Evan Wray, a recent graduate from Calgary’s STEM Innovation Academy, was confident that his 89.5 percent average would secure his admission to the University of Calgary’s engineering program. However, he was surprised when his application was rejected, prompting him to reconsider his plans. Despite working diligently to improve his grades, Wray found himself taking a gap year, working in construction while upgrading his high school courses online. He hopes to reapply to the U of C’s engineering program next year with better chances through early admission.
Wray’s experience is not unique, as many students with high 80s averages have faced rejection due to increased competition for limited spots in Alberta’s universities. The University of Calgary noted a nine percent increase in applications in 2025 compared to the previous year, leading to higher admission averages. President Ed McCauley acknowledged the challenge of accommodating the growing demand for post-secondary education in Alberta.
To address the rising demand, the U of C has expanded enrollment capacity in high-demand faculties like engineering and science and plans to add 10,000 more slots by 2030. Other institutions, like Mount Royal University, maintain competitive admission standards, prioritizing students with higher grades. The pressure on students to meet escalating grade expectations is evident, with many feeling the strain of Alberta’s rigorous diploma exams and the need for exceptionally high averages to secure admission.
Statistics Canada data shows a growing interest in engineering programs, driven by evolving technology and market demands. Engineering Deans Canada highlighted the increasing competition for limited seats, necessitating infrastructure upgrades to accommodate more students. The Alberta government has initiated a review of post-secondary funding allocation to ensure accessibility and affordability for students.
However, if changes are not implemented promptly, educators fear that Alberta students may seek education opportunities outside the province due to the high admission standards and limited spots in local institutions.