Important
This professional program is open to international and Canadian learners who meet admission requirements. See prerequisites and eligibility for details. Note application deadlines for each available intake.
Delivered over six weeks, the program begins with four weeks of live-online learning, followed by a 10-day immersive on-campus experience at SAIT in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. You must be available to attend both the online and in-person components.
For travel visa requirements, visit the Government of Canada immigration and travel website.
For more information, contact ConEd.International@sait.ca.
Overview
You make high-stakes decisions in a market shaped by global competition and emerging technologies. The challenge is not simply understanding new tools, but deciding where they create real value and how to move change forward with confidence.
Global Leadership: Emerging Technologies and AI is designed for mid-career leaders and senior professionals who influence strategic or operational direction in their organizations. The program strengthens disciplined decision-making and supports the development of a clear, practical plan for digital and AI-enabled change.
You will work on a real challenge from your own organization. Early in the program, you’ll assess the opportunity—clarifying the problem, testing assumptions, and evaluating risk using structured frameworks. You’ll strengthen your ability to analyze complexity, apply critical thinking, and make sound, evidence-informed decisions.
You’ll then examine how AI, automation, and emerging technologies reshape business models and operations. Rather than focusing on technical detail, the emphasis will be on readiness, value, and implementation. You’ll estimate impact, identify risks, and translate your analysis into a focused change plan that builds trust and aligns stakeholders.
Throughout the program, you’ll progressively develop a transformation proposal grounded in your analysis and implementation approach. You will refine and present your proposal to a local industry panel. By the end of the program, you’ll leave with a well-structured initiative, a clear roadmap, and the confidence to advance it within your organization.
This program is ideal if you:
- influence strategic or operational decisions within your organization
- lead or contribute to digital or technology-enabled initiatives
- help evaluate opportunities and build the case for change
- want to connect AI and emerging technologies to measurable business results
- value structured, applied learning alongside experienced global peers.
To succeed in this program, you'll need:
- minimum English proficiency CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) Level 5 (or prior post-secondary education completed in English), and
- at least two years of work experience in a leadership, strategic, or high-impact role.
See the How to Apply and Register section for required supporting documents.
Upon successful completion of this program, you'll be able to:
- analyze complex organizational problems using structured decision frameworks and data-informed reasoning
- evaluate emerging technology opportunities using evidence and bias-aware judgment
assess organizational readiness for digital and AI-enabled transformation using strategic and systems thinking - quantify potential value from technology initiatives through revenue projections, cost analysis, and performance indicators
- design a digital transformation roadmap aligned with business priorities and operational realities
- lead technology-enabled change initiatives by building trust, psychological safety, and stakeholder alignment
- integrate systems and strategic thinking to guide responsible technology implementation.
Upcoming intakes
This program is delivered over six weeks. We offer two intakes per calendar year. Choose your intake and apply now.
| Intake | Event | Dates |
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Fall 2026 |
Application opens | April 7, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Aug. 9, 2026 | |
| Payment deadline | Aug. 16, 2026 | |
| Live-online learning (4 weeks) starts | Sept. 24, 2026 | |
| In-person in-Canada learning (2 weeks) starts | Oct. 26, 2026 | |
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Spring 2027 |
Application opens | April 7, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jan. 17, 2027 | |
| Payment deadline | Jan. 24, 2027 | |
| Live-online learning (4 weeks) starts | March 4, 2027 | |
| In-person in-Canada learning (2 weeks) starts | April 5, 2027 |
Program outline
To earn this certificate, you must complete both the live-online and in-person in-Canada components of this program, which cover five courses. Successful completion of the live-online portion is required before continuing the in-person experience.
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Weeks 1-4: |
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Weeks 5-6: |
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Note:
- Live-online classes are scheduled in Calgary/Mountain Time.
- In-Canada experience includes in-person learning (six full days and four half days) plus international travel time.
- Program end dates may vary.
Program courses
You will:
- develop structured approaches to define and analyze complex challenges
- apply decision frameworks such as Cynefin, OODA Loop, and A3 to real scenarios while integrating ethical reasoning and situational judgment
- begin building your Opportunity Assessment.
You will:
- strengthen critical thinking and bias-aware reasoning in high-stakes environments
- build a practical thinking toolkit based on applied exercises
- complete your Opportunity Assessment.
You will:
- examine how trust, stakeholder alignment, and organizational readiness influence successful implementation
- develop a structured Change Plan to support adoption of your initiative.
You will:
- explore how AI, automation, IoT, and other emerging technologies reshape strategy and operations
- assess readiness, evaluate potential impact, and define measurable outcomes to support your Transformation Proposal.
You will:
- integrate your Opportunity Assessment and Change Plan into a comprehensive Transformation Proposal
- develop a strategic narrative, value case, and implementation roadmap, and present your proposal to an industry panel.
How to apply and register for this certificate
- Choose either the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 intake and submit the online application form.
- Upload valid proof of minimum English proficiency CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) Level 5 or provide a copy of your credential and transcript from a post-secondary program completed in English. If you do not have the required documentation, contact ConEd.International@sait.ca to discuss available options.
- Upload your current resumé, demonstrating a minimum of two years work experience in a leadership, strategic or high-impact role.
Your application will be reviewed within one week after the application deadline. If approved, you’ll receive a SAIT Confirmation of Acceptance and must pay your tuition in full online by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) by the stated deadline.
You can track your application status and program progress through your Continuing Education student account.
Certifications and professional designations
Upon successful completion of all the required courses in this certificate program, you’ll receive an electronically issued SAIT Certificate of Completion and transcript.
Some courses included in the program may be eligible for training credits or professional development units toward industry certifications. Additional education, exams or work experience requirements may apply.
Costs
The tuition fee for the Global Leadership: Emerging Technologies and AI Certificate of Completion Program is $4,500 CAD per learner.
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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.