Overview
Missing an admission requirement? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.
SAIT academic upgrading courses prepare students for admission to SAIT career programs. For SAIT program admission requirements, refer to the appropriate sections of the SAIT Academic Calendar. SAIT Academic Upgrading courses are Alberta high school equivalency courses, not Alberta Education courses, and they cannot be used as credit courses towards an Alberta high school diploma. They may be accepted for admission purposes by other Alberta post-secondary educational institutions. Check the current Alberta Transfer Guide published by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer for a listing of all formalized transfer agreements among Alberta post-secondary institutions.
Government grant funding may be available for eligible students. For more information on funding, visit our Foundational Learning Program. Student loans are not available for upgrading courses.
Is this the right fit for me?
Attendance and punctuality are directly related to academic success. Students who attend all of their classes do better on assignments and tests.
Students are also encouraged to access free SAIT student services such as tutoring, learning strategy workshops, appointments with a learning strategist and student counseling services.
Want to learn more about this program?
Prepare for SAIT programs
Students complete upgrading courses in order to meet the admission requirements for programs at SAIT and most other post-secondary education institutions in Alberta.
Funding available
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per semester:
Domestic total 2023/24
- 1 course: $766.66
- 2 courses: $1,376.32
- 3 courses: $2,468
International total 2023/24
- 1 course: $2,312.17
- 2 courses: $4,302.34
- 3 courses: $6,609.53
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
Why upgrade at SAIT?
Upgrade or complete high school course equivalencies in English, mathematics and sciences. Our flexible learning options will prepare you for admission to SAIT's career programs.
Admission requirements
Admission dates
There are six intakes for this program offered per year. Please see the following chart to determine which semester to apply for.
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
| Which semester should I apply for? | Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 | Winter 2023 | Spring 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| When can I apply? | Oct. 5, 2022 | Oct. 5, 2022 | March 30, 2022 | June 13, 2023 |
| When do courses start? | July 4 | Sept. 5 | January | May |
| When can I register for courses? | Registration opens approximately two months prior to the start date. | |||
Admission requirements
Minimum of 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:
- English Language Arts 10-1 or 10-2, AND,
- Math 10C or Math 10-3 or successful completion of a math placement test.
Students will be required to complete testing in the relevant subject areas if transcripts are not available.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. View high school course equivalencies by province.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
How to apply for Academic Upgrading
Note: all students taking upgrading courses must apply to Academic Upgrading through Apply Alberta.
Step 1: Apply to Academic Upgrading and submit your transcripts.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above. You may be required to complete a placement test within two or three weeks of applying to satisfy admissions requirements. You will receive confirmation through acceptance.
Step 3: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following start and end dates.
| Classes begin | Semester start date | Semester end date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Summer 2023 | July 4, 2023 | Oct. 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
Placement testing
Once you have applied to the program, your transcripts will be reviewed by the academic upgrading team to determine the appropriate level of upgrading courses.
Placement tests are required to determine the proper level of placement in academic upgrading courses for math and physics. Placement tests in other subject areas are also available if you are not meeting prerequisites through high school transcripts. Contact upgrading@sait.ca for more details.
View the table below for courses that require placement testing. Please download and review the appropriate study guide and formula sheet prior to taking the placement test for your desired course.
*Students who have passed SAIT’s upgrading Math or Physics courses are not required to take placement testing.
| Course | Educational equivalent | Practice questions | Formula sheet | Attempt one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH-100 | Math 9 | MATH-100 | N/A | Take the test |
| MATH-180 | Math 10C | MATH-180 | Formula sheet | Take the test |
| MATH-181 | Math 20-1 | MATH-181 | Formula sheet | Take the test |
| MATH-172 | Applied Math 30 | MATH-172 | Formula sheet | Take the test |
| MATH-162 | Math 30-2 | MATH-162 | Formula sheet | Take the test |
| MATH-182 | Math 30-1 | MATH-182 | Formula sheet | Take the test |
| PHYS-181 | Physics 20 | PHYS-181 | Formula sheet | Take the test |
| PHYS-182 | Physics 30 | PHYS-182 | Formula sheet | Take the test |
| BIOL-182 | Biology 30 | BIOL-182 | N/A | Take the test |
| CHEM-181 | Chemistry 20 | CHEM-181 | Data booklet | Take the test |
| CHEM-182 | Chemistry 30 | CHEM-182 | Data booklet | Take the test |
| COMN-180 | ELA 10-1 | COMN-180 | N/A | Take the test |
| COMM-181/182 | ELA 20-1/30-1 | COMN-181/182 | N/A | Take the test |
An individualized program plan will be created. A program plan maps out the courses that need to be taken each semester and will be created for students based on their transcript and/or test results.
Courses
Note: all students taking upgrading courses must apply to Academic Upgrading through Apply Alberta.
Course delivery methods
Find information on course delivery methods >
Find out more on how to register for your courses >
Program outline
All SAIT upgrading courses are three (3) credits. Three or more classes per semester (9+ credits) is considered full-time.
All SAIT upgrading courses are 90 hours in length.
All prerequisites are set at 60% except for Science 10 and SAIT courses which are 50%.
| Course code | AB Education equivalent | Pre-requisite* |
|---|---|---|
| APSC-180 | None - Science 10 for SAIT programs only | None (completion of SAIT's Math-100 or Grade 9 Math is highly recommended, but not mandatory) |
| BIOL-181 | Biology 20 | None |
| BIOL-182 | Biology 30 | 60% in Biology 20 or equivalent OR 50% in SAIT's BIOL-181 OR 60% on SAIT's BIOL-182/Biology placement test OR 50% on SAIT's Biology 20 admission exam |
| CHEM-181 | Chemistry 20 | 50% in Science 10 or equivalent OR 60% on SAIT's CHEM-181/Chem 20 placement test (completion of Math 10C is also highly recommended by not mandatory) |
| CHEM-182 | Chemistry 30 | 60% in Chemistry 20 or equivalent OR 50% in SAIT's CHEM-181/Chem 30 placement test OR 50% on SAIT's Chemistry 20 admission exam |
| COMN-180* | English 10-1 | None |
| COMM-181 | English 20-1 | 60% in English 10-1 or English 20-2 or equivalent OR 75% in English 10-2 or equivalent OR 50% in SAIT's COMN-180 OR 75% in SAIT's COMN-180/ELA 10-1 placement test OR 50% in SAIT's COMM-181/182, ELA 20-1/30-1 placement test |
| COMM-182 | English 30-1 | 60% in English 20-1 or English 30-2 or equivalent or 75% in English 20-2 or equivalent OR 50% in SAIT's COMM-181 OR 70% in SAIT's COMM-181/182, ELA 20-1/30-1 placement test OR 50% on SAIT's English 30 admission exam |
| MATH-100* | None (Skill Development) | None |
| MATH-162* | Math 30-2 | 50% in SAIT's MATH-181 OR 60% in SAIT's MATH-162/Math 30-2 placement test OR 50% in SAIT's Math 20-2 admission exam |
| MATH-172* | Applied Math 30 | 50% in SAIT's MATH-180 OR 60% in SAIT's MATH-181/Math 20-1 placement test OR 50% in SAIT's Math 10C admission exam |
| MATH-180 | Math 10C | 50% in SAIT's MATH-100 OR 60% in SAIT's MATH-180/Math 10C placement test |
| MATH-181 | Math 20-1 | 50% in SAIT's MATH-180 OR 60% in SAIT's MATH-181/Math 20-1 placement test OR 50% on SAIT's Math 10C admission exam |
| MATH-182 | Math 30-1 | 50% in SAIT's MATH-181 OR 60% in SAIT's MATH-182/Math 30-1 placement test OR 50% on SAIT's Math 20-1 admission exam |
| PHYS-181 | Physics 20 | 50% in SAIT's APSC-180 AND 60% in Math 10C/50% in SAIT's MATH-180 OR 60% in SAIT's PHYS-181/Physics 20 placement test |
| PHYS-182 | Physics 30 | 50% in SAIT's PHYS-181 OR 60% in SAIT's PHYS-182/Physics 30 placement test OR 50% in SAIT's Physics 20 admission exam |
*unavailable for summer intake
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Progression
See our course upgrading pathways.
Students must pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program. Admission to SAIT and other post-secondary programs can be highly competitive. Grades higher than a minimal pass improve opportunities for admission to post-secondary programs.
Attendance requirements
Regular attendance is linked closely with student success in courses. This attendance and retention policy aims to help students succeed by providing them with avenues to meet with Academic Upgrading (AU) staff to address issues affecting attendance and course success.
Attendance is taken during each class. Students will be recorded as present, late, absent-excused, or absent-unexcused. Instructors/academic upgrading staff will monitor attendance and marks regularly. AU staff are here to listen and to provide advice regarding your circumstances, whether that includes academic advising or referral to other SAIT services. You may also contact us at any time at upgrading@sait.ca or at 403.210.5756 if you have any concerns about your attendance or other matters affecting your performance in class. You can book a meeting with us in MC217 or call to make an appointment at 403.210.5789, or alternatively, we can meet you in a virtual setting using a platform such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Blackboard collaborate or similar.
This policy is in accordance with the SAIT Attendance Requirements Policy AC 3.8 and Procedure AC 3.8.1.
Unexcused absences
Students who do not attend (in person or online) the first three days of their classes without prior notification and approval from the AU office and their instructors can be dropped from their classes.
The AU office has the authority to withdraw students who accumulate 12 hours of unexcused absences from any course (6 two-hour classes for fall/winter; 4 three-hour classes in spring/summer). Students who are withdrawn will be sent notifications to their SAIT email accounts.
Total absences (excused or unexcused combined)
The AU office has the authority to withdraw students who accumulate 18 hours of any combination of excused and unexcused absences from any course (9 two-hour classes for fall/winter; 6 three-hour classes in spring/summer). Students who are withdrawn will be sent notifications to their SAIT email accounts.
Excused absences
An absence will be considered “excused” at the discretion of the instructor. Each instructor will discuss with students on the first day of class what is considered an “excused” absence and what documentation is required.
Missed/late assignments, quizzes, labs, exams, and other assessments
Instructors will discuss their policies on missed/late assignments, quizzes, exams, and excused and unexcused absences on the first day of class.
Withdrawals
To withdraw from a course, consult the AU office. Except in extenuating circumstances approved by the Registrar’s office, withdrawals cannot be processed after the withdrawal deadline.
If a student has enough absences to result in withdrawal from the course, the AU staff will process the withdrawal. However, if some of the absences occur close to the withdrawal deadline, there may be insufficient time to process a withdrawal, resulting in a failing percentage (<50%) on the student’s transcript. If absences occur after the withdrawal deadline, except in extenuating cases approved by the Registrar, withdrawals are no longer possible and the student will receive a failing percentage.
FLP/SIP funded students
Students unsure of the AEI attendance policy can contact the Foundational Learning Program/Skills Investment Program (FLP/SIP) office in MC 221 or at 403.284.7054 or via email funding@sait.ca.
SFLP/SIP-funded students will have their attendance, and marks as requested, reported to the funding office regularly by the AU office staff.
Athletes
The AU office will report athlete attendance, and marks if needed, to Athletics on request and also if an athlete has missed the number of classes specified in this document. Withdrawal from a course can remove a student from athletic eligibility.
Appeals
Students who want to appeal an instructor assigning an unexcused absence versus an excused absence or other attendance-related matters must speak to their instructor first to attempt to resolve the matter. If this is not possible, the student can contact the AU office and request an appeal appointment with the chair. The decision of the chair is final and binding.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $182
| Number of courses | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $546 | $149 | $48.50 | $743.50 |
| 2 | $1,092 | $149 | $97 | $1,338 |
| 3 | $1,638 | $458 | $407 | $2,503 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $647.17
| Number of courses | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,941.51 | $149 | $310.50 | $2,401.01 |
| 2 | $3,883.02 | $149 | $359 | $4,391.02 |
| 3 | $5,824.53 | $458 | $407.50 | $6,690.03 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee:
- 1-2 courses: $49
- 3 courses: $98
- Student support fee:
- 1-2 courses: $50
- 3 courses: $100
- Student technology fee:
- 1-2 courses: $50
- 3 courses: $100
- Universal transit pass (Upass)
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum:
- 1 course: $48.50
- 2 courses: $97
- 3 courses: 145.50
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
Domestic students taking 3 courses and all international students qualify for health and dental coverage.
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $150 to $200 per course.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Funding for Academic Upgrading
You could potentially qualify for funding for your upgrading courses if you:
- are out of high school for more than 12 consecutive months
- are unemployed, working less than 20 hours per week and/or earning a modest annual income
- are 18 years old and are a Canadian Citizen, Permanent resident or Convention Refugee.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the course load per semester. *
Domestic students
| Number of courses per semester | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total per semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $561 | $157 | $48.66 | $766.66 |
| 2 | $1,122 | $157 | $97.32 | $1,376.32 |
| 3 | $1,683 | $474 | $311 | $2,468 |
International students
| Number of courses per semester | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total per semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,941.51 | $157 | $213.66 | $2,312.17 |
| 2 | $3,883.02 | $157 | $262.32 | $4,302.34 |
| 3 | $5,824.53 | $474 | $311 | $6,609.53 |
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 of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.22/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students 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/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $150 to $200 per course.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Funding for Academic Upgrading
You could potentially qualify for funding for your upgrading courses if you:
- are out of high school for more than 12 consecutive months
- are unemployed, working less than 20 hours per week, and/or earning a modest annual income
- are 18 years old and are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or convention refugee.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation for students beginning in Winter 2023 will take place on SAIT campus on Friday, Jan. 6. Look for ORNT 118 in your schedule in mySAIT for the time and exact location.*
You can also prepare by attending Big SAIT Welcome, online information sessions, international or Indigenous orientation, and completing the preparation courses below.
*If your orientation takes place on the first day of classes, you will not see a separate ORNT 118 in your schedule. Students registering in classes via open registration will need to enroll themselves in ORNT 118.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will 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. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
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. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
MATH 181, MATH 182, and MATH 172 use Open Educational Resources (OERs) so no purchase is required. Some instructors may recommend additional supportive books in the form of math workbooks.
Consider waiting to purchase COMM 181 or COMM 182 textbooks until the first class so instructors can inform you of their preferences.
Contact
Phone: 403.210.5756
Email: upgrading@sait.ca
Academic chair
Enda Morley, Academic Chair
Email: enda.morley@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
