How Alberta post-secondary prerequisites work for nursing, engineering, business, education and science — and where to find the requirement for a specific program.
Post-secondary programs specify which Grade 12 courses you must have completed, and usually a minimum mark in each. These are set by the institution, vary between institutions offering the same degree, and change. Anything you read in a general list — including this page — is orientation, not authority.
Nursing typically wants English Language Arts 30-1, Biology 30, and Chemistry 30, with a math requirement that varies.
Engineering typically wants Math 30-1, Physics 30, Chemistry 30 and English Language Arts 30-1.
Science degrees typically want Math 30-1 plus two sciences.
Business varies widely; Math 30-1 is common, Math 30-2 is accepted by some.
Education and arts programs are usually the most flexible on math and science.
Trades and apprenticeship routes have their own math requirements, often met by the 30-3 sequence.
Open the program page on the institution's own site and read the admission requirements section. If two sources disagree, the institution's page wins. If it's ambiguous, phone admissions.
Alberta post-secondary programs are also indexed at alberta.ca.
A Grade 12 prerequisite implies a Grade 11 course, which implies a Grade 10 course. Chemistry 30 needs Chemistry 20 needs Science 10. Math 30-1 needs Math 20-1 needs Math 10C. That's why the Grade 10 course selection conversation matters — it's setting up something three years out.
Missing a prerequisite is common and recoverable through upgrading, summer school, or an adult upgrading program. It costs time, not the goal. A school counsellor or the institution's admissions office can lay out the options.
Meeting the prerequisite and being ready for the program are two different things. The mark gets you in; the understanding gets you through first year.
Sources: Alberta Education and Childcare, alberta.ca, and the Diploma Examinations Program General Information Bulletin. Requirements vary by institution and change — always confirm with the school, the institution's own admissions page, or a school counsellor before making a decision.
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