Post-Secondary Institutions

Publicly Funded Institutions

There are 26 publicly funded post-secondary institutions in Alberta, each classified into one of six sectors as defined by Alberta's Roles and Mandates Framework.

The six sector model indicates the types of programs an institution offers, its research activity and its learner focus. These institutions obtain operating funds from Advanced Education and Technology and are governed by the Post-Secondary Learning Act.

Alberta's six sector model includes

Comprehensive Academic and Research Institutions

These institutions provide baccalaureate and graduate level programs, and undertake both pure and applied research. They focus on students seeking undergraduate and graduate level education in a comprehensive research environment.

  • Athabasca University
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Calgary
  • University of Lethbridge

Find more information about Universities.

Baccalaureate and Applied Studies Institutions

These institutions provide certificates, diplomas, university transfer, applied degrees and baccalaureate degrees in specified areas. They also offer upgrading. They may engage in applied research and scholarly activity to enhance their instructional mandate. Their focus is on learners interested in an education oriented to employment or academic study.

  • Grant MacEwan University
  • Mount Royal University

Although Baccalaureate and Applied Studies Institutions are each authorized to use the term "University" in their name, they fall under the statutes of Colleges and Technical Institutes within the Post-Secondary Learning Act.

Find more information about these and other Colleges.

Comprehensive Community Institutions

These institutions provide a broad range of programming that may include foundational learning, academic upgrading, apprenticeship, certificates, and diplomas. They may also provide university transfer programs, applied degrees, and baccalaureate degrees primarily in collaboration with a degree-granting institution. They may engage in applied research and scholarly activity to enhance the instructional mandate of the institution. These colleges focus on learners interested in preparatory, career, and academic programming.

  • Bow Valley College
  • Grande Prairie Regional College
  • Keyano College
  • Lakeland College
  • Lethbridge College
  • Medicine Hat College
  • NorQuest College
  • Northern Lakes College
  • Olds College
  • Portage College
  • Red Deer College 

Find more information about these and other Colleges.

Polytechnical Institutions

These institutions provide apprenticeship, certificate, and diploma programs in trades and technical vocations, as well as applied and baccalaureate degrees in specified areas. They engage in applied research and scholarly activity to enhance the instructional mandate of the institution. These institutions focus on learners interested in career and technical programming.

  • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
  • Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT Polytechnic)

Find more information about Technical Institutes.  

Independent Academic Institutions

These institutions primarily provide liberal arts, science, and education baccalaureate degree programs. They may also offer graduate programs in niche areas. They may undertake applied research and scholarly activity to enhance the instructional mandate of the institution. These institutions focus on learners interested in academic programs within a faith-based educational environment.

  • Ambrose University College
  • Canadian University College
  • Concordia University College of Alberta
  • St. Mary's University College  
  • The King's University College

Note: Taylor University College and Seminary ceased its undergraduate educational offerings as of June 30, 2009 and subsequently was renamed Taylor College and Seminary. They no longer offer Ministerially approved degree programs.

Find more information about Private University Colleges.

Specialized Arts and Culture Institutions

These unique institutions offer fine arts and cultural programming at the undergraduate, graduate or professional development level. They focus on learners interested in the fine arts and creativity.

  • The Banff Centre
  • Alberta College of Art and Design

Find more information about Arts and Culture Institutions.