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All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Spring and Summer 2021 terms due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
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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 provide students with a flexible approach for their transition into post-secondary studies. Courses can be taken part-time or full-time in the day, evening or online. Students become accustomed to the SAIT environment and culture and develop successful strategies for learning.
SAIT Academic Upgrading courses are Alberta high school equivalency courses, not Alberta Education courses. They may be accepted for admission purposes by other Alberta post-secondary educational institutions. Check the current Alberta Transfer Guide published by 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 counselling services.
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.
Tuition and fees per year*
1 Course: $671.98
2 Courses: $1,202.87
3 Courses: $1,999.36
1 Course (International): $2,239.43
2 Courses (International): $4,164.87
3 Courses (International): $6,104.36
1 Course: $743.32
2 Courses: $1,288.57
3 Courses: $2,149.91
1 Course (International): $2,295.47
2 Courses (International): $4,220.79
3 Courses (International): $6,201.36
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications are accepted until the program start date.
- Applications for fall, spring and summer 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020.
- Applications for winter 2022 open March 31, 2021.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Spring 2021 | May 10, 2021 |
| Summer 2021 | July 5, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
| Winter 2022 | Jan. 10, 2022 |
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
Note: all students taking upgrading courses must apply to Academic Upgrading through Apply Alberta.
There are six intakes for this program offered per year. Please see the following chart to determine which semester to apply for.
Fall, Spring and Summer 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
| Which semester should I apply for? | Spring 2021 | Summer 2021 | Fall 2021 | Winter 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| When can I apply? | Oct. 7, 2020 | Oct. 7, 2020 | Oct. 7, 2020 | March 31, 2021 |
| When do courses start? | May | July | Sept. 7, 2021 | January |
| 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, or successful completion of an English placement test.
- Pure Math 10 or Applied Math 10 or 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 to SAIT must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please see English Proficiency.
- View High School Course Equivalencies by Province.
How to apply for Academic Upgrading
Registration opens approximately two months prior to the start of course start dates.
Step 1: Apply to Academic Upgrading and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.*
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.
*You do not have to apply each semester as once you are in the program and taking courses, you can carry on to the next semester without having to reapply. However, taking a break for one semester will require you to fill out an Intent to Return form (cost $120).
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 | Placement Test Guide | Formula Sheet | Attempt One | Attempt Two |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH-100 | Math 9 | MATH-100 | N/A | ||
| MATH-180 | Math 10C | MATH -180 | Formula Sheet | Take the test | |
| MATH-181 | Math 20-1 | MATH - 181 | Formula Sheet | Take the test | |
| MATH-162 | Math 30-2 | MATH - 162 | 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 |
Study guides are available for the following placement tests:
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.
Step-by-step registration instructions
|
To register in an academic upgrading or open studies course complete the steps listed below. Once you have applied and been accepted into the program you can register. You’ll be using mySAIT for registration.
You will receive a confirmation of payment via email. You can find your complete payment history in your account summary on mySAIT. For downloadable instructions click here |
Program outline
All SAIT upgrading courses are 3 credits. Three classes (9 credits) is considered full time.
All prerequisites are set at 60% except for Science 10 and SAIT courses which are 50%.
For more detailed information click here
| Course code | AB Education equivalent | Pre-requisite* |
|---|---|---|
| APSC-180 | None - Science 10 for SAIT programs only | None |
| BIOL-181 | Biology 20 | None |
| BIOL-182 | Biology 30 | Biology 20 or BIOL 181 |
| CHEM-181 | Chemistry 20 | Science 10 or APSC 180 |
| CHEM-182 | Chemistry 30 | Chemistry 20 or CHEM 181 |
| COMN-180 | English 10-1 | Admission in the AU program |
| COMM-181 | English 20-1 | English 10-1 or COMN 180 |
| COMM-182 | English 30-1 | English 20-1, English 30-2 or COMM 181 |
| MATH-100 | None (Skill Development) | Admission in the AU program |
| MATH-162 | Math 30-2 | Placement test or MATH 181 |
| MATH-172 | Applied Math 30 | Placement test or MATH 180 |
| MATH-180 | Math 10C | Placement test or MATH 100 |
| MATH-181 | Math 20-1 | Placement test or MATH 180 |
| MATH-182 | Math 30-1 | Placement test or MATH 181 |
| PHYS-181 | Physics 20 | Placement test or APSC 180 |
| PHYS-182 | Physics 30 | Placement test or PHYS 181 |
View additional Academic Upgrading program information including course-specific descriptions and requisites.
More information
* A limited number of upgrading courses are offered in a blended format. A blended course runs 14 weeks and involves online participation as well as an on-campus class on Saturdays'. Please note that all Saturday scheduled classes are blended courses. Each course has a specific start and end date, as well as a course outline that states requirements and deadlines for coursework. Students are expected to work through course content and assessments outside the weekly on-campus class in order to stay on track with the course schedule. Exams and labs (if applicable) will be completed during class time and, as such, attendance and regular "check-ins" to the course website (in Brightspace/D2L) are essential to succeed in this course format.
Progression
For course upgrading pathways click here.
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. Academic Upgrading has an attendance policy to help ensure that students give themselves the best chance of being successful in their upgrading courses. Please click here to download a copy of our attendance policy.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Number of courses | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | SAITSA fees | Health & Dental plan+ | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $494 | $130 | $47.98 | $ - | $671.98 |
| 2 | $988.98 | $130 | $83.89 | $ - | $1,202.87 |
| 3 | $1,483.47 | $180 | $83.89 | $252 | $1,999.36 |
+This is a one time payment that covers two 15 week semesters within the academic year.
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Number of courses | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | SAITSA fees | Health & Dental plan+ | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1889.49 | $130 | $47.94 | $172 | $2,239.43 |
| 2 | $3778.98 | $130 | $83.89 | $172 | $4,164.87 |
| 3 | $5668.47 | $180 | $83.89 | $172 | $6,104.36 |
+This fee will be charged per semester for international students.
SAIT fees
Campus athletic and recreation fee: $80 per semester
Universal Transit Pass (UPass): If you are taking two courses during the semester, you may be eligible to purchase the UPass. If you are taking three courses, the $302 will be added to your SAIT fees.
Student support fee: $25 ($50 for 3 courses)
Student technology fee: $25 ($50 for 3 courses)
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $172
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Cost and supplies
- Books and supplies are approximately $150 to $200 per course.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Find out about tuition and financial aid. You could you 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
If you can answer yes to all three or have any other questions then click here for more details.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Number of courses | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan+ | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $509.34 | $186 | $47.98 | - | $743.32 |
| 2 | $1,018.68 | $186 | $83.89 | - | $1,288.57 |
| 3 | $1,528.02 | $286 | $83.89 | $252 | $2,149.91 |
+This is a one time payment that covers two 15 week semesters within the academic year.
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
| Number of courses | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan+ | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,889.49 | $186 | $47.98 | $172 | $2,295.47 |
| 2 | $3,778.90 | $186 | $83.89 | $172 | $4,220.79 |
| 3 | $5,668.47 | $286 | $83.89 | $172 | $6,210.36 |
+This fee will be charged per semester for international students.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $86 per semester
Universal transit pass (UPass): If you are taking two courses during the semester, you may be eligible to purchase the UPass. If you are taking three courses, the $302 will be added to your SAIT fees.
Student support fee: $50 ($100 for 3 courses)
Student technology fee: $50 ($100 for 3 courses)
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $172
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Cost and supplies
- Books and supplies are approximately $150 to $200 per course.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Find out about tuition and financial aid. You could you 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
If you can answer yes to all three or have any other questions then click here for more details.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Spring and Summer 2021
Orientation
Orientation for new students starting in the Spring term will take place online on May 7 (9 - 11 am) and May 8 (10 am - noon), 2021.
Orientation for new students starting in the Summer term will take place online on July 2, 2021.
Watch your inbox for the link.
Delivery
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Spring and Summer 2021 terms due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an open registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
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, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The spring and summer booklists will be available closer to the program start date.
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.