SAIT academic upgrading courses are Alberta high school equivalency courses, not Alberta Education courses. They may be accepted for admission purposes by other Alberta post-secondary education institutions. Contact other post-secondary education institutions to confirm that SAIT upgrading courses will be accepted.

SAIT academic upgrading courses provide students with a flexible approach for their transition into post-secondary studies. Students become accustomed to the SAIT environment and culture and develop successful strategies for learning.

All students should have access to a personal computer.

Education is about more than the time you put into the classroom; it’s about the skills you get back from your effort and how those skills translate into career success. Learning is one thing — but training to deliver focused results, in-demand skills and job-ready ability opens up new levels of potential.

SAIT programs offer strategic industry connections, hands-on learning environments and proven career paths. With more than 90 baccalaureate degree, applied degree, certificate and diploma, programs, 30 apprenticeship trades, and 1,675 continuing education, domestic and international corporate training credit and non-credit courses, SAIT gives you almost limitless possibilities

Apply early!

SAIT’s programs in advanced technology are very popular and classes tend to fill up quickly. It is recommended that students apply well in advance. Applications will be accepted starting on the following dates:

• You may apply to more than one program but a separate application and fee are required for each.
• If your application is on a waitlist for the September intake (beginning of the academic year), you may request to transfer it to the January or May intake of the same academic year.
• Applications are accepted for each intake up until classes begin for most programs, but it is best to apply early as many programs offer early admission and/or continuous selection.

Application process

Step 1: Submit SAIT application & transcripts

Documents Required:

• Original official high school transcript (last three years) and postsecondary transcripts (if applicable)
• Original English translation of transcripts (certified translations)
• Original diploma /degree (Graduation Certificate) and the English translation
• English language proficiency results for direct entry (IELTS Academic, TOEFL Internet Based, CLBA, CAEL, PTE and MELAB)
• Any other documents that are part of the admissions requirements for a specific program

Step 2: Pay initial fee

The $200 CDN (non-refundable) application fee must be paid by Visa or MasterCard at the time the application is submitted.

Step 3: English Language Proficiency for all SAIT programs

All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. English language proficiency is a requirement for all SAIT programs. Applicants can demonstration English proficiency in the following ways:

• Successful completion of English, at the required level, as outlined in the individual program descriptions, including a minimum of three years of education at an English speaking Canadian school or at a recognized International English speaking school
• Successful completion, at the required level, of a post-secondary English or Communications course for which SAIT awards transfer credit, including a minimum of three years of education at an English speaking Canadian School or at a recognized International English speaking school.
• Successful completion of SAIT’s English Language Foundations Level 5 or a recognized alternate. SAIT has agreed to also accept the following as equivalent to ELF Level 5:
  • Bow Valley College – English for Academic Purposes (B or 73%)
  • Chinook College – Accelerated Academic Preparation 2 (75%)

Step 4: Self-Declare your grades 

Any applicant can self-declare by filling out the anticipated grades form, at any time, an anticipated grade for any course you plan on taking (or are currently taking – including English Proficiency classes/exams). However, you must meet the anticipated grade you made regarding that course by the final transcript deadline for the semester you have applied to (for the January semester, final grades are due by December 1; for the September semester, final grades are due by August 1).

Step 5: Schedule a Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA) test at SAIT

Students accepted into English Language Foundations (ELF) are required to book their CLBA.

Please note: Students must arrive at SAIT approximately two weeks prior to class start in order to adjust to Calgary and take your CLBA test.

Step 6: Pay tuition deposit/confirmation fee

Once you are offered a seat in a program, you will be sent an offer letter requesting that you pay a non-refundable fee of $250 CDN within four weeks to confirm your seat. Your seat will be replaced if the tuition deposit is not received by the noted deadline on your offer letter.

Please note: Tuition deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable if you wish to cancel the program you were selected for.
Step 7: Applying for a study permit

Once the Confirmation fee is paid, you will receive the Confirmation letter and information form to take to the Canadian Embassy in your country to apply for a study permit and temporary resident visa (if required).

Step 8: Payment of Registration fees

Approximately two months prior to the start date of the semester, you will receive a registration letter regarding payment of your first semester tuition fees that are due on or before the date indicated in your letter. Payment of these tuition fees confirms your attendance into your program.

All full-time programs have academic requirements you must meet in order to to qualify for admission. Some programs also have additional selection criteria in place to determine program suitability. Refer to the information below for a quick overview of academic requirements and selection criteria, if applicable, for each program.