Indigenous Pathways Program

Credential:: certificate More info on program credentials
Program length:: 1 year Learn more about program length
Location:: Main More info on program location
International applicant info:: Not Accepted Learn more about international applicant eligibility
Faculty:: Academic Services

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

Bachelor Degree

SAIT has bachelor's degree programs in business, construction, and hospitality and tourism management.

Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

SAIT's full-time applied degree programs involve one year of study through classes and lab work followed by one year of directed studies in a workplace setting. This builds on the completion of a recognized two-year diploma, which you must have to be admitted to an applied degree program.

You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

At SAIT, over 40 full-time diploma programs cover a broad range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism.

Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade and is entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. You must complete all apprenticeship periods and pass the exams to earn a journeyperson designation.

Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Mandatory requirements

To apply for this program, you must self-identify as an Indigenous Person (Status/Non-Status First Nation, Métis or Inuit.)

Overview

Our Indigenous Pathways Program offers a series of courses and experiences to ease your transition into further study at SAIT or other post-secondary schools.

This three-semester, 12-month program begins at the Grade 9 level and ends with your completion of Grade 11 and 12 courses.

You will experience a blend of academic courses, cultural activities and post-secondary readiness sessions in a welcoming and supportive environment. You will engage with like-minded Indigenous learners who share your commitment to pursuing post-secondary education and a new career.

Our program team partners with you to support your academic, cultural and personal success. From program applications to funding applications to connecting you with services and supports, we will walk alongside you throughout your learning journey.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will:

meet the minimum Math and English requirements for entry into many SAIT programs and some programs at other post-secondary schools
know how to access services and support in post-secondary school to help you achieve your goals.

Supports and services

A dedicated student advisor will act as your personal coach. They will be available to support you throughout this program with any challenges you may experience. They will also connect you with services supporting your success.

You will receive mentorship and insight from Elders and knowledge-keepers. You will engage in cultural activities with those in your program.

Finally, you will have access to all the services SAIT has to offer, including our recreation facilities, learning support services, employment centre sessions and counselling. A transit pass is included as part of your tuition funding in the second and third semesters of the program.

Download program info

Courses

This program runs from Sept. 2, 2025, to Aug. 14, 2026 (45 weeks).

You must be able to commit to and attend 20 hours of classes each week.

This is a general breakdown of the courses offered. There can be flexibility depending on each person's needs.

Cultural mentorship courses

Every semester, you'll also take cultural mentorship courses by participating in Indigenous coaching, advising and mentorship to support the application of learning strategies and personal skills, as well as Indigenous cultural practices (30 hours per semester).

Course	Credits
Want to get the most out of your post-secondary education? Get the skills and resources you need to be successful at SAIT. Most students will experience gaps in their knowledge and academic skills at some point - it’s normal! This course is designed to help build awareness of your own academic and personal strengths, in addition to providing strategies for overcoming your challenges so that they don’t hold you back. Topics covered include navigating online learning, time management, financial literacy, academic strategies for effective learning and studying, and an introduction to health and wellness.	1.5
Gain practical skills in Windows file management, internet, e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software (45 semester hours).
Cover the basics and prepare for further studies in mathematics. Topics include operations on whole and real numbers, fractions, decimals and more (90 semester hours).
Focus on writing sentences, paragraphs, emails and essays. Further develop your verbal and written communication skills by working with an Indigenous community to identify a research topic (90 semester hours).

Course	Credits
Develop a basic understanding of algebra, number systems, measurement, trigonometry, relations and functions and more (90 semester hours).
Explore different types of literature through primary and secondary research on a topic of interest related to an Indigenous community (90 semester hours).

Choose one of:

Course	Credits
Develop the basic science and math skills you need to move on to higher level chemistry and physics courses. (90 semester hours)
Explore the biosphere, diversity of life, cell structure and function, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, as well as selected topics in human anatomy (90 semester hours).

Course	Credits
Dig deeper into algebra, trigonometry, relations and functions through learning about expressions and equations, trigonometric ratios and more (90 semester hours).
Build on your understanding of primary and secondary research and referencing through exploring a variety of literary and visual content. Analyze your research and present your findings to community members (90 semester hours).

Choose one:

Course	Credits
Investigate the nervous and endocrine systems, human reproduction and development, molecular and classical genetics, cell division and populations and communities (90 semester hours).
Apply mathematical, scientific and laboratory standards for chemical measurement, elements and compounds. Learn about atomic theory and more (90 semester hours).
Explore dynamics, circular motion, work and energy, oscillatory motion and mechanical waves. Problem solve technological challenges (90 semester hours).

Admission requirements

You are eligible for this program if you:

• self-identify as an Indigenous Person (Status/Non-Status First Nation, Métis or Inuit)

• achieve a minimum of 60% on an English and math placement test

• complete a program questionnaire where you explain your career and educational goals and demonstrate that you are ready, willing and able to engage in this program.

If you do not meet the 60% benchmark on the placement tests, you are able to meet the academic requirement by completing the 15 week Indigenous Foundations Program with final grades of 70% or higher. Applications close for Indigenous Foundations on March 24, 2025.

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we have created transfer agreements with partner institutions to allow you to earn course credits toward your SAIT program based on your previously completed credentials.

Transfer Alberta search tool

Use the Transfer Alberta search tool to see all transfer agreements between Alberta post-secondary institutions (including those with the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University and Bow Valley College.)

Search transfer agreements in Alberta

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

When you have completed this program, you may continue your education at a partner post-secondary institution. These transfer agreements include partnerships within and/or outside of Canada.

Available intakes

Applications are closed for the 2025/26 academic year.

Costs

This program is eligible for Foundational Learning Assistance program funding, as well as University and College Entrance Preparation program (UCEP) funding.

We will help you apply for tuition and living allowance coverage for this program. Eligibility criteria will be provided during the information sessions.

Your booklist becomes available in late August.

This program has a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. If you are having difficulty securing a laptop, please see your Academic Advisor in Natoysopoyiis.

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

Admission process

Applications are now open for the Fall intake

To apply for this program, you must follow these steps:

Complete the expression of interest form.
Attend an information session. Sessions are available here. If there are no information sessions listed for Indigenous Pathways or Indigenous Foundations programs, please email natoysopoyiis@sait.ca.
Complete the Math and English placement tests.
Complete the program application questionnaire.

If accepted to the program, support will be provided to assist you with applying for funding.

Placement tests

To demonstrate academic readiness for the courses that form part of the Indigenous Pathways Program, you must complete an English placement test and a math placement test.

Placement testing takes place in Natoysopoyiis on Fridays. Please register for a testing time by emailing natoysopoyiis@sait.ca.

English test

The English placement test consists of multiple-choice questions on English comprehension, grammar and a written paragraph on a topic indicated in the test.

A mark of 60% must be obtained to fulfill English academic readiness for the program.

You'll have up to 120 minutes to complete the English test.

The level for this test is approximately Grade 9.

You get one attempt to take this test.

Math test

The mathematics test consists of 20 to 25 multiple-choice questions, which must be done without a calculator.

A mark of 60% must be obtained to fulfill the mathematic academic readiness for the program.

You'll have up to 60 minutes to complete the mathematics test.

The level for this test is at approximately Grade 8.

You get one attempt to take this test.

Study guides

We recommend downloading and using the study guides below before attempting the placement tests.

Study guides
Course	Educational equivalent	Placement Test Guide	Formula Sheet
MATH-100	Math 9	MATH-100	N/A
COMN-180	ELA 10-1	COMN-180	N/A

If you do not meet the 60% pass requirements, you can complete the 15 week Indigenous Foundations Program.

Information sessions

Indigenous Pathways Program and Indigenous Foundations Program applicants must attend an information session as part of the admission process.

Prepare for a strong start in this program and get the details to decide your future path.

Our expert staff are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart
An introduction to the program and area of study
Admission requirements
Funding options

Contact us

Natoysopoyiis

Room NN108, Senator Burns Building, SAIT Main Campus

Phone: 403.210.4028
Email: natoysopoyiis@sait.ca; Monday - Friday | 8 am - 4:30 pm (4 pm on Fridays)

a view of the moutains and stream in between

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.

Visit Natoysopoyiis Resource Centre

Indigenous Pathways Program

On this page:

Mandatory requirements