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

Enhancing experiential learning access

Lisa Stowe, academic lead for experiential learning, explains two UCalgary initiatives for inclusive student engagement

170 UCalgary nursing students get Connect Care training over four days in pilot project

UCalgary Nursing’s partnership with Faculty of Arts and Alberta Health Services streamlines delivery of electronic health records system training for students

TECTERRA honoured for contributions toward student support and experiential learning at Schulich School of Engineering

Students say opportunities provided by partnership have been pivotal to success

One summer student’s exploration of social media virality

Evangeline Dorval’s PURE project investigates the role of moral emotions in social media

Grad student skills internship program provides resources needed to excel

Asma Bernier says Transformative Talent Internships has given her a head start on her career journey

'Mistakes are inevitable, but not irreparable': One educator on using simulation and role play in the classroom

2023 Experiential Learning Initiatives Teaching Award-winner Angelique Jenney helps students be comfortable with discomfort through experiential learning