To be admitted to Columbia, an applicant must possess an Alberta high school diploma and satisfy the educational prerequisites. In the case of programs, which do not require an Alberta high school diploma, applicants must be at least 18 years of age or 17 and out of school for at least 12 months. Students may also qualify for mature student status.

Applicants wishing to attend a program on a specific start date must submit their application form and supporting documents as far in advance as possible. Program personnel normally begin reviewing applications for a specific start date as early as three to six months in advance of that start date. The start dates for each program are listed in their specific section of the calendar.