A northern Alberta public college known for trades, health, Indigenous education and hands-on, community-rooted learning.
Portage College is a public college in northeastern Alberta with its main campus in Lac La Biche. It serves students from across the north, including many from Indigenous and rural communities, and offers certificate, diploma, apprenticeship and upgrading programs.
Classes are small and instructors know their students by name. Programs lean toward practical, job-ready training in areas such as health care, trades, business, human services and land-based studies, with strong ties to regional employers and communities.
The college also delivers programming at several regional campuses and learning sites, which lets many students train close to home. Student supports include Elder-in-residence services, academic coaching and on-campus residence at the main campus.
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.
Portage College offers its own entrance awards and bursaries, with many aimed at Indigenous, rural and mature students.
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 Portage College’s fee page.
Ask Portage College about its entrance scholarships and bursaries.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with Portage College.
Applications to Portage College go through ApplyAlberta, Alberta’s application service.
Most certificate and diploma programs require high school completion or equivalent, and some require specific courses or placement testing. Health and trades programs may have extra requirements such as prerequisites or a criminal record check.
Apply online through ApplyAlberta, Alberta's application service, choosing Portage College and your program. Applying early is recommended for programs with limited seats.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with Portage College and ApplyAlberta.
Lac La Biche is a small lakeside community in northeastern Alberta, roughly two hours north-east of Edmonton by road. The main campus sits on the edge of town, surrounded by boreal forest and close to lakes, trails and provincial parkland.
Student life at Portage College is close-knit, with small cohorts and a strong sense of community. Cultural events, Elder support and activities in the surrounding outdoors shape the experience.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.