Alberta's government is committed to ensuring that students get the quality education they pay for, and the skills Alberta's economy needs. That is why the province is proposing amendments to modernize the Private Vocational Training Act, which sets out how private career colleges operate in the province.
Private career colleges play an important role in helping Albertans gain practical, career-focused training. The proposed updates will bring the more than 20-year-old legislation up to date and in line with other provinces, improve accountability and strengthen confidence in the sector, and ensure students are protected as they invest in their education.
"Students and employers count on Alberta's private training providers to deliver high-quality education that prepares people for in-demand careers. These proposed amendments would strengthen oversight, enhance transparency, and ensure students are protected as they pursue their education and career goals, while allowing us to address problematic behaviour when it arises."
Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education
Students make significant investments in their education, and the proposed changes will give them stronger safeguards. A new Student Tuition Protection Fund will help ensure students can recover their tuition if a college closes or violates consumer protection rules. The cooling-off period for student enrolment contracts will be extended, giving students more time to make informed decisions. Tuition refund rules will be clarified, and any agreements that violate the rules will be void.
To improve accountability, the amendments will set clear standards for how recruiters operate and will restrict financial incentives tied to student enrolment. They will also require the government to publish information about private career colleges and their licensed programs so students can easily compare options and make informed choices.
"Members of the Alberta Association of Career Colleges have long upheld the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and student care in Alberta's private training sector. We see these legislative updates as an important step in bringing the entire system up to the same level of accountability that our members already practice. These measures will ensure that responsible institutions continue to thrive while students are better protected from those who do not meet these standards."
Tim Ogilvie, chair, Alberta Association of Career Colleges
The amendments update approval and enforcement tools to make sure all licensed colleges meet consistent quality standards. Better oversight of institutions and programs will ensure students receive high-value, credible training that employers can trust.
"Many students have shared their concerns about problematic private career colleges with us. Their hopes were lost after spending tens of thousands of dollars on a poor-quality program and having few employment opportunities after graduation. We are excited to see proposed amendments centred on protecting students and improving the overall quality and integrity of private career colleges in Alberta. The proposed changes are welcomed and celebrated."
Courtney Mo, director of community impact, Momentum
"We applaud the government's initiative to take action to ensure that students are guaranteed to receive the training they need to not just seek jobs, but to pursue careers. Education must align with labour force needs and we look forward to working with the government to bring these protections to fruition."
Michael Sangster, CEO, National Association of Career Colleges
Private career colleges are vital partners in Alberta's post-secondary system. By supporting flexible and innovative approaches to vocational training, these schools help meet the growing demand for skilled workers and prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Quick facts
- As of Oct. 16, there were 207 private career colleges in Alberta, serving 66,431 students and delivering 1,050 licensed programs.
- The Private Career College Registry was launched in March 2025 and offers a comprehensive list of all licensed vocational training programs in the province, providing key details like program names and duration, cost, location and licence status.
Related information
- Bill 3: Private Vocational Training Amendment Act, 2025
- Strengthening vocational training
- Private Career Colleges Registry
Related news
- Protecting private career college students (March 31, 2025)
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