Mount Royal University

At Mount Royal University (MRU), students gain the skills, connections and knowledge to thrive in their careers and beyond. Based in Calgary, Alberta, MRU offers programs in arts, sciences, health, communications, business and aviation that combine academic excellence with real-world experience.

For more than 100 years, Mount Royal has been a leader in high-quality, post-secondary education. Small class sizes mean students receive individual attention from faculty while getting to know their classmates, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.

MRU offers a range of exciting programs to help students grow beyond their limits, with hands-on opportunities like research projects, field schools, co-op placements and internships to prepare them for whatever comes next.

Mount Royal campus provides a safe and inclusive community environment for living and learning. International students are supported through the International Student Support Centre, which hosts regular cultural events and social activities. Students also have access to academic support, career services, recreation facilities, health resources and more.

Calgary is a vibrant and welcoming place to live. Ranked the fifth most livable city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2024, it offers world-class dining, festivals and the largest urban bike path network in North America. Plus, breathtaking outdoor destinations like Banff National Park and Lake Louise are just a short drive away.

According to the Canadian University Survey Consortium, 93 percent of first-year students said they were happy with their decision to attend Mount Royal. Students also ranked the university among the top institutions in Canada for teaching quality and overall experience.

Teaching excellence at Mount Royal University is provided by dedicated and passionate faculty. Professors share their experience and creativity in the classroom while focusing on the progression of their students.

Faculty are regularly rated as wise, engaging and inspiring. MRU ranks among the top universities in Canada for student satisfaction with teaching quality, as well as the overall educational experience.

Classes have an average of 30 students, so everyone can receive the attention and support they need.

Undergraduate students are exposed to research early on in their learning, helping them to gain a deep understanding of their studies. Students can take advantage of the work-integrated learning opportunities, such as trips where they are involved with community service, environmental sustainability and business development.

MRU's supportive and stimulating environment attracts learners from across the globe, preparing them for rewarding careers or further studies with confidence and purpose.

Students are classed as international applicants if they:

• Live and apply from outside of Canada and require a visa or study permit
• Are an international student already studying Mount Royal's English Language Program (ESL/EAL)
• Are an international student studying at a different institution in Canada
• Live and work in Canada but are not a citizen or permanent resident

The university has a general admission policy for most undergraduate programs in addition to program-specific requirements. International students need to meet the English language proficiency requirement if their first language is not English.

They can prove their proficiency through the following tests and scores, or equivalent:

• TOEFL iBT – minimum score of 86 (minimum 20 for each section)
• IELTS – minimum score of 6.5 (minimum 5.5 for each band)
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency - minimum grade of 176
• MET — Minimum score of 62 (minimum 53 in all four skills)
• PTE Academic – minimum score of 58 (minimum 55 for each area)
• CAEL — Minimum score of 70 (minimum 60 for each band)
• CanTEST — 4.5 overall minimum
• Duolingo English Test — 120 overall minimum
• LanguageCert International ESOL — B2 Communications with a minimum of 38/50 in each skill, or C1 Expert or C2 Mastery tests with a minimum 25/50 in each skill

Students who do not meet the entry requirements can take the International Pathway Program, where they can improve their English language skills, complete any missing high school course requirements and take credits towards their chosen degree or diploma.

International students need to be able to cover their program and living costs during their studies. Mount Royal University offers some financial support through scholarships to reward high-achieving students and help them with the costs that come with studying overseas. Awards include:

Mount Royal Entrance Awards for Academic Excellence

Eligible international students can apply for the President's Scholarship, where they are awarded CAD 7,500. This scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities and leadership experience.

For current students, there are around 800 awards available giving up to CAD 6,000 each.

Students apply for awards using a single awards application once they have submitted their university application. If students match the necessary criteria an award will be given. For more information on scholarship and funding opportunities students can visit the website.

MRU offers a supportive community environment where students have access to all they need to live, learn and grow. There are many facilities to enjoy and thrive in, such as modern classrooms, a world-class concert hall, eco-buildings, simulation labs and research centres. Other facilities include:

• Riddell Library and Learning Centre
• Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts
• Students' Association's Wyckham House
• Cougars Campus Store
• On-campus dining options
• Modern and spacious recreation facilities

Residence options are contemporary and comfortable. The two residence complexes, East Residence and West Residence, offer around 1,000 beds in apartments or townhouse units.

Students have private, lockable bedrooms and share facilities with their unit mates. Residences are also close to all university facilities, including the Recreation Centre, library and doctor's office.

Dedicated support at MRU includes:

International Student Support Centre (ISSC)

The ISSC helps students from all backgrounds to have a successful student experience. Led by volunteers and student leaders, international students can receive support, get information and take part in peer-driven programs. There are also opportunities to attend social and cultural events.

Applying and Academic Planning

Mount Royal's admission and recruitment specialists assist prospective students with admission plans, the application process, as well as credential evaluation. Once admitted, academic advisors are available to help with academic planning and goal setting.

International Immigration Advisors

A team of regulated immigration advisors are available to provide support, advice and a number of resources about applying for and maintaining temporary status in Canada. This includes information about study permits, work permits, visas and more.

New Student Orientation

All new students receive the tools they need for success at MRU. They learn about the campus, services, local area and more. Students get to meet faculty and senior students from their programs.

Student Learning Services

Academic support is available through tutoring, workshops and mentorships.

Access and Inclusion Services

Students who are eligible can connect with the Access and Inclusion Office for academic accommodations, helping to ensure full participation in academic courses.

Wellness Services

Access the on-campus medical clinic, attend workshops or webinars focused on wellness topics or book an appointment for massage, physiotherapy, chiropractic and athletic therapy services.

Office of Student Success

Supporting students from orientation to graduation, the Office of Student Success helps students realize their full academic and personal potential at Mount Royal. Students can receive support in navigating the variety of resources and opportunities available at MRU.

Breaking new ground in aviation education

Mount Royal University's Bachelor of Aviation Management officially took flight in Fall 2024, welcoming its first cohort of students. This four-year program blends technical training with business and leadership skills, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in the aviation industry, from operations to management.

Students can choose between two unique pathways. Flight Crew Operations offers the option to pursue Commercial Pilot and Multi-Engine Instrument Ratings while building management expertise for future leadership roles. Aviation Operations focuses on the business side of aviation, exploring topics like global logistics, financial operations and environmental sustainability.

New certificate in spatial data science

Starting Fall 2025, MRU's post-bachelor's certificate in Spatial Data Science offers graduates the opportunity to add cutting-edge geospatial expertise to their resumes. This one-year program dives into advanced tools and techniques like geospatial analytics, AI and deep learning to help students uncover critical insights for a range of industries.

The certificate combines geography, data science and IT to prepare graduates for success in this fast-growing field. With demand for spatial analysis skills booming across Alberta and beyond, students will leave the program ready to tackle real-world challenges and stand out in the job market.

Live Events and Information Sessions

Mount Royal info sessions help students learn more about programs, the admissions process and student life in Calgary.

These sessions are a great chance to connect with MRU representatives and get questions answered — all from the comfort of home.

Virtual information sessions are offered on an ongoing basis. Sessions cover both general and specific topics, including international transcript submission.