Open Studies
About the Open Studies
Start earning academic credits while you seek the program that is right for you. Open Studies is a program that allows you to begin your studies on a full- or part-time basis.
The Open Studies program lets you tailor your course selection and explore different options in order to help you make educational and career decisions. You can fit your studies around your multiple interests or focus on one discipline area that interests you the most.
If you need more than two academic areas of high school-level courses, you must apply to the Academic Upgrading Program.
Purposes of Open Studies
You may design a program of studies to suit your interests and needs. Open Studies is not tied to any one career, so you can take courses which appeal to you if you have the proper prerequisites. Please note that some courses are program specific and may not be available to Open Studies students.
If you do not meet admission requirements to certificate, diploma or university programs, you may complete those requirements and then apply to these programs.
If you require a high school equivalency math course from the Academic Upgrading program as part of your Open Studies program and have been out of high school math for more than one year, you will be required to take a math placement test prior to registering for the Academic Upgrading math course.
Related Careers
This course allows you the ability to start pursuing a career/program while upgrading, or, taking a variety of courses to find the right program that meets your career goals.
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 2025 - Open
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Spring 2025 - Open
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Fall 2025 - Open
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International Intakes
Winter 2025 - Closed
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Spring 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
NOTES:
- International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
International Students: If you are an international student or 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.
Eligibility for admission to the Open Studies program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
While applicants are encouraged to present the requirements below:
Students applying to Open Studies must have a minimum of 50% in:
- ELA 30-1 (ENGL 095), or equivalent
OR
- ELA 30-2 (ENGL 090), or equivalent (60% or higher is recommended)
Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who declare English as first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards Open Studies, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
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
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
View our course guide for additional program and course information.
Program Courses
Purposes of Open Studies
You may design a program of studies to suit your interests and needs. Open Studies is not tied to any one career, so you can take courses which appeal to you if you have the proper prerequisites. Please note that some courses are program specific and may not be available to Open Studies students.
If you do not meet admission requirements to certificate, diploma or university programs, you may complete those requirements and then apply to these programs.
If you require a high school equivalency math course from the Academic Upgrading program as part of your Open Studies program and have been out of high school math for more than one year, you will be required to take a math placement test prior to registering for the Academic Upgrading math course.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.