Red Deer Polytechnic

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is a modern polytechnic institution located in the city of Red Deer, Alberta, with quick and easy access to the cities of Calgary and Edmonton. RDP offers a range of programs and credentials, ensuring there is something for all students who want to further their education or train in a specific career path.

The institution has existed since 1964 and has since grown into a vibrant polytechnic institution that serves around 10,000 students, many of whom are international students studying abroad for the first time. The polytechnic and the City of Red Deer provide an inclusive and welcoming environment, giving international students an enjoyable place to grow their experiences and take the first steps towards their global future.

At Red Deer Polytechnic, 89 percent of graduates are satisfied with the quality of their education and 95 percent of graduates are employed within six months of completing their program.

To further support current students, RDP has a careers services team that offers free advice on employment, as well as job-seeking and career opportunities. Students can get support with interviewing, resume-writing, searching for jobs or what next steps to take.

Students will benefit from a modern and vibrant campus that boasts high-quality learning, modern residences, and recreational facilities. Experience RDP through the virtual tour and see what the campuses have to offer. Alongside state-of-the-art facilities, RDP students benefit from highly experienced and engaging faculty, as well as opportunities for applied learning and industry connections.

The city of Red Deer has everything else that students could need for a fulfilling balance between work and play. We have a diverse economy, with 62,224 jobs provided by over 4,000 businesses.

There are plenty of support services available to RDP students, including help with academics, careers, health, accessibility, a vibrant alumni network of over 87,000 individuals, and more.

The quality of teaching at Red Deer Polytechnic is exceptionally high – students will complete their program, gaining true value from their time on campus, and fully prepared to embark on their next steps.

While much of this is driven by the faculty themselves, who have extensive experience of working in their industry, it also comes from the way that programs are taught. Students will use experiential learning to get hands-on with their field of study, while technology integration means that students will use professional-grade equipment and software, best-preparing them to find work immediately upon graduation.

The polytechnic cultivates a range of partnerships with industries and research organizations around the world, allowing students to actively influence society as they learn

There are also further opportunities around the areas of study for students to develop their skills, broadening their appeal to employers and empowering them to become the next generation of leaders.

Red Deer Polytechnic offers a diverse range of programs for international students in the following areas of study: art, business, creative arts, education, engineering and technologies, health sciences, sciences, continuing education and other programs.

Students can browse the range of study options by the type of program. There are five of these options:

• Certificates – typically one year, including options such as the Educational Assistant Certificate and Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
• Diplomas – typically 2 years, with a wide range of options from Computer Programming to Practical Nurse Diploma
• Post-Baccalaureate – typically one to two years, including subjects like Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics as well as Advanced Accounting
• Degrees – lasting 4 years, including the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
• University Transfers – typically 2 years at RDP and then 2 years at a transferring university, including programs such as the Bachelor of Science Engineering, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Fine Art

Other Programs, which include Academic Upgrading and Open Studies.

For a full list of program options, cost estimates, application deadlines, program intakes, availability, and more, students should visit RDP's ‘Find a Program' webpage.

Based on RDP's current knowledge, the programs listed here are aligned with IRCC's PGWP aligned program list. As the validation of programs unfolds, RDP will assess and amend the list of eligible programs as new information is received.

For international students, entry requirements at Red Deer Polytechnic are split into two categories – the academic requirements and the English language proficiency (ELP) requirements.

Academic Requirements

Academic requirements can vary depending on the chosen program of study. Students are advised to check these requirements early so that they can prepare the necessary evidence of their prior education, which can then be assessed against the Canadian equivalents.

Visit RDP's International Course Equivalencies webpage to assess academic admission requirements based on courses taken in other countries.

English Language Proficiency

Alongside evidence of prior academic education, students must also provide test scores for an approved English language testing service, unless they are applying from English Speaking Country.. Certain courses have a requirement for higher average test scores, so students are encouraged to review the English Language Proficiency requirements in full on RDP's website.

The application open dates and application deadlines for each intake are as follows:

Fall: applications open October 1, deadline is May 1

Winter: applications Open March 1, close September 1

Spring: applications open August 1, close January 31

RDP has a dedicated international student services team, focuses specifically on international student support. This team specializes in all aspects of student life in Canada including settlement support, academic support, immigration advising, student life, and much more.

There is an extensive list of additional student services and campus services available at Red Deer Polytechnic to support students through their program and life on campus. These services include:

• Academic advising and academic support – help for any students who want to become better learners, improve their core academic skills and more.
• Accessibility services – help reduce barriers to academic success.
• Career services – help with finding work and understanding career options.
• Childcare – year-round childcare services for parents who wish to learn.
• Counselling services – offers confidential counselling and support.
• Health and wellbeing services – help with physical and mental health at the institution.

Students can always find out more about these and other supports, including contact details and appointment times, via RDP's website.

Every year, over CAD 2 million is granted to students of Red Deer Polytechnic by means of scholarships and financial awards. These awards are granted for a variety of reasons, some of which are based on academic achievement, others on sporting talent, and more still based on students' background and chosen field of study.

Scholarships and other funding may be provided as reductions to tuition fees, direct payments to students, or as discounts and reductions to other study-related costs.

The full list of scholarships and financial awards includes links to eligibility information. Students can check this list to find all the awards that they may be entitled to, including details of how to apply, through the polytechnic's website.

Red Deer Polytechnic is a fast-growing institution that is constantly changing and adapting to the needs of students, as well as local and global businesses. Continued investment and new partnerships help to enhance the education offering of RDP, while new recognition demonstrates the success of the college.

An example of this recognition is Red Deer Polytechnic's ranking in Canada's Top 50 research polytechnics and colleges by Research Infosource Inc, which also lists RDP in 3^rd place for completed research projects. Research plays a big part in life at RDP, and both existing and new students will benefit from the latest innovations and opportunities incorporated into each course.

On May 9, 2025, Red Deer Polytechnic officially began construction on the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) expansion. This project is designed to develop the facility to a size of 25,000 square feet. Offering additional collaborative spaces and advanced equipment, the Polytechnic's CIM-TAC will enhance applied research capacity and impact across Alberta and more widely, contributing to real-world challenges while significantly expanding RDP's capacity in training and education.