Public College

Olds College

📍 Olds, Alberta

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is known for hands-on agriculture, horticulture and applied technology education on a working campus.

Acceptance Rate
Not published
Not published in Canada
Total Students
about 3,000
about 3,000 undergraduate
Avg Starting Salary
Not published
Graduates, CA$
Graduation Rate
about 75 percent
Completion rate
Endowment
about CA$40 million
CA$
ⓘ Figures beginning with “about” are estimates. Canadian schools do not publish an acceptance rate.
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About Olds College

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is a public college in central Alberta with deep roots in agriculture and land-based learning. Students train on a campus that doubles as a living classroom, with working farms, greenhouses, gardens and applied research facilities.

The college offers diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship training and applied degrees in areas such as agriculture, horticulture, business, trades, animal science and environmental management. It is also well regarded for its applied research and its work in smart agriculture technology, which brings industry partners into the learning environment.

Small class sizes and a practical approach mean students spend considerable time in labs, fields and shops, building skills they can take directly into the workforce.

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Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition in CA$, 2026-2027

In-Province Tuition
about CA$6,200
Per year, from the school’s fees
Out-of-Province Tuition
Same as in-province
Per year, from the school’s fees
International Tuition
about CA$17,000
Per year, from the school’s fees
Room & Board
about CA$10,500
Residence and meal plan, estimate
Avg Financial Aid
about CA$2,500
Per student receiving aid, estimate
Students receiving financial aidabout 50 percent

Students who live in Alberta apply for student aid through Alberta Student Aid; students from other provinces apply through their own province’s program. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.

The college offers its own entrance awards, in-course scholarships and bursaries funded by donors and industry partners.

Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical two-semester diploma, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Confirm the current figure on Olds College’s fee page.

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Available Scholarships

Ask Olds College about its entrance scholarships and bursaries.

Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with Olds College.

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Admissions
Apply Through
Admission Average
about 65 to 75 percent
Regular Deadline
Rolling admission

Applications to Olds College go through ApplyAlberta, Alberta’s application service.

Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, with specific course prerequisites that vary by program. Some programs may also ask for English proficiency evidence or additional documents.

Students apply through ApplyAlberta, Alberta's application service, by selecting their program and submitting transcripts and supporting documents. Applying early is recommended for popular programs.

The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with Olds College and ApplyAlberta.

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Top Programs
#1
Agriculture
Programs in crop, livestock and agribusiness are central to the college's identity and supported by working farm operations.
#2
Horticulture
Students train in greenhouses, nurseries and landscape settings, with strong industry connections.
#3
Applied Research and Smart Agriculture
The college is known for applied research that gives students exposure to new agricultural technologies.
#4
Trades and Apprenticeship
Technical training and apprenticeship programs prepare students for skilled careers.
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Campus Life

Olds is a town in central Alberta, roughly midway between Calgary and Red Deer along the Highway 2 corridor. The main campus is a large, rural-style campus with farmland, greenhouses, gardens and teaching facilities.

Olds Campus · Olds
The main campus, home to most programs, residences, farms, gardens and applied research facilities.

Campus life at Olds is close-knit, with many students living in residence and taking part in clubs, events and athletics. The rural setting offers a quieter, community-oriented experience.

On-campus residences and a tight-knit student community
Student clubs, events and intramural activities
Access to working farms, gardens and outdoor spaces
Athletics
CCAA
Teams
Olds College Broncos
Campuses
1

The Broncos compete in Canadian college athletics.

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Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
Strong hands-on, applied learning
Excellent industry connections in agriculture and horticulture
Small classes and close faculty contact
On-campus residence and community feel
✗ Cons
Small-town location far from big-city amenities
Narrower range of programs than a large university
Rural setting may require a vehicle for off-campus needs

Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.