Overview
The Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects at Red Deer Polytechnic prepares students to become skilled digital artists and visual storytellers. This four-year degree offers hands-on training across the full animation and VFX production pipeline—from concept development to final rendering.
Students explore storyboarding, character design, color theory, modeling, sculpting, rigging, lighting, rendering, and visual effects simulation. The curriculum allows learners to experiment with different specializations while building expertise in their strongest creative areas.
Technical and Creative Skill Development
Working with industry-standard software, students create textures, simulate effects, and bring characters to life in both bipedal and quadrupedal forms. Courses emphasize both artistic creativity and technical precision, ensuring graduates can think like artists and perform like professionals.
Industry Collaboration and Portfolio Building
In Year Three, students collaborate on a real-world project under instructor guidance. Year Four integrates advanced studio work and industry learning, giving students the opportunity to complete major creative projects or gain employment-based experience.
By graduation, students develop a professional portfolio demonstrating their creative vision, technical ability, and readiness for the animation and visual effects industry.
- Academic Requirement: Students must have: • 60% in ELA 30-1 • 50% in Social Studies 30-1 OR 50% in Aboriginal Studies 30 OR 50% in Art 30 Indian Equivalent (for system entry): 12th Pass with English and Social Studies / Art / Humanities subject meeting minimum percentage criteria. Note: Admission requirements under review for Fall 2026. Alternate courses may be considered.
- ELP Requirement: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 each band) PTE: 59 (minimum 56 each section) Duolingo: 115–125 TOEFL iBT: 83 CAEL: 60 (minimum 55 each band) Oxford ELLT: 7 Overall MET: 61 (minimum 58 each band)
- Special Requirement: • Industry-standard software training • Year 3 collaborative real-world project • Year 4 integrated industry learning or studio project • Portfolio development required • Creative studio-based learning environment • Transfer credit possible from recognized post-secondary diplomas
- Application Fee: $150
- LOA Deposit: $1,500
- Annual Tuition Fee: $291,051
- Total Tuition Fee: $107,412
- Course Duration: 4 years
- Credentials: Bachelor
- Intake: September 2026
Eligibility
□ 12th Pass with English and Social Studies / Art subject
□ Minimum required percentage
English Requirement
□ IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 each band)
OR accepted equivalent (PTE 59 / Duolingo 115–125 / TOEFL 83)
Documents
□ Passport
□ 10th and 12th marksheets
□ English test result
□ Statement of Purpose
Fees and Admission
□ Application Fee – CAD 150
□ Tuition Deposit – CAD 1500
□ PAL Required
Program Confirmation
□ Duration – 4 Years
□ Intake – Fall 2026
□ Year 3 Collaborative Project
□ Year 4 Industry/Studio Integration
□ PGWP Eligible