English language proficiency requirements
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency as part of the admissions process.
For most programs, there are five ways to meet ELP requirements.
Complete high school in Canada
Your studies must have been in English at an approved Canadian high school with at least three consecutive years of full-time academic study and completion of Grade 12 English or its equivalent.
Complete a recognized post-secondary degree or diploma program in Canada
The program must have involved at least two full years of full-time, consecutive academic study in English.
Complete at least three consecutive years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study in English in an ELP recognized country
These studies must include satisfactory completion of Grade 12 English or its equivalent. It cannot include English as a Second Language or Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada courses.
Applicants who have successfully completed at least three consecutive years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study in English in one of these countries may meet English language proficiency requirements for NorQuest programs.
- American Samoa
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Botswana
- Brunei
- Cameroon1
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands
- Fiji
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Grenada
- Guam
- Guyana
- India2
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Philippines3
- Republic of Ireland
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- South Africa
- St Helena
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Tanzania
- The Gambia1
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Virgin islands
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Notes:
1 – Individuals educated under the British education model only; to be confirmed by the General Certificate of Education.
2 – Individuals educated in secondary and senior secondary schools affiliated with the CBSE and CISCE examining bodies only. Post-secondary studies are not considered towards the needed years of education.
3 – Must be confirmed with a letter from the applicant’s previous high school and/or university that specifies the language of instruction was English. Not available for the Pharmacy Technician program.
Complete NorQuest College EAL Intensive coursework that the program has identified as acceptable for meeting ELP.
To find out which courses you need to take to meet the ELP requirements, visit the program page.
Achieve an acceptable score on an ELP testView your program to see the test scores we accept.
English proficiency test options
CAEL
When completing the test, indicate you are seeking admission to NorQuest College so we can confirm your results online.
Visit CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) for more information.
Cambridge English Language Assessment
Send us your Statement of Results number and date of birth, or share your results with NorQuest College through the Candidate Results website to admissions@norquest.ca.
Visit Cambridge English Language Assessment for more information.
CELBANA
A test for internationally educated nurses. When completing the test, indicate you are seeking admission to NorQuest College so we can confirm your results online.
Visit CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses) for more information.
CELPIP
For foundational programs only. When completing the test, indicate you are seeking admission to NorQuest College so we can confirm your results online.
Visit CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) for more information.
CLB
Submit your original CLBA, CLBPA, or CLBPT results to the Office of the Registrar.
Arrange for your CLB test through:
Language Assessment, Referral & Counselling Centre
8212 118 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T5B 0S3
Note: CLBPT results cannot be accepted for Health Care Aide.
Visit CLB (Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks) for more information.
Duolingo
Share your results with NorQuest College through the Duolingo portal.
Visit Duolingo for more information.
IELTS Academic
Send us your test report form number so that we can confirm your results online to admissions@norquest.ca.
Visit IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) for more information.
ILAC
To request your offical ILAC certificate, you should contact a Student Services Manager at least five busienss days before you need the document.
Visit International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC) for more information.
ILSC
Send your certificate to admissions@norquest.ca so that we can confirm your results.
PTE Academic (or PTE Academic Online)
Send us your Score Report Code or share your results with NorQuest College through your candidate account to admissions@norquest.ca.
Visit PTE Academic for more information.
TOEFL
Request that your results be mailed directly from TOEFL to NorQuest College.
Visit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for more information.
Note: Beginning January 21, 2026, TOEFL will introduce a new test scoring scale. Check back in 2026 requirements on the new scale. Test scores in both the new and old scoring system will continue to be accepted.
In cases where contradictory evidence has been received, NorQuest College may need further evidence of ELP. Examples of contradictory evidence include low grades on English-based courses, low scores on English placement or ELP tests, and/or significant communication difficulties.
Following college policies and procedures, the Office of the Registrar makes the final determination of whether evidence of ELP is needed for an applicant. If ELP is needed from you, this item will appear on your ‘To Do’ list in MyQuest.
About NorQuest College
With the strength of a NorQuest College education, our learners have the skills and confidence to further their studies, begin new careers, provide better lives for their families, and make valuable contributions to society.
At NorQuest, we have a unique ability to provide students with the skills Alberta needs in a supportive and inclusive environment. And with input from industry, business, and the public sector, we make learning relevant and rewarding.
We understand that our learners come with varying levels of education and we assist them at the times and places that meet their needs, whether that is in the classroom, via distance learning or continuing education. We help identify their strengths, work on their areas of need, and move them towards exciting learning paths and life-changing careers. Our post-secondary diploma and certificate programs offer careers in health, community studies, and business.
We also uniquely deliver to the increasing demands of our economy. Thanks to our workforce-relevant programming, the average diploma graduate from NorQuest College earns $15,100 more than a high school graduate at their career midpoint. In addition, research shows that NorQuest College and our students added $471.4 million of total income to Edmonton’s regional economy. These outcomes are based on a 2016-17 study conducted by Economic Specialists International.
Located on traditional lands referred to as Treaty 6 territory, we serve 12,573 full-time and part-time credit students, and 7,894 non-credit or continuing education students, including assessment examinations. As a regional steward, we provide access to adult education in Edmonton and Wetaskiwin. We are proud to embrace diversity and honour inclusiveness.
- 108 countries of birth
- 73 first languages spoken on campus
View NorQuest by the Numbers for more information on NorQuest College.
Treaty acknowledgement
We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands, referred to as Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of Metis Region #4. This land is home to many diverse groups of Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. I also acknowledge that the City of Edmonton and all the people here are beneficiaries of Treaty No. 6. which encompasses the traditional territories of numerous western Canadian First Nations as well as the Métis people who have called these lands home since time immemorial. NorQuest acknowledges the treaty, the land and the territories of Indigenous peoples as a reminder of:
- Our responsibility and obligations to the land and to Indigenous peoples,
- Our accountability to addressing the ongoing impacts of colonization that are distinct to Indigenous peoples and communities,
- To work together in remembering the spirit and intent of the Treaty towards right relations.
Board of Governors
The Board of Governors provides leadership and oversight for NorQuest College, ensuring accountability and serving the public interest.
While the Board sets strategic goals and monitors performance, day-to-day operations are the responsibility of the College’s executive team. Since 1998, the College has been governed under Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act and is accountable to the Minister of Advanced Education. The Board oversees strategy, approves tuition and fees, and ensures responsible stewardship of resources.
Learn more in our Mandate and Roles Document.
Board members are appointed through the Post-secondary Learning Act and include representatives from students, faculty, staff, and the public. The Chair is designated by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, and the President serves as an ex-officio member. This diverse composition brings a wide range of perspectives and expertise to Board discussions.
The Board is committed to supporting student success and ensuring NorQuest remains responsive to the needs of its diverse learner communities. Portions of Board meetings are open to the public, and agendas and minutes are available upon request.
Together, the Board of Governors ensures NorQuest remains a place where every learner belongs, supporting inclusive, workforce-ready education that strengthens communities and transforms lives.
“The Board shall manage and operate the institution in accordance with its mandate [PSLA Section 60(1) (a)]. The Board has the authority through the Post-secondary Learning Act to establish admission requirements and publish rules with respect to enrolment and programs [PSLA Section 60(1) (c) and (d)], determine tuition fees to be paid by students in accordance with the regulations [PSLA Section 61], and delegate in writing powers, duties or functions set out in the PSLA, with the exception of bylaws [PSLA Section 62].”
The Post-secondary Learning Act [Section 44(2)] legislates the appointment of NorQuest College’s board members. The Board of Governors consists of the following:
Appointed by Minister of Advanced Education:
- one academic staff member nominated by the academic staff association
- two students nominated by the council of the students association
- one member of the non-academic staff who is not engaged in the administration of the college nominated by non-academic staff
Appointed by Lieutenant Governor in Council:
- All public members, one of whom shall be designated as the chairperson
Automatic appointment:
- The President of the public college.
An individual appointed as a Board member holds office for a term not to exceed three years (PSLA Section 56 (1) (a) (b) and (2). An individual may continue to hold office after the expiry of their term until:
- they are reappointed;
- their successor is appointed;
- or for a period of three months (whichever comes first)
An appointed member is eligible to be reappointed for a second or subsequent term if the reappointment would not result in the member serving for a total of more than 6 years. A member who has served a total of 6 years is eligible to be reappointed if at least 3 years have elapsed since the person’s last term expired.
Introduction to Art History – ARTH 1002
An introduction to the developments in art, architecture, and print culture in Western Europe, this course begins with the Italian Renaissance and ends with French Realism. Students will learn critical observation skills as the course draws on various scholarly strategies for interpreting visual material and cultural histories. Additionally, students will build on their existing writing skills and develop an interdisciplinary academic vocabulary.
Note: Restricted to Arts and Sciences Diploma, Therapeutic Recreation and Open Studies.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fee amounts are reviewed annually. See the Tuition and Related Fees Procedure for more information.
All amounts listed are in Canadian currency.
Tuition
2025-2026
Tuition deposit
Applicants who receive an offer of admission are required to pay a non-transferable tuition deposit to hold a seat in a program. The deposit must be paid before the deadline specified in the offer of admission. The tuition deposit is applied to the first term’s tuition.
| Domestic | International |
| Tuition deposit | $400 | $1000 |
| Students who cancel their enrolment at least 30 days before the start date of their program are eligible for a 50% refund. The entire tuition deposit is non-refundable after that date. If a student’s study permit application is denied and the Office of the Registrar is notified one or more days before the start of a program, a student is eligible to receive a refund of fees, less 25% of the tuition deposit. Proof of sponsorship or confirmation of Foundational Learner Assistance Program funding may be accepted instead of the tuition deposit. |
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are assessed on a per credit basis according to the program in which you are enrolled.
Financial support
NorQuest International offers students the opportunity to receive financial recognition for outstanding achievement, academic excellence, financial need, leadership, community service and contribution to campus life.
These scholarships are funded by NorQuest International, but there are other scholarships available to international students. Visit Scholarships and bursaries for more information.
New Questers International Entrance Scholarship
Established to reward academic excellence by international students graduating from international high schools and entering studies at NorQuest College. All students must meet certain eligibility criteria for the scholarship.
Value: $1000
Applicable programs:
Full-time enrollment in any NorQuest Credit program that requires an entrance admission grade (post-diploma programs and programs without an admission grade requirement are not eligible).
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must:
- have a valid study permit
- be paying international student tuition and fees
- Academic standing to Alberta standards of 70% (B- or 2.7 GPA) or higher, for entrance Admission requirement average.
- Applicants must be enrolled in their programs prior to applying
Application details
How can students apply? Students will be notified closer to the application start date.
When will applications for the Entrance Scholarship open?
- The application for the Fall 2025 Entrance Scholarship will open on August 25, 2025, and close on September 16, 2025.
- The application for the Winter 2026 Entrance Scholarship will open on December 15, 2025, and close on January 23, 2026.
Awards will be disbursed when the student has completed 50% of the term.
Other scholarships, bursaries, and awards
Academic Excellence Scholarship for International Students in Business or Community Studies
Awarded to an international student attending NorQuest College on a study permit who is enrolled in a full-time Business or Community Studies program that is a minimum of eight months or longer, and having completed at least one term. Learn more.
Academic Excellence Scholarship for International Student in Health or Environmental Studies
Awarded to an international student attending NorQuest College on a study permit who is enrolled in a full-time Health or Environmental Studies program that is a minimum of eight months or longer, and having completed at least one term. Learn more.
International Student Bursary
Awarded to an international student attending NorQuest College on a study permit. Learn more.
International Student Community Developer Award
Awarded to an international student attending NorQuest College on a study permit who is enrolled in a full-time credit program. Learn more.
International Student Integrity Award
Awarded to an international student attending NorQuest College on a study permit who is registered in a full-time career program that is a minimum of eight months or longer. Learn more.
Student Emergency Bursary
Awarded to an international student enrolled in a credit program for an unanticipated emergency. Learn more.
Application details
When and where do I apply for my child?
Applications must be submitted in person at the Intercultural Child & Family Centre in the Singhmar Centre for Learning: 1-165, 10215 108 Street NW, Edmonton.
What paper records do I need to bring with me to apply for my child?You will need to bring the following:
- A completed registration form, which you can download here.
- Your child’s Alberta health care card.
- Name and phone number of your child’s physician.
- Names of three emergency contacts for your child. Include their phone number, address, and relationship to the child.
Cost
What is the cost per child?
$326.25 per month per child for all age ranges. This is a flat fee for full-time care dependent on the child attending care for a minimum of 100 hours per month. Part-time spaces are not being accepted.
Financial support
Are government subsidies available?
Subsidies are available by the Government of Alberta to eligible lower-income families.
If you need help applying for a subsidy, call 780-278-3022 or email Kate Kidd, Family Support Worker, Intercultural Child and Family Centre
Are bursaries available?
The Intercultural Child & Family Centre bursary of up to $330 per child, per month, may be available to NorQuest College student-parents who fulfill the following criteria:
- Your child is accepted at the Intercultural Child & Family Centre
- You are enrolled and studying at NorQuest College during your child’s time at the centre
- You do not receive government subsidies that cover your child’s total cost to attend the centre
Apply for the bursary
When will bursary application forms be available?
Applications for the Intercultural Child and Family Centre bursaries must be submitted after all other available subsidies have been applied for and confirmed. Email awards@norquest.ca for more information.
Apply for the bursary
Hours of operation
What are the child care centre hours of operation?
The centre will be open year-round from Monday – Friday; 7:00 am – 5:30 pm with the exception of statutory holidays and when NorQuest College is closed.
Food
Will food be provided for children?
Two snacks and a full meal each day provide at least two-thirds of children’s nutritional needs. Our cook prepares delicious food for the children using only fresh ingredients.
A culturally diverse menu ensures that children are served foods that reflect their cultural heritage while being encouraged to explore tasty and nutritious food from other traditions.
