APPLYING FOR POST SECONDARY
STEP 1: APPLY SOON! START NOW!
If you have decided to go to a post secondary institution such as a college, university or technical or trade school, you need to apply. Every institution has a different application start date and end date or deadline. Be sure to check the date the institution STARTS to accept applications and apply early. Many institutions begin accepting applications on October 1st. Do not wait as some programs fill up quickly! Some institutions do have year-round applications.
If you are not quite sure where you want to go and want to keep the "door open" to make the decision a little later, you can apply to more than one institution. Just remember there is an application fee so don’t apply to places you have no intention of going. That being said, it is a good idea to apply to more than one institution (especially if you are not sure you will get into your first choice.) Some programs are competitive and not everyone is accepted.
If you know what program you are interested in but you don't know where it is offered, check out:
https://alis.alberta.ca/ AND/OR
https://www.schoolfinder.com/ (with links to most Canadian post secondary institutions)
The majority of institutions do not use paper applications and expect students to apply on line. If you are applying in Alberta, most institutions are using "Apply Alberta".
Go to www.applyalberta.ca for more information. Or just click on APPLY on the Alberta's post secondary institution's website and it will take you to the Apply Alberta website.
Complete the applications online (or in some cases you can still download a PDF application form from the institution's website) and pay the application fee (this fee is usually between $70 and $200).
STEP 2: TRANSCRIPTS
If you apply through Apply Alberta they will take care of requesting your official transcripts. (you agree to let them access your marks directly from Alberta Education)
If you apply to post secondary institutions outside of Alberta (or to Alberta institutions that are not using the Apply Alberta site), it is your responsibility to arrange to have an official transcript sent to the institutions you have applied to.
To request official transcripts, go online to your myPass account. We recommend you request transcripts to be sent after both the 1st semester and the 2nd semester results are in. (Note: there is a $10 fee for official transcripts.)
STEP 3: COMPLETE ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Once you apply, the institution will send you a letter or email stating they received your application and giving you a list of additional things they require. Some programs or institutions require admission testing or career investigations or interviews. Be sure to read the information carefully to ensure you know what is required. Many institutions will ask you to set up an online account with them as this is how they will communicate with you. It is important to set this up and to check it on a regular basis.
STEP 4: REGISTRATION TIME
The post secondary institutions will mail out or email registration information to those who applied and who have been conditionally accepted or unconditionally accepted. This is when you will pick your classes and set your schedule for the year.