College Certificate - Early Learning and Child Care

Program overview

College Certificate - Early Learning and Child Care is a certificate program in health and nursing at Portage College - Cold Lake, a public institution in Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, founded in 1968.

First-year tuition is listed at 15,300 CAD and the application fee at 160 CAD.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 38,908 CAD for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. Plan for first-year tuition, living costs at the level IRCC sets, and travel. Tuition varies widely between universities, colleges and provinces. IRCC revises the living-cost figure from time to time, so confirm the current amount on the official study permit page.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

How the tuition compares in Canada

Our directory lists 137 certificate programs in health and nursing at 78 schools in Canada. Their median first-year tuition is 17,000 CAD, and the middle half cost between 12,540 CAD and 19,800 CAD.

At 15,300 CAD, College Certificate - Early Learning and Child Care is 10% below the median, in the middle of the range. The full range runs from 2,000 CAD to 36,720 CAD.

• All health and nursing courses in Canada

Lower-cost certificate options in health and nursing

If budget matters, these certificate programs in health and nursing have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in Canada.

Entry requirements and documents

Portage College - Cold Lake sets the exact entry requirements for College Certificate - Early Learning and Child Care. For a certificate, applicants usually need the following.

Most institutions accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic or similar tests. Each institution sets its own minimum scores, so read the programme page rather than relying on a general figure.

• Your most recent academic transcripts and certificates.
• A statement of purpose.
• References, and a CV where work experience is relevant.
• A valid passport.
• English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: Study permit

Students from India need a Study permit to study in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decides the application.

Canada admits international students to designated learning institutions (DLIs) on a study permit. The admission, the funds and the permit application all have to line up, and several rules have changed in recent years, so check each step against IRCC before you pay anything.

• Shortlist programmes at a designated learning institution and check that the programme itself is eligible for the outcome you want (for example a post-graduation work permit).
• Apply and receive a letter of acceptance. Check on IRCC whether you also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter.
• Prepare proof of funds, identity documents, a study plan or letter of explanation, and any language test results the institution or IRCC asks for.
• Complete the study permit application online and give biometrics when asked. A medical exam may be required.

• Study in Canada: full visa guide
• IRCC: Study permit
• EduCanada: study in Canada

After you graduate

Graduates of eligible programmes at eligible institutions may apply for a post-graduation work permit. Eligibility depends on the institution, programme and field of study, and the rules have been changing, so check the current IRCC conditions before choosing a course on that basis.

How to apply with Study Spectra

• Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
• We check your profile against College Certificate - Early Learning and Child Care and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
• We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
• When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for College Certificate - Early Learning and Child Care?

First-year tuition is listed at 15,300 CAD. Living costs are extra; Portage College - Cold Lake estimates 23,448 CAD a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is 160 CAD. It is paid once per application and is not refunded after the school receives the application.

When is the next intake?

The school has not listed an intake date for this program. Ask us for the current intakes.

Is College Certificate - Early Learning and Child Care a degree?

It is listed as a certificate. Check with the school what qualification it awards and whether it leads to further study or work rights.

Which visa do I need to study in Canada?

You need a Study permit, decided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to Portage College - Cold Lake, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

More at Portage College - Cold Lake

• College Diploma - Early Learning and Child Care , 15,300 CAD first year
• College Diploma - Practical Nurse, 17,515 CAD first year
• College Certificate - Business Administration, 14,754 CAD first year