Open Studies

There are countless benefits of Open Studies, just one of them is flexibility.

Open Studies gives students the unique opportunity to experience more than one program at a time. Students in Open Studies enroll in individual courses rather than a complete program. This makes it a great option for those looking to take general interest courses or those who don't quite meet the entrance requirements for a specific program.

At Portage College, Open Studies can open doors for students who want to explore potential career paths in various fields like: Practical Nursing, Environmental Technologist and Community Social Work. Our goal is to help each student acquire a well-rounded general education with strong skills in a variety of areas.

Benefits for students:
• Choose the courses that will place you on your pathway to success
• Experience the benefits of a program designed as a bridge to help you choose the right path
• Lighten your academic course load when you are planning future full-time studies
• Gain admission requirements to other programs at Portage College or other post-secondary institutions

The Open Studies option is available to students at any of our main campus locations on either a full-lime or part­-time basis.

PLEASE NOTE: Admission requirements vary by individual course, so if you are interested in this option, you must meet with a Student Advisor before enrolling.

Email one of our Student Advisors or call toll-free 1-800-623-5551.

These programs are available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is 0111010246767.

Program Start/End Date 
August 29, 2024 to December 20, 2024 (Fall Term)
January 6, 2025 to April 25, 2025 (Winter Term)
April 28, 2025 to June 20, 2025 (Spring Term)

Application Deadlines:

Fall Term:
Domestic: August 15, 2024
International Student: June 30, 2024 (Applications will be considered if you can obtain a study permit and all the relevant documents before July 15, 2024)

Winter Term:
Domestic: December 12, 2024
International: October 15, 2024 (Applications will be considered if you can obtain a study permit and all the relevant documents before December 15, 2024)

Spring Term:
Domestic: April 17, 2025
International: February 15, 2025 (Applications will be considered if you can obtain a study permit and all the relevant documents before April 15, 2025)

Locations
Lac La Biche Campus
Cold Lake Campus
St. Paul Campus

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Tuition Deposit - $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2024

Tuition $2,594.46
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $158.50
Health Insurance Fee $158.50
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $3,165.44

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2024

Tuition $2,594.46
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $2,848.44

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,013.88

Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170.

Spring Term
Fee payment deadline: April 21, 2025

Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170.

Other mandatory fees per semester

Student Association $68.95
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $23.54
Total $175.20

Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170.

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Need help funding your education? Check out our  funding options.

You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

Fee Explanations

Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable)

If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2024

Tuition $8,385.63
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $158.50
Health Insurance Fee $158.50
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $8,956.61

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2024

Tuition $7,783.38
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $8,037.36

Spring Term
Fee payment deadline: March 21, 2025

Spring tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $510. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $510.

Other mandatory fees per semester

Student Association $68.95
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $23.54
Total $175.20

 Total for spring semester if taking 3 credits $1705.20, if taking 6 credits  $3235.20. 

 Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

Fee Explanations

Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most Portage College programs will be delivered online. students will need regular access to a computer with a webcam and an internet connection. High speed broadband access is highly recommended for the optimal learning experience.

For technical requirements, visit our Moodle page.

We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.
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