Portage College

Portage College operates the Museum of Aboriginal Peoples’ Art and Artifacts, which is home to nearly 2,000 traditional and contemporary works. The museum complements coursework in the Native Arts programs, which includes studies in beading, carving, sewing, footwear, hide tanning, sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media. These programs are among more than 50 diplomas and certificates offered by the college. Other areas of study include business, environmental studies, technical and university studies, hospitality, health and wellness, human services and trades.

The college has seven campuses across northeastern Alberta. Student residences are available at the Lac La Biche and St. Paul campuses.

Applied research conducted at Portage focuses on environmental, scientific and engineering studies. The energy-efficient Environmental Studies building houses the natural resources technology program and is equipped with a greenhouse, a water simulation lab and dedicated classrooms and lab spaces.

Portage is expanding its list of courses by building partnerships with other institutions. For instance, the school offers a bachelor of business administration degree in management with NAIT and an Aboriginal teacher education degree with the University of Alberta.

School size:
Mid-sized

Tuition:
Diploma $5,600 
Certificate $5,600

Residence offerings:
Yes

Popular programs

Early Learning and Child Care Certificate
Practical Nursing Diploma
Community Social Work Diploma
Bachelor of Nursing

Cool options

Environmental Technologist: Students learn about the natural world, both in the classroom and in the field, and complete work placements. 
Indigenous Art: In this certificate program Students learn traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art forms such as beading, carving, footwear, sewing and hide tanning, as well as the cultural and historic significance of these art forms. Students also complete a practicum. 
Hairstyling and Barbering: This program provides foundational skills in haircutting, texturizing and design through eight months of lectures and salon training.