Study in Lethbridge, Canada

About Lethbridge

Lethbridge is the main city of southern Alberta, on the prairies east of the Rocky Mountains. According to the University of Lethbridge, the city has just over 100,000 residents, and Statistics Canada estimates the population of the wider Lethbridge census metropolitan area at 143,143 on 1 July 2025. The economy grew out of agriculture, and today the largest employers are in education, health care and government.

For international students, Lethbridge is a smaller city with a university and a polytechnic, both teaching in English. The university describes it as known for its bright sunshine, with more than 320 sunny days a year, warm summers and mild winters thanks to the semi-arid climate and the Chinook winds.

Studying in Lethbridge

Our directory lists two institutions in Lethbridge:

• The University of Lethbridge (ULethbridge) opened in 1967 in west Lethbridge, on traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory. It welcomes about 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students from nearly 100 countries to its campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 75 graduate programmes. Its main campus covers 500 acres.
• Lethbridge Polytechnic, formerly Lethbridge College, opened in 1957 as Canada's first publicly funded community college, according to the institution. More than 6,500 students attend its 65 certificate, diploma, applied degree, pre-employment and apprenticeship programmes, from nursing to environmental sciences, justice studies, design, agriculture and engineering technologies. It publishes a list of programmes open to international students.

Students who still need to meet the English requirement can take the university's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme, an intensive course offered only on the Lethbridge campus. Each level takes one semester of four months.

Cost of living for students

No official figure for typical student rents in Lethbridge is published. The University of Lethbridge runs residences on campus; applications for 2027-28 are open, and students who apply before 15 January can choose their own roommates.

Public transport is inexpensive for students. University students on the Lethbridge campus have a bus pass (UPass) included in their fees. Lethbridge Transit also sells a post-secondary semester pass for $289.00, available at the university, the college, City Hall and the transit office; an adult monthly pass costs $77.00 and a cash fare is $3.00.

Most international students need a study permit for a designated learning institution (DLI); the application fee is CAN$150, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). During regular terms, eligible students can work off campus up to 24 hours per week.

Getting around and daily life

The Oldman River runs through the city, and its coulees hold one of North America's largest urban park systems, with more than 240 km of trails for walking, running and cycling. Lethbridge Polytechnic's campus is within walking distance of shops and the river valley.

Lethbridge has its own airport, and the University of Lethbridge also teaches evening and weekend classes at a campus in downtown Calgary. Four UNESCO World Heritage Sites are within a short drive, including Waterton Lakes National Park, so hiking, camping and skiing are easy to reach at weekends.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities and colleges are in Lethbridge?

Our directory lists the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic, formerly Lethbridge College.

Can I improve my English before starting a degree in Lethbridge?

Yes. The University of Lethbridge offers an intensive English for Academic Purposes programme on its Lethbridge campus to help students meet its English proficiency requirement.

How much does public transport cost for students in Lethbridge?

University students on the Lethbridge campus have a UPass included in their fees. Otherwise, Lethbridge Transit's post-secondary semester pass costs $289.00, and an adult monthly pass costs $77.00.

What is the weather like in Lethbridge?

According to the University of Lethbridge, the city has more than 320 days of sunshine a year, warm summers and mild winters thanks to its semi-arid climate and the Chinook winds.