Opened in 1908 as a board-governed, public institution, the University of Alberta has grown to be one of Canada's foremost research-intensive universities, with external research funding in 2003–04 of more than $377 million. The University's main campus is located in Edmonton, the vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of the province of Alberta. In a metropolitan area with close to one million people, Edmonton's economic growth was ranked among the top Canadian cities in 2003. In partnership with industry and government, the University of Alberta plays a pivotal role in advancing the economic prosperity of Edmonton and Alberta.
The University of Alberta serves over 35,000 students in more than 200 undergraduate programs and 170 graduate programs. Students enjoy an exceptional quality of life on a friendly campus in the midst of a city that values research and technology as well as its beautiful river-valley parkland. The University's pioneering spirit inspires faculty and students to advance knowledge through research, to seek innovation in teaching and learning and to find new ways to serve the people of Alberta and the world.