Alis – Career, learning and employment information for Albertans

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Alberta
ALIS
Alberta Supports Contact Centre

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Resources for Mature Students - alis
For an adult student, there’s more to going back to school than studying. Learn to set goals, search for information, and decide what steps you need to take to make your return to school a successful one.
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Alert

Non-urgent government operations are closed December 24 to January 1, reopening January 2, 2026. If you need emergency support view available services during this period, or call the Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135.
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I am a mature student

Plan Your Successful Return

Student taking notes while using laptop at home office desk.
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iStock.com/fizkes
Tools and Resources

Mature Students: Make Your Back to School Plan

Make your own back to school plan to help you reach your goals for becoming a student again.
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iStock.com/NicolasMcComber
Tools and Resources

Mature Students: Are You Ready to Be Successful in School?

Complete this exercise to help you identify the things in life that might keep you from being successful in your return to school.
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Explore Education and Training

Many Training Paths Develop Skills and Knowledge

Are you wondering how to get the career you want? Do you know how to build the skills and knowledge you need? There may be more than one way. Find the training path that’s right for you.

Helpful Tips

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iStock.com/izusek
Explore Education and Training

How to Get Your High School Diploma in Alberta

If you left high school early, if you need a few more credits or better marks, or if you attended school in a country with different requirements, you might want to consider upgrading or finishing high school.
Explore Education and Training

Going Back to School: Fitting Everything In

Time is your most precious resource. Think about how you spend your time now, and how you could free up the time you need to succeed at school.
Explore Education and Training

Explore School and Program Options

Once you've identified a career direction and the education and training you need to make it a reality, your next step is to explore schools and programs.
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iStock.com/SDI Productions
Tools and Resources

Mature Students: Get the Support You Need

Find out how to get the help and support you'll need to manage the challenges of going back to school as an adult.
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iStock.com/FotoDuets
Tools and Resources

Mature Students: Face Your Fears of Going Back to School

It's normal to be afraid about going back to school. Learn to keep your fears from overwhelming you and gain the confidence to return to student life.
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Tools and Resources

Mature Students: Finding Child Care for Your Kids

Finding quality child care will give you the peace of mind to help you succeed in school.
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Feel More Confident About Writing Exams

Find out some ways you can lower your fear of writing tests and improve your chances of passing.

Retraining: How to Launch a New Career

Your career journey will likely include multiple careers over the course of your life. With each new career, you may need different skills and knowledge. If you’re exploring training options for a new career, these resources can help.

Videos

Mature student at a public college
Q&A
Explore Education, Audience
“What is it like to go back to school as a mature student?”
Tools & Resources

Embracing Learning as a Mature College Student (2:39)

Shawn attends a public college as a mature student. Watch as he discusses his experience upgrading his high school marks and becoming involved in activities related to his Indigenous cultural activities.

Tools & Resources

Changing Career Paths as a Mature Student (2:45)

Dwayne attends a technical institute as a mature student. Learn how he's approaching his shift to a second career and exploring the possibility of gaining work experience through a co-op program.

Steamfitter/pipefitter working in a shop
Q&A
Plan Your Career, Explore Education
“I want to get into the trades. What do I need to do?”