How to Apply
Many Alberta post-secondary institutions start accepting applications for fall admission about a year before their start dates. Apply early, and be sure to review your application before pressing "send" to ensure it is completely filled out.
You’ll need your Alberta Student Number and information about when and where you attended high school, or taken any post-secondary classes. If you apply through ApplyAlberta, your Alberta high school transcripts and any transcripts from member post-secondary institutions (if you already have taken post-secondary classes) are automatically ordered for you. If you apply directly with an institution, you will need to order your own transcripts.
What is a Transcript?
A transcript is an official record of your education. There are three different types of transcripts:
High School
- One transcript for your entire education
- Details schools attended, your grades, and if you earned a diploma
- If you take a course more than once, only the latest completed attempt is shown
Post-Secondary
- Different transcripts produced by every school you attend
- Details what courses were taken and when, your grades and overall grade point average (GPA)
- If you take a course more than once, both attempts are shown and affect your GPA
Co-Curricular
- Offered by some post-secondary institutions
- Serves as an official record of your achievements outside the classroom, such as positions on student councils
Where to Apply
Most post-secondary institutions use ApplyAlberta, an online application processing service that you can use to apply to an Alberta institution from anywhere in the world. If you’re an apprentice, are upgrading or are applying to a private or First Nations institution, you apply in different ways.
Applying for your undergraduate post-secondary studies using ApplyAlberta saves:
- Time - you create your user profile once and can use it to apply to several Alberta institutions
- Money - your high school transcripts are automatically ordered for you - no cost, no worries
All you need is your Alberta Student Number (ASN) and a way to pay for your application fees online.
Apprenticeship Students
Follow these two steps to register for apprenticeship programs in Alberta:
- Read the entrance requirements to see if you are eligible to apply.
- Visit the Technical Training Centre on TradeSecrets to register for training.
First Nations Colleges
Contact your institution directly for information about how to apply.
Private Career Colleges
Contact your college directly for information about how to apply. Search for private career colleges in Alberta.
Graduate Students
Visit ApplyAlberta to learn about the 7 post-secondary institutions offering graduate study programs in Alberta, and details about how to apply.
Foundational Learning
Find a community adult learning provider near you to register for non-credit, foundational learning programs.
Consider Transfer Opportunities
If you've already taken university-level courses, have related on-the-job experience in your field of study, or need to upgrade or finish high school, explore how to transfer that learning to your new post-secondary program by searching for transfer credit options.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about the application process, contact admissions staff at the post-secondary institution you want to attend.
