Network Systems Specialist

Admission requirements

Admission dates

This program may not have an intake every semester. See available intakes above.

Classes for this program may not start on the day term begins. Please see the specific start and end dates below or log into mySAIT to view your schedule.

_{*In some instances, domestic applications will be accepted after the application deadline. In that case, the program's intake status will remain open.}

Ideal applicant

The ideal candidate for the Network Systems Specialist (NSS) program is a motivated, mature learner with an interest in computer networking, who wants to specialize or to upgrade their existing skills.

You are technically proficient and detail-oriented. Your approach to problem-solving is both creative and logical, depending on the circumstances. You work well as part of a team and enjoy interacting with others. You possess a good working knowledge of operating systems and computer hardware. You are probably the person your friends and family go to when they have computer problems.

Admission requirements

Completion of the following courses or equivalents:

• at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent, OR,
• a minimum of two years of post-secondary education from a recognized university, institute, or college.

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

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.

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.

Due to the tight integration of the courses in the Network Technician (NT) program, credit for prior learning is not available.

Previous computer operating systems, cloud technologies and/or networking experience gained through education, industry experience, industry certifications, or completion of online tutorial related to computer operating systems or networking is strongly recommended.

Direct entry: four-step process 

Step 1:  Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success. 

Step 2:  Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above. 

Step 3:  Apply to the program and submit your transcripts. 

Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full. 

Step 4:  Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.

You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.

 This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sadt.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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.

Courses

Program outline

The courses listed are not shown in the instructional order. Due to the nature of the fast-track programs some courses may be modified or replaced.

This is a 32-week fast-track certificate offered over multiple semesters.

Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue

Fall program start

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Spring program start

Semester 1

Semester 2

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Transfer options

The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.

Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.

Costs 2022/23

Domestic tuition and fees

Cost per credit: $421

International tuition and fees

Cost per credit: $662.06

_{*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.}

 This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

SAIT fees

• Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
• Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
• Student support fee: $200
• Student technology fee: $200

Saitsa fees

Student Association fee

• Maximum: $291

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

• 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.

For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.

Books and supplies*

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

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.}

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

Your program orientation will be announced soon. Watch your inbox and mySAIT schedule for further details.

Learn more about your orientation.

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 power-user hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Students may also be required to purchase hosted virtual lab tools at their own expense.

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

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Contact

403.284.8543
sadt.advising@sait.ca

Academic chair

Erin Gates, Academic Chair
erin.gates@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