There are many opportunities for post-secondary education in Alberta. In Edmonton, there are two publicly-funded colleges (MacEwan and Norquest), a technical institute (NAIT), a university (University of Alberta) and several private colleges and training institutes.

Post-secondary institutions charge a tuition fee, but students may find financial help through student loans, scholarships and bursaries. Prospective students should contact the student award office for each school. International students may also be required to pay additional fees, as well as complete a proficiency exam in English, such as the TOEFL.

What is the difference between Colleges and Universities?

A Look at Colleges
Colleges of applied arts and technology offer full and part-time diploma and certificate programs. Many also offer Bachelor degrees in applied areas of study.

Colleges tend to be more directly career-oriented than universities. Some colleges offer courses that lead to certification in specific areas such as nursing and accounting. Although program length varies, a certificate program is generally one year or less, and a diploma program can be two or three years.

Colleges also offer pre-trades and apprenticeship training, language training and skills upgrading.

In addition to colleges of applied arts and technology, there are agricultural colleges, colleges of health science, colleges of art and a military college.

A Look at Universities
Universities are degree-granting educational institutions. All offer undergraduate, or bachelor's degrees, and many offer graduate (Master's and doctoral) programs. Universities in Alberta are independent. Although they receive funding from the government, each institution is self-governing and regulates its own programs, admissions and faculty.

Undergraduate degrees usually take three years to complete. A fourth or "Honours" year is usually required prior to admission into a graduate program. Many schools also allow students to combine subject areas (e.g., a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology).

Many universities also offer professional programs, such as Medicine, Dentistry and Law. In some cases, students begin these programs after two or three years of undergraduate study.
 

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