About the university
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) was established in 1916 and is Calgary's public polytechnic. Its main campus sits just north-west of downtown Calgary, and it teaches through eight schools covering business, digital technology, energy, construction, health, hospitality, manufacturing and transportation.
SAIT's teaching is hands-on and closely tied to employers, with certificates and diplomas built around specific careers and a growing number of bachelor's degrees in business and technology. Its 2025 graduate employment survey reported that 87% of graduates were employed.
Indian students usually look at SAIT's one-year post-diploma certificates in data analytics, artificial intelligence and information security, two-year diplomas in software development, cyber security and supply chain management, and the two-year Bachelor of Technology for diploma holders. SAIT can also bundle two programmes back to back for international students.
SAIT shows on each programme's information whether it is open to international applicants, and some programmes (such as Cyber Security Analyst) are only for employer-sponsored students. Check SAIT's PGWP information before choosing a programme, as eligibility depends on your programme and IRCC's current rules.
- Founded
- 1916
- Type
- Public polytechnic in Alberta offering certificates, diplomas, post-diploma certificates and bachelor's degrees
- Main campus
- 1301 16 Avenue NW, Calgary, with satellite sites including the Art Smith Aero Centre and a downtown campus
- Schools
- 8 academic schools
- Alumni
- 274,000+
- Intakes
- Fall, Winter and Spring (Fall 2027 applications opened 4 August 2026)
- Tuition deposit
- CAD 3,500, non-refundable, within 20 days of the offer
Rankings
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
Data Analytics (Post-Diploma Certificate)
- Fee / year
- C$18,960
- Duration
- 1 year (2 semesters)
- Intakes
- Check the programme page; SAIT's Fall 2027 international applications are open
- English
- IELTS Academic with at least 6.0 in each band
- Postgraduate
Integrated Artificial Intelligence (Post-Diploma Certificate)
- Fee / year
- C$22,440
- Duration
- 1 year (2 semesters)
- Intakes
- Check the programme page; SAIT's Fall 2027 international applications are open
- English
- IELTS Academic with at least 6.0 in each band
- Postgraduate
Information Security Analyst (Post-Diploma Certificate)
- Fee / year
- C$27,054
- Duration
- 1 year (2 semesters)
- Intakes
- Check the programme page; SAIT's Fall 2027 international applications are open
- English
- IELTS Academic with at least 6.0 in each band
- Postgraduate
Bachelor of Technology – Software Development
- Fee / year
- C$27,870
- Duration
- 2 years (4 semesters) after an IT diploma or equivalent
- Intakes
- Check the programme page; SAIT's Fall 2027 international applications are open
- English
- IELTS Academic with at least 6.0 in each band
- Undergraduate
Software Development (Diploma)
- Fee / year
- C$24,060
- Duration
- 2 years
- Intakes
- Check the programme page; SAIT's Fall 2027 international applications are open
- English
- IELTS Academic with at least 6.0 in each band
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$30,090
- Duration
- 2 years
- Intakes
- Check the programme page; SAIT's Fall 2027 international applications are open
- English
- IELTS Academic with at least 6.0 in each band
- Undergraduate
Business Administration – Supply Chain Management Major (Diploma)
- Fee / year
- C$20,400
- Duration
- 2 years
- Intakes
- Check the programme page; SAIT's Fall 2027 international applications are open
- English
- IELTS Academic with at least 6.0 in each band
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Business Administration – Supply Chain Management Major
- Fee / year
- C$21,720
- Duration
- 4 years, with a practicum or capstone in year 4
- Intakes
- Check the programme page; SAIT's Fall 2027 international applications are open
- English
- IELTS Academic with at least 6.0 in each band
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (CAD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Analytics (Post-Diploma Certificate) | 1 year (2 semesters) | C$18,960 | ≈ ₹12.7 lakh |
| Integrated Artificial Intelligence (Post-Diploma Certificate) | 1 year (2 semesters) | C$22,440 | ≈ ₹15 lakh |
| Information Security Analyst (Post-Diploma Certificate) | 1 year (2 semesters) | C$27,054 | ≈ ₹18.1 lakh |
| Bachelor of Technology – Software Development | 2 years (4 semesters) after an IT diploma or equivalent | C$27,870 | ≈ ₹18.7 lakh |
| Software Development (Diploma) | 2 years | C$24,060 | ≈ ₹16.1 lakh |
| Cyber Security (Diploma) | 2 years | C$30,090 | ≈ ₹20.2 lakh |
| Business Administration – Supply Chain Management Major (Diploma) | 2 years | C$20,400 | ≈ ₹13.7 lakh |
| Bachelor of Business Administration – Supply Chain Management Major | 4 years, with a practicum or capstone in year 4 | C$21,720 | ≈ ₹14.6 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) with similar universities in Canada.
Scholarships
- Full-time students, including international students on a study permit
SAIT student awards (entrance and in-programme)
Value: SAIT offers more than 6,500 awards in total; values vary by award
Eligibility: Apply through mySAIT: new students submit the entrance application before their programme starts. You need a SIN or ITN to receive an award, and full-time students must take at least 9 credits.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Diplomas and bachelor's degrees: Class 12 with the subjects SAIT lists as Alberta equivalents. For example, Cyber Security asks for the equivalent of 65% in Math 30-1 and 60% in English 30-1; Mechanical Engineering Technology also asks for Physics and Chemistry.
- Applicants educated outside Canada must prove they meet the requirements through an international document assessment.
- Pay the CAD 3,500 non-refundable tuition deposit within 20 days of your offer.
Postgraduate
- Post-diploma certificates need a post-secondary degree or diploma from a recognised institution; Integrated Artificial Intelligence asks for one in IT, computer science, data analytics or software development with at least a 2.3 GPA (67%).
- The Bachelor of Technology – Software Development is a two-year degree for holders of an IT diploma or equivalent with at least a 2.3 GPA (67%).
- SAIT can bundle two programmes delivered one after the other for international students.
- Winter 2027 international applications close on 30 October 2026; Fall 2027 applications are open.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (diplomas and degrees)
- Degree or diploma certificate and transcripts (post-diploma certificates and the Bachelor of Technology)
- International document assessment as SAIT requires
- English test result taken no more than 12 months before you apply
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | At least 6.0 in each band (IELTS Indicator also accepted) |
| PTE Academic | Minimum score of 53 |
| TOEFL iBT | At least 20 in each section (tests before 21 January 2026), or 4.5 in each section on the new scale; MyBest scores not accepted |
| CAEL | 60 overall and 60 in each skill |
| Study in English route | At least two years of post-secondary study taught in English, or three years of full-time secondary study in English, may meet the requirement; check SAIT's exempt countries and institutions list |
Accommodation and living costs
SAIT has two residences on its main campus, Begin Tower and East Hall, with furnished studios and shared suites. The 2026/27 academic year runs from 29 August 2026 to 24 April 2027. Residence places are limited, so many students rent privately in Calgary.
| Item | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Begin Tower, room in a two-bedroom suite2026/27; higher floors cost more | C$8,040–8,740academic year | ≈ ₹5.4 lakh – ₹5.9 lakh |
| East Hall, room in a four-bedroom suite2026/27 | C$7,740academic year | ≈ ₹5.2 lakh |
| Begin Tower studio suite2026/27 | C$9,860–10,740academic year | ≈ ₹6.6 lakh – ₹7.2 lakh |
| Residence application fee and security depositCAD 100 non-refundable application fee plus CAD 200 security deposit | C$300one-off | ≈ ₹20,100 |
Campus and location
SAIT's main campus is in north-west Calgary, a short trip from downtown, with satellite sites for aviation and other specialised training. Most business and digital technology programmes are taught on the main campus, and some are also online.
- Main campus address: 1301 16 Avenue NW, Calgary.
- Satellite sites include the Art Smith Aero Centre and the downtown campus.
- Full-time students pay a UPass fee for Calgary Transit as part of their fees.
- Health and dental plan fees are charged to international students each semester.
Careers and graduate outcomes
SAIT surveys its graduates every year. Programmes are built with industry input, and many include practicums or capstone projects. Post-graduation work permit eligibility depends on your programme and IRCC's rules; see SAIT's PGWP page and our Canada guide.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 graduates employed | 87% | SAIT graduate employment survey 2026 |
| Median salary, full-time training-related jobs | CAD 54,080 | SAIT graduate employment survey 2026 |
| Employed graduates in training-related work | 74% | SAIT graduate employment survey 2026 |
Studying in Canada
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Canada. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
How much does a SAIT post-diploma certificate cost?
For students entering in 2026/27, international tuition is CAD 18,960 for Data Analytics, CAD 22,440 for Integrated Artificial Intelligence and CAD 27,054 for Information Security Analyst, plus about CAD 1,765 in additional fees.
What IELTS score does SAIT need?
IELTS Academic with at least 6.0 in each band. SAIT also accepts PTE Academic (53), TOEFL iBT and CAEL, and does not accept tests taken more than 12 months before you apply.
When can I apply for Fall 2027?
SAIT opened Fall 2027 international applications on 4 August 2026. Winter 2027 applications close on 30 October 2026. Seats are limited, so check SAIT's available seats page.
Is the tuition deposit refundable?
No. The CAD 3,500 deposit for certificates, diplomas and degrees is non-refundable and is due within 20 days of your offer.
Does SAIT guarantee my tuition?
SAIT says the programme total shown for your entry year is your maximum tuition guarantee. Additional fees, books and living costs are separate.
Sources
- SAIT: international fee table 2026/27 (opens in a new tab)
- SAIT: Data Analytics programme information (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- SAIT: Integrated Artificial Intelligence programme information (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- SAIT: Software Development diploma programme information (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- SAIT: Cyber Security diploma programme information (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- SAIT: English language proficiency (opens in a new tab)
- SAIT: paying your tuition deposit (opens in a new tab)
- SAIT: available seats for international applicants (opens in a new tab)
- SAIT: housing rooms and rates (opens in a new tab)
- SAIT: student awards (opens in a new tab)
- SAIT: graduate employment survey (opens in a new tab)
- SAIT: About SAIT (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.sait.ca (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details