Best in class… A SAIT class

We’re serving up big wins as we take stock of recent milestones and achievements

SAIT is a proven leader in applied education. If proof is in the pudding, here’s the winning recipe. ⬇️

We consistently serve top global rankings in teaching and research — SAIT’s School of Business, the School of Hospitality and Tourism and the Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub lead the way for excellence.

We build and fine-tune programs and spaces equipping graduates to meet real-world needs, like new drone pilot training at the Art Smith Aero Centre, or a recently launched degree in technology designed for a more cyber-secure world and located at our new downtown campus.

Our strong partnerships with industry leaders inform specialized training and connect students to the world of work while still in school, creating opportunity for their careers to take flight as soon as they cross the convocation stage.

Significant gifts from our donors make new spaces where students can learn, grow and be bold possible. In other words, you could say we’ve tallied up a few reasons to cheer.

Serving up excellence

The School of Hospitality and Tourism is celebrating 75 years of education excellence, so it’s no surprise we’re ranked one of the Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World by CEOWORLD magazine for the 10th year in a row.

Our impact stretches beyond campus and the City of Calgary — just take a peek at the international kitchens our alumni run. One of the world’s premiere tourist destinations is also in our own backyard — Banff, Alberta — and the School of Hospitality and Tourism is opening a satellite location in the beloved town in partnership with the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation and YWCA Banff.

Through the partnership, a portion of YWCA Banff is being transformed into a state-of-the-art teaching facility and student housing. The renovation will be a game-changer for both education and the community, supporting a sustainable tourism economy by creating a hands-on learning environment in the heart of Banff and strengthening the YWCA’s ability to deliver and expand its critical services.

“It’s really powerful to reflect and realize that this school has a very long, cherished and impactful history, and a legacy that’s been built over 75 years. That’s something to be deeply proud of — to see ourselves as a school with that rich history,” says James Overall, Dean, School of Hospitality and Tourism. “What we’re doing now is going to play a significant role in shaping the future of this school and the hospitality and tourism industry.”

We’re standing on business

It’s one of Canada’s most well-kept secrets, but shouldn’t be: SAIT’s School of Business is one of the best there is, according to CEOWORLD Magazine’s Best Business Schools in the World. The school ranked 53 in 2025 and is one of just 10 Canadian schools to make the list, positioned between University of Toronto (52) and McGill (80). This is SAIT’s fifth consecutive year of recognition.

“Our goal will always be to deliver the best outcome for students — to instill in them the confidence to succeed in industry and the experience to make it happen,” says Rose Campbell, Dean, School of Business. “This global recognition is a testament to our industry-informed curriculum, esteemed instructors, work-integrated pathways and ability to stay agile and innovative.”

With our focus on the future, SAIT debuted Canada’s first FinTech business major last year. Under the Bachelor of Business Administration program, the new major will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of financial technology and innovation.

Top research ranking has SAIT turning heads

SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub is 121,000 square feet of state-of-the-art research labs and facilities with more than 80 dedicated research experts. Applied research means working with industry partners to develop real-world solutions, and ARIS continues to raise the bar in that regard.

Climbing to a top five spot on the Research Infosource Inc.’s list of Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada, SAIT ranked fourth on the list for 2024. As part of this ranking, we excelled in the Industry Research Income category, securing the top position with $9.5 million from industry sources.

“The ARIS Hub is a point of connection within the applied research ecosystem in Canada,” says Jamie McInnis, Director, ARIS Hub. “In our state-of-the-art facilities, we’re bringing experts and industry partners together to develop innovative solutions that matter.”

Our impressive track record led to SAIT receiving one of the largest corporate gift to a post-secondary institution in Alberta, when Imperial Oil Limited donated a $37 million research lab facility. To further applied research in sustainable energy innovation, SAIT is taking over management of the Quarry Park facility to create new opportunities for collaboration and student training opportunities.

Cruising at high altitudes

While aviation training has been offered at SAIT since 1928, the Art Smith Aero Centre — our aviation campus — celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. Located on land connected to the Calgary International Airport, the centre occupies 13 acres and includes state-of-the-art classrooms and labs and a 21,000 square foot hangar. Designed to operate at industry and SAIT standards, the facility provides exceptional classroom learning and hands-on training.

Beyond anniversary celebrations, Alberta’s aerospace sector is forecasting blue skies ahead and we couldn’t be more excited to reach new heights. Hot off the heels of the creation of Lufthansa Technik Canada, SAIT and the global aircraft maintenance provider shared plans to develop new aviation training specifically tailored to their global maintenance, repair and overhaul standards.

“This partnership underscores SAIT’s commitment to providing world-class education and advancing Alberta’s economy,” says Lynda Holden, Dean, School of Transportation. “The opportunity for students to connect with an industry leader as they enter the Canadian market, while gaining hands-on training tailored to industry talent needs, is an exciting and welcome new opportunity for the School of Transportation.”

Gifts empowering BOLD futures

Aligned to the SAIT purpose to empower people with the skills, attitudes and experiences to build successful careers and lives, our donors are helping shape the applied education of the future and an unforgettable student experience at SAIT.

The newly opened SAIT Downtown is home to cutting-edge programs in the School for Advanced Digital Technology and was made possible thanks to a large donation from Calgary philanthropist David Bissett (his biggest ever!) back in 2019. Classrooms prepped with industry-standard tech will help equip students in the new Bachelor of Technology with the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing digital landscape.

When it opens in late 2027, the Taylor Family Campus Centre will redefine student life, providing health and wellness spaces for play. It will also be the new home for Trojans Athletics teams. The $30-million gift from the Taylor Family supported the construction of the building, which will also include spaces for study, gathering and collaboration, an arena, triple gymnasium, spectator seating, fitness and weights area, sports medicine space, a recreational walking track, conference and event space, and a campus pub/restaurant. Construction is currently shaping up nicely, and anyone who passes by might easily agree the best is yet to come.

Find your recipe of success at SAIT

We’ve told you why we’re best in class. Take our word for it, or experience it for yourself.

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