Overview

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is a leading polytechnic institution in Canada and is the third largest provider of post-secondary education in the state of Alberta. SAIT is renowned for providing outstanding hands-on, industry facing education and applied learning that gives students the skills they require to excel in a transforming employment market.

　　SAIT is a global institution, hosting students from over 97 countries on an annual basis. SAIT's focus is on providing education of highest quality, from a stunning campus in Calgary, Canada which is equipped with world-class facilities, amenities, and a supportive faculty.

　　Calgary is the fourth largest city in Canada and is known for its multiculturalism and friendliness, as well as being one of the country's economic hubs. It is an exciting, modern city that is regarded as one of the safest places to live and visit in Canada. As one of the cheapest cities in Canada, students can expect to pay an average of just CAD 400 for groceries, less than CAD 1,200 for a one-bedroom city centre apartment, and an average of CAD 106 per month for transport.

　　The city is nestled within an area of great natural beauty near Banff and the Canadian Rocky Mountains and offers unparalleled access to a range of outdoor pursuits ranging from hiking to cycling, and skiing to fishing. Calgary was recently rated the fourth most livable city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

　　SAIT is tuned in to the world of business, technology and innovation. It prides itself on creating confident, skilled, desirable graduates and its success is reflected through the 90 percent graduate employment rate that its graduates enjoy, and a 95 percent recommendation rate from its alumni.

　　

What's new

Rankings

SAIT excels across several key areas. Currently SAIT is the only post-secondary institution in Canada that ranked on both the QS rankings and CEO World Magazine. Impressively, the School of Hospitality and Tourism is ranked 21st by the CEO World Magazine, and 29th by QS rankings.

　　

Developments

In December 2019, SAIT received the largest gift in the institution's history, CAD 30 million from Calgary philanthropist, David Bissett. His extraordinary contribution, will help establish a new school at SAIT that will provide the latest in digital education for students. The new school will set a course for the future positioning of SAIT as a leader in digital transformation and education.

　　SAIT has recently completed construction of its new ‘Zen Den', a restorative rest space for students. The innovative design and modern tools utilized to create the space have provided a uniquely calm environment that will allow students to de-stress. The facility was delivered through generous funding received from the Post-Secondary Student Mental Health Grant, offered via the Government of Alberta.

　　SAIT has been the recipient of a hugely generous legacy grant from the O'Dell estate, who have been working in partnership with the institution to create The Randy O'Dell Centre for Electrical Trades. The modern facility is delivering huge benefits to the education on offer to thousands of apprentices and students across a number of programs, helping them stand out and drive innovative change in their industries once they enter the working world. The centre was funded through an initial donation of CAD 2 million from the O'Dell estate, whose generous contribution is in memory of Randy O'Dell, a prominent business owner and electrician who wanted to give back to his industry. The centre is an ongoing benefit for students at SAIT providing new curricular opportunities, bolstering the university's infrastructure and equipment, as well as funding a new category of student awards.

　　

Teaching quality

SAIT is well known throughout Canada and the world for being an excellent place to gain a qualification which unlocks a world of research and employment opportunities. Whether it's applied research, corporate training, connecting to business and industry, or more, SAIT's programs are tailored to provide students with the confidence and skills they require to excel in their chosen career.

　　Through its provision of excellent laboratories and other specialized facilities, challenging classroom environments, or internships and industry opportunities, SAIT equips its students with a skills-focused education. This, combined with industry exposure and ample networking opportunities, means that SAIT graduates have an invaluable edge in the modern job market.

　　SAIT is a leader in working with employers to ensure programs teach the skills required in the workplace. SAIT prides itself on its exciting and intelligent collaborations with employers to make sure that its programs and diplomas offer the best skills to students.

　　The post-secondary institution is closely linked to a range of industries and innovators across a wide variety of sectors and works directly with them to provide hands-on learning and real-world experience. In addition to this, instructors at SAIT come from the industry they teach in. Besides their education and research interest, the staff at SAIT bring real life experience to student programs.

　　

Department structure

SAIT hosts over a hundred career-oriented programs and over a thousand courses for continuing education. In addition to this, SAIT provides corporate training with over 200 companies every year.

　　Students attending SAIT are able to complete their studies across eight academic schools. These are: Hospitality and Tourism, Business Construction Manufacturing Automation and Transportation Energy Health and Public Safety and Information and Communications Technologies.

　　International prospective students are able to undertake a variety of courses, including baccalaureate and applied degrees, as well as diploma or certificate programs.

　　SAIT's certificate programs are focused on identifying and delivering education and training that is in tune with the needs of the student's industry as it develops in real time. These courses are shorter than a diploma program, delivering core skills and abilities at a pace suited to rapidly changing sectors.

　　SAIT also offers applied degrees, which blend practical training with classroom and theory-based education. These are typically two years long and require a diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution in order to undertake this program of study.

　　These programs of study are unique in comparison to conventional university degrees and deliver benefits far beyond that of a typical college diploma. SAIT courses emphasize the huge benefits of applied learning, technological advancements, and direct industry collaboration.

　　

Entry requirements

All programs of study at SAIT have specific requirements for admission that any prospective students must satisfy in order to be admitted to the institution. In addition to this, any applicant will need to demonstrate their proficiency in the English Language.

　　A number of programs at SAIT may allow early admission to prospective students who have attained higher grades than those set out in the admission requirements for that course. Where relevant, details for each course can be found on the program's admission and selection webpage.

　　In some cases, departments or programs at SAIT may request supplementary information or additional documentation from applicants in order to determine suitability for a given course of study. This additional evidence may include academic rankings, aptitude tests or interviews.

　　In situations where applicants do not meet the admission requirements for their desired course, they may consider SAIT's Academic Upgrading program to boost their achievements in core academic subjects. They may also seek to complete the English Language Foundation program if English is not their first language. Additional information may also be found on Admissions Testing to access a program at SAIT.

　　

Facilities

SAIT offers a fantastic on-campus experience for all its students, regardless of their interests, background, and abilities. SAIT is determined to ensure that every student is able to maximize their potential both personally and professionally while they study at the institution.

　　SAIT provides residence opportunities on campus. Living on campus provides quick access to classrooms, labs, fitness facilities, the library and more. These modern buildings offer a range of living options to suit every need, ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom residences.

　　Every living option at SAIT is fully furnished and includes utilities, kitchens, and bathrooms in addition to study areas and common areas for socializing with fellow students. One of the best features of SAIT's residences is their fantastic location in the heart of the city, proximity to classes, and other facilities including the library. In addition to this, resident students benefit from 24-hour security and on-site maintenance services. Direct access to a vibrant and welcoming residence community, including mentors, means that it is a great choice for any student.

　　SAIT maintains outstanding recreational facilities, the centre of which is the SAIT Wellness Centre in Campus Centre. It includes a huge array of different equipment and activities, including comprehensive gym facilities, sports courts, and studios. The SAIT Trojans are highly competitive basketball, ice hockey, soccer and volleyball teams comprised of SAIT student-athletes who call the Campus Centre their home.

　　SAIT's campus also contains the Reg Erhardt Library, an excellent resource for finding cutting edge information, data and technological services for any research or assignment. Modern facilities include printing, video editing, meeting rooms, as well as ample private study space. Generous opening hours mean that it is a one-stop shop for SAIT students.

　　

Scholarships & funding

Due to its extensive network of donors, alumni and industry partners, SAIT boasts over CAD 5 million in bursaries and awards to its students across 4,200 awards. Awards can be secured by any qualifying SAIT students for a range of activities or requirements, including: academic achievement, financial need, involvement in community or club activities, as well as a number of other areas.

　　SAIT offers over 4,000 awards to its students. There are four main types of award available:

　　Entrance – these are available to students who are starting a program. Some of these awards are program-specific while others are more widely applicable.

　　General – these awards are not tied to specific schools or programs within the university. Each general award has its own criteria.

　　School or program specific – these awards are available to students who are learning or training through a specific program. The awards can include bursaries, scholarships and prizes.

　　Government funded: This category of award is provided directly from the Alberta government for students at SAIT.