Overview
Portage College is a public, board-governed college serving northeast Alberta, with roots tracing to Alberta NewStart in 1968.
Headquartered in Lac La Biche, it operates across multiple campuses in the region, including Lac La Biche, Cold Lake, and St. Paul, bringing post-secondary and skills training within reach of rural and Indigenous communities that would otherwise be far from a campus.
The college's stated mission is to connect people with knowledge, skills, and opportunities that let them transform their own lives, and it operates under Alberta's Post-secondary Learning Act. Programming spans health and emergency services, business, human services and education, arts, environmental technology, trades apprenticeships, and university-transfer studies, with many diploma programs built on a stackable certificate-then-diploma structure.
Portage partners with universities such as Athabasca University and the University of Calgary so graduates can ladder credits into bachelor's-level study.
The college describes a deliberate Indigenous focus: its service area overlaps Treaty 6, 8, and 10 territories and Métis homelands, and it runs an "Indigenous Ways of Knowing" initiative reflecting a commitment to truth and reconciliation in how programs and campus life are delivered. Portage also supports apprentices registered with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training in trades such as welding, electrical, and heavy equipment technology, alongside continuing-education and academic-upgrading options for adult learners preparing for further study or direct entry into the workforce.
Location & Contact
Portage College's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.
Academic Details
Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Portage College are listed below.
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Portage College offers is searchable and grouped by level below.
45 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Certificate 17 programmes
Showing 10 of 17.
Diploma 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
Trades - Apprenticeship 5 programmes
How to apply to Portage College
The application path for Portage College, in five steps.
-
1
Identify the right programme
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Portage College runs 45 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
-
2
Check entry requirements
Before applying to Portage College, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Canada.
-
3
Prepare your application documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Portage College's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
-
4
Submit via the institution
Lodge your application through the official website (www.portagecollege.ca). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
-
5
Get in touch with admissions
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portage College
Quick answers to common questions about Portage College.
How old is Portage College?
The institution opened in 1968 (approximately 58 years ago).
In which city is Portage College?
Portage College is based in Lac La Biche, Canada.
How many students study at Portage College?
Portage College has approximately 1,727 students.
What is Portage College's official website?
The institution's website is www.portagecollege.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
Selectivity at the top Canada universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to Portage College. The selectivity gap between Portage College and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.
Faculties at nearby universities
These universities are located near Portage College, listed below for students comparing options by location.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
These universities in Canada also offer Liberal Arts programmes, alongside Portage College.
Universities Compared with Portage College
Comparable universities to Portage College are listed below.
Studying in Canada: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
Save this university to your shortlist
Save universities and programs, follow countries, and get deadline reminders by email. Free, takes a few seconds.
