Education in Alberta - The Post-Secondary System
The province of Alberta has a world-class post-secondary education system. First-rate universities, public and private colleges, and technical institutes provide a high quality, comprehensive education. International students who attend Alberta institutions earn valuable credentials that are recognized and respected worldwide.
Institutions
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While the quality of all institutions is uniformly high, they differ in levels of government funding, subjects offered, and types of credentials. Alberta offers students hundreds of programs in a variety of institutions including:
- Public Universities
- Public Colleges
- Public Technical Institutes
- The Banff Centre
- Private Colleges and Training Institutions
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Other Programs Trades
International students can also come to Alberta to study a trade. Alberta has 57 designated trades and occupations, including:
- Communication technician
- Cook
- Electrician
- Welder
- Landscape gardener
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Alberta credentials are recognized worldwide. The trades offer a unique challenge as they are highly technical and many require math and sciences skills. The trades also provide excellent career opportunities; they allow many people to work in supervisory or management positions, pursue business entrepreneurship, and work in a well-paid field. To work in a trade, you must become a registered apprentice and earn an Alberta Journeyman Certificate.
English as a Second Language
Most universities and colleges have English as a Second Language (ESL) programming.
Academic Year
The academic year typically begins in September and continues until late April or early May. Most universities and colleges operate on the semester system, generally held as follows:
- Fall Session: September-December
- Winter Session: January-April
Where available, shorter, more concentrated courses are also offered to help students accelerate their studies. These courses are usually taken in the spring and summer as follows:
- Spring Session: May-June
- Summer Session: July-August
Some institutions may offer either September or January admissions. Some institutions may operate on the quarter or trimester system and some may offer weeklong, intense block courses. Please check with your chosen institution to verify its schedule.
Credits
The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) can be used to evaluate international studentsÆ credentials before they start a program in Alberta.
Regardless of where a student chooses to study, course credits received can generally be used for entry into other programs or other Alberta post-secondary institutions. The Alberta Council for Admissions and Transfers (ACAT) assists the movement of students between institutions by facilitating the credit transfer process. Entrance Requirements
Entrance requirements vary by institution and program. To determine entrance requirements for your chosen institution or program of study, please contact the institution directly.
To qualify for a degree program at most universities, international students for whom English is not their first language must pass an English examination test, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) Assessment are commonly accepted but some institutions may have their own tests.
Helpful links
- 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.
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