Why Study in Alberta? Academic Excellence
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Alberta's dedication to exploring new frontiers is clear, especially in our education system, where Albertans are pioneering in the fields of:
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Medicine
- Telecommunications
- Other emerging technologies
|  Thanks to a growing and prosperous economy, students have access to some of the most modern research facilities in the world. A constantly broadening cultural landscape also makes Alberta a great place to study, as people from around the world come to explore the opportunities available here, given that a Canadian degree, diploma or certificate is well regarded in business, government and academic circles around the globe.
Albertans place great importance on learning, and have developed a first-rate education system with high standards. Alberta has one the most skilled and educated populations in North America, in which 58 per cent of adult Albertans, 25 years of age or older, hold a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate. Basic Education
The province of Alberta's education system has gained international recognition as one of the leaders in education worldwide. Here are some highlights of the achievements of Alberta's Basic Education system:
- On the 2003 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) administered by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Alberta students shared the highest scores in the world in reading, ranked second overall in mathematics and third in sciences.
- Alberta is the only province whose average scores are significantly higher than the Canadian average in every area tested.
- Canada spends more on education (as a percentage of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than the OECD average, and is highest among G-7 countries.
- According to the Public School Indicators Report, released by Statistics Canada in September 2004, Alberta spends more per student on basic education and pays its teachers more, on average, than any other reporting province.
- Teaching methods that emphasize continuous all-year long work and critical thinking provide a very intense and effective experience.
- Schools are excellently equipped and students have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies.
Post-Secondary Education
At the post-secondary level, Alberta offers the following types of institutions to students:
- Universities
- Colleges
- Technical Institutes
- Vocational Schools
These include:
- 21 publicly funded institutions offering degree/diploma/certificate/apprenticeship programs
- Eight private colleges accredited to grant degrees
- Over 140 private training institutions that offer programs licensed under the Private Vocational Schools Act
Post-secondary institutions in Alberta offer internationally recognized, affordable short and long-term programs. Canada is a leading country in research and technological development and our institutions here in Alberta have an international reputation for research and teaching excellence.
With teaching methods that emphasize intensive studies and critical thinking, an Alberta post-secondary education is a very concentrated, rewarding and valuable experience.
Please see Post-secondary system, Types of institutions, Accreditation and Studying English (ESL) for further information on institutions and programs available in Alberta.
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