- Level
- 1-Year Post Secondary Certificate
- CIP code
- 15.1202
- Duration
- 1 year College Certificate
- Open intakes
-
Off-shoreJan 2027, Sep 2027
- Field
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Institution
- Public College
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2026-09-01
Program overview
A one year certificate in applied computing, covering programming fundamentals, networking, operating systems, hardware and support, databases and web technologies, with hands on laboratory work throughout.
The certificate is the first year of the two year diploma, so students can exit with a credential and return later. Alberta employers outside the main cities consistently struggle to hire technical support and systems staff, and this programme targets exactly those roles rather than software development careers.
The institution publishes CIP code 15.1202 for Computer Systems Technology Certificate but does not state whether it is eligible, and several codes in this family were removed from the eligible list in early 2026. Computer Systems Technology Certificate is therefore marked as not meeting the requirement until the code is checked against the official field of study tool. Study at this level does not carry spousal open work permit eligibility, so anyone considering Computer Systems Technology Certificate with a partner should plan on a single income. Every work permit decision rests with Canadian immigration authorities, and Apply Study Visa confirms the position for Computer Systems Technology Certificate in writing before you pay a deposit.
Candidates for Computer Systems Technology Certificate present Grade 12 / High School with 50 percent. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6, and tuition for Computer Systems Technology Certificate is recorded at CAD 16,300 a year with a CAD 150 application fee. 5 intake windows are listed. Apply Study Visa manages the Computer Systems Technology Certificate application, the attestation letter, the deposit and the study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: Grade 12 / High School with a minimum of 50 percent.
- English (meet any one): IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6; PTE Academic 60 overall with no component below 55; TOEFL iBT 84 total; Duolingo English Test 115.
- English waiver: No English proficiency exam waiver is recorded for this institution.
- Application: Application fee CAD 150. A tuition deposit is required to reserve the seat and to trigger the provincial attestation letter.
- Work permit: The institution publishes CIP code 15.1202 for Computer Systems Technology Certificate but does not state whether it is eligible, and several codes in this family were removed from the eligible list in early 2026. Computer Systems Technology Certificate is therefore marked as not meeting the requirement until the code is checked against the official field of study tool.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa supplies the designated learning institution number and completes the submission with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- Bachelor's degree marksheets & final certificate
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Updated CV / resume
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- IT Support Technician: help desk and desktop support
- Network Support Assistant: infrastructure teams
- Junior Systems Administrator: small business IT
- Technical Support Specialist: vendors and service providers
- Hardware Support Technician: repair and deployment
- Progression to the Diploma: the standard continuation
Reality check: a one year technical certificate produces a short work permit runway, so students planning to stay should look at the diploma or the degree rather than exiting after year one.
About Northwestern Polytechnic
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.1
- World rank
- #19882
- Established
- 1966
- Reference No.
- O19391056654
