- Level
- ESL / English Pathway Program
- Duration
- 4-24 month non-credential academic upgrading progr
- Open intakes
-
Off-shoreJan 2027, May 2027, Sep 2027
- Field
- World Languages and Cross-Cultural Communication
- Institution
- Public College
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2026-09-01
Program overview
A non credential academic upgrading programme running between four and twenty four months, providing high school level coursework in subjects such as English, mathematics and sciences to meet the entry requirements of post-secondary programmes.
Two things must be understood before applying. This is a non credential programme, so it awards no certificate, diploma or degree, and it does not lead to a post graduation work permit under any circumstances. It exists to prepare students academically for entry into a credential programme afterwards, and it should only ever be part of a longer plan.
Academic Upgrading awards no credential at all, so no CIP code applies and it cannot support a post graduation work permit under any circumstances. Study at this level does not carry spousal open work permit eligibility, so anyone considering Academic Upgrading with a partner should plan on a single income. Every work permit decision rests with Canadian immigration authorities, and Apply Study Visa confirms the position for Academic Upgrading in writing before you pay a deposit.
Entry to Academic Upgrading is Grade 12 / High School with no minimum percentage recorded. No standardised English test result is recorded for this programme, and tuition for Academic Upgrading is recorded at CAD 13,185 a year with a CAD 150 application fee. 7 intake windows are listed. Apply Study Visa manages the Academic Upgrading application, the attestation letter, the deposit and the study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: Grade 12 / High School, with no minimum percentage recorded.
- English (meet any one): No standardised English test result is recorded for this programme; confirm the language assessment route directly.
- English waiver: No English proficiency exam waiver is recorded for this institution.
- Application: Application fee CAD 150. A tuition deposit is required to reserve the seat and to trigger the provincial attestation letter.
- Work permit: Academic Upgrading awards no credential at all, so no CIP code applies and it cannot support a post graduation work permit under any circumstances.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa supplies the designated learning institution number and completes the submission with you.
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Progression to a Credential Programme: the only intended outcome
- Meeting Course Prerequisites: for science and mathematics entry
- Improving Academic Standing: for competitive programme entry
- English Language Development: alongside subject content
- Preparation for Health Programme Entry: prerequisite completion
- Pathway to Diploma and Degree Study: on successful completion
Reality check: upgrading time does not count toward any work permit and awards no credential, so the onward programme must be identified, confirmed and costed before arrival rather than after.
About Red Deer Polytechnic
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.5
- World rank
- #9832
- Reference No.
- O19391056880
