GETTING STARTED AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
Welcome to Academy of Learning Career College, where we take pride in fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our diverse community of international students. Recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by students arriving from around the world, we are committed to providing comprehensive international student services aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and successful academic journey.
For more information, click the link below to visit the IRCC website, and contact an Admissions Representative at the campus of your choice for more information and assistance with confirming your study arrangements.
IRCC WEBSITEWhy Choose AOLCC?
An Affordable Investment
Our admissions and campus staff are here to help you get started and complete your program, ready to earn more in a career you love. We’ll help you explore and apply for financial aid as well as provide you with resources and support to budget effectively during your program.
No matter what life changing moment you’re looking for in your career, we’ll help you get there.
Choose a Location & Meet with an Admissions Advisor
Contact the Academy of Learning Career College location of your choice to meet with an admissions representative who will provide details on programs and guide you through the process.
See the list of Academy Learning Career College LocationsSelect Your Program
Review programs in 9 different areas and find a career you’re passionate about. You could be there in less than a year, all of our career programs are designed to prepare students for today’s in-demand workplaces in 12 months or less.
REVIEW THE PROGRAMSConfirm Entrance Requirements
Enrollment at Academy of Learning Career College requires successful completion of High School or Canadian equivalency as well as English language proficiency. You may be required to provide transcript and educational equivalency assessment through the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or World Education Services (WES) and/or undertake and English language proficiency examination.
REVIEW ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTSApply
Our Admissions Coordinator will guide you through the application documents and application fee and will provide you with a copy of your signed student enrollment documents, academic and student policies.
CONNECT WITH AN ADMISSIONS COORDINATORPrepare for Canada
For tips and other information to help you prepare for your arrival in Canada, visit the IRCC webpage here. You will also need to arrange for accommodation and obtain health insurance while studying in Canada. Our Student Services staff is available at your campus of study to assist you with resources and support with your transition to Canada.
Academic Support Services
Our dedicated team of academic advisors and Learning coaches is available to assist international students in navigating the academic landscape. Whether it's clarifying coursework, providing study strategies, peer tutors or offering additional resources, we are here to empower students to excel in their chosen programs.
Counseling Services
We understand that adjusting to a new academic and cultural environment can be a transformative but sometimes challenging experience. Our student services are there to support you every step of the way they offer a safe and confidential space for international students to discuss personal, academic, or cultural concerns. Our experienced staff are here to provide guidance, support, and resources to help students thrive. Including identifying free counseling and community support resources for students.
Career Counseling & Planning
CCISHelp with Career Planning: alis Government of AlbertaGovernment of Alberta Employment ServicesGeneral Support Resources:
Help in Tough Times (Community, Mental Health and other resources)Housing Assistance
Securing comfortable and safe accommodation is a crucial aspect of the international student experience. Our student services will assist/support international students to secure adequate and safe housing. In addition to providing information about local housing options, we offer guidance in navigating the local housing market.
*Please note that Academy of Learning Career College is not affiliated with any of the below and cannot guarantee quality or service.
Canada VisaCity of CalgaryCanada Homestay NetworkCAPREITRent FasterRentSeekerSocial Integration
Building a sense of community and belonging is at the heart of our social integration services. From orientation, to graduation we facilitate opportunities for international students to connect with peers, engage in extracurricular activities, and build lasting friendships. Our goal is to create an inclusive and vibrant campus environment.
Health Services
The well-being of our students is paramount. Our health services include access to information about local healthcare providers, guidance on Alberta Health Care Insurance, and support in navigating the Canadian healthcare system. We prioritize the physical and mental health of our international students to ensure they can focus on their studies with peace of mind.
Alberta Health Care Insurance for International students
If you are a student from outside Canada, you may be eligible for AHCIP coverage.
- Students under 18 years of age must be added to the AHCIP account of a custodian.
- Students who have a 12-month study permit (valid for an Alberta educational institute) and who will reside in Alberta for 12 months or more are eligible for AHCIP coverage and should apply.
- Students with study permits valid for less than 12 months, may be eligible for AHCIP coverage if their application is accompanied by a letter from the school confirming their enrollment and their intent to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months.
- Students who transfer to an educational institute outside Alberta or move to another province or territory are no longer eligible for AHCIP coverage and must contact AHCIP to have it cancelled.
Emergency Services
Call: 911
Local HospitalsMental Health ServiceFederal Immigration Regulations and Requirements
A study permit is issued to students by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It authorizes an individual to study at a designated learning institution in Canada for the duration of the program of study.
How To ApplyStudying and working in Canada as an international student
You may be eligible to work while studying in Canada, or you may be looking to assist your spouse or common-law partner get a work permit while you study.
More InformationOur career programs are designed to prepare students for today's in-demand workplaces in one year or less.
Choose a program category below
Simply a Better Way to Learn
We’ve taken all of the key elements required for maximum success in career training and developed an innovative system that integrates them all. The result is a system that helps you learn – and retain what you learn – by making you the focus.
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Entrance Requirements
Admission
Admission to Academy of Learning programs requires all applicants to follow our formal admissions process which includes an interview with school administration as well as providing all required documentation including proof of age, high school diploma or Canadian equivalency, and proof of English language proficiency. NOTE: Transcript and education equivalencies may require assessment through the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or World Education Services (WES).
Students applying to all programs must meet the following general admission requirements in addition to any specific program requirements.
Standard Admission
Students must meet ONE of the following criteria:
- Alberta High School Diploma, verified by transcript, or non-Alberta equivalent
OR
- General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.)
AND
- Successful interview with school administration
Mature Admission
Students must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Passing score on standard entrance test (Wonderlic, CAST level 3, OR Accuplacer).
- Successful interview with school administration
English Language Proficiency
All courses at Academy of Learning Career College are taught in English. To qualify for admission, all applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. We are dedicated to your success, so English upgrading opportunities may be recommended to you should you have difficulty undertaking the program of your choice.
English language proficiency requirements noted in this section apply to most Academy of Learning programs. Where programs are regulated by external agencies (e.g. Health Care Aide Certificate), please refer to the specific program requirements.
There are 5 ways to meet ELP requirements:
- Complete High School Diploma in Canada
- Language of instruction must be English at an approved Canadian high school
- Complete at least 1 year of full-time post secondary education in English
- Language of instruction must be noted on transcript OR
- Education must be from one of the recognized public colleges or universities approved by Academy of Learning. (see Approved English Language of Instruction list below).
- Complete at least 3 years of full-time secondary education (high school) in English,
- Language of instruction must be noted on transcript OR
- Education must be from one of the recognized public colleges or universities approved by Academy of Learning. (see Approved English Language of Instruction list below)
- Achieve an acceptable score on a recognized ELP test
- Acceptable test scores are:
- IELTS Academic: 6 (no section scores below 5.5)
- TOEFL iBT 71
- CELPIP General: 7 (with no section score below 6)
- CLB 7 in each strand, not an average of 7
- Duolingo English Test (minimum score of 93)
Approved English Language of Instruction
The following countries have been identified as providing instruction in English. If an applicant has completed 3 years of secondary education (high school) in a public (state-funded) school or completed at least one year of full-time higher education (post-secondary) in a recognized public college or university an ELP test is not required. If education was completed in a country NOT LISTED below, a language proficiency assessment will be required.
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Botswana
- British Virgin Islands
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Christmas Islands
- Cocos Islands
- Cook Islands
- Dominica
- Falkland Islands
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Malta
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Niue
- Norfolk Island
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Scotland
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- South Africa
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Eswatiti (formerly Swaziland)
- Tanzania
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Tuition & Refund Policies
Tuition and Fees
Courses are presented with all the necessary materials included. All fees are payable to Academy of Learning Career College and may be in the form of Visa, MasterCard, or cash (as accepted by your local college).
A non-refundable International Student Application Fee of $500 will be charged for review of applicant eligibility for admission.
The total tuition fees are due and payable by the start date unless specific arrangements have been with the college and recorded in the student’s enrollment contract. If the student is being sponsored, the college requires a letter of authorization. Academic credit is not given until all financial obligations have been met.
Transfer Policy
Enrolment contracts are not transferable from one student to another.
Students must complete their program of study at the college identified on their contract.
If a student wishes to transfer to another Academy of Learning Career College, they must request this in writing from their originating college well in advance of the proposed transfer date.
Transfers are approved at the sole discretion of the College Director of the college location to which the student wants to transfer and will only be considered if the student is in good standing.
Academy of Learning Career College cannot guarantee that a transfer will be approved. This policy is subject to approval from the student’s funding agency and space availability at the college to which the student wants to transfer.
Dispute Resolution
Academy of Learning Career College strives to provide you with the highest quality training available.
Our staff have been carefully selected and trained to provide a professional, caring environment. Should we fall short of our goals, we want you to let us know. Our staff is available to review and discuss any concerns you have and are ready to provide you with assistance.
The Dispute Resolution Policy is designed to provide students with two processes, Informal and Formal, to resolve concerns.
Informal Resolution Process:
If you have any problems or concerns during your training we encourage you to discuss them promptly with your Learning Coach. If you require additional assistance, your Learning Coach will approach or direct you to the staff member who will be able to help you, and they will arrange a meeting with you to review the concern and request a solution. If, for any reason, the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may escalate the issue through the Formal Resolution Process.
Formal Resolution Process
In the event that your complaint is not resolved at the informal campus level with your Learning Coach, you may escalate the dispute to the Management Team through our aolstudents@myaolcc.com. The formal submission must contain the following information in writing:
- Date and time of the incident (or the start date if the matter in ongoing).
- Description of the issue of concern or dispute
- The steps taken by you to address the concern
- The steps you feel have been taken by the campus to address the concern
- What resolution are you seeking for this situation?
- Your best/preferred method of contact and full contact information
The formal dispute submission will be acknowledged as received, and a decision response to the dispute will be provided within 72 business hours.
Students have the right to appeal any resolution decision provided at any level and should clearly identify in their formal dispute email if they are appealing a decision already made. Please provide the appropriate details of that situation and the decision provided.If a student feels that their concerns have not been addressed through the aolstudents@myaolcc.com, they may request that their matter be escalated to the Managing Director. The Managing Director will acknowledge receipt of the dispute submission and will provide a decision email within 5 working days.
Privacy Policy
Academy of Learning ® Career College is committed to, and accountable for, the protection and proper use of personal information. As a Private Institution, the Academy of Learning Career College adheres to Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and our commitment extends to meeting or exceeding all of the of the legislated requirements related to personal information.
“Personal information” is personally identifiable information, such as your name, address, e-mail address, Social Insurance identification, birth date and gender. Personal information is collected when you choose to provide it to us when enrolling for training, requesting information on training from an Academy of Learning Career College, or attending an Academy of Learning Career College to obtain information. Business contact information such as the name, title, business address, e-mail address or telephone number of a business or professional persona or an employee of an organization is not considered personal information.
Access and Disclosure of Personal Information
For access to your personal information, please contact the Campus location directly. Your request must be in writing, and should include enough identifying information, so that we can expeditiously locate your personal information.
Academy of Learning will not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We will only disclose our personal information to third parties:
- Where you have specifically given us your consent to disclose your personal information for a designated purpose;
- Who are acting on our behalf, as our agents, suppliers or service providers, solely to enable us to more efficiently provide you with the training and other services that you have requested;
- To facilitate the provision of training and services that you have requested; or
- As required by law, including by any order of any court, institution or body with authority to compel the production of information.
Refund Policy
Section 17 of the Private Vocational Training Regulation specifies the maximum amount of tuition that a private career college can retain when a student contract is terminated.
Regardless of the funding source, the licensed program provider cannot accept more tuition than allowed under the regulation but can accept a lesser amount. According to Section 21 of the regulation, tuition refunds must be paid:
- to the party that paid the tuition fee
- within 30 days of termination of the student contract, or the time period specified in an order of the Director of the PCC Branch of Alberta Advanced Education.
The College will refund all tuition fees paid if:
- The student cancels their contract on or before the 4th business day after signing it
- Academy of Learning Career College terminates the student contract before training begins
- Program training does not commence on the start date designated in the student contract
If a student contract is terminated after the vocational training begins, the college is entitled to retain the following amounts of the tuition fees:
(a) when 10% or less of the vocational training has been provided, 25% of the tuition fees;
(b) when more than 10% but 50% or less of the vocational training has been provided, 60% of the tuition fees;
(c) when more than 50% of the vocational training has been provided, 100% of the tuition fees.
For more information go to: https://www.alberta.ca/tuition-refunds