BRSD Career Counselling
October 2026 Newsletter
Post-Secondary Applications Are Opening Soon! 🎓
Most institutions begin accepting applications on October 1 (some are already open). Many programs—especially competitive ones—fill quickly, so applying early is important. Take time to explore your chosen school’s website, review deadlines, and start planning next steps.
ApplyAlberta sessions or individual support are being offered this fall in each BRSD high school. It is recommended students consider applying early for many programs. See your career counsellor or review the institution websites for admission details such as:
- Admission dates and deadlines
- Competitive requirements for programs. Some are based on marks and others require additional pieces that need to be completed early or even before you apply. For example, the CASPER test for some RN programs, Health Programs at SAIT require other entrance tests, and NAIT's Health Programs that use an interview as part of their competitive admission process.
- Highly competitive programs may even date and time stamp applications so apply early. Applications may even open at 12:01 AM on Oct. 1. Please check with your career counsellor before you stay up!
- Non-Competitive Programs (first qualified, first accepted).
- Early admission scholarships
Applied? What's Next?
✔️Pay attention to your Post-Secondary Application's progress
✔️Watch your personal email and post-secondary portal.
✔️Watch for outstanding items and deadlines
✔️Additional requirements ie. interviews, CASPER, portfolio, volunteer hours, audition, etc.
✔️Apply for Residence
CASPER EXAM QUICK TIPS
- This is a situational virtual exam required by some nursing and health science faculties and completed at home with stable WIFI.
- Click on the visual for additional information, but be SURE to check out each institutions requirements and deadlines.
- SIGN UP EARLY for the CASPER otherwise your application decision will be delayed.
INTERVIEWS
- Nait uses an interview as their competitive admission requirement for their health sciences, dental assistant, denturist and Paramedic programs. Their website includes helpful tips and tricks to manage this key requirement.
TRADES APPLICATIONS & TRAINING
- Those applying to certificate or diploma trades programs use ApplyAlberta. Applications open October 1. For example - pre-employment programs or a diploma trades program at NAIT, SAIT or Olds College, etc.
- If you are a registered apprentice, you will apply in the SPRING through MYTRADESECRETS which is also found in the Alberta.ca website. You start with "How to register for Classes" and use the "Class Catalogue" to find your chosen training period. Confused? Check with your career counsellor for further assistance.
Thank you to ELAA for another successful post-secondary fair!
Special thanks to Daysland and ECCHS for hosting again. Watch the newsletter for spring ELAA events.
