Through the third round of Targeted Enrolment Expansion, Alberta is committing more than $148 million over three years to expand high-demand degree, diploma and certificate programs in areas such as health care, education, engineering, technology, early learning and skilled trades.
This investment builds on almost $313 million provided through the first two rounds of Targeted Enrolment Expansion, which will add more than 15,000 funded spaces. The new funding responds to student demand while helping train more nurses, paramedics, teachers, engineers and other skilled professionals needed to support Alberta’s growing economy, public services and communities.
“When students succeed, Alberta succeeds. That’s why our government is making the largest targeted investment in post-secondary expansion in Alberta’s history. This nearly $150 million commitment will create more spaces in the programs students want and employers need. This funding will help build the skilled workforce that drives economic growth and keeps Alberta competitive for years to come.”
“With new spaces in high-demand programs, including multiple science and health science programs, French-language education at Campus Saint-Jean and the liberal arts and sciences at Augustana, we are ensuring learners in every part of this province have the opportunity for a world-class education here at the University of Alberta. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for investing in our students and our university.”
For Albertans, the more than 8,000 new spaces will expand training opportunities across the province, including almost 1,000 seats in nursing, more than 150 in paramedicine and more than 750 in engineering.
“At NAIT, expanding access to high-demand programs helps more students gain the skills and hands-on experience they need to succeed in meaningful careers. This investment expands opportunities for students, supports innovation and helps build the highly skilled workforce that will drive Alberta’s future prosperity.”
As part of this funding, more than $15 million over three years has been committed to create almost 1,000 additional seats in education programs, including bachelor of education programs, after-degree programs and seats under the new expedited teaching certificate pathway. These spaces will help ensure Albertans continue to have access to qualified teachers in classrooms across the province.
“Alberta School Boards Association welcomes this investment in expanding education programs. These new spaces will address kindergarten to Grade 12 enrolment pressures by helping public, catholic and francophone school boards recruit qualified educators to ensure students continue to have access to high-quality learning opportunities now and into the future.”
Quick facts
- Round three will support almost 8,000 additional student spaces by 2028-29.
- The funded spaces are intended to create more post-secondary opportunities for domestic students in Alberta.
- Post-secondary institutions submitted proposals for specific program expansions.
- Funding decisions were based on student and workforce demand, cost, institutional capacity and ability to deliver and align with provincial post-secondary and workforce priorities.
- Students admitted to funded spaces will continue to pay applicable tuition and fees.
- Program availability, admission requirements and application timelines will vary by institution.
Related news
- Strengthening Alberta’s teacher workforce (April 24, 2026)
Related information
- Targeted Enrolment Expansion
- Post-secondary institutions and programs
- Expedited Teaching Certificates