How to Get Started

Meeting Admission Requirements

Whether you're still in high school, working to upgrade or finish your high school education, or are looking for formal training in a field you've already worked in for years, these program options can help you meet post-secondary admission requirements.

• High School Programs -these programs and courses can help you earn credits towards your high school diploma while also preparing you for further post-secondary learning
• Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes - if the courses you take are part of your post-secondary program's learning requirements, they could earn you credit towards your program
• Career and Technology Studies (CTS) credentialed pathways to explore career opportunities, or to help you earn dual credit towards your high school diploma and post-secondary program
• Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) as a pathway to apprenticeship

• High School Upgrading & Equivalencies -if you’re no longer in high school, you may want to consider high school upgrading or equivalencies to meet post-secondary admission criteria
• Foundational Learning - if you're looking for pre-high school, literacy and essential skills programs,  community adult learning programs throughout the province offer non-credit, part-time, informal learning options and support that can launch you on your path to further learning

Recognizing the Knowledge You Already Have

Your on-the-job learning or volunteer history may have given you knowledge and skills that can be applied to your new program of study. Find out how it can be assessed and recognized by an Alberta post-secondary institution for credit.

Planning Your Budget

Investigate tuition costs and other expenses associated with completing your post-secondary studies. If the tuition feels out of reach for you right now, consider if your program is offered at another institution, or if there is an opportunity to start at one institution and transfer to another to complete your studies. This will help you plan a budget that reflects your current situation.

Exploring Transfer Options

There are many reasons why you may choose to transfer between post-secondary programs or institutions. Some choose to start their degree through a university transfer program, where they transfer to a new institution partway through their studies to complete their learning. Or you could take a course that inspires you to pursue a different career altogether. There are several different ways to transfer your education to an Alberta post-secondary institution or program. 

• University Transfer Programs - take up to the first two years of a university transfer program through in-person or online courses, and transfer to another institution for the final portion of a degree program
• Transferring to a Different Post-Secondary Program - if you change your mind partway through your post-secondary studies, find out how your institution will evaluate the credits you've already earned to see what can be applied to your new program of study
• Transferring from Other Provinces - find out how post-secondary credits you earn in other provinces can be transferred to programs at Alberta institutions
• Transferring from Other Countries - if you're moving to Alberta for a post-secondary education or for work, find out how your prior learning and experience are assessed

Use the Transfer Alberta Search tool to see which programs and courses could be transferable to your post-secondary program or institution. If you can’t find your course, program or learning provider, contact the post-secondary institution you want to attend to see if you meet their admission criteria. 

Application Process

After you've identified admission requirements and transfer options for your post-secondary program and institution, you're ready to apply. How you apply depends on where you want to go, and what you want to study. Post-secondary admissions are competitive, so apply early and provide as much relevant information as you can in your application.