The University Studies Diploma program at Portage College is for students looking to take a full-time program. The Program offers a range of transferable university courses that provide students with a foundation for pursuing further studies and career preparation in selected areas of Science, Arts, Health, Business, Education, and Human Services.
Students can select courses to meet their individual needs, bridge into diploma programs at Portage College, or transfer credits to other institutions, including universities.
Course credits are transferable to universities and colleges in Alberta.
To graduate with a University Studies Diploma, students must complete 60 credits according to the following requirements:
- A minimum of six credits of Junior level English.
- Six credits in Science: Biology; Chemistry; Earth & Atmospheric Sciences; Mathematics; or a combination thereof.
- Six credits in Humanities: Senior-level English; History; Philosophy; Religious Studies or a combination thereof.
- A maximum of 42 credits at the 100 junior level.
Please check individual course delivery with our student advisors.
These programs are available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.
Please Note: This program is not eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP) upon graduation; however, additional degree completion pathways leading to PGWP eligibility can be investigated.u
Career Potential
Graduates of our Univerity Programs are able to continue their studies in a degree programming such as a Bachelor of Arts, Business, Education, Science, Social Work, or Nursing. Our University Transfer program also supports working professionals who need a university degree for career advancement.
Admission Requirements High School Matriculation: A minimum average of 60% and no mark lower than 50% in the following courses: 1). English Language Arts 30-1 2). Four other 30 Level courses (5 credits each) from the following list:
- Humanities: Social Studies 30-1, a 30-Level language other than English, Aboriginal Studies 30 (5 credits minimum)
- Fine Arts: Art 30, Art 31, Dance 35, Drama 30, Music 30 (10 credits maximum)
- Sciences: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Science 30, Mathematics 30-1, Mathematics 30-2*, Mathematics 31 (courses may be pre-requisites for particular junior level science or mathematics university courses) *dependent on the program this course may not be accepted by other institutions as entrance requirements or pre-requisites
- Electives: Physical Education 30, World Geography 30, Advanced CTS subjects (5 credits maximum)
Mature Student: 19 years of age or older, out of high school for at least one full year, and a minimum average of 60% with at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 and one other five credit Grade 12 course. Open Studies Admission: Successful completion of nine credits. Documents: Complete high school transcripts and post-secondary transcripts, if any work completed at a post-secondary institution Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide. Other: May be required to do an interview with the instructor or coordinator International Student Admission: Based on transcripts, students may need to complete and Grade 12 English proficiency exam and subject area proficiency exams based on the degree stream selection English Language Proficiency InformationTransferability Transfer agreements are in place with many different post-secondary institutions across the province and country including the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and MacEwan University. Students are encouraged to check out our partnership bachelor programs. Certification Diploma
Program Start/End Dates
Winter Intake: January 5, 2026 to May 1, 2026
Spring Intake: May 4, 2026 to June 26, 2026
Fall Intake: August 31, 2026 to December 18, 2026
Application Deadlines: (Domestic)
Winter Intake: December 15, 2025
Spring Intake: April 15, 2026
Fall Intake: August 15, 2026
Application Deadlines (International)
Winter Term: September 15, 2025
Locations
Cold Lake Campus
Lac La Biche Campus
St. Paul Campus
Domestic Student Fees Application Fee $53.50 Fall Term Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
Tuition | $2,594.46 |
Student Association | $116.70 |
Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
Technology Fee | $82.71 |
Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
Total | $3,174.94 |
Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
Tuition | $2,594.46 |
Student Association | $116.70 |
Technology Fee | $82.71 |
Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
Total | $2,848.44 |
Part-time Fees Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170. Spring Term Fee payment deadline: April 21, 2026 Spring tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170. Other mandatory Part-time Spring fees.
Student Association | $68.95 |
Technology Fee | $82.71 |
Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
Total | $175.20 |
Tuition Deposit – $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs) Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act. Health & Dental Fees You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609. Athletics & Recreation Fees These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online. Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
International Student Fees Application Fee $160.00 Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable) If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy. Fall Term Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
Tuition | $7,650.00 |
Student Association | $116.70 |
Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
Guard Me Insurance | $602.25 |
Technology Fee | $82.71 |
Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
Total | $8,832.73 |
Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
Tuition | $7,650.00 |
Student Association | $116.70 |
Technology Fee | $82.71 |
Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
Total | $7,903.98 |
Spring Term Fee payment deadline: April 21, 2026 Spring tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $510. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $510. Other mandatory Part-time Spring fees
Student Association | $68.95 |
Technology Fee | $82.71 |
Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
Total | $175.20 |
Total for the spring semester if taking 3 credits $1,705.20, if taking 6 credits $3,235.20. Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act. Health & Dental Fees You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609. Athletics & Recreation Fees These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online. Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.