Much of Northern Lakes College's teaching happens at a distance. Its head office is in Slave Lake, on the shore of Lesser Slave Lake, and it runs small campuses and learning centres in communities across northern Alberta. Students often study online with local support staff. Programmes focus on health, social services, trades and upgrading, with small class sizes.
Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada
Official website: northernlakescollege.ca
Public comprehensive community college
Slave Lake, Alberta
Campuses and learning centres across northern Alberta
CA$14,000 – CA$18,000
International students, approximate, confirm with the college
CA$11,000 – CA$14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on northernlakescollege.ca before you apply.
Practical Nurse Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Health Care Aide Certificate
CertificateDuration
8 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Social Work Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Supported distance learning across a very large region.
Small classes and local learning centres.
Health and social programmes suited to rural communities.
Graduates work in rural hospitals, continuing care and community agencies.
Northern Alberta has ongoing demand for health care aides and practical nurses.
Check post-graduation work permit eligibility for your programme before enrolling.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Selected programmes
Postgrad
No PG intake
Slave Lake is a small town on Lesser Slave Lake, with beaches, boreal forest and good fishing. Much of it was rebuilt after the 2011 wildfire.
Winters are long and cold, and a car helps. Rent is lower than in Edmonton, which is about three hours south.
Letter of acceptance from Northern Lakes College
Alberta provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
Northern Lakes College accepts applications until programmes fill. International students should first confirm that their chosen programme is open to study permit holders, then apply at least eight months ahead.
Most programmes start in September, with some in January.
Study permit, applied for through IRCC. You'll upload the acceptance letter from Northern Lakes College, an attestation letter if your programme needs one, proof you can pay tuition and living costs, and then give biometrics.
Practical nursing, health care aide, early learning and child care, and social work are among its main programmes. Entry needs a completed secondary school education with relevant English and science, plus an English test at the required level.
The college has some awards and bursaries, mostly for Alberta residents. Ask the college which ones international students can apply for.
