Academic Upgrading
About the Academic Upgrading Program
The Academic Upgrading program helps open doors to further education and better employment. This program allows you the opportunity to create your path for your next steps.
Academic Upgrading courses can be taken individually on an as-needed basis to meet entrance requirements for post-secondary programs or as a pathway to achieve a High School Equivalency Diploma. These courses are recognized by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT) as Alberta Education high school equivalencies.
The Academic Upgrading program allows you to learn on campus, online or in a blend of both. Additional learning support is provided by tutoring services tailored to your needs.
When you take an Academic Upgrading course, you become part of a learning community that also includes students registered in a variety of other programs across Red Deer Polytechnic.
Related Careers
The Academic Upgrading program at Red Deer Polytechnic enables individuals to get the pre-requisites needed to enter into several post-secondary programs and broaden their career options.
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Winter 2026 - Open
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Spring 2026 - Open
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Fall 2026 - Upcoming
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International Intakes
Winter 2026 - Open
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- Registration start date:
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Spring 2026 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
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- First day of classes:
Fall 2026 - Upcoming
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
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Note:
- International students must pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
There are no formal admission requirements.
Transcripts will be required if you have attended high school or another post-secondary institution.
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
If you have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Indigenous Learners
Application Fee and Tuition Deposit Waivers
Red Deer Polytechnic recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase participation of Indigenous Peoples, RDP will waive the application fee for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. The requirement to pay a Tuition Deposit once admitted will also be waived for qualified applicants.
Indigenous applicants must qualify for the Application Fee and Tuition Deposit Waivers by:
- Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
- Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry
Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
- Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
- Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
- Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
- Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.
Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.
If you have questions or want help with the process, please connect with Indigenous Student Services.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the minimum full-time requirement of at least three upgrading courses in the Fall or Winter term and two in the Spring for a total of at least eight upgrading courses over one academic year (Fall, Winter and Spring).
Textbooks range from zero cost to approximately $150.00 per course. A graphing calculator is required for most math courses and will cost approximately $160.00. A lab coat is required for chemistry and biology labs. Safety glasses are required for chemistry labs.
Additional fees apply. Domestic Program Cost Estimates
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the minimum full-time requirement of at least three upgrading courses in the Fall or Winter term and two in the Spring for a total of at least eight upgrading courses over one academic year (Fall, Winter and Spring).
Textbooks range from zero cost to approximately $150.00 per course. A graphing calculator is required for most math courses and will cost approximately $160.00. A lab coat is required for chemistry and biology labs. Safety glasses are required for chemistry labs.
Additional fees apply. International Program Cost Estimates
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
The Academic Upgrading program offers high school equivalency courses in the following subject areas: Biology, Chemistry, English, Indigenous Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Science and Social Studies. Academic Upgrading courses are accepted in place of Alberta Education courses for admission and pre-requisite purposes at RDP and other post-secondary institutions.
Students who need several upgrading courses in multiple subject areas typically take up to three courses in the Fall term, up to three courses in the Winter term, and one or two courses in the Spring term.
Please see below for a complete list of high school equivalency courses offered at RDP.
RDP Course Code | Alberta Education Equivalency
BIOL 0300 | Biology 30
CHEM 0300 | Chemistry 30
ENGL 0300 | English Language Arts 30-2
ENGL 0301 | English Language Arts 30-1
INDS 0300 | Aboriginal Studies 30
MATH 0302 | Math 30-2
MATH 0301 | Math 30-1
MATH 0310 | Math 31
PHYS 0300 | Physics 30
SOST 0301 | Social Studies 30-1
Graduation Requirements
If you do not have a high school diploma and wish to receive one, you can apply to the Office of the Registrar to be granted the RDP High School Equivalency Diploma.
RDP High School Equivalency Diploma Requirements:
You must complete five (5) Alberta Education high school courses from the list below to qualify. A minimum of three (3) of these courses must be completed at RDP.
Subject | Accepted RDP Upgrading Courses
English | ENGL 0301 or higher
Mathematics | MATH 0100 or higher
Science | BIOL 0200 or CHEM 0200 or PHYS 0200 or higher
Social Studies | SOST 0301
Additional 2-credit or higher upgrading course or high school option | Any high school level course that is not a pre-requisite to one of the above courses.
NOTE: Students going on to any degree program or to a technical institute are responsible for checking on the Admission Requirements of their future program. Consult with an Academic Advisor.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.