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.
Unlock your passion. Unleash your potential.
Hair professionals today require a balance of technical, creative, interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills to succeed in a competitive industry. Train with our experienced, professional instructors in a program that combines hands-on skills and technical knowledge. We offer small class sizes and a comfortable learning environment. Our program is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship Industry Training, and upon successful completion, you'll be able to work in the industry.
This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is 0111010246767.
About the Program
This 8-month program begins with theory, followed by practical hands-on training. Key areas focus on haircutting, face shaving, colouring, chemical texturizing, and design. An important component of the program is establishing and maintaining effective client relations.
After graduation, you will need to complete work experience under a journeyman hairstylist as required by AIT. Additionally there may be opportunities to work as a hired apprentice in our salon.
Domestic Apply
Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).
Domestic Funding Options
Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.
Domestic Information Request
If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.
International Student Apply
International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.
International Student Study Permit
Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada.
International Information Request
Our international student representatives are happy to answer your questions about programs, services and any immigration related questions that you may have. Please use the form link provided.
Fundamental skills you will learn.
- Haircutting
- Colouring: Balayage, Highlights, Lowlights, Shadow Root, Fashion Colors
- Chemical Texturizing
- Formal Styling
- Hair Extensions: Pre and Post care - Cut & Color
- Barbering: Fades, Hot Shaves, Beard and Facial Treatments
- Salon Operations: Client relations, Sales and Marketing
Our Hairstyling Salon offers a very friendly, engaging and supportive environment for our students to build on their practical and interpersonal skills. Book your appointment today!
Portage College Hairstyling students have said:
"[Taking] the hairstyling program was one the best decisions I've made."
"Portage College has an amazing hairstyling program."
"Awesome College, amazing instructors."
Hairstyling at Portage
At Portage College, we incorporate the newest techniques with industry-leading content that includes hands-on salon experience and business training.
Hear what our Students and Instructors have to say about the program.
Career Potential
As a recognized program by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), the Hairstyling program will prepare you to write your theory and practical provincial exams upon successfully completion. With a journeyperson ticket and Red Seal certification, you can work anywhere in Canada.
As a certified hairstylist, you can work hours that meet your lifestyle, part-time or full-time, in a well-paid job. Whether you decide to continue working in an established salon or start a home based business, this is truly a flexible, high demand occupation.
Credentials
Certificate
Admission Requirements
English Language Arts 10-2
Math 10-3
Students who do not meet the admission requirements contact Student Services regarding opportunities for placement testing. Students will need to submit an application to the program to start this process.
Dual Credit/High school credits Recognition ( Note: CTS Course Completion Records from AIT, Trades Secrets are required)
Maximum 10 credits. 70% pass in each course.
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
English Language Proficiency Information
Transferability N/A
Program Start/End Date
August 25, 2025 to December 29, 2025 (Semester 1)
January 5, 2025 to May 1, 2025 (Semester 2)
Application Deadline
Domestic Student: August 19, 2024
International Student: June 30, 2024 (Applications will be considered if you can obtain a study permit and all the relevant documents before July 15, 2024)
Delivery
Blended
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2024
| Tuition | $4,991.31 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $5,562.29 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2024
| Tuition | $4,991.31 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $5,245.29 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $10,807.58
Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $143. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $143.
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.
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.
Fee Explanations
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.
Athletics & Recreation 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.
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.
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, 2024
| Tuition | $15,576.18 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $16,147.16 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2024
| Tuition | $14,973.93 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $15,227.91 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $31,375.07
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
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.
Fee Explanations
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.
Athletics & Recreation 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.
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.
Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.
Hairstyling
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.