Columbia College
Calgary

Our Story

Columbia College Calgary was established in 1986 with a clear purpose: to serve adult learners who have historically been underrepresented in post-secondary education. Located in northeast Calgary, the College has grown into a comprehensive community institution serving students across a wide range of programs, including language training and academic upgrading to licensed vocational diplomas, continuing education, and community support services.

With an average student age of approximately 35 years, Columbia College proudly serves working adults, newcomers to Canada, individuals re-entering the workforce, and anyone seeking professional development. Approximately 75% of students are new Canadians, and the College community collectively speaks over 57 languages.

Vision

To be a highly respected international leader in innovative, game-changing, high-quality education and training, recognized for outstanding learner outcomes and graduate employment success.

Mission

Columbia's graduates will achieve exceptionally high graduation rates, external exam rates, and employer satisfaction rates. Students will rate their program, faculty, and staff support as outstanding in their field. Employers will be extremely satisfied with graduates' technical and professional knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional behaviours.

Our Values

Fall 2025

Winter 2026

Spring / Summer 2026

Convocation

Convocation is held annually to celebrate graduates from all programs. For the most current date, location, and guest ticket information, visit:

Columbia College Calgary offers credentials across five broad areas of study. All programs are delivered at the Calgary campus unless otherwise noted. For full program details, admission requirements, and current intake dates, visit the program pages linked below.

Diploma & Certificate Programs

Academic Upgrading & College Preparation

Language & Foundational Skills

Continuing Education & Professional Development

Community Support Services

The Community Support Services Department (CSSD) operates programs supporting individuals with disabilities and employment services for the broader community. These programs operate under their own schedules and eligibility criteria.

Cooperative Education

All students enrolled in professional diploma programs are required to complete at least one cooperative education (practicum) placement per academic year of study. Placements are coordinated through Student Services and are treated as a credited course. Employer evaluations form part of the final grade for the co-op course.

Columbia College Calgary welcomes applications from all individuals who can benefit from our programs. We encourage prospective students to connect with an Admissions Advisor prior to applying.

General Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by program. All applicants to professional diploma programs must:

• Complete the Columbia College application form
• Provide proof of identity and, where applicable, legal authorization to study in Canada
• Complete a program-specific academic assessment to demonstrate prerequisite skills in English, math, and/or science
• Submit any program-specific documentation (e.g., criminal record checks, health clearances)

Applicants who do not meet academic prerequisites may be eligible to enroll in Academic Upgrading or English as an Additional Language before entering their desired program. Additionally, students may take a College Prep course to meet their outstanding academic requirements. Students who qualify are eligible for up to 100% tuition discount on their College Prep courses. Please contact admission advisor to learn more.

Domestic Students

International Students

International students must hold a valid study permit. Additional documentation requirements apply. Contact the Admissions office for current processing timelines.

Assessment & Testing

Academic assessments are administered through the Assessment & Testing Services centre. Columbia College has developed program-specific assessment tools designed to evaluate readiness for each program of study.

Admission Process

Tuition varies by program type, length, and delivery format. Most programs require payment of tuition on a semester or course-by-course basis. Fees may include tuition, student activity fees, technology fees, and where applicable, uniform, equipment, or clinical supply costs.

Funding Your Education

A range of funding sources are available to eligible students, including:

• Alberta Student Aid (loans and grants)
• Canada Student Financial Assistance
• Employment Insurance (EI), for eligible programs
• Government-funded training programs (e.g., Canada-Alberta Job Grant)
• Columbia Learning Society Scholarships and Bursaries

Grading

Columbia College uses a percentage-based grading system. Program-specific passing grades are defined in individual program regulations. Evaluation and Academic Standards outline the different criteria used to determine letter grades.

Note: Specific programs (e.g., Practical Nurse, Dental Assisting) may require a minimum passing grade higher than 60%. Refer to your program handbook for program-specific requirements.

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected of all students. Columbia College's facilitation model depends on active participation. Excessive absences may affect a student's standing in a course. Faculty may set attendance expectations in their course syllabus.

Withdrawals

Students wishing to withdraw from a course or program must do so in writing through Student Services. Withdrawal deadlines and refund eligibility are governed by the Tuition Refund Policy. A "W" notation on a transcript indicates voluntary withdrawal prior to the published deadline.

Academic Probation

Students who fail to maintain the minimum required academic standing in their program may be placed on academic probation. The terms of probation, including conditions for continuation, will be communicated in writing by the relevant Department Chair.

Appeals

Students who wish to appeal an academic decision (including a grade, withdrawal decision, or probation status) must do so in accordance with the Academic Appeals process outlined in the Academic Regulations.

Columbia College offers a comprehensive range of student supports designed to help learners succeed from admission through graduation and into employment.

Online Student Resources

Academic Integrity

Columbia College Calgary expects all students to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in all academic work. Academic dishonesty includes plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, and unauthorized collaboration. Alleged breaches are reviewed by the relevant Department Chair and may result in a grade of zero on the assessment, failure of the course, or recommendation for dismissal from the program.

Diversity & Inclusion

Columbia College is committed to a learning environment that is welcoming, equitable, and respectful of all individuals. The College's Diversity Statement affirms the right of all people to learn and work free from bias, discrimination, and harassment, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

Indigenous Engagement

Columbia College acknowledges that it operates on the traditional territories of the peoples of the Treaty 7 region. The College's Office of Indigenous Engagement supports Indigenous students and works to integrate Indigenous perspectives into curriculum and institutional practice.

Privacy & Records

As a private post-secondary institution, Columbia College collects, uses, and protects student personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of Alberta. Student records are confidential. No personal or academic information will be released to a third party without the student's written consent, except as permitted by law - such as to sponsors or civil authorities conducting a formal investigation. Columbia's instructional and administrative staff may access student records only when there is a legitimate and necessary reason to do so.

Student Code of Conduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with the standards of their chosen field. Behaviour that disrupts the learning environment, harms others, or violates College policies may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. See the Academic Regulations for the full Code of Conduct.

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