Computer Programming and Information Technology Certificate

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The Computer Programming and Information Technology Certificate program is for full-time students or part-time study and allows you to learn various computer skills and programming needed in IT, video games, and website design.  Start working in the Computer Science field or build your skill to further your education. 

This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.

Please Note:  This program is eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP). 

men, in a soccer jersey headshot
“I am an international student-athlete with the men’s soccer and Futsal team at Portage College. I am currently enrolled in the computer sciences program.
Being in the computer science program allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, with new challenges this program also allows me to enhance my critical thinking skills. The program is amazing just as the professors who are super supportive and accommodating to students needs and success.I went into this program with little to no knowledge of coding. With the experience thus far I’ve been able to create codes that I wouldn’t imagine of three years ago, this also speaks to ability our professors have in teaching the proper foundations required to not only be successful in the course but to also ensure that we understand.”

-Bjorn Goolie: Computer Programming and Technology Certificate

More international students are choosing Portage College to start or complete their studies because of the personal attention they receive and the high standard of instruction.

Career Potential

Graduates of our Computer Programming and Information Technology Certificate program are well-prepared to pursue further studies in degree programs like a Bachelor of Science or jumpstart their careers in a wide range of high-demand tech fields. From computer programming and web design to video game development and database administration, our program equips you with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in today’s dynamic technology industry. Whether you choose to continue your education or enter the workforce, the opportunities are limitless.

Admission Requirements: 

  • English Language Arts 30-2 at 60%
  • Math 30-2 at 60%

Transfers:

Transferable to other Alberta post-secondary institutions such as Athabasca University, Bow Valley College, the University of Alberta, and Concordia University. Please refer to Transfer Alberta for more detailed information based on the courses selected.

Certification Certificate in Computer Programming and Information Technology

Program Start/End Dates
August 31, 2026 to April 20, 2027
Application Deadline
Domestic Student: August 15, 2026
International Student: May 15, 2026
Location
Lac La Biche Campus

Domestic Student Fees

Application Fee $53.50

Fall Term Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026

Tuition $2,724.18
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Document Fee $60.00
Total $3,364.66

 

Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026

Tuition $2,724.18
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Document Fee $60.00
Total $3,038.16


Total tuition & mandatory fees for year:  $6,402.82

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.

Tuition Deposit – $100 (non-refundable) 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.

Document Fee
The Document Fee will include official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, certificates, diplomas, Confirmation of Enrollments, ID cards, all documents/letters from the Registrar’s office, etc.

International Student Fees

Application Fee $160.00

Tuition Deposit $1,300.00 (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 $1,300 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026

Tuition $7,803.00
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Guard Me Insurance Fee $602.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Document Fee $60.00
Total $9,045.73

 

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026

Tuition $7,803.00
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Document Fee $60.00
Total $8,116.98

 

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year:  $17,162.71

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.

Document Fee
The Document Fee will include official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, certificates, diplomas, Confirmation of Enrollments, ID cards, all documents/letters from the Registrar’s office, etc.

Course Listing

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Hours: 45
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Hours: 45
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COMP 105 is a three-credit course that covers the fundamentals of information systems. The course covers basic hardware concepts; the structure (or architecture) of computers; the software hierarchy, from systems software to application programs; as well as concepts and development of the field. The course is the pre-requisite for higher-level computer science courses. Students in this course will be expected to use a combination of locally installed and external electronic materials to develop the skills needed for further study in the field. These skills include downloading, installing, and using specialized software tools, and setting the paths to allowing programs to access their components and files. Because COMP 105 is a preparatory course for further study in computer science, the level and difficulty of technical content are fairly high. Prerequisite: Math 30-2 
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

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Hours: 45
Credits: 3

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Hours: 45
Credits: 3

COMP 111 introduces the fundamental concepts, principles, and structures of operating systems. An operating system is the software on a computer that orchestrates the hardware components of the computer. The operating system provides the user/programmer with efficient and convenient service and a high degree of machine independence in writing programs, executing programs, and managing system resources. It is assumed that students taking this course are familiar with the basic structure and the main hardware components of a computer. Prerequisite: COMP106 or COMP108 or an equivalent university-level programming course.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

System analysis and design deal with planning the development of information systems through understanding and specifying in detail what a system should do and how the components of the system should be implemented and work together. System analysts solve business problems through analysing the requirements of information systems and designing such systems by applying analysis and design techniques. This course deals with the concepts, skills, methodologies, techniques, tools, and perspectives essential for systems analysts. The practical component of COMP 113 is object oriented and use-case driven, requiring students to go through the steps of system analysis and design to solve a real-life business problem. Prerequisite: COMP105
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

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Hours: 45
Credits: 3

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Hours: 45
Credits: 3

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Hours: 45
Credits: 3

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Hours: 130
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