Why Study in Alberta? Flexibility and Choice

The education system in the province of Alberta offers a variety of options including a comprehensive range of credit and non-credit learning opportunities at public, private and community-based providers throughout the province.

Alberta has 29 post-secondary institutions operating under the authority of the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. These institutions offer a broad range of accredited skills development, certificate, diploma, applied degree, degree, continuing education and language (such as ESL - English as a Second Language) programs, and include:

Four Public Universities 14 Public Colleges Two Public Technical Institutes The Banff Centre Eight Private Colleges accredited to grant degrees Plus over 140 private training institutions licensed under Alberta's Private Vocational Schools Act

Please see Post-secondary system, Types of institutions, Accreditation and Studying English (ESL) for further information on institutions and programs available in Alberta.

In Alberta, the education system is very flexible. Once you start your education here, you may change programs or even institutions. Transfer agreements between institutions are convenient for students who change career goals during the course of their studies. Students can usually transfer to a different program or institution and receive credit for the courses that they have already completed.

In order to change your institution or program of study, you must seek permission from:

    Your Institution

• Each institution has final say over transferring, so please contact individual institutions about their transfer policies and their policies regarding receiving credit from other programs/institutions.

    Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)

• CIC is responsible for issuing Study Permits (please note that the terms of your permission to study in Canada are outlined on your Study Permit).

• 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.
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) - Studying in Canada
  Information for Foreign Students. While in Canada, you may need to renew your Study Permit or change the conditions on your Study Permit.