Build a Career in Sustainable Horticulture and Plant Production
The Horticulture Technologist Diploma at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is a two-year program designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of plant production, landscape design, soil and water systems, and horticultural business practices. This program is ideal for those looking to work in the green industry or start their own horticulture-focused enterprise.
What You’ll Learn
Students will develop the skills and expertise needed to manage productive and sustainable horticulture systems. Core topics include:
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Plant Production & Crop Management
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
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Landscape Design and Installation
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Soil Health and Water Management
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Entrepreneurship and Business in Horticulture
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Sustainable and Ecological Horticulture Practices
You’ll also gain insight into the ecological, economic, and social impacts of horticulture decisions in real-world scenarios.
Hands-On Learning in a Living Lab Environment
Train in our unique living lab campus, featuring:
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A 15-acre constructed wetland
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Botanic gardens and diverse plant collections
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Advanced greenhouses for year-round growing
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A 12,000 sq. ft. Landscape Pavilion
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Outdoor learning spaces designed for field-based research and skill-building
This immersive setting allows you to apply classroom theory in real-world horticulture environments.
Field School: Work-Integrated Learning Experience
As part of the diploma program, students will complete a Field School, working directly with an industry partner while earning a wage. This work-integrated learning opportunity enables you to:
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Apply your knowledge in a professional setting
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Gain valuable industry experience
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Network with employers and build your resume
Industry Certification
Graduates of the program are eligible to pursue certification through the Horticulture Certification Program offered by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)—a widely recognized industry credential in Canada.
Career Opportunities in Horticulture
Graduates of the Horticulture Technologist Diploma program are prepared for diverse roles in the agriculture, landscaping, and green industries, such as:
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Greenhouse or Nursery Technician
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Horticulture Crop Production Manager
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Landscape Designer or Installer
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Irrigation or Soil Management Technician
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Urban Agriculture or Vertical Farming Specialist
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Horticulture Business Owner or Consultant
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Plant Health or Pest Control Specialist
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Public Garden, Arboretum, or Parks Technician
- Academic Requirement: The applicant needs at least 33% in Grade 12 and at least 53% in college or diploma studies.
- ELP Requirement: IELTS: minimum 6 in each module PTE: minimum 55 in each module TOEFL (iBT): Minimum overall score of 80 with at least 18 in each section Duolingo: Minimum overall score of 110
- Special Requirement: For Indians The applicant must have at least 40% in Grade 12 English, 44% in Math (either in Grade 12 or Grade 10), and at least 40% in two of Biology, Chemistry, or Science in Grade 10, OR one of these subjects in Grade 12. For Africans The applicant must have at least 50% in high school English, Math, and in one of Biology, Chemistry, or Science.
We understand that plans can sometimes change. If you need to cancel your enrollment, here is a detailed explanation of how tuition fee refunds and deferrals work at Olds College of Information & Technology.
✅ Tuition Refund Eligibility
That there will be Tuition Fee Refund only in the following conditions:
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If you cancel your admission within four months before the program begins and provide proof that your Study Permit application was rejected.
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If you cancel your admission within four months before the program begins and provide proof that your Study Permit application has not been processed yet.
If you meet these two conditions, you can request a refund for the tuition fees and deposit you have paid. Please note that a $300 CAD processing fee will be deducted from your refund.
❌ Non-Refundable Situations
Your tuition deposit and any first-term tuition or fees that you have paid will not be refunded under the following conditions:
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You have already been issued a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) by the college. Once this letter is issued, your fees become non-refundable regardless of your study permit status.
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You cancel your admission less than four months before your program start date and do not provide proof that your Study Permit was denied or is still in process.
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You cancel your admission after your Study Permit has already been approved. At this stage, it is assumed you are ready to attend, and cancellation does not qualify for a refund.
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You do not inform the college of your cancellation before the program begins. If you fail to notify the college ahead of time and simply do not show up, you will not receive any refund.
These rules apply to all international students, and no exceptions will be made in the situations listed above.
* Deferral Policy (Postponing Your Admission)
If you cannot start your studies on the scheduled date, you may be able to defer (delay) your enrollment to a future intake, but certain conditions apply:
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You are allowed to defer your admission only once. Multiple deferrals are not permitted.
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You may only defer if your Study Permit has not been denied. If your permit was rejected, deferral is not an option—you must reapply for admission.
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Your deferral request must be submitted before your program start date. If you wait until after the program has started, you will not be eligible for a deferral.
If approved, your tuition and deposit will be carried forward to the new intake.
- Application Fee: $160
- LOA Deposit: $5,000
- Annual Tuition Fee: $18,500
- Total Tuition Fee: $37,500
- Course Duration: 2 years
- Credentials: Diploma
- Intake: September 2025
- Copy of passport
- All academic transcripts
- All academic certificates
- IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo - if applicable
- Student Email ID:
- Student Contact No:
- Student Address:
- Consent to Release Student Information
IF ONSHORE STUDENT
- Stamped copy of visa
- LOI
- Study permit
- Canadian Address:
- Canadian Contact No: