CANADA · CALGARY

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

public · Founded 1916 · Languages: en

In short

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is a polytechnic institution in Calgary, Alberta, offering hands-on education and strong industry connections across diverse fields. It provides a range of programs for international students with varying tuition fees and application deadlines.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1916
Students: 22,000
International students: 2,500
Acceptance rate: 70%
Tuition (intl): €12–22k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Calgary, Canada

For international students

Canada

Student visa & funds

International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.

Working while you study

Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.

After you graduate

Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.

English tests

IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuaryMay

Typical living cost

€1,250/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology · Canada

Academic Upgrading

The Academic Upgrading program at SAIT is designed for individuals who need to improve their high school equivalency qualifications to meet the admission requirements for SAIT's certificate, diploma, applied degree, and bachelor's degree programs. This program offers a variety of high school equivalency courses, allowing you to focus on the subjects you need to succeed in your future academic pursuits. The courses are not official Alberta Education credit courses but are recognized by other Alberta post-secondary institutions for admission purposes. Please note that this program cannot be used to obtain a high school diploma.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology · Canada

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offers comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in ultrasound technology, a vital tool in modern healthcare diagnostics. This program will equip you with the technical expertise and interpersonal abilities needed to assess and evaluate body organs and structures, supporting physicians in medical diagnosis and patient health management. You will learn the scientific principles behind high-frequency sound waves, their application in sonography, and the instrumentation used to create ultrasound images. The curriculum covers imaging of fetal and gynecological structures, the heart, circulatory system, abdominal cavity, and superficial tissues, alongside developing essential patient care skills and understanding human anatomy and physiology. Through hands-on training in labs and clinical settings, you will gain practical experience in sonography theory and techniques within patient care teams, enhancing collaborative skills crucial for healthcare. This program is ideal for those interested in a career that blends advanced technology with direct patient interaction, requiring attention to detail and strong communication abilities. Graduates are prepared to work as diagnostic medical sonographers in hospitals and community clinics.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology · Canada

English Language Foundations

The English Language Foundations (ELF) program at SAIT is designed for students whose first language is not English. The program aims to improve your English language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It is structured into seven levels, with each level consisting of two courses: one focusing on reading and writing, and the other on listening and speaking. Completing Level 5 of the ELF program fulfills the English proficiency requirements for most SAIT academic programs.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology · Canada

Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate

This program prepares you to work as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in various healthcare settings, including medical laboratories, hospitals, and patient service centers. You will learn essential skills for collecting, preparing, and labeling biological samples such as blood and other body fluids. The curriculum also covers data entry using laboratory information systems, front-desk operations, and administrative tasks. Graduates will gain proficiency in procedures like electrocardiograms (ECGs) and point-of-care testing. The program emphasizes professional responsibilities, including scope of practice, ethics, collaboration, critical thinking, and accountability within healthcare teams. A mandatory practicum in a medical laboratory and patient service center allows for the application of learned skills in a real-world environment, integrating clinical knowledge with practical experience.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology · Canada

Medical Laboratory Technology Diploma

The Medical Laboratory Technology program is a two-year, full-time diploma designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare as medical laboratory technologists. This program provides comprehensive training in medical laboratory science, equipping graduates to contribute to patient care through diagnostic testing, treatment monitoring, and disease prevention. You will learn to apply scientific and technical principles in various healthcare laboratory settings. The curriculum covers analyzing bodily fluids, detecting pathogens, blood analysis (hematology), tissue preparation and staining (histology), and blood transfusion services (serology). The program emphasizes developing professional responsibility, critical thinking, and collaborative skills essential for the healthcare field. The first year focuses on foundational classroom learning and simulated lab training, while the second year includes an in-depth clinical practicum in real-world laboratory environments across different medical laboratory disciplines.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology · Canada

Medical Radiologic Technology Diploma

This program equips you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to become a proficient radiologic technologist. You will learn patient positioning, the operation and maintenance of X-ray equipment, and how to produce digital images for medical diagnosis. The curriculum covers human anatomy, disease processes, radiation protection, and various radiographic procedures, including specialized techniques like CT imaging. You'll also gain insights into interventional procedures, MRI, and ultrasound, along with quality control protocols. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in hospitals and clinics, with opportunities to specialize in areas like CT, mammography, or interventional radiography, or pursue roles in management and education.

Scholarships

for Canada

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

University of Toronto

Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship

For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.

University of British Columbia

International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award

For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.

Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)

Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.

University of Ottawa International English Scholarships

Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

CIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)

For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of programs does SAIT offer?

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SAIT offers a diverse range of programs including degrees, diplomas, certificates, and apprenticeships. These programs cover fields such as technology, tourism, business, construction, manufacturing, energy, health, and transportation.

What is SAIT known for?

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SAIT is recognized for its hands-on learning approach and strong industry connections, preparing students with real-world skills. Its faculty often includes industry experts, ensuring programs are relevant to current industry needs.

How much are tuition fees for international students at SAIT?

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International student tuition fees at SAIT are approximately CAD 18,000-33,000 per year, varying by program. Certain technology and applied degree programs fall at the higher end of this range.

What are the application deadlines for international students?

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Application deadlines vary by intake term. For Fall 2026, international applications open August 1, 2025, and close June 15, 2026. For Winter 2027, they open December 7, 2025, and close October 9, 2026. Spring 2027 deadlines are also available.

Does SAIT offer scholarships for international students?

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Yes, SAIT offers various scholarships for international students, including SAIT Entrance Awards, International Student Awards, and program-specific scholarships. These can be merit-based or tied to particular schools and trades programs.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Why study here

Student life

For international students