Academic Upgrading

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	September	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 year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.

Classes begin	Year start date	Year end date
Summer 2022	July 4, 2022	June 30, 2023
Fall 2022	Sept. 6, 2022	Aug. 18, 2023
Winter 2023	Jan. 9, 2023	Dec. 15, 2023
Spring 2023	May 8, 2023	April 26, 2024
Summer 2023	July 4, 2023	June 30, 2024
Fall 2023	Sept. 5, 2023	Aug. 16, 2024

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	Take the test	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	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	Take the test
MATH-182	Math 30-1	MATH-182	Formula Sheet	Take the test	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

• On-Campus/Face-to-Face (Lecture) classes will run as traditional face-to-face classes in a classroom with an instructor present and students are expected to come to SAIT to attend these.
• Online synchronous (Lecture) classes can be completed from home and will start and end at prescribed times and students are expected to log in online for a live lesson with an instructor.
• Online asynchronous or online flexible (Internet Paced) classes have no live lectures or discussions, however, these classes are supported by an instructor. This delivery mode is best suited for more independent learner for whom a scheduled course delivery won’t work and who require greater flexibility. These classes have specific start and end dates and the assignments/examinations also have deadlines. Students can log in at any time during the day to complete course content.
• Blended courses run at scheduled times and consist of a mixture of synchronous live classes and asynchronous delivery, with half of the course running as a synchronous delivery (either on-campus or online synchronous) and the other half being online asynchronous.

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.

If you can answer yes to all three or have any other questions, please refer to the Foundational Learning Program.

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 Tuesday, Nov. 15 for Winter 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.

Important dates