Overview
Publicly-funded post-secondary institutions receive financial support from government and are accountable to Alberta taxpayers. Their programs and services are guided by legislation called the Post-secondary Learning Act.
This legislation requires publicly-funded institutions to develop a mandate that outlines their:
- priorities
- learning focus
- vision
- role in Alberta’s adult learning system
Mandates are approved by government and shared online.
Alberta’s publicly-funded post-secondary institutions are organized into different sectors, based on the:
- range of learning program options they have for students
- types of research they undertake
- independence these institutions have from government
Comprehensive academic and research universities (CARUs)
CARUs offer a range of academic and professional programs, and have a strong research focus.
Table 1. Comprehensive academic and research universities in Alberta
| Institution name | Primary geographic service area | Mandate |
|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University | Provincewide | Athabasca University mandate |
| University of Alberta | Provincewide | University of Alberta mandate |
| University of Calgary | Provincewide | University of Calgary mandate |
| University of Lethbridge | Provincewide | University of Lethbridge mandate |
Academic programs
CARU programs generally lead to undergraduate and graduate credentials. These institutions:
- provide approved undergraduate and graduate degree programs
- may offer approved diploma and certificate programs
Research
CARUs lead the province’s research and innovation agenda and can undertake all forms of research, including discovery.
- the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge have a strong research focus
- most of Athabasca University’s research focuses on distance delivery education
Collaboration
- CARUs may collaborate with other post-secondary institutions to support regional access to undergraduate degree programs
Learner focus
- most students at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge learn on campus
- Athabasca University is an open university focused on online learning and serves students interested in open, flexible learning opportunities
Comprehensive community colleges (CCCs)
CCC programs prepare students for work or further learning.
Table 2. Comprehensive community college institutions in Alberta
| Institution name | Primary geographic service area | Mandate |
|---|---|---|
| Bow Valley College | Calgary and region | Bow Valley College mandate |
| Grande Prairie Regional College | Northwestern Alberta | Grande Prairie Regional College mandate |
| Keyano College | Northeastern Alberta | Keyano College mandate |
| Lakeland College | East Central Alberta | Lakeland College mandate |
| Lethbridge College | Southwestern Alberta | Lethbridge College Mandate |
| Medicine Hat College | Southeastern Alberta | Medicine Hat College mandate |
| NorQuest College | Edmonton and region | NorQuest College mandate |
| Northern Lakes College | North Central Alberta | Northern Lakes College mandate |
| Olds College | Central Alberta | Olds College mandate |
| Portage College | East Central Alberta | Portage College mandate |
| Red Deer College | Central Alberta | Red Deer College mandate |
Academic programs
These institutions provide:
- academic upgrading and adult learning programs
- diploma and certificate programs
These institutions may also provide:
- undergraduate degree programs in collaboration with a university or autonomously
- apprenticeship technical training programs
- English as a Second Language
CCCs do not provide graduate level programs.
Research
CCCs can undertake research and scholarly activities that either:
- align with the credential offered
- are focused on industry or community needs that support economic and social development in their region
Collaboration
- CCCs collaborate with other post-secondary institutions to support regional access to undergraduate programs
Learner focus
- CCCs build the skills to get a job in a specific field, and/or to provide the education needed for admission into other learning programs
Independent academic institutions (IAIs)
IAIs primarily provide liberal arts, science and education programs.
Institutions
- Ambrose University
- Burman University
- Concordia University of Edmonton
- The King's University
- St. Mary's University
IAIs operate under their own legislation but are partly governed by the Post-secondary Learning Act, and work towards the province's 5 adult learning system principles. IAIs have different governance and accountability requirements than other publicly-funded post-secondary institutions; their Boards are not appointed by the Minister and they are not required to have a government-approved mandate statement.
Academic programs
These institutions offer a blend of publicly and privately approved programming, including:
- academic upgrading and adult learning programs
- diploma and certificate programs
- degree programs
IAIs may also provide graduate level programs in niche areas under particular conditions.
Research
- IAIs undertake research and scholarly activities that are aligned with the credentials offered
Collaboration
- IAIs collaborate with other post-secondary institutions to support regional access to undergraduate degree programs
Learner focus
- IAIs serve learners that want an education that can either lead to a job or further study
Polytechnic institutions (PIs)
Polytechnics provide industry and career training, including apprenticeship and continuing education.
Table 3. Polytechnic institutions in Alberta
| Institution name | Primary geographic service area | Mandate |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Northern Alberta | NAIT mandate |
| Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT Polytechnic) | Southern Alberta | SAIT mandate |
Academic programs
These institutions:
- provide approved apprenticeship, diploma, and certificate programs
- may provide approved undergraduate degree programs
- may provide academic upgrading and adult learning programs
- do not provide graduate level programs
Research
- PIs may undertake research and scholarly activities that align with the credentials offered, or that are focused on strengthening economic development in the province
Collaboration
- PIs may collaborate with other post-secondary institutions to support regional access to diploma, certificate, or undergraduate degree programs
Learner focus
- PIs serve learners interested in career and technical programming
Specialized arts and cultural institutions (SACIs)
These institutions focus on fine arts and culture.
Table 4. Specialized arts and cultural institutions in Alberta
| Institution name | Primary geographic service area | Mandate |
|---|---|---|
| Banff Centre | Throughout and beyond Alberta | Banff Centre mandate |
Academic programs
- SACIs provide non-credentialed and approved certificate or diploma programs
Research
- SACIs may undertake research and scholarly activities that align with the programs offered by the institution
Collaboration
- SACIs may collaborate with other post-secondary institutions to support regional access to specialized arts, culture, and non-credentialed and approved certificate and diploma programs
Learner focus
- these institutions serve learners interested in the fine arts and creativity
- Banff Centre serves the needs of learners with prior academic and professional experience
Undergraduate universities (UUs)
UUs focus on undergraduate level education and applied research.
Table 5. Undergraduate universities in Alberta
| Institution name | Primary geographic service area | Mandate |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta University of the Arts | Provincewide | Alberta University of the Arts mandate |
| Grant MacEwan University | Northern Alberta | Grant MacEwan University mandate |
| Mount Royal University | Southern Alberta | Mount Royal University mandate |
Academic programs
These institutions:
- provide approved undergraduate degree programs
- may provide approved diploma or certificate programs
- may provide academic upgrading and adult learning programs
- do not provide graduate level programs, unless already approved to do so (e.g. Alberta University of the Arts)
Research
- UUs may undertake research and scholarly activities that enrich undergraduate education
Collaboration
- UUs collaborate with other post-secondary institutions to support regional access to undergraduate degree programs
Learner focus
- these universities serve learners that want an education that can either lead to a job or further study