Education in Alberta - Types of Institutions

The province of Alberta provides high quality post-secondary education in a variety of settings. Students can be assured of a top calibre education from any of Alberta's 30 government-approved institutions. Choosing an institution depends on your needs and desired outcomes.

The Banff Centre is a publicly funded institution that provides advanced continuing education opportunities in fine arts, management studies, language training and environmental training for people who already have academic credentials and/or professional experience in their discipline.

Alberta has 14 government-funded, board-governed colleges. They offer certifications such as:

• Academic upgrading
• Job readiness programs
• Continuing education programs
• Apprenticeship training
• One-year certificate programs
• Two-year diplomas
• University transfer programs
• Applied degree programs

Some areas of study in public colleges in Alberta include:

• Agriculture
• Business administration
• Visual and performing arts
• Selected areas of technology
• Health services
• Office administration
• Social services

Public colleges tend to have smaller classes than universities and can offer students a more intimate learning environment.

Technical institutes respond to labour market needs and offer programs tailored to workplace requirements. Two of Canada's finest technical institutes, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), are located in Alberta.

They offer:

• One-year certificates
• Two-year diplomas
• Applied degrees
• Apprenticeship training
• Continuing education programs

Some areas of study in technical institutes Alberta include:

Architecture Engineering Environment Medical and health sciences Computer technology Journalism Business-related programs are offered in marketing, communications, computing, hospitality and applied arts

Universities

Alberta has four excellent universities; three are campus-based and one is a distance-learning university. They offer:

• Undergraduate degrees (Bachelors and Honours)
• Graduate degrees (Master's and Doctorate)
• Continuing education programs

Some areas of study in universities in Alberta are:

• Agriculture
• Engineering
• Fine arts
• Home economics
• Law
• Medicine
• Social sciences

The universities also carry out research in a wide variety of disciplines.

The university populations in Alberta range from 5,000 to over 30,000 students attending one institution.

Private Colleges

Alberta has eight private institutions accredited to grant specific degrees at the university level. The Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC) reviews all proposals for new degree programs from both public and private institutions to ensure they are of high quality before they are approved. The Council also conducts periodic evaluations of approved degree programs to ensure that quality standards continue to be met.

Alberta also has numerous other private colleges, some affiliated with post-secondary institutions in Alberta, the United States, and Canadian or American bible colleges and theological schools.

There are also over 140 private training institutions that offer programs, licensed under the Private Vocational Schools Act, ranging from aesthetics and auctioneering to medical reception and funeral service.

• Educational Programs (EDinfo)
  A resource in helping you to choose a program or institution.
• Alberta Post-Secondary Institutions
  Quick links to home pages. Here you will find a list of Alberta universities, publicly funded colleges, private colleges accredited to grant degrees, technical institutes and more.
• Alberta Transfer Guide
  Access information on course and program transfer agreements between many of Alberta's post-secondary institutions. Learn about the types of accreditation offered by Alberta institutions.
• Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
  Trade Secrets - Supporting your bright future in the trades. Resources for employers, employees and apprentices. Offers information about training, certification, scholarships, financial assistance and more.