Updated: Applying to Post-Secondary Education in Alberta
A guide to getting your applications in via ApplyAlberta.
COVID-19 Update:
As of March 16, ApplyAlberta has no planned maintenance or service interruptions on its schedule. No deadline extensions have been announced. Apply as normal, but be sure to check out the website of the school(s) you're interested in for the latest information.
Getting started
Application season is upon us! If you're looking to live the Prairie Life and attend post-secondary in Alberta, you'll need to go through ApplyAlberta, the province's application system. Here's a quick primer to help get you applying in no time.
Before you start, though, be sure to do your research. Sites like SchoolFinder.com and StudyinCanada.com are great resources to compare program offerings and plan a path for your career. Only start the application process when you have a firm idea of where you want to be.
Okay, first off, you'll need a MyAlberta Digital ID. This is a handy online account that can be used to access many provincial services, including ApplyAlberta. You can set it up directly, or as part of your ApplyAlberta application. You'll also need your Alberta Student Number (ASN). If you've previously attended school in Alberta, you've already got one, and you can look it up through the Learner Registry. Otherwise, ApplyAlberta will create an ASN for you.
Your application
The schools you apply to will probably want to see your transcripts so they can judge your eligibility. At the start of your application, you'll need to authorize their transmission, so read the terms and conditions. If you agree, continue with your application. If you don't agree, though, you won't be able to proceed!
Next up you'll need to fill in your profile. This consists of personal info, contact details, and your academic history. Tell the system about any high schools or post-secondary institutions you've attended, along with the dates you started and completed your studies. If you're currently in high school, you'll also have to include the marks you've earned in your courses.
Now it's time to apply. Choose the school you're interested in and be sure to double check the admission requirements. They vary by institution, so now's your chance to be sure you're eligible to enrol. When you're satisfied, just fill out the prompts! The school will let you know which transcripts they'll receive directly, and which you'll need to track down yourself. (Normally this means contacting your former school and having them send the transcript for you, for which there may be a fee.)
When you're done, you'll be asked to take a moment to review your application. Read it carefully to ensure all your info is correct. Then it's fee time: get your credit card ready. Fees vary by institution — the University of Alberta, for example, charges around $100.
And that's it! You've applied — congratulations! Keep an eye on your inbox, and your spam filter, for word from the schools you've applied to. They'll reach out directly with more info and details.
Next steps
You can always return to ApplyAlberta to apply to other schools. The process is the same, though your personal and academic info will be saved, so your next application will be that much easier.
Check back in with SchoolFinderand StudyinCanada now and then to find articles, advice and support for every step of your educational journey, from your first semester to your first career.
Enjoy your studies!