University of Calgary, Canada

Ranked among the world’s top 200 universities in the Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings 2009, UC is globally reputed for teaching and cutting-edge research

Founded in 1966, the University of Calgary (UC) is a public university internationally reputed for offering contemporary bachelor’s and Masters programmes combined with cutting-edge research facilities. The Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings 2009 includes UC in its annual listing of the world’s top 200 universities, while Research Infosource ranks the university seventh in Canada. With 27,600 students currently enroled in undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programmes offered by 17 faculties, UC has graduated 135,000 alumni including the incumbent prime minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, in its 43-year history.

“This year we are celebrating 43 years of growth and momentum. We began four decades ago as a university for Calgary, to serve the educational needs of students living in this city. Now we are among the best in Canada and around the world. Our research funding has increased from $172 million to $282 million (Rs.94.60 crore) in four years. This significant growth is a testament to the talents of our faculty, staff, research technicians and assistants, and graduate and undergraduate students,” says Harvey P. Weingarten, president of the university.

UC became a fully-fledged degree granting institution in 1966 when the Calgary campus of the University of Alberta was awarded university status. As it completes four decades of existence, UC is engaged in the biggest capital expansion project in its history. Under a new a C$1.5 billion (Rs.6,585 crore) plan, it is constructing a host of new teaching and research facilities including the Taylor Family Library, a downtown campus and a new energy, environment and experiential learning centre.

Moreover the university recently inaugurated its first offshore campus in Doha, Qatar, offering internationally accre-dited nursing degrees to students in the Middle East.

Calgary. Nestled in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a cosmopolitan city of over 1 million people with perhaps the highest minority population percentage in the country. It boasts the fastest growing civic economy in Canada, and is consistently rated among the top cities of the world in terms of standard of living. Calgary also boasts the highest per capita income in Canada, the largest concentration of entrepreneurs and the second highest concentration of corporate head offices in the country. Moreover with approximately 635 km of pathways and 260 km of on-street bikeways within its civic jurisdiction, the city offers the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America. Unsurprisingly, Calgary also hosts world-class recreational centres, restaurants, pubs, cinemas, museums and art galleries.

The Calgary region enjoys a mild climate by North American standards. It is ranked first among Canada’s 100 largest cities by Environment Canada for the most ‘sunniest days’ year-round and in winter. Average temperatures in summer range between 15oC-21oC and in winter between -1.4oC and -7.5oC.

Campus facilities. UC is sited in a scenic, park-like setting spread over 200 hectares, an area larger than entire downtown Calgary. The campus features over 20 academic buildings — many of which are interconnected with enclosed walkways — including the MacEwan Students Centre, a food court, wellness centre and large concert hall. There is also a museum and art gallery, four performance theatres, two childcare centres and residences for single students and students with families.

The university’s library system provides services both virtually and through five physical libraries — the Business, the Gallagher, geology & geophysics, health sciences, law, main and MacKimmie libraries.  Moreover UC offers some of the finest athletic facilities in the country, featuring Canada’s only covered speed skating oval. The Oval also houses the Canadian Sport Institute, a high-performance training centre, and two olympic-sized rinks. Other sports facilities include four tennis courts, a triple gymnasium, a yoga studio, an olympics-size swimming pool, weight rooms, jogging tracks and a large indoor climbing wall. Moreover students have the option to enrol in any of the university’s 160 clubs and associations.

Admission. The minimum eligibility criterion for admission into UC’s 100-plus  undergraduate programmes is successful completion of Plus Two. In addition foreign students have to show proof of proficiency in the English language. A minimum score of 220 on the computer-based TOEFL exam or a minimum score of 7 on IELTS is acceptable. For admission into the university’s postgrad programmes, a first class bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement. Additionally each faculty may stipulate specific admission criteria.

February 1, 2010 is the recommended date for receipt of applications for admission into the academic term beginning September. The deadline for receiving school transcripts and other supporting documents is April 1. The application fee of C$145 (Rs.6,235) can be paid online by credit card, or by cheque or money order sent by mail.

For further information contact University of Calgary, International Marketing & Recruitment Office, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4 Canada. Ph: ++ 403 2204380; e-mail intlbach@ucalgary.ca; website: www.ucalgaru.ca. Indian students can also visit the Canadian Education Centre website: www.studycanada.ca/india.

Accommodation. On-campus accommodation is guaranteed to all first-year international students in traditional dormitory-style residences with meal-plan facilities. Returning  undergraduate, transfer, international and graduate students are offered housing in apartment residences. The university’s residence service also offers on-campus town-house units for married students.

Degree programmes. UC hosts 17 faculties with more than 60 departments and more than 30 research institutes and centres. Its academic menu ranges from pure to social sciences in areas such as psychology, economics and several options in the field of health sciences. Moreover the university encourages multi-disciplinary study programmes.

Summiya Yasmeen