Provincial Overview

The adult learning system in Alberta has developed into a Campus Alberta model whereby the system is guided by a set of principles and works to deliver seamless opportunities for all Albertans to participate in lifelong learning.

Postsecondary education in Alberta is delivered through universities, colleges, apprenticeship training, technical institutes, and private vocational institutions. Both credit and non-credit programs are delivered in rural communities through multiple remote access points and four community-based consortia that are partnerships between public postsecondary institutions. In addition, 83 community adult learning councils provide non-credit part-time courses in the areas of adult literacy, English as a second language, employability enhancement, and other continuing-education topics.

The program approval process of the minister responsible for advanced education is designed to promote system development and coordination. The Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC) makes recommendations to the minister on the quality of new degree proposals and monitors the quality of approved degree programs.

The Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT) contributes to Campus Alberta through the development of policies, guidelines, and procedures to promote seamless student mobility throughout the advanced learning system. This is achieved by facilitating agreements for transfer of course credits among provincial institutions and encouraging initiatives that increase access for learners, such as prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR).

Integral to the Campus Alberta model is a commitment to on-line learning and the application of technology to support quality learning outcomes. To this end, eCampusAlberta, a consortium of 15 colleges and technical institutes, facilitates increased access to high-quality collaborative on-line learning opportunities that span the province, and Alberta North provide facilities, learning technologies, and support services to over 80 on-line learning sites across northern Alberta and Northwest Territories.

The ministry responsible for advanced education is committed to accessible postsecondary education through increased system capacity and access for students. As well, it continues to explore new learning opportunities for Albertans in rural and remote areas. The ministry is dedicated to raising awareness about planning for postsecondary studies as it encourages parents to prepare financially and motivates students and educators to get involved in the planning process. Tools and information are readily available to support planning for postsecondary studies.

 History

The formal postsecondary system in Alberta began when the first government adopted the creation of a provincial university as a high priority. The University of Alberta began operation in 1908 under government policy that reflected a centralized university model. Over time, the centralized model was challenged and branch campuses in Calgary and Lethbridge were established. Eventually, increasing demand for university education led to the establishment of the University of Calgary in 1966, and then later the establishment of the University of Lethbridge. Athabasca University, modeled on the British "open university," was set up in the 1970s to provide distance education programs, primarily to part-time adult learners.

In 1916, the province began funding vocational training and opened the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art with a mandate to provide technical training to returning soldiers, industrial arts teachers and the "maturing youth" of the province. The provincial and federal support of technical vocational training and the rapid economic growth of the province through the oil boom in the 1950s, and to a greater extent, in light of today's extensive growth, have helped shape Alberta's focus on technical and vocational training and the evolution of Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training system.

Private Colleges emerged in Alberta in 1916 and formed the basis for college level education in Alberta. In 1957, Alberta's first public junior college opened in Lethbridge. The early versions of the University Act also contained provisions that formed the basis for establishment of junior colleges through affiliation agreements and with university delegated authority over these colleges. By the late 1960s, a network of colleges and technical institutes was set up in centres throughout the province.

In March of 2004, the ministry responsible for advanced education combined its Universities Act, Banff Centre Act, Colleges Act, and Technical Institutes Act into one comprehensive Post-secondary Learning Act to support the Campus Alberta framework and further educational opportunities in the province. Prior to the proclamation of the Post-secondary Learning Act, the ministry introduced a new Private Vocational Training Regulation that updated, reorganized, and clarified the requirements of the former regulation. Alberta's postsecondary system will continue to enhance and improve upon the Campus Alberta model to suit the learning needs of all Albertans.

 Programs and Credentials Offered

Universities

Alberta has four universities: University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, and Athabasca University. The Universities of Alberta, Calgary, and Lethbridge are campus-based, while Athabasca University is a distance-learning university. Credentials awarded by the universities include bachelor, master's and doctoral degrees.

The University of Alberta and the University of Calgary offer a broad range of graduate and undergraduate degree programs and account for most of the province's university research capabilities. The University of Alberta also includes two distinctive faculties - Campus Saint-Jean, which provides French-language instruction leading to degrees in arts, science, nursing, and education, and the Augustana Campus in the town of Camrose, which provides degree programs in a rural setting.

The University of Calgary is home to scholars in 16 faculties (offering more than 80 academic programs) and 36 research institutes and centres. Research is the core of the University of Calgary's teaching and research mandate. More than 200 chairs and professorships in areas as American studies, schizophrenia, project management, cancer and intelligent manufacturing attract renowned scholars and leading researchers to the University of Calgary.

The University of Lethbridge offers undergraduate degree programs and some graduate degree programs. It also provides the first two years of study in fields such as medicine, dentistry, and engineering for transfer to other institutions. The University of Lethbridge is known for providing programs aimed at meeting the needs of Aboriginal people. It has two satellite campuses located in Edmonton and Calgary. These locations offer many of the courses available at the main campus in Lethbridge.

Athabasca University, specializing in part-time and distance education, offers undergraduate degree programs in many disciplines and graduate degree programs in business, integrated studies, distance education, and nursing. Its programs are largely designed for home study, delivered through a method called "paced delivery," and use a variety of print and electronic media.

Colleges and technical institutes

Alberta has 20 colleges, two technical institutes, and one specialized institution that may offer baccalaureate and select graduate degree programs. Fourteen of Alberta's colleges are publicly funded and their governing boards are appointed by the minister, and the remaining six university colleges are considered private institutions, though they may receive public funding for approved degree programs. Both of Alberta's technical institutes are publicly funded. Alberta's private colleges may also offer independent programming through which they may issue their own certification, or certification through other national or international bodies.

Colleges in Alberta may offer academic upgrading, apprenticeship, job-readiness, and one-year certificate programs as well as two-year diploma and university transfer programs. Some institutions may offer applied and baccalaureate degree programs. Many colleges offer continuing education and are increasingly involved in applied research initiatives. In addition, certain colleges in Alberta are specialized and provide unique learning opportunities in the arts. Some of Alberta's private university colleges have religious denominational affiliations and offer divinity programs and degrees; however, students of all faiths are welcome. Colleges are located throughout the province in urban and rural areas.

Alberta's technical institutes may offer apprenticeship, one-year certificates, two-year diplomas, applied degrees, and baccalaureate degrees. They also offer continuing education programs and are increasingly involved in applied research initiatives. Technical institutes respond to market needs and offer programs tailored to workplace requirements in addition to small classes and a close-knit learning environment.

The specialized institution in Alberta, the Banff Centre, is unique among the public, board-governed institutions in that it specializes in advanced non-credit, professional development opportunities in fine arts, management studies, language training and environmental training. Students usually have academic credentials and/or professional experience in their area of study.

Apprenticeship and Industry Training

The Alberta apprenticeship and industry training system is an industry-driven system. Industry (employers and employees) establishes training and certification standards in more than 50 designated trades and occupations and provides direction to the system through an industry committee network and the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. The government provides the legislative framework and administrative support. In addition to sitting on the committees, individual employers support the apprenticeship and industry training system by employing and training apprentices, providing them with the opportunity to develop their skills on the job. Ten public postsecondary institutions (technical institutes and colleges) provide most of the apprenticeship technical training in Alberta, based on course outcomes developed by Alberta industry. Trade and occupational certificates are granted by the Minister of advanced education.

Private institutions offering licensed vocational training

There are 151 private institutions in Alberta that offer licensed vocational training. The programs they provide respond to current labour market demand. Licensed vocational programs prepare students for employment in a wide variety of occupations. Although these private institutions do not receive operating grants from the government, student financial assistance is available to students enrolled in licensed vocational programs. Private vocational institutions offer their own credentials for licenses programs.

Differences among certificate, diploma, and degree programs at universities, colleges, and technical institutes

Alberta trade certificate (apprenticeship) programs are available in 50 designated trades in Alberta. Apprenticeship starts with choosing a trade and finding an employer willing to hire an apprentice. Apprenticeship programs in most of the trades take between three and four years to complete. Apprentices spend about 80 per cent of their time gaining on-the-job training and experience and 20 per cent attending classes at a college or technical institute. Certified journeypersons who have completed Alberta trade certificate requirements, and who successfully write an Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) Program examination, are able to work in other provinces and territories where the designation is recognized.

Certificate programs prepare students for entry into specific occupations. They involve one year or less of full-time, hands-on study at a college, technical institute, private vocational school, and in some instances at a university. These programs require the completion of some high school studies for admission.

Exception: Universities also offer a variety of certificate programs. These programs, composed of university-level courses, may require high school graduation, some postsecondary education or mature student status for admission.

Diploma programs generally prepare students for employment in a particular field or group of occupations. They involve two years of full-time, applied study at a college, technical institute or private vocational school. They may require high school graduation, or specified grades and subjects for admission.

Exceptions: University-level diploma programs involve the equivalent of one year of academic study beyond a bachelor's degree and may be applicable to related master's degree programs. Some diploma programs provided by specialized colleges may require a longer period of study.

Applied degree programs provide enhanced career preparation that applies to a broader range of career and employment opportunities beyond entry level in an industry. Some public colleges and technical institutes offer these four-year programs, which consist of six semesters (about three years) of academic studies and at least two semesters (about one year) of paid, related, supervised work experience in industry. They have admission requirements that may be similar to those of diploma programs. Completion of a related diploma program may be a prerequisite for admission into year three of an applied degree program.

Bachelor's degree programs are offered at institutions that have received approval from the minister responsible for advanced education. Institutions must meet specific quality requirements before they can offer degrees. Bachelor's degree programs are currently offered at four Alberta universities, three colleges, one technical institute and six private university colleges.

Bachelor degree programs are usually four years but may vary by discipline and institution. Programs longer than four years often incorporate a co-op or work study component. Generally, there are entrance requirements that include a minimum average in specified grade 12 subjects, including English Language Arts 30-1. Admission to faculties with enrolment limits may require competitive marks that are higher than the specified minimum average for application.

Master's degree programs normally involve two years of full-time university study beyond the bachelor's degree level. These programs require a bachelor's degree for admission. Applicants who have a three-year undergraduate (bachelor's) degree are generally required to complete an additional qualifying year. The programs may require completion of a thesis or course-based (non-thesis) program. Master's programs are offered at each of the four universities as well as the specialized arts institution and one private university college.

Doctoral degree programs require two or three years of full-time university study and research beyond the master's level. There are time limits for completing degree requirements. The programs involve planning and carrying out high quality research leading to advanced knowledge in the student's major field of study. The programs include the preparation of a dissertation on an approved topic. Doctoral degrees are offered by each of the four universities.

 Admission Requirements

Alberta has three years of senior high school - grades 10 to 12 - leading to an Alberta high school diploma. The universities of Alberta, Calgary, and Lethbridge, and the the six private university colleges, require satisfactory standing in specific 30-level (grade 12) courses and a minimum admission average of 60 to 65 per cent for programs in private university colleges and 60 to 70 per cent for programs in universities. Mature students (those over the age of 21 for U of C, U of L, and U of A) who do not meet the normal admission requirements may be considered on an individual basis. Competency in English is required of foreign students, with most institutions seeking TOEFL scores between 550 and 580.

Athabasca University has an open admission policy that allows any motivated Canadian resident who is at least 18 years old to apply, regardless of the person's previous academic background.

Public colleges and technical institutes generally require a high school diploma, but academic requirements vary depending on the program. Applicants over the age of 16 may be given special consideration.

 Tuition and Financial Assistance

In 2007-08, full-time undergraduate tuition fees at the province's four universities averaged $4,504, including universal fees. At the public colleges and technical institutes, fees for full-time study averaged about $3,449. Public postsecondary institutions have the flexibility to set differential fees for students who are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

The Government of Alberta offers a wide range of student financial assistance programs to ensure that financial need is not a barrier to postsecondary education. Alberta Students Finance administers the Canada Student Loan Program and the Alberta Student Loan Program, as well as various scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Please visit http://alis.alberta.ca/ec/fo/studentsfinance/students-finance.html for more information.

Alberta Students Finance administers the Canada Student Loan Program and the Alberta Student Loan Program, as well as various scholarships, grants, and bursaries for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and convention refugees.

The Alberta Student Loan Relief Program helps ensure that students who have completed their studies have a manageable student loan debt level. The Alberta Government may pay a portion of a student's Alberta Student Loan debt if they meet certain criteria. If students are having difficulty repaying their loans, they may be able to negotiate their repayment terms or apply for interest relief. Many educational institutions and organizations also offer a variety of scholarships based on academic excellence, athletic abilities, or community involvement.

In November 2006, the Government of Alberta implemented a revised Tuition Fee Regulation that limits tuition fee increases to a composite Alberta CPI. For 2008-09, this increase is limited to 4.6 per cent at an institution level. This could mean that tuition fees for some programs may be more than 4.6 per cent but that would be off set by lower increases in other programs.

Revision: March 19, 2008