Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects is a bachelor's degree in Film & Animation programme taught at Red Deer Polytechnic in Red Deer, Canada. The programme runs for 4 years. Tuition for international students is CAD 29,694 per year (CAD 8,484 per year for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Bachelor's Degree
Field:Film & Animation
Duration: 4 years
Local tuition: CAD 8,484 / year
International tuition: CAD 29,694 / year
Last checked September 2026 · Source: rdpolytech.ca ·
Program details
Overview
The Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects at Red Deer Polytechnic is a four-year degree covering the full computer animation pipeline, from character sketching and environment design to 3D modelling and character animation. Coursework includes storyboarding, character design, modelling, digital sculpting, rigging, lighting, rendering, compositing, visual effects, and the ethical use of generative artificial intelligence. In the third year, students collaborate with peers on a real-world project, and the fourth year replaces formal classes with an area of specialization, independent or collaborative work, and development of a demo reel. The program is offered fully online or fully in-person at the main campus in Red Deer, and includes dedicated visual effects labs with extended access. Students receive an industry-ready computer and drawing tablet through a lease-to-own arrangement, and the program's breadth elective courses can form a structured minor. It suits students interested in digital storytelling and computer animation production, including international applicants. Related careers include 3D character animator, visual effects artist, compositor, 3D modeler, storyboard artist, layout artist, rigging technical artist, texture artist, and lighting artist.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Direct entry requires 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2, plus 50% in one further Group A, B or C grade 12 course (Fine Arts, Humanities/Social Studies, a non-English language, or advanced sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics 31 or Advanced Computer Science); applicants may instead qualify by completing a two-year diploma from an accredited Canadian public post-secondary institution in a related field. Applicants whose first language is not English must show three years of full-time English-medium schooling, 60% in ELA 30-1/30-2, an approved pathway (ILAC University Pathway Level 3.2/3.3 or Robertson College IAE5 at 70%), or one of: IELTS Academic 6.5 (5.5 per band), TOEFL 83 iBT/557 PBT, PTE 59 (56 per band), Duolingo 115-125, or CAEL 60 (55 per band). No portfolio, interview, age or work-experience requirement is stated. The Fall 2026 intake's domestic application window runs October 1, 2025 to August 15, 2026, closing May 1, 2026 for international applicants, with classes starting September 2, 2026.
Application Details
Start Date:Fall
Application Deadline:Fall-only intake (on-campus and online); the Fall 2026 window (1 Oct 2025 - 15 Aug 2026 domestic, 1 Oct 2025 - 1 May 2026 international) is closed and Fall 2027 applications had not yet opened as of Sept 2026 (they open 1 Oct 2026 per RDP's recurring pattern).
