Academic Upgrading

Credential:: Course - no credential awarded More info on program credentials
Program length:: Based on course(s) Learn more about program length
Location:: In person (Main Campus) or Online More info on program location
International applicant info:: Accepted | Not PGWP eligible | CIP: 53.0102 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).

Overview

If you don't meet the requirements for our certificate, diploma, applied degree, and bachelor's degree programs, our Academic Upgrading program can help get you there.

Complete a variety of our high school equivalency courses depending on your academic goals and journey. We want you to feel comfortable here at SAIT and develop successful strategies for ongoing learning. Many adult learners use the Academic Upgrading program to upgrade high school courses.

All courses are Alberta high school equivalency courses (not Alberta Education credit courses) and are accepted by other Alberta post-secondary educational institutions for admission.

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.

Please note that you cannot use the Academic Upgrading program to earn your high school diploma.

Why upgrade at SAIT

The benefits of taking Academic Upgrading courses at SAIT include:

flexible class times where you can choose when and where to take your classes - during the day, evening, online, or even a combination of in-person and online through our blended option
a supportive environment with access to free student services like tutoring, workshops to improve your learning strategies, assistance with writing, and counselling services.

We recommend you have access to a personal computer for your classes. Attendance and punctuality are directly related to academic success. Attending all your classes gives you a better chance of succeeding on assignments and tests.

Expand your learning with Open Studies

Are you interested in taking both Open Studies and Academic Upgrading courses? You can enroll in both simultaneously by applying to Open Studies first. Once you’ve been accepted, contact us at upgrading@sait.ca for assistance with registering for Academic Upgrading courses.

To succeed in the Academic Upgrading program, you need some key qualities and abilities, including:

motivation and a strong desire to improve your academic skills and achieve your educational goals
time management skills to balance coursework and other responsibilities
self-discipline so you can stay focused while studying and completing assignments
computer literacy
being able to understand written materials in English
study skills, including knowing how to take notes and prepare for exams
effective communication skills, expressing your thoughts clearly verbally or in writing.

Download program info

Courses

All SAIT upgrading courses are three (3) credits and 90 hours in length. Three or more classes per semester (9+ credits) are considered full-time studies.

All prerequisites are set at 60% except for Science 10 and SAIT courses, which are 50%.

Course	Credits
This course will develop the necessary science and related math skills to be successful in higher level physics and chemistry courses. Science Preparation includes the topics of technical measurement; energy flow in technological systems; energy and matter in chemical change; and properties in water. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite TEST TENA P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 English at 50% or higher) One of: TEST TMSC P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 Math at 50% or higher) TEST UPM1 060 (60% in Mathematics Placement test) MATH 100	3
Topics in this course include: the biosphere; diversity of life; cell structure and function; photosynthesis and cellular respiration; and selected topics in human anatomy. This course is considered equivalent to Alberta Education's Biology 20. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite TEST TENA P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 English at 50% or higher) TEST TMSC P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 Math at 50% or higher)	3
Topics in this course include: the nervous and endocrine systems; human reproduction and development; molecular and classical genetics; cell division; and populations and communities. This course is considered equivalent to Alberta Education's Biology 30. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite TEST TMSC P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 Math at 50% or higher) TEST TENA P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 English at 50% or higher) One of: BIOL 181 D (Credit Education at 50% or higher) BIOL 181 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50% or higher) TEST TBI2 P (Transcript Evaluation at 60% or higher in Biology 20 or equivalent) TEST UBI2 060 (Achieving 60% or higher in grade 11 biology placement test TEST EBI2 050 (SAIT's Biology 20 Admission Exam at 50% or higher)	3
Topics in this course include mathematical, scientific, and laboratory standards for chemical measurement, elements and compound, introduction to atomic theory and structure, periodic table of the elements, simple inorganic compounds, acids and bases, chemical equations, gas and solution stoichiometry, and chemical bonding. This course is considered equivalent to Alberta Education's Chemistry 20. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite TEST TMSC P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 Math at 50% or higher) TEST TENA P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 English at 50% or higher) One of: APSC 180 TEST TSC1 P (Transcript Evaluation at 50% or higher in Science 10 or equivalent) TEST SCCH 060 (Achieving 60% or higher in Grade 10 Chemistry placement test)	3
Topics in this course include mathematical, scientific, and laboratory standards for chemical measurement; introduction to organic chemistry; thermochemical changes, electrochemical changes; equilibrium of chemical systems; and acids and bases. This course is considered equivalent to Alberta Education's Chemistry 30. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite TEST TMSC P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 Math at 50% or higher) TEST TENA P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 English at 50% or higher) One of: CHEM 181 D (Credit Education at 50% or higher) CHEM 181 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50% or higher) TEST TCH2 P (Transcript evaluation at 60% in Chemistry 20 or equivalent) TEST UCH2 060 (60% on SAIT's CHEM-182/Chemistry 30 placement test) TEST ECH2 050 (Chemistry 20 Admission Exam)	3
Students are introduced to a variety of literary forms, primary and secondary sources, and the associated referencing techniques. Written and oral assignments based on a variety of literary and visual materials are used to guide comprehension and critical analysis of studied texts. This course is considered equivalent to Alberta Education's English 20-1. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite One of: COMN 180 TEST UENP 050 (50% on SAIT's COMM 181/182-ELA 20-1/30-1 placement test) TEST TEN1 P (Transcript evaluation at 60% in English 10-1 or English 20-2 or equivalent) TEST EENA 75 (75% on SAIT's COMN 180/ELA 10-1 placement test)	3
Students explore a variety of literary and visual texts, and demonstrate an understanding of literature, primary and secondary material, and referencing techniques. Development and demonstration of skills in comprehension and critical analysis in written and oral assignments are required. This course is considered equivalent to Alberta Education's English 30-1. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite One of: COMM 181 D (Credit Education at 50% or higher) COMM 181 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50% or higher) TEST TEN2 P (Transcript Evaluation at 60% in English 20-1 or English 30-2 or equivalent) TEST T302 P (75% in English 20-2 or equivalent) TEST UENP 070 (70% on SAIT's COMM 181/182-ELA 20-1/30-1 placement test) TEST EEN3 050 (50% on SAIT's English 30 Admission Exam)	3
Students will study short stories, poems, a novel and a play in order to expand reading comprehension and writing skills. Paragraph and essay structure, as well as grammar and public speaking, will also be covered. This course is considered equivalent to Alberta Education's English 10-1.	3
This course focuses on the preparation for further studies in mathematics. Topics include operations on whole and real numbers; fraction, decimal, and percent notation; geometry and measures; polynomials; and equations and inequalities.	3
Math 162 continues to develop the topics of expressions and equations through an investigation of exponential and logarithmic functions as well as rational expressions and equations. Among other topics, students are also introduced to the concepts of probability, permutations and combinations. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite One of: MATH 161 D (Credit Education at 50% or higher) MATH 161 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50% or higher) MATH 181 D (Credit Education at 50% or higher) MATH 181 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50% or higher) TEST UPM3 060 (60% in MATH 162/MATH 30-2 Placement test) TEST ME22 050 (50% in MATH 20-2 Admissions Exam)	3
Math 180 is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of algebra, number systems, measurement, trigonometry, relations and functions. Among other topics, students will be introduced to concepts involving the use of exponent laws, factoring of polynomials, the measurements of different variables, the analysis of right angle triangles, as well as graphical analysis as it applies to relations and functions. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite One of: MATH 100 D (Credit Education at 50% or higher) MATH 100 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50% or higher) TEST UPM1 060 (60% in Mathematics Placement test)	3
Math 181 further develops the concepts of algebra, trigonometry, and relations and functions. Among other topics, students will investigate radical expressions and equations, trigonometric ratios, sine and cosine laws, as well as general factoring techniques and quadratic expressions and equations. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite One of: MATH 180 D (Credit Education at 50%) MATH 180 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50%) TEST UPM2 060 (60% in Mathematics Placement tests) TEST ME10 050 (50% on SAIT's Math 10C Admission Exam)	3
Math 182 explores concepts involving the composition and transformation of generalized functions, as well as polynomial operations. Students are exposed to the nature of exponential functions and their relationship with logarithms, as well as a detailed investigation of trigonometric functions and identities Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite One of: MATH 181 D (Credit Education at 50%) MATH 181 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50%) TEST UPM4 060 (60% in Mathematics Placement into 182 test) TEST ME21 050 (50% on SAIT's Math 20-1 Admission Exam)	3
This course is an introduction of the fundamentals and theory of physics as it relates to technology. Problem solving is emphasized. Four units of study are covered: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion; work and energy; and oscillatory motion and mechanical waves. These units prepare students for further studies in physics. This course is considered equivalent to Alberta Education's Physics 20. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite TEST TMSC P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 Math at 50% or higher) TEST TENA P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 English at 50% or higher) One of: TEST SCPH 060 (60% in Grade 10 Physics Placement Test) APSC 180	3
This course completes the introduction of the fundamentals and theory of physics as it relates to technology. Problem solving is emphasized. Four units of study are covered: momentum and impulse; forces and fields; electromagnetic radiation; and atomic physics. These units prepare students for further studies in physics. This course is considered equivalent to Alberta Education's Physics 30. Pre-requisites: Manual Prerequisite TEST TMSC P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 Math at 50% or higher) TEST TENA P (transcript evaluation for grade 10 English at 50% or higher) One of: TEST UPH2 060 (60% on SAIT's PHYS-182/Physics 30 placement test) TEST EPH2 050 (50% on SAIT's Physics 20 Admission Exam) PHYS 181 D (Credit Education at 50% or higher) PHYS 181 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50% or higher)	3

Progression

You 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.

See our course upgrading pathways.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

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.

You may be required to complete placement tests. You must complete testing in all relevant subject areas if your transcripts are unavailable.

All applicants, including those educated in Canada, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements outlined above with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Placement testing

Once you have been confirmed in the Academic Upgrading Program, you are required to take a placement test to determine the proper placement level in upgrading courses for math and physics.

Learn more

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

Fall 2025

Start dates:

Sep 02, 2025

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: Aug. 18, 2025
International students: Open: Application deadline: Aug. 18, 2025

Winter 2026

Start dates:

Jan 05, 2026

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: Dec. 15, 2025
International students: Open: Application deadline: Dec. 15, 2025

Spring 2026

Start dates:

May 04, 2026

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: April 20, 2026
International students: Open: Application deadline: April 20, 2026

Costs

2025/26 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2025.

The estimated cost of tuition and fees is based on the number of courses taken in a semester.

Domestic students

The estimated cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the number of courses taken in a semester.
Number of courses per semester	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per semester
1	$570	$211.82	$781.82
2	$1,140	$262.49	$1,402.49
3	$1,710	$834.30	$2,544.30

The estimated cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the number of courses taken in a semester.
Number of courses per semester	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per semester
1	$1,941	$401.82	$2,342.82
2	$3,882	$452.49	$4,334.49
3	$5,823	$834.30	$6,657.30

Books and supplies are approximately $150 to $200 per course.

MATH 181 and MATH 182 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.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Financial aid

You could potentially qualify for funding for your 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, or are 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or convention refugee.

Foundational Learning Program

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

Application process

Placement tests may be required to determine the proper placement level in academic upgrading courses for math and physics. 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 in other subject areas are also available if you are not meeting prerequisites through high school transcripts.

Learn more about Academic Upgrading placement testing.

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.

We recommend you add the upgrading@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list, or you risk missing critical email messages.

Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal.

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty 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
Future career paths
Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us