Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering is a unique program that utilizes fundamental scientific knowledge and technology to solve real-life problems. This program explores oil, natural gas, geothermal energy resources, and underground storage of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. By developing new technologies, petroleum engineers manage subsurface energy resources safely and economically while preserving and protecting the environment.

Why Study this Program?

The University of Alberta has offered the only accredited BSc Petroleum Engineering degree program in Canada for the past five decades. Situated in Canada's primary oil and natural-gas producing region, the university provides students with numerous research opportunities within the petroleum industry.

Why Study at the University of Alberta?

The Faculty of Engineering is widely recognized as one of the top Engineering schools in Canada, with globally renowned professors, state-of-the-art labs, and teaching spaces. Throughout the degree, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, participate in research, and contribute to team projects both inside and out of the classroom.

Program Requirements

Non-Direct Entry

This program does not allow admission directly from high school.

• Foundational/Qualifying Year: All students in this first year of study follow a common curriculum. At the end of the year, students choose among the various specialized Engineering programs offered and between the traditional and cooperative education streams.
• Transfer Students: Students with transferable post-secondary coursework taken outside of the Faculty of Engineering are considered for admission based on GPA and relevant transfer credit.

English Language Proficiency

The primary language of instruction is English. For more information on the English Language Proficiency policy, refer to the university's calendar. Information on writing ELP examinations is also available.

Indigenous Applicants

The University of Alberta is committed to encouraging Indigenous Students in their work towards a degree. Indigenous students have been under-represented in higher education in Canada, and the university's policy aims at increasing opportunity.

Deadline

• Fall application:
  • Domestic: March 1, 2026
  • International: March 1, 2026

Tuition and Fees

Tuition will be evaluated based on the specific courses registered in. The cost calculator can give an estimate based on full-time for the program selected.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Office of the Registrar administers over $52 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for undergraduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.

Possible Careers

• Completion Engineer
• Data Analyst
• Drilling Engineer
• Exploitation Engineer
• Facility Engineer
• Field Engineer
• Offshore Drilling Engineer
• Petroleum Engineer
• Reservoir Engineer
• Well Planning Engineer
• Drilling Fluid Engineer
• Energy Analyst

University Information

The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems, and cultures of all First Nations, M彋is, and Inuit nations. The university's buildings, labs, and research stations are primarily located on the territory of the N嶭iyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), M彋is, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux) lands.