NorQuest College

Edmonton, Canada • Founded 1965

Updated Sep 2026 · Source: norquest.ca

Overview

English Name: NorQuest College
Founded: 1965
Institution Type: College
NorQuest College central facility
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NorQuest College is a publicly funded, post-secondary community college located in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, established by the Government of Alberta in 1965 as Alberta Vocational College before adopting its current name.

The college delivers certificate and diploma programs rather than academic degrees — it confers no bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees itself — spanning business, health, community studies, early learning and child care, digital skills, and academic upgrading, and runs one of Canada's largest Practical Nurse diploma prograMs. Beyond its main downtown Edmonton campus, NorQuest operates regional campuses in Wetaskiwin and Whitecourt and delivers education programming inside several Alberta correctional facilities. The college serves a substantial continuing-education population alongside its credit programming, and is widely known for English as a Second Language and Academic Upgrading pathways that prepare adult learners for further post-secondary study.

Several NorQuest diplomas carry transfer arrangements into partner universities: the Arts and Sciences diploma is designed to transfer credit toward a partner institution's Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, and Business Administration graduates with an accounting specialization can transfer into The King's University's Bachelor of Commerce — in both cases the eventual degree is conferred by the partner university, not by NorQuest itself. The college also runs 1000Women4STEM, a donor-funded award supporting women pursuing STEM diploma programs such as Machine Learning Analyst.

Programs are delivered across in-person, online, blended, and workplace-based formats, serving both new entrants and working adults throughout the Edmonton region and central Alberta.

Location & Contact

NorQuest College's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.

Academic Details

NorQuest College's academic profile in numbers is listed below.

Admission Requirements: NorQuest College admits by programme, mainly on direct entry. Requirements vary by credential but commonly include Alberta English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 (or ESLG equivalents) and a programme-specific Mathematics course, both at a minimum passing grade, with health and nursing programmes also requiring Biology 30. A free academic assessment can satisfy a missing prerequisite, and Academic Upgrading courses offer a conditional-admission pathway. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit proof of proficiency no more than two years old; accepted tests include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, CAEL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, CELBAN, CELPIP, CLB, Cambridge English, ILAC and ILSC, with minimum scores set per programme (general direct-entry programmes typically require IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5; health/nursing programmes require higher bands, e.g. IELTS Academic listening 7.5/speaking 7.0/reading 6.5/writing 7.0). Domestic applicants (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees) apply through ApplyAlberta; international applicants apply through NorQuest's own admissions portal on earlier fixed deadlines. Admission is first-qualified, first-admitted, subject to seat availability, not guaranteed rolling admission.
Total Students: 18,033

Programs Offered

All active programmes at NorQuest College are listed by degree level.

42 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada

Certificate 15 programmes

Showing 10 of 15.

Diploma 20 programmes

Showing 10 of 20.

Postgraduate Certificate 7 programmes

Scholarships in Canada

Funding options available to students studying in Canada, alongside NorQuest College's costs.

How to apply to NorQuest College

How to apply to NorQuest College — a five-step structure.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    NorQuest College's catalogue includes 42 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for NorQuest College's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Submit your completed application through NorQuest College's official website at www.norquest.ca. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about NorQuest College

A short Q&A covering NorQuest College's essentials — founding, location, and structure.

How old is NorQuest College?

The institution opened in 1965 (approximately 61 years ago).

Where is NorQuest College located?

NorQuest College is located in Edmonton, Canada.

What is the student enrolment at NorQuest College?

Student enrolment at NorQuest College is around 18,033.

Where can I learn more about NorQuest College?

NorQuest College's official website is www.norquest.ca.

Top-Ranked Universities in Canada

Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below NorQuest College overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.

Faculties at nearby universities

Universities located near NorQuest College are listed below.

Where Else to Study Health Sciences

These universities in Canada also offer Health Sciences programmes, alongside NorQuest College.

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