| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Type: Public Community College
Established: 1968
Main Campus: Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada
Other Campuses: Cold Lake, St. Paul, and several smaller learning centres across northeast Alberta
Portage College is known for:
Small class sizes and personalized instruction
Affordable tuition and cost of living
A supportive environment for international students
Strong connections with Alberta’s industries
Indigenous-focused programming and community inclusion
It’s a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), meaning international students can apply for a study permit and may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Portage offers a wide variety of certificate, diploma, and applied degree pathway programs, including:
Business Administration
University Transfer Programs
Health & Human Services (Practical Nursing, Early Learning, Community Social Work)
Trades and Technical Training (Heavy Equipment Operator, Power Engineering, Welding)
Culinary Arts & Hospitality
Environmental Sciences
Continuing Education & Academic Upgrading
Indigenous Arts and Culture Programs
English Language Training (ESL)
Tuition Fees: Approx. CAD $13,000 – $16,000 per year (varies by program)
Living Expenses: CAD $8,000 – $10,000 per year (lower than big cities)
Application Fee: CAD $160 (non-refundable)
Lac La Biche and other towns are affordable, with a peaceful and community-based lifestyle.
On-campus residence available at the Lac La Biche campus
Fully furnished units with internet and utilities included
Affordable off-campus housing also available in surrounding towns
Intakes: September (main), January, and May (some programs)
English Requirements:
IELTS: 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: 79+
Duolingo: 105+
Must provide academic transcripts, passport copy, and proof of English proficiency.
Friendly, small-town vibe
Cultural events, sports, and outdoor activities
Student support services, including academic advising and mental health resources
Strong focus on Indigenous heritage and community engagement
Eligible programs allow students to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Career development support and local employer connections
High employment rates in trades, health, and community services
Business Administration Certificate
Business Administration Diploma (Specializations: Accounting, Management, Marketing)
Office Administration Certificate
Legal Assistant Certificate
Computer and Network Technology Diploma
Introduction to Information Technology (Short course)
Practical Nurse Diploma (High-demand program)
Community Social Work Diploma
Early Learning and Child Care Certificate & Diploma
Health Care Aide Certificate
Educational Assistant Certificate
Addictions Worker Certificate
Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate
Power Engineering (4th Class)
Welding Certificate
Carpenter Apprenticeship
Electrician Apprenticeship
Plumbing Apprenticeship
Steamfitter/Pipefitter Apprenticeship
University Studies in Arts or Science
(Start at Portage, transfer to a university in Alberta)
Subjects: Psychology, Sociology, English, Chemistry, Biology, etc.
Culinary Arts Certificate
Professional Cooking
Food Preparation Assistant Certificate
Hospitality Management Courses (short-term)
Native Arts & Culture Certificate
Artisan Entrepreneurship Certificate
Cultural Arts and Design
Traditional Skills and Knowledge Workshops
Environmental Monitoring Technician Certificate
Environmental Field Training (short-term program)
High School Equivalency Courses (Adult Learning)
English as a Second Language (ESL/EAP)
Literacy and Basic Education
Program Name |
Duration at Portage |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
University Transfer – Bachelor of Arts |
1–2 years |
~$10,000 – $11,500 |
|
University Transfer – Bachelor of Science |
1–2 years |
~$10,000 – $11,500 |
|
University Transfer – Bachelor of Commerce (Business) |
1–2 years |
~$10,000 – $11,500 |
|
University Transfer – Bachelor of Education |
1–2 years |
~$10,000 – $11,500 |
|
Community Social Work Diploma (Pathway to Bachelor of Social Work) |
2 years |
~$11,000 – $11,500 |
Portage College is a public community college located in northeastern Alberta, Canada, known for its supportive learning environment, small class sizes, and affordable education. It’s a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which means international students can apply for a study permit and be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their program.
Portage offers a wide range of career-focused certificate and diploma programs, including:
Business Administration
Practical Nursing
Early Learning & Child Care
Social Work
Culinary Arts
Environmental Sciences
Trades (Welding, Heavy Equipment, Power Engineering)
University Transfer programs (leading to bachelor's degrees at partner universities)
These programs are designed to give students practical skills, with many including hands-on training, labs, fieldwork, or work placements.
One of Portage’s biggest advantages is cost-effectiveness. Tuition for international students is usually between CAD $13,000 – $16,000 per year, and the cost of living is lower than in major cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
On-campus housing is available at the Lac La Biche campus, and students can also find affordable rental options nearby. This makes it ideal for students who want a budget-friendly Canadian education without sacrificing quality.
Portage College offers multiple intakes throughout the year:
September (Fall) – Most popular intake with wide program availability
January (Winter) – Good for business, health, and transfer programs
May (Spring) – Limited programs, often ESL or short-term offerings
To apply, international students generally need:
High school completion or equivalent
Transcripts (translated if necessary)
English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 79+, or Duolingo 105+)
Valid passport
Application fee (CAD $160)
If students don’t meet the English requirements, they can take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at the college.
Despite being in smaller towns, Portage College provides strong support for international students:
Orientation programs
Academic advising and tutoring
Health and wellness services
Student events and cultural activities
Outdoor recreation opportunities (hiking, skiing, canoeing)
Campuses like Lac La Biche are safe, peaceful, and surrounded by natural beauty — perfect for students who enjoy a quieter, close-knit community.
International students at Portage College can:
Work part-time during studies (up to 20 hours/week)
Work full-time during scheduled breaks
Be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years after completing a qualifying program
This makes Portage a great starting point for those looking to build a future in Canada.
Start by exploring the programs that fit your academic and career goals. Portage offers:
Certificate & Diploma programs
University Transfer programs (to continue toward a bachelor's degree)
Health, Business, Trades, and more
ESL (English as a Second Language), if needed
You can browse programs on the official website: N/A
High school graduation or equivalent (for certificate/diploma programs)
College diploma or bachelor's degree (for advanced diploma programs)
Transcripts (must be in English or officially translated)
IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79
Duolingo English Test: Minimum 105
PTE Academic: 56 or higher
Don’t meet English requirements? You can apply for the ESL (English as a Second Language) program.
You'll need:
Passport copy
Academic transcripts and certificates
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Resume/CV (for some programs)
Statement of Purpose (optional but recommended for clarity)
Visit the international admissions portal at
Complete the application form
Pay the non-refundable application fee of CAD $160
Once submitted, the admissions team will review your documents and eligibility.
If your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) — either unconditional or conditional (if more documents are needed).
To confirm your seat, you’ll need to pay the initial tuition deposit (varies by program, usually around CAD $5,000–$7,500). After payment, you'll receive a Final Letter of Acceptance, which is required for your visa application.
Using the Final LOA, apply for a Canadian Study Permit via the IRCC website.
You will need:
Final Letter of Acceptance
Proof of tuition payment
Proof of funds (bank statement or sponsor letter)
Valid passport
Statement of Purpose
Biometrics (if required)
After visa approval:
Book your flight to Alberta, Canada
Arrange housing (on-campus or off-campus)
Attend Portage College’s international orientation upon arrival
Get ready to start your studies!
Portage College offers three main intakes throughout the year for most programs:
Main intake with the most program availability
Ideal for diploma, certificate, and university transfer programs
Many popular programs like Business, Health, and ESL are available
Limited program availability
Common for ESL (English as a Second Language) and short-term courses
Tip: Apply at least 4–6 months in advance to ensure admission, visa approval, and proper planning time.
For Certificate & Diploma Programs:
High school (Grade 12 or equivalent) completion
Minimum 50%–60% average in relevant subjects
Some programs (e.g., Nursing, Social Work) may have higher grade requirements and prerequisites
For Advanced or Post-Diploma Programs:
A completed diploma or bachelor's degree (in a related field)
Resume or work experience may be required
For University Transfer Programs:
High school completion with strong grades
Eligibility for transfer to partner universities (e.g., University of Alberta)
If English is not your first language, you must provide one of the following:
Test |
Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
|
IELTS (Academic) |
Overall 6.0 (no band < 5.5) |
|
TOEFL iBT |
Minimum 79 |
|
Duolingo English Test |
Minimum 105 |
|
PTE Academic |
Minimum 56 |
Don’t meet the requirement? You can apply to Portage’s ESL (English as a Second Language) program first.
Minimum age is 17 years at the time of enrollment
Students aged 19+ are considered mature students and may be accepted based on alternate qualifications
Scholarship Name |
Amount (CAD) |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
Entrance Scholarship |
Up to $1,000 |
Awarded to new international students with strong academic performance |
|
International Student Merit Award |
$500 – $1,000 |
Based on GPA (usually 3.0 or higher) after the first semester |
|
Program-Specific Awards |
($500 – $1,500) |
Based on performance in programs like Business, Health, or Trades |
|
ESL Achievement Award |
$500 |
For students in the ESL (English as a Second Language) program with top marks |
|
Student Leadership Bursary |
$750 – $1,000 |
Awarded to students involved in student activities or community leadership |
|
Need-Based Bursaries |
(case-by-case) |
For students with demonstrated financial need |
Campus Location |
Facilities Available |
On-Campus Accommodation |
Cost of Accommodation (CAD/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lac La Biche (Main) |
Full programs, labs, library, fitness center, cafeteria |
Yes (residence available) |
$500 – $700 (single/shared room) |
|
Cold Lake Campus |
Business, Health, University Transfer, computer labs |
No (off-campus only) |
$600 – $900 (rent in Cold Lake area) |
|
St. Paul Campus |
Trades, Business, Adult Learning Centre, labs |
No (off-campus only) |
$500 – $850 (rent in St. Paul area) |
|
Other Regional Centres |
Upgrading, part-time programs, community outreach |
No |
$500 – $800 (local area rent) |
Portage College is located in northeastern Alberta, in peaceful towns like Lac La Biche, Cold Lake, and St. Paul. These smaller campuses create a strong sense of community where students are known by name, and instructors are approachable and ready to help. It’s ideal for students who don’t want to get lost in the crowd like in large universities.
Although it’s a smaller college, Portage is very diverse. International students come from many countries, and the college embraces multiculturalism. Events like International Student Orientation, cultural celebrations, and local community involvement help students feel at home and get involved right away.
There is also a strong Indigenous presence and cultural inclusion, making Portage a unique place to learn about Canadian Indigenous traditions and heritage.
Portage College offers a range of services to help students succeed academically and personally:
Academic advising and course planning
Tutoring and learning support
Mental health and counselling services
Career coaching and job preparation
English language support (ESL/EAP)
International students get specific guidance on adapting to life in Canada, study permit renewals, and immigration basics.
At the Lac La Biche campus, students can live in on-campus residences, which are clean, quiet, and safe. You’ll share common areas with other students, making it easier to build friendships. Cooking your own meals, living steps away from your classes, and being part of a small community all help students settle in quickly.
While Portage doesn’t have big university-style clubs, it makes up for it with cozy and community-driven activities:
Student events (movie nights, game nights, holiday celebrations)
Cultural festivals and potlucks
Recreational sports and gym access
Outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, canoeing, and skiing nearby
The surrounding nature offers plenty of opportunities for adventure — especially if you enjoy the outdoors.
Students can work part-time during studies and full-time during breaks. After completing a full-time eligible program, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to stay and work in Canada for up to 3 years.
The college also hosts career fairs, helps with resume writing and interview prep, and connects students with local employers — especially in trades, business, healthcare, and environmental fields.
Portage College does not provide direct campus placements like in some countries (e.g., India). Instead, the college supports students through career readiness programs, employer networking, and work-integrated learning opportunities.
Portage College offers strong career support through its Career Services and Student Employment Center, which helps students with:
Resume and cover letter writing
Interview preparation
Job search strategies
Workshops and career fairs
Connections with local employers
Career advisors also help international students understand the Canadian job market and how to build a career path in Canada.
Several programs at Portage include practicum placements or work experience components, which are incredibly helpful in building real-world skills and Canadian work experience:
Practical Nurse Diploma – Clinical placements in healthcare settings
Early Learning and Child Care – In-classroom teaching experience
Community Social Work – Practicum in social agencies
Business Administration – Internships and real-life business case projects
Trades Programs – Apprenticeship and hands-on job site experience
These are great ways to gain work experience before graduation.
One of the biggest advantages of studying at Portage is that most programs qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). After graduation, international students can:
Work full-time in Canada for up to 3 years
Gain experience needed for permanent residency (PR)
Apply for jobs related to their field of study
Here’s how some graduates typically perform after their programs:
Health & Human Services: High employment rate in Alberta, especially for nurses and healthcare aides
Trades (Welding, Heavy Equipment, Power Engineering): Strong demand across Canada, particularly in Alberta
Business & Administration: Opportunities in entry-level roles in finance, management, and marketing
Social Work & Early Childhood: Consistent hiring in community services, schools, and non-profits
Because of its close ties to the communities in Lac La Biche, Cold Lake, and St. Paul, the college regularly posts local part-time and full-time job openings through its internal job board and student services office.
No direct placements, but strong career development support
Work-integrated learning in many programs
PGWP eligible programs open the door to long-term work and PR in Canada
Career services actively help students connect with local employers
The acceptance rate at Portage College, Canada is estimated to be around 85% to 90% for international students who meet the minimum admission requirements.
Inclusive Admission Policy:
Portage College is a public community college that focuses on providing accessible, career-oriented education to both domestic and international students.
Multiple Intakes & Program Availability:
With several intakes (Fall, Winter, Spring) and a variety of programs, there are plenty of spots available for eligible applicants.
Supportive of International Students:
The college actively encourages applications from international students and provides academic and English language support when needed.
Meeting the minimum requirements (academic and English language proficiency) is essential.
Some programs, especially in Health Care (e.g., Practical Nursing) and Trades, may have limited seats or higher competition.
If you don't meet English requirements, you can still apply to their ESL (English as a Second Language) program first, then progress to your main program.
Estimated Acceptance Rate: 85–90%
Type of Institution: Public community college
Best For: Students seeking practical, career-ready education in a smaller, affordable, and welcoming environment
Address: 9531 94 Avenue, Lac La Biche, Alberta, T0A 2C0
Key Features:
Largest and primary campus
On-campus housing available
Full-time programs in Business, Health, Culinary, Trades, University Transfer, Indigenous Arts
Library, gym, cafeteria, labs, and student support services
Surrounded by lakes and forests — ideal for students who enjoy nature
Address: 101-7825 51 Street, Cold Lake, Alberta, T9M 0B6
Programs Offered: Business, University Transfer, Health Care Aide, ESL
Facilities: Computer labs, classrooms, student services
Note: No on-campus housing, but affordable rentals nearby
Address: 5205 50 Avenue, St. Paul, Alberta, T0A 3A0
Programs Offered: Trades, Office Administration, Academic Upgrading
Facilities: Classrooms, trades shop, academic support centre
Note: Off-campus housing only
Portage College also has small community learning centres in:
Frog Lake
Saddle Lake
Boyle
Wabasca
These centres focus on adult learning, Indigenous education, and academic upgrading, providing flexible access to education in rural areas.
