University of Alberta Year One Foundation Program (with Kaplan): Fees & Guide

The University of Alberta's Year One Foundation Program (YOFP) is delivered in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It lets international students who do not yet meet direct entry start first-year university courses with extra English and academic support, then continue into the second year of a University of Alberta degree. The University of Alberta is one of Canada's leading research universities, based in Edmonton. This guide covers official 2026-27 tuition, the fixed-tuition guarantee, scholarships, and what to check.

Quick facts snapshot

• Programme: Year One Foundation Program at the University of Alberta, delivered with Kaplan International Pathways
• Campuses: North Campus in Edmonton, and Augustana Campus in Camrose
• 2026-27 annual tuition (Kaplan's page): Business C$46,547; Engineering C$49,952; Science C$39,792; Arts C$39,233; Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences C$39,233; Augustana Campus C$35,908
• Fixed tuition: tuition is fixed for the full bachelor's degree, including the Year One Foundation Program
• University and student fees: about C$1,250 a year
• Housing on North Campus (2025-26): about C$14,199 to C$17,967 a year
• Progression scholarships: up to C$30,000 for top-performing students with high attendance and engagement
• Start dates: late August, early January, and early May

Rankings and reputation

The University of Alberta is among Canada's top research universities and ranks highly in global tables; check the latest QS or Times Higher Education positions. The YOFP is part of the university, so graduates earn a University of Alberta degree.

Academics and signature programs

YOFP students take first-year university courses in their chosen faculty (business, engineering, science, arts, or agriculture, life and environmental sciences) with smaller classes, English support, and academic skills training. Students who meet progression requirements continue into year two. Ask for the progression GPA and which majors are available.

Admissions and international eligibility

Entry depends on school results and English, with lower English requirements than direct entry. You apply through Kaplan, with no application fee. After admission, you need a study permit and a provincial attestation letter from Alberta.

English language requirements

• English requirements are lower than for direct entry; check Kaplan's requirements for your faculty
• English support is built into the programme
• Progression requires meeting the university's standards
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

Apply through Kaplan International Pathways. Check the housing deadlines of 30 April for September starts and 1 November for January starts.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Kaplan lists 2026-27 annual tuition of C$46,547 for business, C$49,952 for engineering, C$39,792 for science, C$39,233 for arts and for agriculture, life and environmental sciences, and C$35,908 at Augustana Campus. Tuition is fixed for the whole degree. Add about C$1,250 in university and student fees, housing, meals, insurance, and books.

Estimated living costs

• Study-permit applicants must show funds for tuition, travel, and living costs, and the required amount is updated periodically
• International students can generally work a limited number of hours per week off campus during term under current rules
• Winters are cold, so budget for winter clothing
• Housing near campus can be limited, so arrange it early
• Public transit and student passes reduce commuting costs in most cities

Scholarships

Progression scholarships of up to C$30,000 are available for students with the highest GPA in their cohort, attendance above 80%, and good engagement. Ask about other University of Alberta awards after progression.

Campus life and student support

North Campus in Edmonton is a large, busy campus with libraries, labs, residences, and LRT connections. Augustana Campus in Camrose, about an hour away, offers a small liberal arts setting. Edmonton has a lively arts and festival scene.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Edmonton and Alberta's economy includes energy, engineering, health care, agriculture, technology, and government. University of Alberta degrees can lead to PGWP eligibility and strong employer recognition. Ask about co-op and internship options.

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, whose length generally depends on the program length up to three years. Canada has tightened rules, including language requirements and, for some program types, field-of-study conditions, and it caps new study permits, so confirm the current rules with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ask the institution whether your program qualifies.

Fixed tuition for the whole degree

Students who start in the YOFP pay tuition fixed at the rate for their start year for the full bachelor's degree, which protects against annual increases. Check the terms, including how long the guarantee lasts and whether it covers programme changes.

North Campus and Augustana Campus

North Campus in Edmonton hosts most faculties and has a large, diverse student body. Augustana Campus in Camrose offers smaller classes and a close community for arts and sciences, with lower tuition. Choose based on your programme and preferred setting.

Living in Edmonton

Edmonton is Alberta's capital, with a lower cost of living than Toronto or Vancouver, the North Saskatchewan River valley park system, and long, cold winters. The LRT connects North Campus with downtown. Warm winter clothing is essential.

Study permit and PGWP planning

YOFP students hold study permits as University of Alberta students. Canada caps study permits and requires most new undergraduates to obtain a provincial attestation letter. PGWP eligibility for university degrees is broad, but rules change, so check IRCC's current rules.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students need health coverage, which may be through a provincial plan after a waiting period or a university plan, so ask what applies. Budget for the study permit fee, flights, winter clothing, and a housing deposit, and arrange housing early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, registration, and adapting to Canadian classroom culture, which values participation and regular assignments. Students who use tutoring, writing support, and co-op advising early tend to settle faster.

A realistic budget

At about C$40,000 in tuition plus C$1,250 in fees and C$16,000 in housing, the first year could cost about C$57,000 before meals, insurance, and books.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What GPA do I need to progress into year two?
• Is my tuition fixed for the whole degree?
• Which majors can I enter?
• Which campus is right for me?
• Do I need a provincial attestation letter?
• How do progression scholarships work?

Who the Year One Foundation Program suits best

The YOFP suits students who want a University of Alberta degree but need extra English or academic support in their first year, and who value fixed tuition. It may suit less well students who already meet direct entry requirements.

The YOFP compared with direct entry and college transfer

Direct entry costs the same tuition without the extra support, while college transfer routes can be cheaper but less certain. Compare cost, support, and progression certainty.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and obtain the documents needed for your study permit.
5. Apply for your study permit and arrange insurance.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, and proof of funds, and start the study-permit process early because processing times vary. Keep written confirmation of fees and scholarships.

Engineering and business streams

The engineering stream costs C$49,952 a year and the business stream C$46,547 in 2026-27. Engineering students must meet progression requirements to enter specific disciplines in later years, which can be competitive. Ask how discipline placement works.

Support in the programme

YOFP students receive extra academic and English support, smaller classes, and guidance from Kaplan staff alongside University of Alberta courses. Ask about tutoring, study skills, and how attendance is monitored.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Check progression requirements for your faculty, confirm the fixed tuition terms, apply for housing before the deadline, check provincial attestation rules, and read Kaplan's refund policy.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current YOFP students about workload, progression, housing, and winter life in Edmonton. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Mistakes to avoid

Applicants sometimes miss housing deadlines or assume progression is automatic. Meet the GPA requirement and apply for housing early.

Frequently asked questions