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International students graduating from SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

International Students

SAIT Polytechnic has welcomed international students from over 143 countries to our campus of 9,500 full-time students. International Students study in programs in all of our schools. Join us!

New! SAIT Life Blog

Visit our newly launched SAIT Life Blog, made by SAIT Polytechnic International students and international alumni. The blog has the objective of helping current and prospective students to know more about SAIT, about Calgary, about Alberta, and about Canada! This is a collaborative blog, so every post is written by a different student/alumnus.

How to apply

Please apply online on the ApplyAlberta website and include the following documents with your application.  If you're applying for your initial study permit, please use an address in your home country to show ties to your country to expedite the process. 

  • Original official high school transcript (last three years) and postsecondary transcripts (if applicable)
  • Original English translation of transcripts (notarized)
  • Original diploma /degree
  • English language proficiency results for direct entry (IELTS, TOEFL internet, CLBA, CAEL)
  • $200 CDN non-refundable initial fee paid online with a credit card
  • Any other documents that are part of the admissions requirements for a specific program

SAIT welcomes applications online, by mail, fax (application only), email (color scan of original transcripts), and in person. When applying, the $200 (CDN non-refundable) application fee must be paid by cash, cheque, certified cheque, bank draft, Visa or MasterCard, at the time the application is submitted, otherwise the application will not be processed. If you do not send colour scanned documents, you need to forward original transcripts, English translations and other documents as soon as possible.

Mail:
SAIT Polytechnic
International Centre
MA206, Heritage Hall
1301 16 Avenue NW
Calgary, Alberta T2M 0L4 Canada
Phone: 403.284.8852
Fax: 403.284.7386
Email: international@sait.ca

Apply early!

SAIT's programs of 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:

May intake 2013
Applications Open: Aug. 1, 2012
Application valid: May intake only

 September intake 2013
Applications open: Oct. 19, 2012
Application valid: Sept., Jan., and May intakes for those programs that have multiple intakes only.

 January intake 2014
Applications open: Aug. 1, 2013
Application valid: Jan. and May intakes for those programs that have multiple intakes only.

Note: The deadline to apply for most fall semester programs is June/July. We continue to accept applications until all seats in a program are filled. To increase your chances of gaining acceptance into a high demand program, we recommend you apply for the fall semester before March 1.

Application process

Step 1: Submit SAIT application & transcripts
Apply online at ApplyAlberta by following the instructions on the online application guide and send in your high school/post-secondary transcripts (original & English translation) to international.transcripts@sait.ca (colour scan of original transcripts), mail (original documents), or in person. 

Please note: All electronic transcripts must be in color, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition will only accept color scanned of original.

Step 2: Pay initial fee
When applying, the $200 CDN (non-refundable) application fee must be paid by cash, Certified Cheque, Visa or MasterCard at the time the application is submitted, otherwise the application will not be processed. For each additional paper application, the fee is $100 CDN non-refundable.

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 requirement for all SAIT programs. In order to demonstrate English Language Proficiency, all applicants must have successfully completed assessment testing in one of the following:

Common English Tests Direct Entry Admission Requirements
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 80 Internet-Based Test (IBT), with 20 in each category
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0 in each skill
Canadian Language Benchmark  Assessment (CLBA) 8.0 in all sections
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) 60 in overall band

Please note: Tests are valid for a one year period from date of issue. If you are not qualified to enter your academic career program at this time, we will contact you to submit an application to SAIT's English Language Foundations (ELF) program. For further information, please visit English Language Foundations website.

Step 4: Schedule a Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA) test at SAIT
Students accepted into English Language Proficiency are required to book their CLBA test by contacting Academic Learner Services at 1.403.210.4045 or English.Language@sait.ca.

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.

Setp 5: Applying for a study permit

Once you are accepted into a program, you will be sent an acceptance 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 6: Pay confirmation fee
You will receive information regarding payment of your $250 CDN confirmation fee and your first semester tuition fees on or before the date indicated in your letter confirming your attendance into your program.

Please note: Tuition deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable if you wish to cancel the program you were selected for. Please visit Tuition, Fees and Refunds.

Step 7: Homestay program
Homestay is available to international students who would like to live in a Canadian home. The Homestay host provides a safe and friendly home where students can learn about Canadian culture and lifestyle and can practice their English. If you require Homestay accommodations, please submit your completed Homestay application form to International Centre.

Step 8: Airport pick-Up
There is optional fee for Airport Pick-Up and Homestay placement and search fees. Please specify both or one on your application.

International student fees

Please note: These fees are subject to change.
Tuition fees per semester (four months) (approximate)

  • All full-time programs $5,550 - $9,375 (depending on program)
  • English Language Foundations (ELF) $5,200 ($2,600 per eight-week session)

Other fees

  • Books, lab materials $200 - $1,000/semester (depending on program)
  • Campus recreational /athletic fee $80/semester 
  • Laptop deposit $500**
  • Student Association fee - $140.62/semester 
  • Transit pass (unlimited use of public transit) - $117/semester 
  • Health plan - $120 (one academic year)
  • Dental plan - $135 (one academic year)

Please see the International Tuition Fee Table* for estimated fees for each program

*All tuition fees are listed in Canadian dollars and are subject to change without notice

**Not applicable to all programs

Tuition fee payment

Final balance of tuition is due four weeks prior to the start of classes for fall, winter, and spring. To pay the tuition, please indicate the student's full name and SAIT ID number with payment. The confirmation fee of $250 is due within four weeks of the date of your offer is made. Your seat will be replaced if the tuition deposit is not received by the noted deadline on your offer letter.

The following payment methods are available:

  • Visa and MasterCard (phone, mySAIT.ca)
  • Cash (in person only)
  • Certified Cheque (by mail)
  • Bank Draft (by mail)
  • Bank Transfer

Studying in Canada

International students who want to study in a program longer than six months require a Study Permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. If you are not a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident of Canada, you must obtain a Study Permit before you come to Canada. If you are already in Canada as a visitor, you will have to apply for a Study Permit outside of Canada. Some students may also require a Temporary Resident Visa in order to enter the country. Please check the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website to see if you require a Temporary Resident Visa.

To obtain a Study Permit please:

  • Have a valid passport
  • Apply to SAIT and receive your Letter of Offer
  • Complete an application form and pay the appropriate fee to the Canadian Embassy or Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in your country
  • Provide proof that you have sufficient funds for your education and living expenses for the first year of your program of study
  • Provide any additional information requested by Citizenship and Immigration in your country

For more information about Citizenship and Immigration Canada and to find a Canadian Visa office or Embassy near you, please visit cic.gc.ca.

Prospective students

Applying for your first Study Permit

If you are applying for your first Study Permit the application has to be filed outside of Canada. This application is for persons who are outside Canada who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and who wish to study temporarily in Canada. A study permit is issued if the application is accepted.

A temporary resident visa to visit Canada may also be required. Check the list of countries and territories whose citizens need a visa.

Many visa offices have specific local instructions about which documents you must submit with your application. You need to find out what they are, and make sure you include all the correct documents. Consult the list of Canadian visa offices abroad to find the office responsible for your country. The page for your visa office includes a link to their website. Go to the website and find out what requirements and procedures you must follow when you apply.

For more information about how to apply for your first study permit please go to CIC website.

Current students (This section is currently under construction due to changes with immigration applications.  We will have more information available in Spring/Summer 2013.) 

Study Permit and Temporary Resident Visa Extension
Please visit CIC website for application guides on how to renew your study permit.

Working in Canada

Working on campus

You may work on campus at SAIT if you have a valid study permit and you are a registered full-time student in good standing.

For on campus employment opportunities please visit the International Centre or contact an International Student Advisor at international@sait.ca.

Working off-campus

The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows international students to work off campus while completing their studies. To qualify, you must be a full-time student and have a good academic standing for the last six months of study. If you have been on Academic Probation in the last year you will not be eligible for this program.

To work off campus, you must apply for a work permit. It is illegal to work off campus with out a valid work permit. The work permit authorizes you to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks (for example, winter and summer holidays and spring break).

A work permit does not guarantee that you will find a job. It is your responsibility to look for work. Even if you work off campus, your studies must be the main reason you are in Canada. If you are no longer a full-time student or do not maintain satisfactory academic results, you must return your work permit to a local Citizenship and Immigration Canada office.

Off Campus work permit applications and extensions have to be filed online.

For more information about the program and the application process please visit us at the International Centre or contact an international student advisor.

Practicum/Co-Op/Internship work permits

Some programs at SAIT provide students with the opportunity to alternate academic semesters with paid work terms. International students need a work permit in order to participate in a co-op work term. Please make sure you go to the International Centre six to eight weeks before your co-op work term is to begin. A work permit will only be issued if the work is integral to the completion of the program.

You will need a Confirmation Letter from an International Advisor to apply for your Work Permit. There is no application fee for a co-op education work permit.

Working after graduation

If you want to work in Canada after you graduate from your program, you must apply for Post-Graduate Work Permit.

Impact of length of study in Canada and the length of the work permit

A Post-Graduation Work Permit cannot be valid longer than the length of time you studied in Canada.

If you studied for:
 Then:
less than eight months
 you are not eligible for this program
less than two years but more than eight months
 you may get a work permit for a period no longer than the length of time you studied (for example, if you studied for nine months, a work permit may be issued for a period of nine months)
two years or more
 a work permit may be issued for three years

 

You will need a Graduation Letter from an International Advisor to apply for your work permit.

If you need to apply for your Post Graduation work permit please contact an international student advisor.

Please Note: Applicants need to apply for a work permit within 90 days of completing their program. For more information please visit CIC website.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program

 This section is currently under construction due to changes with immigration applications.  We will have more information available in Spring/Summer 2013.

International student resources

This section will provide you with helpful information and website links.

Individual Tax Number (ITN) and Social Insurance Number (SIN)

You will need to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to complete your tax forms. If you do not have a SIN number, you will be issued an "Individual Tax Number (ITN)" by the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency which can ONLY be used for the purposes of completing your tax forms (you cannot work with the ITN). You can obtain this number by completing the form "Application for a Canada Revenue Agency Individual Tax Number" (Form T1261) which you can get by downloading it from the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency website.

Getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN) card

Step 1: You need a letter from an employer. The letter must include:

  • An offer of employment to the student
  • Clearly stated acceptance of position by the student
  • Name of the supervisor and the student
  • Date the student begins work
  • Signatures from the employer and the student

Step 2: Take your letter offering employment; your passport and your study permit to HRDC (Human Resources Development Canada) office.

Harry Hays Building, Suite 270 (map)
220 4th Avenue South-East
Calgary, Alberta
T2G4X3

About the International Centre

The International Centre assists international students in their new environment at SAIT and in Canada. In addition to student services available at SAIT, the following additional services are provided for international students:

  • Admissions assistance
  • Academic advising
  • Airport pick-up
  • Assistance with Study/Work Permits and Temporary Resident Visas
  • Cultural counselling
  • Housing options, including two residences at SAIT
  • Home Stay with a Canadian family
  • Information on health insurance
  • International student room (MB 201, Heart Building) with access to phone
  • International orientation
  • Pre-departure information
  • International student intramural sports
  • Social, cultural and recreational events
  • Volunteer opportunities

Contact us

International Centre
MA206, Heritage Hall
1301 - 16 Avenue NW
Calgary, Alberta T2M 0L4 Canada

Phone: 1.403.284.8852
Fax: 1.403.284.7386
E-mail: international@sait.ca

Hours of operation:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 9 am - 4:30 pm