**Studying abroad at SAIT** (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) is a strategic choice for anyone seeking a solid career path through applied education. Established in 1916, SAIT is Canada’s first publicly-funded polytechnic, located in the vibrant city of Calgary. With a philosophy of “learning by doing,” SAIT equips students with the practical skills that employers demand, opening up broad opportunities for employment and permanent residency in Alberta.
SAIT Polytechnic: Quick Facts for 2025
- **Location:** Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- **Ranking:** Top 50 Canadian Research Colleges.
- **International Tuition:** From ~18,000 – 25,000 CAD/year
- **Estimated Living Costs:** ~13,000 – 16,000 CAD/year
- **Main Intakes:** September, January, May
- **Key Features:** 91% graduate employment rate, applied education, and excellent permanent residency opportunities in Alberta.
Why is SAIT a Strategic Choice for International Students?
- **Practical, Job-Ready Training:** 75% of class time is spent on hands-on learning in modern labs and studios, ensuring you are confident and ready to start your career right after graduation.
- **Proven High Employment Rate:** 91% of SAIT graduates find employment, a number that validates the quality of training and its alignment with the needs of the job market.
- **Industry-Connected Programs:** The curriculum is developed with the advice of over 1,000 industry experts, ensuring the knowledge you gain is current and relevant.
- **Central Economic Location:** Studying in Calgary, one of Canada’s largest economic hubs, offers abundant opportunities for internships, employment, and career development, especially in the energy, technology, and business sectors.
Featured Programs of Study
SAIT offers a wide range of bachelor’s degree, diploma, and certificate programs, with strong offerings in the following areas:
- **Business (School of Business):** Programs in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management are highly regarded.
- **Energy (MacPhail School of Energy):** Provides specialized training in Petroleum Engineering, Sustainable Energy, and Automation.
- **Technology (School for Advanced Digital Technology):** A leader in programs for Software Development, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Graphic Design.
- **Hospitality and Tourism (School of Hospitality and Tourism):** One of the world’s leading schools for Hotel Management, Culinary Arts, and Event Management.
Costs & Scholarships (2025-2026 Academic Year)
1. Tuition and Living Expenses
- **Estimated Tuition:** Approximately **18,000 – 25,000 CAD/year** for international students, depending on the program.
- **Estimated Living Costs:** Around **13,000 – 16,000 CAD/year**. To apply for a visa, you must prove you have at least **20,635 CAD** for your first year of living expenses as per IRCC requirements.
2. Scholarships for International Students
SAIT offers many scholarships and financial awards to support students:
- **Entrance Awards:** Valued up to **5,000 CAD**, awarded based on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. Students must submit a separate application to be considered.
- **In-Course Scholarships:** Many scholarships are awarded annually based on outstanding academic performance at SAIT.
Admission Requirements
To begin your journey to SAIT, students need to meet the following basic **Canadian study permit requirements**:
- **Academic Standing:** High school graduation and a minimum GPA that meets the specific requirements of each program.
- **English Language Proficiency:**
- **IELTS Academic:** Minimum 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0).
- **TOEFL iBT:** Minimum 80 (with no band less than 20).
- **Duolingo English Test:** Minimum 115.
Note: Some programs may have higher requirements. If you do not meet the English language requirements, you can enroll in the English Language Foundations (ELF) program at SAIT.
Conclusion
With a strong commitment to practical skills training and an impressive employment rate, **studying at SAIT** is not just an investment in a degree but an investment in a sustainable career in Canada. It’s the ideal launching pad for dynamic students ready to conquer the professional world.