Red Deer Polytechnic, Canada - Ranking, Reviews, Courses, Tuition Fees

Overview

About Red Deer Polytechnic

Founded in 1964, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has since grown into a vibrant polytechnic institution that offers international students a range of study programs, all of which are aimed at helping students reach their chosen career path or the next steps of their education journey.

Located in Alberta, Canada, the polytechnic offers an exciting place for students to begin or continue their international education. With almost 10,000 students, RDP creates an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere, with many students already attending from across the globe.

The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including those for learning and others for recreation, socializing, and living, with modern and state-of-the-art residences. Experience RDP through the virtual tour and see what the campuses have to offer.

Beyond the campus, the city of Red Deer offers everything that students could need to enjoy their time studying in Canada, including a vibrant cultural scene, accommodation options, stores and outdoor activity facilities, which are especially popular in winter for anyone who wants to try snow sports.

There are a variety of services and support offered at RDP to help students with any of their requirements or urgent issues. One of these teams is dedicated to international students, helping them to feel settled in Canada and offering additional support on issues such as finance, visas, study permits and more.

The campus is within easy reach of the major cities of Calgary and Edmonton for international flights.

What's New

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.

Finances

How much will it cost?

Average tuition fees per year

13,08,572 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

12,14,386 Vocational Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

Scholarships & funding

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.

Eligibility

Entry requirements

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

Department and Faculty

Teaching quality

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.

Department structure

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.

Campus and facilities

Student support

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.