College Diploma - Practical Nurse

Program overview

College Diploma - Practical Nurse is a diploma program in health and nursing at Portage College - St. Paul, a public institution in St. Paul, Alberta, Canada, founded in 1968.

First-year tuition is listed at 15,943 CAD and the application fee at 160 CAD. The earliest intake currently open is Aug 2027.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 39,551 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 299 diploma programs in health and nursing at 104 schools in Canada. Their median first-year tuition is 17,395 CAD, and the middle half cost between 15,547 CAD and 21,114 CAD.

At 15,943 CAD, College Diploma - Practical Nurse is 8% below the median, in the middle of the range. The full range runs from 6,500 CAD to 48,970 CAD.

• All health and nursing courses in Canada

Lower-cost diploma options in health and nursing

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

Plan for the Aug 2027 intake

Working back from a Aug 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. September is the main intake. Many institutions also admit in January and May. Applications usually open several months ahead and some programmes close early.

Entry requirements and documents

Portage College - St. Paul sets the exact entry requirements for College Diploma - Practical Nurse. For a diploma, 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 Diploma - Practical Nurse 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 Diploma - Practical Nurse?

First-year tuition is listed at 15,943 CAD. Living costs are extra; Portage College - St. Paul 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 earliest intake currently open is Aug 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is College Diploma - Practical Nurse a degree?

It is listed as a diploma. 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 - St. Paul, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

More at Portage College - St. Paul

• College Diploma - University Studies, 16,169 CAD first year