Program_Open Studies

Open Studies

Open Studies is a unique, flexible and customizable program that allows you to take courses that help you work toward your career goals. You have the flexibility to take courses on a full-time or part-time basis.
Domestic Status:
Open
International Status:
Open
Next Start date:
Certificate
1 Year
Accepting International Students
Full-Time Part-Time On Campus Online

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

  1. 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. 

  2. If you do not meet admission requirements to certificate, diploma or university programs, you may complete those requirements and then apply to these programs. 

  3. 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. 

Intakes

Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
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Winter (Domestic) - Start Date: Jan 07, 2025
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Spring (Domestic) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
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Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
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Winter (International) - Start Date: Jan 07, 2025
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    -
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Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
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    -
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  • 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 

A minimum of 60% in: 

  • ELA 30-2 (ENGL 090), or equivalent 

Red Deer Polytechnic will accept applications from applicants that present: 

A minimum of 50% in: 

  • ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2 (ENGL 095 or ENGL 090), or equivalent 

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

Students from Canada
Estimated Tuition & Fees
$9,229.50

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students
Estimated Tuition & Fees
$22,251.50

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.      

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.     

Program Content

View our course guide for additional program and course information. 

Purposes of Open Studies

  1. 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. 

  2. If you do not meet admission requirements to certificate, diploma or university programs, you may complete those requirements and then apply to these programs. 

  3. 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.