Train with our experienced, professional instructors in a program that combines hands-on skills and technical knowledge. Portage College’s Barber Certificate offers small class sizes in addition to a comfortable learning environment. Our program is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship Industry Training, therefore, 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.
Please Note: This program is not eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP).
Career Potential
As a recognized program by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), the barbering program will prepare you to write your theory and practical provincial exams upon successfully completion.
As a certified barber, 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.
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
Transferability N/A
Program Start/End Date
August 24, 2026, to December 18, 2026
Application Deadline
Domestic Student: August 15, 2026
Delivery
In-Person Learning
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026
| Tuition | $5,240.88 |
| 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 | $5,881.36 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable)
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.
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 $1300.00 (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 $1300 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026
| Tuition | $15,752.74 |
| 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 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $16,995.47 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $16,995.47
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.
About the Program
The program consists of 16-weeks of lectures and training. Key areas focus on haircutting, face shaving, texturizing, design, and service industry standards. 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 as required by AlT.
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!
Fundamental skills you will learn.
- Haircutting
- Face Shaving: Hot Shaves, Beard and Facial Treatments
- Texturizing and Design
- Salon Operations: Client relations, Sales and Marketing