One of our top choices is Aquinas College because of its career-focused programs. It’s incredible that these are designed to help students improve their skills and knowledge.

During our visit, we learned that it offers short courses. We were impressed because these provide learning opportunities for individuals unable to spend years in school.

And we like that it includes online courses with a top-notch web interface for students who cannot commute daily! We appreciate this because it’s suitable for upskilling.

It’s just a bummer that there are only two online courses: Microsoft Office and Medical Terminology.

But if you look at student support, there are plenty. We particularly like career counseling and mental health service referrals.

Plus, the alumni we talked with mentioned the instructors’ support and personalized approach, which seriously deserves a spotlight.

Overall, it’s a solid choice, especially cost-wise. Besides the different payment options available, the tuition fees are also competitively priced.

Exemplary learning environment

“Aquinas College in Calgary earns a solid five-star rating for its outstanding academic experience. The challenging courses, coupled with dedicated faculty, create an environment that promotes learning and growth. The vibrant community life, facilitated by diverse events, adds a rich dimension to the student experience.”

Varsha Patel, Google Review

Highly recommended for online courses

“The communication and teaching is very high quality. Their web interface for online education is perfect . Definitely recommend to other online students.

They have great staff and teachers.”

Hala Masadeh, Google Review

One of our picks in Calgary is Sundance College because of the many courses it offers for domestic and international students that cater to different fields, from business to health to technology.

During our inquiry, we found out that there are plenty of career services available, all tailored to preparing the students when they get their first job.

It’s awesome all programs include a one-on-one practicum placement to get students ready for the real world.

Instructors follow a modular-based learning system, which is worth noting because students can focus on one course at a time. The best part is the courses are tailored to meet employer requirements in Canada!

Unfortunately, we found out that the tuition fees are pricey. On a positive note, it caters to different financial needs—there’s financial aid, scholarships, and a laptop program if you can’t afford a new one yet.

Top-notch online program

“Fantastic option for Online post-secondary education courses. The instructors are great, and available. My individual admissions advisor, Selina is absolutely wonderful, has been informative and gone out of her way to find the answers to my questions if she didn’t know. She is actively checking in and making sure that I am doing well throughout my course. She is approachable and easy to talk to. Very positive and cheerful support! Thank you Sundance and Selina for a great school experience.”

Jen Clark, Google Review

Helpful instructors and staff

“My experience studying in this wonderful College was awesome. Great Instructors and admin staff are always ready to help. I would recommend Sundance any day to whoever is interested in advancing his/her career.”

Ariyo Yusuf, Google Review

We like ABM College in Calgary because it welcomes domestic and international students who are looking to learn new skills in the business, technology, and health industries.

We were pleased to find that it offers many diploma courses designed to enhance careers. It also sticks to relevant materials in all programs for up-to-date knowledge, which is very important!

Another aspect we appreciate is that the financial aid advisors are updated with the latest financial aid programs that can help tight budgets.

The classes deserve a spotlight. The class sizes are small for a more focused approach from the instructors, and the schedules are flexible to help students with other responsibilities.

However, we were iffy to hear reports about quick instructor turnovers and some students complained about poor support during and after the course.

On the bright side, the facilities are excellent. There’s on-site child care, a kitchen, a large student lounge, and a massage clinic.

Unforgettable academic experience

“ABM College is one of my unforgettable educational experiences. I Graduated as a Pharmacy Assistant from ABM College – Calgary Campus, where I experienced great teachers who were knowledgeable about the course. The Teachers, the admin, and everyone else were helpful and kind. They helped us and supported us up to the end of our course. I have special thanks from the ABM Collage Family and Shoppers Drug Mart Family, and I am very proud to say to the world that I’m a Pharmacy Assistant Graduate from ABM College, Class year 2022-2023. Thanks, ABM Collage.”

Hayatullah Tahiry, Google Review

Flexible classes

“The experience of this online class at ABM College was amazing and positive. For me, I found it relaxing to be able to turn the work on the assignment and quizzes at my leisure and when I had time. The course Addiction and Community Service Worker is to offered different different types of support and to provide the better care to the client. I am so grateful to have some knowledge in this course not only for my self and it can be share also to our family and people around me. Thank you ABM College!”

Bernadette Cartin, Google Review

Heritage College in Calgary first opened in 2016 and offered the Express Pharmacy Assistant diploma program. Since then, it has expanded to business, accounting, retail, and community support fields, which we found commendable.

Beyond that, there are so many online courses available to help further your career goals. We like that courses for upskilling are also available.

The programs are also affordably priced, which is good news for tight budgets. Another thing that helps with financial stress is the various payment plans, such as student loans, bank financing, interest-free financing, and scholarships.

The flexible class schedules are worth mentioning. Some programs you can even complete in a couple of months and virtual classes are a combination of online learning and in-person practicum.

The only hiccup is the short online classes are only payable in USD. Still not that big of an issue, though.

Dedicated to student success

“If I could leave 100+ stars I would. I attended Heritage college for six months, and it was an amazing experience. The faculty members were dedicated and supportive, always going the extra mile to ensure students’ success and fostering a sense of community and belonging. Although my time there was short, I gained valuable knowledge and skills that have helped me in my academic and personal growth. I highly recommend Heritage college to anyone seeking a quality education.”

Aymen Tajudin, Google Review

Passionate instructors

“I did the Pharmacy Assistant program online and it was a very pleasant experience. All the instructors were very passionate in the subjects they taught us and were always doing their best to make sure that we were able to understand the material.  It was always easy to communicate any questions with the college and I would always get a response quickly. Recommend for anyone pursuing a Pharmacy Assistant career !”

Karl Albea, Google Review

Established in 1986, Columbia Colege has successfully taught over 40,000 students. It focuses on a learner-centred setting, which we found valuable in meeting the different learning styles and needs of domestic and international students.

When we first inquired, we learned that it offers a bunch of in-person and online programs. We were delighted to know that it provides programs in various fields, such as dental, child care, health care, accounting, business, and social services.

As for the tuition fees, we were initially shocked at the list. The fees were way higher than we initially expected, but it makes sense since the college has been around for a long time in Calgary.

During our visit, we learned that the college has plenty of student support services, including counselling, for a better learning environment. It was also awesome that there’s an accessibility advisor to assist students with disabilities.

Personal class approach

“The class size was small and personal, which is what you want when learning a new skill. The instructors were all friendly, they took things slow and allowed time for practice and time for assessment separately, with little pressure on time or perfection. I had a good experience taking this course, it was very well organized and helped me to feel comfortable with my new skills.”

Hanna Belanger, Google Review

Detailed and organized

“My experience with Columbia College was very pleasant. I have done dental dam module with them. They organize the study modules at timed intervals with very friendly and supportive staff members. Detailed email instructions and demonstration of study modules were very helpful in resolving all doubts. I feel grateful as a student that they take their time out even on weekends for conducting such short courses.”

janki pandya, Google Review