Olds College
Transforming agriculture through hands-on learning and innovative technology.
📍 Olds, Canada 🇨🇦
🏆 #4 in Canada
Quick Facts about Olds College
- Type: Public
- Students: 3,150
- International: 20%
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $8,800 – $24,261/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Intakes: September
About Olds College
Academics
Olds College is renowned for its agriculture-focused programs, offering a variety of certificates, diplomas, and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees. Key faculties and notable programs include Agricultural Management, Horticulture, Land and Water Resources, and Animal Health Technology. The college emphasizes experiential learning, integrating practical, hands-on training and work-integrated learning into its curriculum. This approach ensures graduates are equipped with relevant skills and knowledge for their chosen careers.
International Students
Olds College welcomes international students, providing a supportive environment and services tailored to their needs, including assistance with housing, academic advising, and cultural integration. The language of instruction is English, and applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through accepted assessments. The college has a diverse student body, with 684 international students out of a total enrollment of 3800. Support for international students also includes an Immigration Consultant and a dedicated International Student Orientation Course.
Campus & Location
The main campus of Olds College is situated on the eastern edge of the town of Olds, covering over 3,600 acres, which includes farmland. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, and gender-inclusive washrooms in new buildings. Olds offers a small-town charm with a relaxed lifestyle, local businesses, and green spaces, blending education, agriculture, and innovation. While public transportation from Calgary or Edmonton to Olds is limited, the college offers limited shuttle services from Calgary International Airport for admitted students. Nearby attractions include the Olds College Botanic Gardens and Wetlands, Centennial Park, and the Mountain View Museum and Archives.
Career Outcomes
Olds College offers comprehensive placement assistance for students to transition into the workforce, with a dedicated Career Services department providing counseling, workshops, job fairs, and networking events. Approximately 80% of international students secure internships during their academic tenure. The college actively fosters industry connections and partnerships, ensuring that its curriculum addresses industry needs and provides students with practical, real-world experience. Olds College also promotes an entrepreneurial culture through training, support for entrepreneurs, and business incubators, with initiatives like the Smart Farm supporting startup development and testing in smart agriculture technologies.
Information for International Students at Olds College
Olds College in Olds, Canada welcomes international students, with 20% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 20% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Olds College
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Olds College:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 80
- Duolingo minimum: 110
- GPA minimum: 2
- Application fee: $160
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: Rolling
Programs at Olds College (65 programs)
Olds College offers 65 programs across Bachelor levels.
Bachelor Programs (4)
- Bachelor of Applied Science - Environmental Management (majors in Land Reclamation and Remediation or Conservation and Restoration Ecology) (BASc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the principles and practices of environmental management, with specializations in reclaiming disturbed lands or conserving and restoring ecosystems. Graduates can become environmental consultants, reclamation specialists, conservation officers, or park planners.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental consultant, reclamation specialist, conservation officer, park planner - Bachelor of Applied Science - Agronomy (BASc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in crop production, soil science, and agricultural sustainability. Graduates can pursue careers as agronomists, crop specialists, research technicians, or agricultural consultants.
Field: Agriculture
Career outcomes: Agronomist, crop specialist, research technician, agricultural consultant - Bachelor of Applied Science - Environmental Management (majors in Land Reclamation and Remediation or Conservation and Restoration Ecology) (BASc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the principles and practices of environmental management, with specializations in reclaiming disturbed lands or conserving and restoring ecosystems. Graduates can become environmental consultants, reclamation specialists, conservation officers, or park planners.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental consultant, reclamation specialist, conservation officer, park planner - Bachelor of Applied Science - Agronomy (BASc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in crop production, soil science, and agricultural sustainability. Graduates can pursue careers as agronomists, crop specialists, research technicians, or agricultural consultants.
Field: Agriculture
Career outcomes: Agronomist, crop specialist, research technician, agricultural consultant
Scholarships & Tuition at Olds College
Annual tuition for international students: $8,800 – $24,261/year
✅ Olds College offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Olds College
- National Ranking: #4 in Canada
- Ranking tier: College
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at Olds College
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Rural
- Average class size: 25
Key Highlights
- Global leader in agriculture technology
- Specialized smart farm research facilities
- Expertise in animal science programs
- Focus on sustainable horticultural practices
- Hands-on vocational and technical training
- Strong industry partnerships for student success
Accreditation
- Alberta Ministry of Advanced Education
Notable Alumni
- James Bezan
- Danielle Kondla
- Philip Jalalpoor
- Walter Weber
- Sandra Mackinnon-Jahn
Frequently Asked Questions about Olds College
What is Olds College?
Olds College is a public university located in Olds, Canada. It has approximately 3,150 students, with 20% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Olds College?
Tuition fees at Olds College for international students range from $8,800 – $24,261/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Olds College?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 80. Duolingo minimum: 110. GPA minimum: 2. Application fee: $160. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: Rolling.
What language are courses taught in at Olds College?
Courses at Olds College are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does Olds College offer?
Olds College offers 65 programs: 4 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Olds College ranked?
#4 in Canada.
Does Olds College offer scholarships?
Yes, Olds College offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Olds College provide visa support?
Yes, Olds College provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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