Red Deer Polytechnic has not seen a decline in foreign student enrolment applications, despite the federal government doubling the minimum financial requirement for international students.
Werner Beylefeld, dean of international education at RDP, said there’s strong demand from new global students applying for the 2024/2025 academic year.
“By continuing to offer an industry-relevant education and practical experiences in more than 80 programs, we anticipate that our student population, both domestic and international students, will continue to grow,” he added.
RDP has about 1,000 international students from 35 different countries enrolled in a variety of programs during the 2023/2024 academic year.
Canada is a top destination for international students — but many were found to be relying on food banks as their savings were not covering basic expenses.
In reaction, the Canadian government raised the financial threshold needed for students to enter the country and study at Canadian universities and colleges.
As of Jan. 1, each foreign student must have at least $20,635, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. The threshold had previously been set at $10,000 — an amount that had not changed since the early 2000 and was found to be well below Canada’s poverty line. Going forward, the required financial reserves will be linked to the national cost of living.
Beylefeld said bringing international students onto campus strengthens diversity and will continue to be a priority at RDP.
He added the institution is committed to working with the Government of Canada to ensure that international students succeed while pursuing a post-secondary education here. “We continue to see high demand from international students,” said Beylefeld, who does not expect that to change.
RDP’s recruiting agents will be expanding their efforts into different markets, such as Asia and Latin America. Beylefeld said Red Deer Polytechnic will also continue to use a variety of other methods, including in-person appointments, high school visits and open houses.
“We will continue to ensure people are aware of the diverse education, training and applied research opportunities that Red Deer Polytechnic provides.”
RDP offers a variety of academic and settlement supports, including on-campus housing for about 15 per cent of the total student population and academic and settlement supports for domestic and international students.