A regional public college bringing career-focused programs and flexible learning to communities across northern Alberta.
Northern Lakes College is a public college serving northern Alberta, with its main administrative base in Slave Lake. It was created to bring post-secondary education close to home for residents of small towns, rural areas and Indigenous communities across a very large region.
The college offers certificates, diplomas, apprenticeship training, university transfer options, adult upgrading and continuing education. Many programs are delivered through a mix of in-person classes at community campuses and online or blended learning, which helps students study without leaving their home communities.
Small class sizes, close ties with Indigenous communities and a strong focus on employment-ready skills in health care, trades, business and community services shape the student experience.
Tuition in CA$, 2026-2027
Students who live in Alberta apply for student aid through Alberta Student Aid; students from other provinces apply through their own province’s program. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.
The college and its foundation offer bursaries and awards to help students with the cost of study.
Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical two-semester diploma, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Confirm the current figure on Northern Lakes College’s fee page.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with Northern Lakes College.
Applications to Northern Lakes College go through ApplyAlberta, Alberta’s application service.
Most programs require Alberta high school completion or equivalent, with specific course prerequisites for health and technical programs. Some programs also ask for a criminal record check or other documents.
Apply online through ApplyAlberta, Alberta's application service, selecting your program and campus. Check your program's requirements and submit transcripts and supporting documents early.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with Northern Lakes College and ApplyAlberta.
Slave Lake is a small town on the southeastern shore of Lesser Slave Lake in north-central Alberta, surrounded by boreal forest and lakeside recreation. The main campus is compact and community-oriented, with a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere.
Student life is small-scale and community-centred, with support services and cultural programming tailored to a diverse, largely regional student body. Many students balance study with work and family, and the college offers flexible delivery to help.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.