Two students on a mountain studying rocks.

Experience Matters

At UCalgary, hands-on learning opportunities are endless.

The path to where I am today was completely unexpected. There was a period where I felt that I didn’t have a lot going for me. I decided to open myself to new possibilities and say yes to whatever opportunities came my way, even if they were out of my comfort zone. I’m so glad I did.

A young woman on a hiking path on a mountain.

Saskia Mae-Livingstone

Bachelor of Arts, Law and Society, 2021

A group of young students doing research outside.

Learning beyond the classroom

At UCalgary, learning is not just lectures and essays, it's experiential learning in the classroom and beyond. It's real-world scenarios in work placements, internships, practicums and co-ops. There's experiential learning in the classroom, too, such as labs, creative activities, and classes that let you explore through practical projects and research.

Experiential learning helps you build your resume, explore career options and sets you on a path to success.


A young man sitting at a desk with a computer with creative papers and writing around him.

Work-integrated learning

Learning on the job is a great way to integrate what you learn in class with real-world situations and gain practical and professional skills. Your program may include an internship, co-op or practicum opportunity, or you can take a class like UNIV 304 to incorporate work-integrated learning into your degree.

A young student in a lab holds a dropper over a beaker.

Undergraduate research

As a top research institute, undergraduate research is an important part of UCalgary culture. Through exceptional initiatives like the Program for Undergraduate Research (PURE), you can gain funding to conduct your very own research project with an on-campus mentor.

A group of diverse young people sit close together and smile.

Neurodiverse students

UCalgary wants to support all students as they explore work-integrated learning opportunities. With support from The Sinneave Family Foundation, we are ensuring neurodiverse students thrive in practicums, internships, co-ops and beyond.


Experiential learning across campus

UCalgary’s UCLIC program strengthening rural health care across Alberta

Dr. Emma Morin reflects on importance of medical training in rural and regional communities

Learning from the land: Indigenous perspectives shape a unique Haskayne experience

Ahead of National Indigenous Peoples Day, students reflect on leadership, belonging and personal growth through one of Haskayne’s most immersive programs

Six Years in Experiential Learning

What I've learned about equity, scale and the everyday classroom