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Part of Student supports

Resources for students who have graduated from post-secondary

What you should consider after you complete your post-secondary studies.

Overview

Even after you graduate from your post-secondary, you will encounter more learning experiences. These resources and supports can help you explore your options.

Your post-secondary institution may have supports to help you find a  career or pursue further education.

Credential and transcript

Your academic parchment is an official legal document issued by your institultion to certify that you’ve completed your diploma, certificate or degree. It is a physical or digital parchment that identifies the credential you’ve earned and includes:

  • your name
  • the institution’s name
  • the date
  • the institution’s official seal

You will also receive an official transcript of your academic record that summarizes your grades and completed courses. Keep both of these documents in a safe place. Contact your institution to:

  • request an official transcript
  • certify a copy of your original degree, diploma, or certificate
  • reprint your parchment
  • verify proof of graduation
  • verify degree or credential

Keep degrees, certificates, diplomas, or official documents confirming graduation in a safe place. File cabinets, safes, or binders are appropriate places to store post-secondary documents.

Explore your options

Find a job

Your post-secondary institutions might offer employment supports. Check to see if they offer:

  • internship programs
  • fellowship programs
  • local and International job opportunities

Access job search resources

The alis website can help you at every stage of the career planning process. You can also:

Continue your education

Depending on your goals, you may wish to continue your education. For students wanting to expand on their certificate, diploma, or degree, they can pursue graduate studies or complete an apprenticeship.

Learn more about the types of post-secondary programs and credentials.

When you're on a study permit

If you have a study permit and graduate or leave your program, you will need to consider your options:

  • apply for a post-graduation work permit or a work permit
  • apply for a visitor visa to re-enter Canada
  • notify if you will complete your program before your study permit expires
  • apply for permanent residency

Visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for more information.

Repay student loans

Student aid loans are interest-free until you leave or graduate from your program. As soon as you graduate, you are responsible for repaying your student loans.

  • interest on Canada student loans starts accumulating immediately after you stop studying full-time.
  • There is a 6-month period after graduating in which Alberta student loans are interest-free.

Effective July 1, 2023, the 6-month interest-free period for Alberta student loans will extend to 12 months.

How to repay your student loans

Visit Alberta Student Aid for information on repaying your student loan.

Repayment assistance

There are resources to help you balance student loan repayment and other living expenses. It is important to learn how to budget money while actively paying back student loans. Apply for repayment assistance if you need a reduction in your monthly payments.

Stay connected

After you graduate or leave your program, it's important to ensure your institution has your updated contact information. Your post-secondary institution offers opportunities to give feedback on your education.

Confirm your employment status

Publicly funded post-secondary institutions and private career colleges in Alberta report their graduate employment rates to the provincial government. To do that, they need to know if you found a job after you graduated, and if that job is related to your area of study.

Participate in a satisfaction survey

You may be contacted by a research group to share confidential feedback about your post-secondary program and its value. Your participation in this survey is important, as it helps the provincial government assess:

  • demographic information about adult learners
  • student satisfaction with their learning
  • student goals when taking adult learning programs (and if those goals were met)
  • how students pay for their education
  • how to improve the quality of post-secondary institutions

Read the latest graduate outcomes survey results or past surveys.

Alumni program

Students who graduate from a post-secondary program automatically enter their institution’s alumni program. There are many benefits to alumni programs such as:

  • connecting with other alumni in your program
  • mentorship opportunities to guide and teach post-secondary students
  • learn from alumni career development courses and events

Contact

Connect with the Public Awareness Branch:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]

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