Universities

• There are three traditional universities in Alberta: the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge. There is also one distance-learning university: Athabasca University.
• Universities offer a wide range of programs through various departments and faculties, some of which include liberal arts, fine arts, sciences, social sciences and professional programs.
• Student populations at Alberta universities range from 3,500 to over 25,000 students.

Colleges

• There are 11 public colleges, 7 affiliated and degree-granting private colleges, and numerous private and independent colleges in Alberta.
• Colleges offer programs ranging from general interest and academic upgrading to career training and university transfer.
• Many of these colleges provide one-year certificate and two-year diploma programs, as well as university transfer programs. Some colleges also offer Applied Degree programs.
• Colleges tend to have lower enrolments than universities, offering students smaller classes and a more close-knit environment.
• There are colleges throughout Alberta, which allows students the opportunity to begin their post-secondary studies in a location close to home.
• While some colleges have denominational affiliations, students of all faiths are generally welcome.

Technical Institutes

• There are two technical institutes in Alberta: the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton.
• Technical institutes offer one-year certificate, two-year diploma, apprenticeship and continuing education programs.
• Technical institutes attract students interested in a wide variety of technological/engineering-related fields.
• Technical institutes are responsive to labour market needs, and the programs they offer reflect this.

Public Colleges

• There are several Public Colleges in the province: Bow Valley College (Calgary), NorQuest College (Edmonton), Northern Lakes College (Lesser Slave Lake) and Portage College (Lac La Biche) are among them.
• Many students attend these colleges to upgrade their current levels of education (from Grade 1 to Grade 12) and/or to obtain the job-related skills and life skills they need to get a job.
• Vocational programs are short, usually lasting one year or less.
• Programs are specialized and often created at the request of industry to train people for particular occupations.
• The college's form partnerships with business and industry to make sure their programs prepare students to succeed in the world of work.
• Most students have adult student status, meaning that they are at least 17 years of age and have been out of the school system for a year or more.

Schools of Fine Arts

• The Banff Centre for Continuing Education and the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary specialize in the fine arts of music, art, dance, and drama.
• Fine arts schools attract artists, musicians, and dancers of international acclaim as teachers and guest lecturers.
• Programs vary in length from six-week summer sessions to four-year degree programs.

Private Vocational Schools

• Privately owned and operated vocational schools offer a variety of training programs. Most specialize in training students for particular occupations (eg. business and secretarial studies, drafting or beauty culture).
• There are over 100 registered and licensed private vocational schools in Alberta.