Next Steps for International Students

Winter 2023 international students

We know you'll have lots of questions before you start — here’s what you need to know to make your transition to SAIT an easy one.

Health and safety

Full vaccination and disclosure of vaccination status are no longer required to attend campus, though being vaccinated is strongly encouraged.

Though masks are no longer required, please consider wearing a mask for an added layer of protection indoors in both public and private settings. Be kind and respect the right of those choosing to wear or not wear a mask.

Plan ahead

📝 Stay on track to start at SAIT

Accept your offer

To accept your offer, pay your tuition deposit, which will be applied to your tuition balance.

Tuition deposit and payment

Next steps for your program

At SAIT, each program is different. You can find out what you'll need before your first day by reviewing your specific next steps on your program page.

Visit your program page

Accessibility and accommodations

Connect with an Accessibility Services advisor as soon as possible if you need to set up a classroom accommodation or get support for a health condition or disability while you're a student. They can also help with funding applications for adaptive equipment.

Connect now

Apply for residence

Check out our rates and plans.

Inquire now

Course registration

All students will receive an email from SAIT when registration opens. For Fall 2022, registration opens on Tuesday, November 15.

To register, you’ll choose a block of courses or individual courses as applicable to your program through mySAIT. Register before your tuition payment deadline and register early to secure a seat in your required courses.

👉 Self-Registration Info Session

We know self-registration can be stressful. Join representatives from SAIT's Office of the Registrar for answers to your registration-related questions. During the session, we'll cover important topics including registration deadlines and how to resolve common errors.

📅 Our self-registration info session is from noon to 1 pm on Tuesday, Nov 15.

Can’t attend? We’ve got you covered. Watch this short video or check out our common registration questions.

Registration and schedule

⏱️ Important deadlines

Deferral period: If you wish to pursue a deferral, please complete an admission deferral request and upload documentation to support your case. Only requests submitted through the deferral form will be considered. The deferral period for those confirmed for Winter 2023 is Oct. 24 to Dec. 15, 2022.
Final transcript deadline: If you've been conditionally accepted to SAIT pending final grades — Confirmation Paid - Documents Required — from Grade 12, academic upgrading or international document assessment, don't forget final documents are due by Monday, Aug. 1 for students starting in September, October or November.
Tuition payment deadline:
- Monday, Aug. 8 for new students starting classes in September.
- The first business day of the month before classes begin for students starting in October or November.
Transfer credit deadlines: If you wish to receive credit for previous post-secondary courses, you must apply by one of the following deadlines.
- Apply by Friday, Sept. 16 to receive transfer credit and a refund for credited courses — review tuition and fees for our refund policy.
- Apply by the midpoint of the course to receive transfer credit only.

View all important dates

Pay your tuition

Once you've registered for your classes, you'll see your tuition balance in your Account Summary on mySAIT under the myStudent tab.

As a full-time student at SAIT, there are many ways for you to pay your tuition and fees, including online banking, credit card and student loans.

Payment options

Get your textbooks

Find your list of textbooks through mySAIT or the Bookstore after you register in your courses. Order them four weeks before the start of classes to be ready for your first day. Check your program page for additional tools or supplies you may need.

Check the Bookstore

Confirmation of enrolment letter

Some financial institutions may require a letter confirming your enrolment to release RESP funds. You can request a Confirmation of Enrolment through your mySAIT account after you’re registered for your classes. Your letter will be uploaded to MyCreds within five business days after submitting your request — look for an email from MyCreds when your letter is available.

Review student letters for instructions.

If your financial institution requires us to sign a form, upload the appropriate forms and submit a ticket through Freshdesk.

Study permits

Learn more about student permits and co-op work permits from the FAQs for New International Students. If your study permit is denied you have until the program start date on Monday, Jan. 9 to send your study permit denial letter to FreshDesk to be eligible for a partial refund.

Class schedule

You can find your schedule on your mySAIT account under your myStudent tab or in the Ellucian Go app. Learn more about making sense of your schedule.

Entrance awards

Entrance awards are available for new SAIT students starting their programs in the spring. Complete an online application through your mySAIT account. Applications are open from Friday, July 1 until Monday, Aug. 15.

📺 Watch: How to apply for awards

After you've paid your tuition

🚀 Start your countdown

We’ll have more information to help you dive into the details closer to the first day. Check back and watch your inbox for notices from SAIT. ️

Health and dental plan

SAIT's Students' Association (Saitsa) provides an affordable benefit plan designed to help full-time students attending SAIT. You can make changes to your plan before the deadline: opt-out of the plan (if you have existing coverage) or add family members. The opt-out deadline is Friday, Jan. 20 for students starting in January 2023.

Benefits

Complete SAIT Start

SAIT Start is an interactive introduction to all things SAIT. Prepare for the academic year ahead through a series of modules covering everything from academic success and paying for your education to support services, opportunities to get involved, health and well-being. Plus, get an idea of what to expect and what’s expected of you as a SAIT student.

Let's go

Attend orientation

Orientation will be Jan. 4 to 6 — more details available soon. Explore some of what your community has to offer at your orientation. Meet other SAIT students and chat with staff about all the support available to students. Many programs will also be hosting a program-specific orientation.

Learn more

Apply for student awards

Don't miss out on your chance at a share of more than $5 million in student awards. Review the student awards you could be eligible for during your studies at SAIT.

Apply now

Tips for online learning

If your program is online, these tips will maximize your motivation and energize your engagement.

Read now

Get your computer-laptop Sign into your SAIT email

Add/drop classes

If you would like to add or drop a class (change your course registration), the period for most full-time programs is the first two weeks of the term.

SAIT eCards

Watch your email for instructions on how to submit an eCard photo online. You’ll learn about card pick up at orientation or from your school.

More information

UPass

A UPass gives eligible SAIT students unlimited access to Calgary Transit for the term it's valid. Your UPass can be accessed directly on your mobile device through Calgary Transit’s My Fare app.

What's a UPass?

💻 Attend info sessions and complete these prep courses online

There will be info sessions for registration, student awards, how to get started at SAIT and how to get involved — plus a whole series just for international students.

👉 PERS 050 – Student Rights and Responsibilities

This mandatory course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You'll learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. You'll engage in a number of learning activities in this course, including readings, videos, activities and assessments. We encourage you to make the most of this opportunity! The more you participate, the more you'll take away and the better prepared you'll be for success at SAIT.

PERS 050 will be available through Brightspace (D2L) closer to the start of classes.

👉 PREP 100 – The SAIT Experience

Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. You'll be registered in PREP 100 automatically and course completion is recommended.

PREP 100 will be available through Brightspace (D2L) closer to the start of classes.

👉 Self-Registration Info Session

📅 Our self-registration info session is from noon to 1 pm on Tuesday, July 5. Can’t attend? We’ve got you covered. Watch this short video or check out our common registration questions.

Info sessions for international students

Studying abroad is an incredible experience. Get ready to start your new and exciting journey in Canada and at SAIT with the inbound transition program. This program includes a series of webinars with important information about living in Canada, immigration, insurance, academic success best practices and much more. Register in your sessions today.

Webinar	Date & Time	Description
Discover Calgary & SAIT	Thursday, Oct. 20, 9 am	Are you excited about starting a new life in Calgary and starting school? We are here to assist you! Learn more about what the City of Calgary and SAIT have to offeer you (services, transit, free activities and services) shopping in Calgary, GST and cheaper options.
Housing in Calgary	Thursday, Oct. 27, 9 am	Learn about how to find a place to live, how to set up your cellphone and internet, transit, SIN and tips and tricks on how to successfully transition to life in Canada.
Travel to Canada with your family	Thursday, Nov. 3, 9 am	If you plan to have your family (spouse, children) move to Canada with you while you are studying at SAIT, this session is for you. Learn about education for children and daycare, and community and support services available in Calgary.
Alberta Health Care Plan & Insurance Coverage	Thursday, Nov. 10, 9 am	Did you know that SAIT international students have insurance coverage from the Government of Alberta, as well as Saitsa Health and Dental Insurance? Learn more about your coverage in this informative session.
How to Prepare for Your Arrival in Calgary	Tuesday, Nov. 15, 9 am	International travel can be stressful. We are here to help! Join us for this webinar to learn more about: Travelling to Canada (packing tips, travelling safely) Crossing the Canadian Border (documents required, travelling with family) Live Q&A for all your questions
Winter in Calgary	Thursday, Nov. 17, 9 am	Learn about winter in Calgary. How to best prepare for the weather, stay cozy and warm and some shopping for winter clothes tips. Affordable clothing options.
Your Student Immigration Journey	Thursday, Nov. 24, 9 am	Learn the difference between study permits, TRV, eTA, coop work permits and more. Understand your eligibility for the Post Graduate Work Permit and explore working in Canada as an international student.
Well-being & Making New Connections and volunteering	Thursday, Dec. 1, 9 am	During this session we will provide strategies to improve your well-being in Canada and how to start building connections with your new community here at Sait and in Calgary.
What I Wish I'd Known International Student Panel	Thursday, Dec. 8, 9 am	This session will give you the opportunity to learn from the experiences of current international students. They will share insights and tips that will allow you to thrive here at SAIT!
Budgeting & Expense Planning	Thursday, Dec. 15, 9 am	This session gives you the opportunity to create your own budget and learn how to plan your expenses in Canada.
Do you have any questions?	Tuesday, Dec. 20, 9 am	During this session you will discover the community and SAIT resources that will assist you during your settlement in Calgary.
Study Application Webinar Multiple	Thursday, Sept. 15, 8 am Friday, Sept. 23, 8 am Friday, Sept. 30, 8 am

👋 Get involved in your new SAIT community

Find a student club, check in with the International Centre, participate in the SAIT Insights Research Community, build your Co-Curricular Record, connect with Pride at SAIT, and lots more.

Good luck with your studies! Once you start at SAIT, watch your inbox for your weekly SAIT Update — it’s packed with reminders, important dates and news you can use — add your SAIT email to your phone and you won’t miss a thing.