Northern Lakes College
Slave Lake, Canada • Founded 1999
Updated Sep 2026 · Source: northernlakescollege.ca
Overview
Northern Lakes College (NLC) is a public community college headquartered in Slave Lake, Alberta, with additional campuses in High Prairie, Fairview, and Wabasca-Desmarais, serving more than a quarter of the province's landmass across northern and northwestern Alberta.
Established in 1970 and marking its 50th anniversary in 2020, the college was built to bring accessible post-secondary education to a vast, sparsely populated region that includes 15 First Nations and four Metis Settlements. Its signature delivery model, Supported Distance Learning, combines online coursework with local in-person labs, practicums and tutor support, letting residents train for careers without relocating to a major city.
NLC's program areas span Academic Upgrading, Apprenticeship and Pre-Employment Trades, Business and Administrative Studies, Health Careers, Human Service Careers, Resource Technology, and University Studies, plus a community-based partnership with the University of Calgary's Werklund School of Education for a Bachelor of Education pathway. Career offerings range from short certificates such as Health Care Aide and Educational Assistant to two-year diplomas in fields like Practical Nursing, Addictions Counselling, and Human Resource Management, alongside Red Seal apprenticeships in trades such as Electrician and Welder.
Small class sizes, flexible full- and part-time study, and multiple yearly intakes support the college's mission of improving employment opportunities and quality of life for adults across northern Alberta.
Location & Contact
Address, contact details, and online presence for Northern Lakes College are summarised below.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Northern Lakes College's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.
Programs Offered
Search and filter Northern Lakes College's available programmes by degree level.
27 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 1 programme
Certificate 9 programmes
Diploma 9 programmes
Trades - Apprenticeship 8 programmes
How to apply to Northern Lakes College
A five-step path through the application process at Northern Lakes College.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Northern Lakes College's 27 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Northern Lakes College typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Northern Lakes College processes applications through www.northernlakescollege.ca. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at (780)849-8600 . Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Lakes College
Common questions about Northern Lakes College — answers from its published profile.
When did Northern Lakes College open?
Northern Lakes College traces its founding to 1999 (approximately 27 years ago).
What city is Northern Lakes College in?
Northern Lakes College operates from Slave Lake, Canada.
How big is Northern Lakes College's student body?
Northern Lakes College serves approximately 1,846 students.
What is Northern Lakes College's official website?
The institution's website is www.northernlakescollege.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below Northern Lakes College overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.
Faculties at nearby universities
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