easy access to on-campus resources, including Cougars Recreation, Wellness Services and the Library. Mount Royal offers one-, two- and four-bedroom townhouse and apartment-style units with plenty of space. Residence staff live on-site to ensure a positive and safe space for living and learning. Plus, MRU is only a 1.5 hours drive away from world-class destinations like Banff National Park.

Residence is optional, but highly recommended. Applications open on Oct. 1 and are ongoing.

Residence options and fees

 

Supports
and services

International Student Support Centre

The International Student Support Centre (ISSC) provides a dedicated space for you to get information and connect with other international and Canadian students. Study, practice your language skills, join events, and engage in social and cultural activities.

Learn more

A group of students and staff enjoying conversation and Timbits in the International Student Support Centre.

Meet with an admission and recruitment specialist

Kim Tam

Kim Tam

Admissions and Recruitment Specialist, International
Email: ktam1@mtroyal.ca

 

Jason Zheng

Jason Zheng

Admissions and Recruitment Specialist, International
Email: yzheng@mtroyal.ca

 

Additional resources

Chat with students and staff

Talk with a current MRU student to learn about life at Mount Royal or connect with a staff member for help with the application process and study permit support.

International Student Supports

Prepare for your arrival, get help with immigration advising and take advantage of our wide range of programs that build community and foster student success.

Academic advising

Once admitted, your advisor will help guide you as you choose your courses.

New Student Orientation

Take part in a campus tour and workshops that will set you up for success from day one.

Student Learning Services

Attend a workshop or meet one-on-one with a learning strategist for support with studying, math writing and more.

Career Services

Get help connecting with critical Canadian work placement experiences.

Future
Student Portal

Create a Future Student Portal account to keep track of all things admission at MRU. With an account you can:

  • Sign up for info sessions, events and one-on-one admission planning meetings
  • Check your application and transcript status
  • Receive your admission decision
  • Keep track of your conditions for final admission if conditionally admitted
  • View your deposit deadline
Log in Create an account

Admission status

After you have submitted your application, you can use your Future Student Portal to check on the status of your application at any time.

Watch a how-to video

 

Transcript status

Use your Future Student Portal to check on the status of your transcript and any other required documents. You can also find the date when your final/official transcripts and documents are due.

Watch a how-to video

 

Conditions of admission

If you have received a conditional offer of admission, your list of conditions can be found on your Future Student Portal. Keep an eye on deadlines and ensure you meet your conditions for final admission.

Watch a how-to video

Coming to Canada

Pre-arrival checklist

Prepare in advance to make a smooth transition to living in Canada. From being admitted, getting ready to leave home and arriving in Canada, we've outlined everything you need to do.

Review the checklist

Get your study permit

If you plan to study in Canada you need a study permit from the Government of Canada. Applications are made through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. On January 22, 2024, the Government of Canada announced new rules for the study permit application process for international students planning to study in Canada. ( Updated March 5, 2024)

  • As of January 22, 2024, students applying for their study permit to IRCC may be required to include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) issued by the Province of Alberta in their study permit application.
  • A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) serves as proof that the student has been accounted for under a provincial or territorial allocation of study permits within the national cap.
  • If you require a PAL, Mount Royal University will work with the Province of Alberta to issue you a PAL once you accept an offer of admission and pay your non-refundable tuition deposit.
  • Students who fall into any of the groups listed below need a PAL:
    • Students whose study permit applications were received by IRCC after 8:30 a.m., ET, on January 22, 2024
    • Students who will study in degree, diploma and certificate programs, including post-bachelor certificate programs, at Mount Royal University
    • Visiting/exchange students and ESL program students who will study longer than six months
    • Anyone else not listed in the IRCC's PAL exception list
Learn more

Work and study

Gain valuable work experience while you study. Many MRU programs include required or optional work placement opportunities to help prepare you for life after graduation, including internships, work terms and co-ops. Career Services can also help connect you with employers and career opportunities, and offer resources including workshops and events, career-coaching appointments and professional resumé reviews.

Full-time international students with a valid study permit are automatically approved to work on- or off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while attending school and full-time during scheduled breaks. Visit cic.gc.ca for more information.

If you want to stay and work in Canada after you graduate, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit. The experience you gain while working may help you qualify for permanent residence.