Lethbridge College became Lethbridge Polytechnic in 2023, but it started in 1957 as Canada's first publicly funded community college. The campus sits on the west side of the city, near the coulees of the Oldman River in southern Alberta. It's known for criminal justice, agriculture, environmental science and trades, and many programmes are two-year diplomas with work placements.
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Official website: lethbridgecollege.ca
Public polytechnic in Alberta
1957, Canada's first publicly funded community college
Lethbridge Polytechnic since 2023
CA$16,000 – CA$22,000
International students, diploma programmes
CA$12,000 – CA$15,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on lethbridgecollege.ca before you apply.
Criminal Justice (Policing) Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Business Administration Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Renewable Resource Management Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Computer Information Technology Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
A long record in criminal justice and policing education.
Agriculture and environmental programmes suited to southern Alberta.
A campus above the Oldman River coulees.
Criminal justice graduates join police services, corrections and security firms.
Environmental graduates work in parks, conservation and resource industries.
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit; check field-of-study rules.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus has residences, a fitness centre and trails into the coulees. The steel High Level Bridge, a railway viaduct, crosses the same river valley in the city.
Lethbridge is sunny, windy and cheap. Calgary is about two hours north, and Waterton Lakes National Park is a day trip.
Letter of acceptance from Lethbridge Polytechnic
Alberta provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
Lethbridge Polytechnic accepts applications on a rolling basis, and popular programmes fill early. Apply up to a year ahead to leave time for the study permit.
Most programmes start in September. Some, such as business, also start in January.
You'll need a study permit. Lethbridge Polytechnic sends a letter of acceptance, and most students also need a provincial attestation letter. The permit application goes online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
Criminal justice, business administration, renewable resource management and IT are popular. Entry needs high school completion with specific course grades and IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
The polytechnic offers some entrance awards for international students. Check the awards page for current scholarships.
