The University Transfer Program at Portage College offers flexible pathways for students to begin their university-level studies close to home. You can enroll full-time or part-time and choose from a wide range of first- and second-year university courses delivered in person, online, hybrid, or multi-access formats. Working with a student advisor, you can create a personalized course plan that fits your goals and schedule and puts you on track to continue your education at a university or another post-secondary institution.
This program is designed to make transfer to other post-secondary institutions straightforward and flexible. Entry (100-level) university courses are free for high school students who meet the course requirements. The University Transfer option is also available to international students through Portage College’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) status.
Graduates of the University Transfer Program can go on to complete degree programs such as Bachelor of Arts, Business, Education, Science, Social Work, or Nursing, and the program also supports working professionals seeking university credits for career advancement.
These programs are available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.
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“I love the small-town community friendships.”
– Keara DanielsKeara Daniels is part of the Community Social Work Program, where she’s building hands-on experience supporting others in the Cold Lake Community. At the same time, she’s expanding her education by taking a university transfer course in Anthropology, a course that deepens her understanding of people, cultures, and the importance of strong community connections.
Learn about getting admitted, transferring and support for planning your pathway through post-secondary.
Career Potential
Graduates of our University 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: 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 or English 30 and one other five credit Grade 12 course. Open Studies Admission: Successful completion of nine credits. Advisor-Assisted Admission: Students who do not meet other admission requirements are encouraged to discuss options for admission into the University Transfer program with a Portage College Student Advisor Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide. English Language Proficiency InformationTransferability 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 are encouraged to check out our partnership bachelor programs.
Program Start/End Dates
Spring Intake: May 4, 2026 to June 26, 2026
Fall Intake: August 31, 2026 to December 18, 2026
Application Deadlines: (Domestic)
Spring Intake: April 15, 2026
Fall Intake: August 15, 2026
Locations
Cold Lake Campus
Lac La Biche Campus
St. Paul Campus
Delivery
Multi-Access Learning
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.