Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma
Precision Meets Possibility
In the Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology program, you will master the skills to maintain, install and design the systems used to measure, monitor, and control processes in industries like food & beverage, oil & gas, water treatment, power generation, agriculture and more.
Right from day one, you’ll dive into the systems that power modern industry—sensors, controllers, robotics, and programmable logic. You’ll work with real equipment in labs that mirror the environments found in manufacturing, energy, and process control sectors.
You’ll study how data flows through systems, how feedback loops maintain stability, and how to troubleshoot when things go off track. You’ll also explore electrical fundamentals, fluid power, and instrumentation calibration—skills that keep operations running smoothly and safely.
As you progress, you’ll take on more complex challenges, like designing automated systems, integrating smart technologies, and optimizing performance across entire facilities. Whether you're configuring a control panel or programming a robotic arm, you’ll be building the kind of expertise that industries rely on.
Related Careers
Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Graduates are prepared for careers related to computer and electronic-based automated systems application and support across sectors like;
- food and beverage
- oil and gas
- water treatment
- power generation
- agriculture
- petrochemical
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
Fall 2026 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
International Intakes
Fall 2026 - Open
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Note
- International students must pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. View Admission Requirements for detailed group descriptions.
If you have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, refer to Course Equivalencies 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.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology must have:
- 50% in ELA 30-1 OR 65% in ELA 30-2
- 60% in MATH 30-1 OR 75% in MATH 30-2
- 60% in PHYS 20
- 60% in CHEM 20 OR 60% in SCI 30
OR
- Successful completion of 15 post-secondary credits (five courses) from an accredited program in a related field (Engineering Degree, Engineering Technology)
Note: Equivalent courses are accepted to meet admission requirements. Academic Upgrading course equivalents are available at RDP.
Additional Requirements
Technology
Applicants are required to have either a MAC or a PC laptop with the following minimum requirements.
Apple Laptop
- MacBook Air with 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 128 GB solid-state storage, 4 GB memory
- Web camera (built-in or plug-in)
- Microphone
Windows Laptop
- Laptop with 2.6 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 128 GB storage, 4 GB memory and Windows 10 operating system
- Web camera (built-in or plug-in)
- Microphone
Software
- Adobe Flash (Latest Version)
- Google Chrome browser
- Microsoft Word
- Students can either purchase and install Microsoft Word, or access Office 365, provided with an RDP student account.
Other
- USB memory stick (Flash drive)
- 5G Wifi connection, or greater
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide one of the following;
- Three years of full-time education in English in a regular high school or post-secondary credit program:
- completed within Canada, including the grade 12 year; or
- completed in an English-speaking country; or
- completed at a recognized school or institution with English as the primary language of instruction.A 'Medium of Instruction' letter may be requested.
Enrollment in English as a Second Language courses or programs does not qualify for this purpose.
- English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent with a minimum grade of 60%
- One approved ELP requirement (including ELP tests or pathway programs) and a Language Arts course at a grade 12 level (equivalent or higher)
- ILAC University Pathway Program (Level 3.2 or 3.3) with a minimum grade of 70%.
- Robertson College Intensive Academic English course Level 5 (IAE5) with a minimum grade of 70%.
- Completion of an approved English Proficiency Test
- CAEL 60 with at least 55 on each band score
- Duolingo English Test: 115-125
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 with at least 5.5 on each band score
- MET 61 with at least 58 on each band score
- PTE 59 with at least 56 on each band score
- Oxford ELLT: 7 Overall
- TOEFL: 83 iBT or 557 PBT
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit.
Indigenous Learners
Application Fee & 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 and remove the tuition deposit requirement for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.
Designated Seats
The IAET program has designated four seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. After June 1 for the Fall term, October 1 for the Winter term, and February 1 for the Spring term (if applicable), unallocated seats will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program.
Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for the Waivers or a designated seat 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, Métis 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.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year; additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year; additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Program Content
View our course guide for additional program and course information.
Graduation Requirements
Students must achieve a minimum passing grade of 'D' in all courses applied to credential completion and a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.