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.
The Academic Upgrading program gives adult students an opportunity to learn in a traditional classroom setting with an instructor.
With Academic Upgrading, you can upgrade your academic skills, meet entrance requirements for post-secondary programs, earn a High School Equivalency diploma, and prepare for entry into the workplace.
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.
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
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Winter (International) - Start Date: Jan 07, 2025
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
- Application window:
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- 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
Placement Assessments. Upon applying to the Academic Upgrading program, you are required to write a brief assessment in English and Math. These assessments help to place you in the appropriate level of upgrading courses.
After completing the assessment, you will be contacted by the Academic Advisor regarding your course registration and funding information.
NOTE: Transcripts will be required if you have attended high school or another post-secondary institution.
Additional Requirements
Supplies
You will have to buy your own textbooks. Textbooks range from $80.00 to $150.00 per course. In addition, a graphing calculator is required for your Math 082, 085, 092, 096 and 097 courses. It will cost approximately $160.00.
Program Cost
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.
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.
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 in all academic disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies). These courses are accepted in place of Alberta Education courses for admission and prerequisite purposes at RDP. The following describes the course numbering system:
40/50 Levels -Pre-high school refresher courses (English, Mathematics)
75 Levels -Grade 10/11 in high school
85 Levels -Grade 11 in high school
90/95/96 Levels -Grade 12 in high school
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
Since most post-secondary programs have special requirements for the admission of mature students, it is strongly recommended that students contact an Academic Advisor to determine how best to meet these entry requirements.
Few programs require mature students to possess a complete high school diploma. For those students who wish to receive a high school equivalency diploma, the Academic Upgrading program will grant a High School Equivalency Diploma if the student has not received one previously. Students must apply to the Office of the Registrar to receive this diploma.
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.
RDP High School Equivalency Diploma Requirements:
You must complete five (5) Alberta Education high school courses or their RDP equivalencies to qualify. A minimum of 3 of the following 5 courses must be completed at RDP.
ENGL 090 or ENGL 095 = ELA 30-2 or ELA 30-1
MATH 075 or higher = Math 10C or higher
BIOL 085 or higher = Biology 20 or higher
CHEM 085 or higher = Chemistry 20 or higher
PHYS 085 or higher = Physics 20 or higher
SOST 095 = Social Studies 30-1
One other course of at least 2 credits that is not a prerequisite to any of the required courses listed above (e.g., Accounting, Computing).
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.