Calgary is Western Canada's leading corporate and tech hub
Calgary is a city built for opportunity and exploration. Home to more than 1.8 million people1, the Calgary CMA (Census Metropolitan Area) is Canada's fastest-growing major urban centre, and a leading hub for business, innovation and entrepreneurship. As Canada's leader in corporate head offices per capita2 and one of North America's fastest-growing tech talent ecosystems, students benefit from strong industry connections and diverse career opportunities.
Beyond the classroom, Calgary offers an exceptional quality of life, including a lower overall tax burden with no provincial sales tax, North America’s longest urban pathway network3 and year-round access to the Canadian Rockies.
1 Statistics Canada, 2026 | 2 FP500 Database, 2024 | 3 City of Calgary | 4 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Report | 5 Calgary Economic Development
Industry
Calgary’s diverse economy gives students access to valuable career experience before they graduate. The city combines Canada’s highest concentration of corporate headquarters per capita¹ with North America’s fastest-growing tech talent workforce². Together, these strengths connect students with established employers, growing startups and organizations across industries including energy, technology, finance and professional services.
1 FP500 Database, 2024
2 CBRE Tech Talent Report, 2025
Calgary’s key sectors
Source: Calgary Economic Development - sectors
Life in Calgary
Affordability
Calgary is consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in North America. In Alberta, provincial tax, personal income taxes and inheritance taxes are among the lowest in the country. Furthermore, Alberta is the only province without a provincial sales tax. This means you can maximize your income, affording you greater flexibility and a higher quality of life as you pursue your degree.
Diversity
Calgary is a vibrant, multicultural hub and the third most diverse major city in Canada, where more than 240 ethnic origins are represented and 165-plus languages are spoken.1 This dynamic mix of cultures makes it a place where newcomers quickly feel at home. For Haskayne students, it’s a city that offers both global perspectives and a close-knit, inclusive community — perfect for networking, professional growth and unforgettable experiences.
International student resources
From study permits and housing to health insurance and settling into life in Calgary, international students receive dedicated support before and throughout their studies.
Leisure
Mountains
Must-see mountain destinations include Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and Canmore. In warmer months, you can canoe or kayak across the many beautiful lakes, hike and camp in the tall forests, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. In the winter, be sure to take advantage of our world-class skiing and snowboarding.
Activities and events
Life in Calgary extends well beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, students can experience internationally recognized events including the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Folk Music Festival, Calgary International Film Festival and GlobalFest, as well as concerts, theatre productions, museums, galleries and cultural celebrations. With events taking place in every season, it's easy to explore new interests, meet people and experience the city's diverse communities.