Post-Secondary

Post-Secondary Education at BrightlyEd

Stackable credentials, university transfer pathways, prior learning recognition and continuing education โ€” a full ecosystem for lifelong learning.

Credential Pathways

Choose Your Credential Level

BrightlyEd offers a range of credential types that can be stacked or used as transfer credits toward university degrees.

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Certificate Programs

Focused 8โ€“12 month programs targeting a specific career skill. Ideal for career changers and those already in the workforce seeking a credential upgrade.

  • โœ” 8โ€“12 months
  • โœ” 2โ€“4 semesters
  • โœ” Can stack toward Diploma
  • โœ” Student loan eligible
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Diploma Programs

Two-year programs providing comprehensive preparation in a field. Includes general education courses, a major specialization, and a capstone or practicum.

  • โœ” 2 years (4 semesters)
  • โœ” 60 credits
  • โœ” Transfer-friendly to university
  • โœ” PGWP eligible for international grads
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Continuing Education

Non-credit professional development, micro-credentials and skills upgrading. Perfect for professionals maintaining currency or exploring new areas.

  • โœ” No formal admission required
  • โœ” Individual course registration
  • โœ” Evening & weekend options
  • โœ” Employer invoice available
Academic Framework

Credit System & Academic Standing

BrightlyEd uses a credit-hour system consistent with ACAT (Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer) standards, ensuring credit mobility across Alberta's post-secondary institutions.

Standard Course Load

Full-time: 15 credits per semester (5 courses). Part-time: fewer than 9 credits per semester. Maximum allowed: 18 credits with academic advisor approval.

Diploma Requirements

60 credits total: 36 major credits, 12 general education credits, 6 elective credits, 6 practicum/capstone credits. Minimum 2.0 GPA to graduate.

Dean's List

Students achieving a semester GPA of 3.7 or higher on 12+ credits are named to the Dean's List. Recognized on transcripts and official letters.

Grade Scale

LetterPercentageGPA PointsStanding
A+97โ€“100%4.0Distinction
A93โ€“96%4.0Distinction
Aโˆ’90โ€“92%3.7Distinction
B+87โ€“89%3.3Good
B83โ€“86%3.0Good
Bโˆ’80โ€“82%2.7Good
C+77โ€“79%2.3Satisfactory
C73โ€“76%2.0Satisfactory
Cโˆ’70โ€“72%1.7Minimum Pass
D60โ€“69%1.0Conditional Pass
F0โ€“59%0.0Fail
Academic Probation Threshold2.0 GPA
Graduation Minimum2.0 GPA
Dean's List3.7 GPA

Students below 2.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters are placed on academic probation and must meet with an academic advisor before re-enrolling.

University Pathways

Credit Transfer Agreements

BrightlyEd has formal articulation agreements with 11 Canadian universities, allowing diploma graduates to transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree.

Business Administration Diploma โ†’ University

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University of Calgary โ€” Haskayne School of Business
Bachelor of Commerce
Up to 24 credits transferred
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Mount Royal University
Bachelor of Business Administration
Up to 30 credits transferred
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Athabasca University
B.Comm (Open Studies)
Up to 36 credits transferred
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SAIT โ€” School of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration
Up to 28 credits transferred

IT Diploma โ†’ University

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University of Calgary โ€” Computer Science
B.Sc. Computer Science
Up to 18 credits transferred
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SAIT โ€” School of IT
B.Applied Tech โ€” IT
Up to 36 credits transferred
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Athabasca University
B.Sc. Computing & Information Systems
Up to 30 credits transferred

ACAT Transfer Guide

All Alberta transfer agreements are listed in the Alberta Transfer Guide. Search by sending institution "BrightlyEd" for current articulations.

Recognition of Learning

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)

Have skills and knowledge gained through work experience, military service, or informal learning? PLAR may allow you to earn credits without repeating coursework.

BrightlyEd's PLAR process evaluates your prior learning against current course outcomes. You may demonstrate knowledge through challenge exams, portfolio review, or structured interview.

What Can Be Assessed

Work experience in a related field, professional certifications (e.g. CompTIA, CPA modules, Red Seal trades), military training, volunteer work, and self-directed learning projects.

Maximum Credits via PLAR

Diploma programs: up to 30% of total program credits (18 of 60). Certificate programs: up to 25% of total program credits. General education core courses are not eligible for PLAR.

PLAR Assessment Fee

$150 per course assessment. Fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. Credits awarded via PLAR appear as P (Pass) on transcript โ€” no letter grade or GPA impact.

PLAR Process

1

Initial Consultation

Meet with the PLAR Coordinator to review your background and identify candidate courses. Appointment required.

2

Submit Evidence Portfolio

Compile work samples, certificates, reference letters and a reflective narrative aligning your experience with course outcomes.

3

Assessment Review

A subject-matter faculty member reviews your portfolio. A challenge exam may be required for technical courses.

4

Decision & Credit Award

You'll receive written notification within 15 business days. If approved, credits are posted to your transcript.

Lifelong Learning

Continuing Education & Professional Development

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Digital Marketing Bootcamp

6 weeks, online. Google Ads, Meta Business Suite, SEO, email marketing and analytics. Certificate of completion included.

$1,200 ยท Next cohort: March 10

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

Cybersecurity Essentials

8 weeks, blended delivery. CompTIA Security+ aligned. Suitable for IT professionals wanting to move into security roles.

$1,600 ยท Next cohort: April 7

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Project Management Fundamentals

4 weeks, evenings. PMI-aligned. Covers scope, schedule, risk, communications and PMP exam readiness overview.

$850 ยท Next cohort: March 24

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Business Writing & Communication

3 weeks, online. Reports, proposals, emails and presentations. Practical for all professional fields.

$490 ยท Ongoing enrollment

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AI for Business Professionals

NEW โ€” 5 weeks. Practical AI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude) applied to real business workflows. No coding required.

$780 ยท Next cohort: March 3

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HR Essentials for Managers

6 weeks, blended. Employment Standards Code, performance management, onboarding and conflict resolution for Alberta workplaces.

$920 ยท Next cohort: April 14

All continuing education courses accept individual registration. No admission process required. Employer invoicing available.

Register for a Course
Policies

Academic Integrity & Student Conduct

Academic Integrity Policy

BrightlyEd is committed to academic honesty. All submitted work must be your own. The following constitute academic misconduct:

  • โœ— Plagiarism โ€” submitting another's work as your own
  • โœ— Cheating โ€” use of unauthorized materials during assessments
  • โœ— Contract cheating โ€” paying a third party to complete assignments
  • โœ— Fabrication โ€” inventing data or citations
  • โœ— Unauthorized AI use โ€” submitting AI-generated content without disclosure

AI-Assisted Work Policy

Use of AI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, etc.) is permitted only where explicitly authorized by the instructor. Unauthorized AI-generated submissions are treated as academic misconduct.

Consequences of Misconduct

OffenseFirst OccurrenceSecond Occurrence
Minor (unintentional)Zero on assignment; academic integrity tutorial requiredZero on assignment; formal warning
Moderate (cheating)Zero on assessment; notation on fileFail the course
Serious (contract cheating)Fail the course; review panelSuspension or expulsion

Appeals Process

Students may appeal academic misconduct findings within 15 business days of notification. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Academic Standards Committee via the Registrar's Office.

Grade Appeals

Final grade appeals must be initiated within 30 days of grade posting. Start with your instructor, then department chair, then the Grade Appeals Committee if unresolved.