Online Schools in NEWFOUNDLAND

Although often referred to simply as Newfoundland, this easternmost province of Canada is properly known as Newfoundland and Labrador. The vast majority of the province's half a million residents live on the island of Newfoundland, with less than 10 percent of the population estimated to live on the mainland portion, Labrador.

Home to more than 100,000 people, the capital city of St. John's is located on the Atlantic coast and serves as the center of commerce and activity for Newfoundland and Labrador. Corner Brook and Mount Pearl are the other two cities on the island, and numerous smaller towns can be found throughout the island and on the mainland.

When it comes to education, schools in Newfoundland and Labrador offer a variety of training opportunities ranging from apprenticeships and certifications to university degrees. Students who do not live near a campus may find they too can further their education through online classes and degree programs as well.

Emerging industries planned for St. John's

With its location on the Canadian coast, exports from the mining and energy industries drive the province's economy. St. John's serves as a base for the country's offshore petroleum industry, and Export Development Canada reports that two-thirds of Newfoundland and Labrador's exports were in the energy sector in 2014.

However, the capital city has been working to diversify its economy, and in 2011, it created the Roadmap 2021 strategic plan. In it, St. John's has made it a goal to cultivate the following industries:

• Ocean technologies
• Tourism
• Arts

Because of the extra potential for career growth, students exploring Newfoundland colleges may want to consider studying in one of these emerging fields.

In addition, the health and construction sectors may be prime places to find employment in the future. The Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market: Outlook 2020 notes these two industries continue to have consistent, above-average growth year after year.

Newfoundland colleges and trade schools

Although unemployment in 2011 finally dipped to its lowest level in 35 years, government data indicates residents should make higher education a priority to increase the chance that they'll continue to have jobs for years to come. A 2013 labor market bulletin found job gains were strongest for those with a university degree, increasing 47 percent over a 10-year period.

Students pursuing a post-secondary education may want to attend one of Newfoundland and Labrador's two public institutions.

• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• College of the North Atlantic

Memorial University offers degrees programs on its three Newfoundland campuses as well as at locations in France and England. Students not located near a campus or those who prefer the convenience of distance learning have their choice of one diploma program, two certificate programs, and 10 undergraduate and graduate degrees that can be earned totally online. Other degrees offer a hybrid option that combines online with on-campus classes.

Meanwhile, the College of the North Atlantic has 15 campuses in Newfoundland, two in Labrador and one in the Middle East, in Doha, Qatar. More than 200 courses are available online through the college's Distributed Learning program. These cover eight diploma programs, one post-diploma program and two certificate programs.

Other Newfoundland colleges and trade schools include 25 public training institutions. These include seven campuses of Keyin College as well as other schools focused on specific careers such as hair design and ironworks.

Paying for Newfoundland colleges

Public schools in Newfoundland and Labrador have had their tuition rates frozen since 2011. However, the cost can still stretch many families' budgets.

To pay for their education, province residents might be eligible for the following government assistance.

• Canada Student Grants
• Newfoundland and Labrador Grants
• Canada Student Loans
• Newfoundland and Labrador Student Loans

Financial aid may be available from private sources as well. Students should also keep in mind that individual schools may offer scholarship programs, or scholarships and grants might be awarded through private foundations and organizations. More information on government loans and grants may be found on the Newfoundland Labrador Student Aid website.

Information on private scholarships can typically be found by searching online, but students may also want to contact the admissions or financial aid offices of Newfoundland colleges for more details on what assistance programs may be available.