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).
Graduates of the Environmental Technologist Diploma program can pursue diverse careers as environmental technicians in consulting firms, government agencies, oil & gas, and sectors related to the environment, forestry, and parks. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to conduct various field and laboratory tasks, including water and fish sampling, wildlife sweeps, deploying recording devices, wetland classification, and plant and soil surveys.
In addition to foundational lessons in biology and ecology, students are introduced to environmental regulations. The program includes field and lab experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the workforce. Upon completion, students receive several certifications, including ATV Operator, Electrofishing, First Aid, Drone Operator and more.
This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.
Please Note: This program is eligible for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP).
Environmental Technologist
Watch our Environmental Technologist video to see yourself here!
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.
24 Hour Winter Survival
Students in our Environmental Technologist program spend a night in the forest!
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.
Alberta Institute of Agrologists
Graduates are eligible to apply for the Agrology Technologist in Training designation through the Alberta Institute of Agrologists.
North American Wildlife Technology Association
Upon graduation, students are automatically certified by the North American Wildlife Technology Association (NAWTA) in wildlife techniques.
Alberta Forests
Visit this interactive site to learn more about the forest you could be working in.
Student Accommodation
Learn more about your instructors.
ETD Facebook
Join the Portage College Environmental Technologist Diploma Facebook page.
Scholarships
There are many Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries available throughout the year.
Career Potential
Graduates may enjoy careers in industries such as Environmental Consulting, Forestry, Oil & Gas, or working for Non-Profit Organizations, First Nations, or Municipal, Provincial, or Federal Governments, in opportunities such as:
- Soil Surveying/Sampling
- Fish Surveys
- Bird & Nest Surveys
- Vegetation Surveys
- Construction Monitoring
- Block layout
- Wildfire Firefighting/Monitoring
- Replanting & Replant Surveys
- GIS/GPS Technician
- Pest Surveys
- Various Forestry Careers
- Construction Monitoring
- Environmental Planning & Permitting
- Ecosystem Mapping
- Timber Damage Assessment
- Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments
- Pollution/Spill Remediation
- Reclamation
- Pipeline Monitoring
- Wetland Mapping & Evaluation
- Rangeland/Riparian Health Assessment
- Wildlife Surveys
- Water Quality Monitoring
- Stakeholder Consultation
- Research Assistant
- Traditional Land Use Assessment and Related Research
- First Nations-led Research & Environmental Stewardship
- Conservation/Fish & Wildlife/Environmental Officer
- Public Land Management
- Fish/Wildlife Technician
Credentials: Diploma
Industry Certifications - Valued at over $3000
- Basic Drone Pilot's Licence
- Standard First Aid
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
- Workplace Hazardous Information System (WHIMS)
- Bear Awareness
- Petroleum Safety Training
- Wilderness Skills
- Pesticide Applicator's License
- All-Terrain Vehicle Operator
- Chainsaw (WTA)
- Ground Disturbance
- Trailering and Load Securement
- Electrofishing
Admission Requirements
High school diploma with at least one course from each of the following:
- English Language Arts 30-2 at 60%
- Math 30-2 at 60%
- Chemistry 30 or Science 30 at 50%, or Biology 20 or Chemistry 20 at 60%
- Biology 30 recommended
Students who do not meet admission requirements can contact Student Services regarding opportunities for placement testing. Students will need to submit an application to the program to start this process. Students are also encouraged to look into Open Studies.
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
English Language Proficiency Information
Transferability
This program has transfer options available, with up-to-date information accessible through the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT) and/or the Transfer Department.
Students who wish to carry on their education can do so at one of the following post-secondary institutions:
- Athabasca University: Transfers to a Bachelor of Science Post Diploma on a course-by-course basis (Max 60 credits) * subject to change.
- Lakeland College: Transfers into a Bachelor of Applied Science: Environmental Management. Students must maintain a cumulative 2.3 GPA.
- Lethbridge Polytechnic: Transfers into a Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation Enforcement. Students must complete a bridge year of six 3-credit courses in Plants and Law.
- University of Alberta: Transfers into a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences (Land Reclamation Major). Students must obtain all diploma requirements and a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
- MacEwan University: Transfers into a Bachelor of Science on a course-by-course basis.
- University of Prince Edward Island: Transfers into a Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Program Start
Year 1: August 28, 2025 to June 26, 2026
Year 2: August 28, 2025 to May 1, 2026
Application Deadline
Domestic Student: August 15, 2025
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,684.55 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $275.00 |
| Total | $3,540.03 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,684.55 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $2,938.53 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,478.56
Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $179. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $179.
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Same fees apply for Year 1 and 2.
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 |
| Course Package & Materials | $275.00 |
| Total | $9,107.73 |
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 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $17,011.71
Guaranteed yearly tuition for 2025-26 - Year 2 of program started 2025-26 not including mandatory fees: $17,011.71
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.
Open Studies just might be perfect for you!
Not sure which program is the best for you?
Open Studies gives students the unique opportunity to experience more than one program at a time and offers the flexibility of enrolling in individual courses rather than a complete program.
It's a great option for those looking to take general interest courses or those who don't quite meet the entrance requirements for a specific program.
Admission requirements vary by individual course, so students interested in this option must meet with a Student Advisor before enrolling.
For more information: Open Studies
Locations
The Open Studies option is available at any of our main campus locations.
Environmental Technologist
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.