Through Budget 2022, Alberta’s government is investing more than $600 million over three years in the Alberta at Work initiative – a suite of strategic investments to help Albertans develop new skills and grow their careers. Targeted enrolment expansion funding is part of this initiative, focusing on creating more seats in high-demand programs in post-secondary institutions. This investment will provide the high-quality education, training and skills students need to succeed in tomorrow’s economy, and give industry, businesses and investors confidence that regional workforce needs will be met.

When announced as part of Budget 2022, the government aimed to create 7,000 new seats in high-demand programs across the province. After collaborating with post-secondary institutions to optimize investment, the government is on track to exceed this goal, creating nearly 10,000 new seats over three years while remaining within the $171-million budget allocation.

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the honour of travelling around our province to deliver exciting news that benefits students, employers, post-secondary institutions and communities in every region. This is the largest targeted enrolment expansion in Alberta’s history. I want to thank all of the institutions who submitted proposals and for working with us to help secure Alberta’s future.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education

Funding is being distributed to 23 post-secondary institutions across the province and is estimated to create the following seat numbers in 78 programs over three years:

  • Edmonton region: $70 million, more than 4,900 seats
  • Calgary region: $84.7 million, more than 3,000 seats
  • Southern region: $5.3 million, more than 180 seats
  • Central region: $5.6 million, more than 880 seats
  • Northeast region: $3.9 million, more than 400 new seats
  • Northwest region: $854,000, more than 340 seats

“Alberta at Work supports people at every stage of their career path and post-secondary education is a critical step for many people. This major investment in training and education will help students pursue their dreams while ensuring that Albertans develop the necessary skills for the jobs of today and into the future.”

Kaycee Madu, Minister of Labour and Immigration

Quick facts

  • Approximate funding for post-secondary institutions that submitted successful proposals follows:
    • Ambrose University –­ $198,000, 30 seats
    • Athabasca University – $165,000, 120 seats
    • Bow Valley College – $4.6 million, 366 seats
    • Burman University – $600,000, 88 seats
    • Concordia University of Edmonton – $1.5 million, 100 seats
    • Keyano College – $1.3 million, 96 seats
    • Lakeland College – $993,000, 135 seats
    • Lethbridge College – $1.2 million, 55 seats
    • MacEwan University – $4 million, 480 seats
    • Medicine Hat College – $324,000, 30 seats
    • Mount Royal University – $7.9 million, 456 seats
    • NAIT – $9.2 million, 411 seats
    • NorQuest College – $7 million, 769 seats
    • Northern Lakes College – $437,000, 150 seats
    • Northwestern Polytechnic – $417,000, 191 seats
    • Olds College – $434,776, 90 seats
    • Portage College – $1.7 million, 175 seats
    • Red Deer Polytechnic – $4.5 million, 711 seats
    • SAIT – $10.8 million, 607 seats
    • St. Mary’s University – $148,000, 30 seats
    • University of Alberta – $48.3 million, 3,231 seats
    • University of Calgary – $61 million, 1,537 seats
    • University of Lethbridge – $3.7 million, 118 seats
Alberta's Recovery Plan