Admission Requirements

General requirements

Ucademy is designed for Albertans who are ready to build real career skills — not only those who followed a traditional academic path.

High school diploma or equivalent — Alberta High School Diploma, GED, or a recognized provincial or territorial equivalency certificate.
Or the Mature Student Pathway — for applicants 18 or older without a diploma. See details.
English language proficiency — reading, writing and spoken English at a post-secondary level.
Basic computer literacy — using a browser, managing files, sending email, completing online forms.
A reliable computer and internet connection — a laptop or desktop with broadband that supports video and browser labs.

18+ without a diploma

Mature Student Pathway

A case-by-case review, not a blanket admission — and there are no blanket refusals. An advisor looks at the full picture of who you are and where you want to go.

You’ll typically provide:

A work history or resume showing relevant employment, volunteering or self-directed learning
A motivation letter of 300–600 words
A short conversation with an academic advisor

Declare Mature Student status when you send your inquiry — mention it in the comments field so we route your file to the right advisor.

Educated in another language

English language requirements

If your education was entirely in English, no documents are needed. Otherwise, we accept any one of:

IELTS Academic6.0overall, no sub-score below 5.5
TOEFL iBT75total score
CELPIP General7in each skill

A diploma or degree from an English-language post-secondary program
2+ years full-time in an English-language workplace — reviewed case-by-case

Technology

SystemWindows 10/11 · macOS 11+ · ChromeOS 100+
Memory8 GB16 GB recommended for technology programs
Internet10 / 5 Mbps25 Mbps recommended for browser labs
BrowserChrome or Firefoxlatest version, JavaScript and cookies on

Browser labs for IT, cybersecurity and software programs run in your browser — no special downloads. Full list on Technology requirements.

Program-specific prerequisites

Program	Credential	Prerequisites
IT Professional	Certificate	None beyond general requirements.
Security Analyst	Certificate	Basic IT knowledge recommended — operating systems, networks, file management. IT Professional is ideal preparation.
Cybersecurity Specialist	Diploma	Ucademy Security Analyst Certificate, or equivalent knowledge (CompTIA A+/Network+, or 1+ year in an IT support role).
Software & Web Developer	Diploma	No programming experience required — basic computer literacy and enthusiasm for problem-solving.
Administrative Assistant	Diploma	None beyond general requirements.
Business Administration — Supply Chain	Diploma	None. Familiarity with business or logistics is helpful.
Medical Office Assistant & Unit Clerk	Certificate	None. Interest in healthcare and attention to detail are assets.

“Recommended” means the missing background will not disqualify you if you meet the general requirements.

Not sure if you qualify?

Book a free conversation with an academic advisor. No application fee, no obligation, no pressure.

Book a Free Info Session

Program details and admission criteria may change on review. If you register interest, we’ll tell you about any material change before you commit to anything.

Full guide

General Admission Requirements

Ucademy is designed to be accessible to Albertans who are ready to build real career skills — not just those who followed a traditional academic path. The following requirements apply to all programs unless a program-specific note states otherwise.

High school diploma or equivalent — Alberta High School Diploma, GED, or recognized provincial/territorial equivalency certificate
Mature Student Pathway — applicants 18 years of age or older who do not hold a high school diploma may qualify (see full details below)
English language proficiency — all instruction is delivered in English; applicants must demonstrate ability to read, write, and participate in spoken English at a post-secondary level
Basic computer literacy — comfort using a web browser, managing files, sending email, and completing online forms
Reliable computer and internet connection — personal laptop or desktop with broadband internet capable of supporting video and browser-based lab work

English Language Requirements

The language of instruction at Ucademy is English. All course materials, assignments, and assessments are conducted entirely in English. A strong command of written and spoken English is essential to your success.

For applicants educated entirely in English, no additional language documentation is required. For applicants whose primary education was conducted in another language, we accept the following:

IELTS Academic — overall band score of 6.0 or higher, with no sub-score below 5.5
TOEFL iBT — total score of 75 or higher
CELPIP General — minimum score of 7 in each skill area
Completion of an English-language post-secondary program — a diploma or degree from a recognized institution where instruction was in English
Demonstrated professional English use — two or more years of full-time employment in an English-language workplace, considered case-by-case

Technology Requirements

Because Ucademy delivers all programs fully online, having a reliable and appropriately equipped setup is a genuine prerequisite.

Computer

Windows 10/11 (64-bit), macOS 11 Big Sur or later, or Chrome OS 100+
Minimum 8 GB RAM; 16 GB recommended for technology programs
50 GB free disk space (labs run in your browser)
Modern 64-bit processor (Intel Core i5/i7, AMD Ryzen 5/7, or Apple Silicon M-series)

Internet & Browser

Minimum 10 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload; 25 Mbps recommended for browser labs
Google Chrome (latest) or Mozilla Firefox (latest) strongly recommended
JavaScript and cookies must be enabled

Browser-based labs for IT, cybersecurity, and software development programs run entirely in your browser — no specialised software downloads are required for the majority of hands-on exercises.

Program-Specific Prerequisites

Beyond the general admission requirements, some programs recommend or require additional background knowledge. Where a prerequisite is listed as “recommended,” the absence of that background will not disqualify you if you otherwise meet general requirements.

Program	Credential	Specific Prerequisites
IT Professional	Certificate	Basic computer literacy (covered by general requirements). No additional prerequisites.
Security Analyst	Certificate	Basic IT knowledge recommended — understanding of operating systems, networks, and file management. The IT Professional Certificate is ideal preparation.
Cybersecurity Specialist	Diploma	Completion of the Ucademy Security Analyst Certificate or demonstrated equivalent knowledge (CompTIA A+/Network+, or 1+ year in an IT support role).
Software & Web Developer	Diploma	Basic computer literacy and enthusiasm for problem-solving. No prior programming experience required.
Administrative Assistant	Diploma	No prerequisites beyond general admission requirements.
Business Administration – Supply Chain	Diploma	No prerequisites beyond general requirements. Familiarity with business or logistics is helpful but not required.
Medical Office Assistant & Unit Clerk	Certificate	No prerequisites beyond general requirements. An interest in healthcare environments and strong attention to detail are assets.