Available Intakes
Overview
Beginning in fall 2023, this program will be offered as part of our new Interactive Design diploma where you can specialize in one of three in-demand majors — Graphic Design, User Experience (UX) or Web Design and Development.
Establish a career in the area of digital graphics — working for commercial printers or publishing companies, advertising agencies or graphic arts firms — with courses that include web and print production, layout and visual design.
If you’ve ever picked up a print publication, visited a website, admired a logo or looked at an advertisement, then you are already familiar with some of the end products of the digital graphics industry.
The Graphic Communications and Print Technology program is designed to prepare you for a career in these exciting fields. You will acquire industry-specific skills in electronic file management, print management and production, print administration, estimating, printing service coordination that ensure your success in the industry.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Graphic Communications and Print Technology.
Exciting NEW PROGRAM
You need the most industry-relevant, tech-focused education and we’ve got you covered. With industry input to meet the demands of the current and growing labour market, SAIT is launching our newest diploma in Interactive Design with three majors starting in fall 2023. Get in-demand tech skills to launch and future-proof your career #HereAtSAIT.
Career opportunities
Graduates may pursue job opportunities at commercial printing and publishing companies, private and industrial printing plants, paper and ink distributors, screen process companies, printing equipment distributors, advertising agencies, digital printing facilities and other graphic arts firms. Potential positions include:
- graphic designer
- brand consultant
- graphic artist
Related careers include:
- animator
- illustrator
- exhibit designer
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 2: $6,130
International total 2023/24
- Year 2: $18,532.90
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Costs 2023/24Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Program requirements
- At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent.
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.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
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.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| COMP-267 | Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications and Web Design | 1.5 |
| MATH-206 | Mathematics for Printers I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-203 | Print Industry Studies | 3.0 |
| PRNT-207 | Production Support I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-210 | Digital Image Production I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-216 | Press and Bindery I | 1.5 |
| PUBL-218 | Layout and Typography I | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 16.5 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPN-278 | Web Production I | 1.5 |
| COMP-270 | Foundations of Visual Design I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-252 | Print Production I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-257 | Production Support II | 1.5 |
| PRNT-260 | Digital Image Production II | 1.5 |
| PRNT-262 | Print Materials | 1.5 |
| PRNT-266 | Press and Bindery II | 3.0 |
| PUBL-258 | Layout and Typography II | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total | 31.5 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPN-341 | Web Production II | 1.5 |
| COMP-307 | Foundations of Visual Design II | 1.5 |
| ESTM-324 | Printing Estimating I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-303 | Print Management Studies I | 1.5 |
| PRNT-312 | Print Production II | 1.5 |
| PRNT-316 | Press and Bindery III | 1.5 |
| PROJ-326 | Printing Project I | 3.0 |
| PUBL-328 | Layout and Typography III | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMP-357 | Foundations of Visual Design III | 1.5 |
| ESTM-364 | Printing Estimating II | 1..5 |
| PRNT-353 | Print Management Studies II | 1.5 |
| PRNT-362 | Print Production III | 1.5 |
| PRNT-385 | Print Practicum and Portfolio | 1.5 |
| PROJ-366 | Printing Project II | 6.0 |
| PUBL-368 | Layout and Typography IV | 1.5 |
| Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Program Total | 61.5 | |
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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $152
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $4,788 | $916 | $553 | $6,257 |
| 2 | 2 | $4,560 | $916 | $553 | $6,029 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $543.68
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $17,125.92 | $916 | $553 | $18,594.92 |
| 2 | 2 | $16,310.40 | $916 | $553 | $17,779.40 |
*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: $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.
Books and supplies*
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.
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 recommended course load per year. *
This program is no longer accepting new students.
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | $4,560 | $948 | $622 | $6,130 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | $16,962.90 | $948 | $622 | $18,532.90 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
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*
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 your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, bookies and supplies 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 (ORNT 118) will be held on campus on Sept. 1. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your orientation.
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
Students must supply their own laptop or desktop for use in the program. All computers must meet the following minimum specifications:
Mac devices
- Apple MacBook Pro
- M1 or M2 processor
- Minimum 16GB RAM
- Minimum 500GB hard drive (1TB preferred)
- Up-to-date antivirus and malware protection software
- Administrator access/account on the device
- High-Speed internet connection and a wired ethernet connection
Windows devices
- Intel I7 (6th gen or higher) or AMD A8 processor
- Minimum 32GB RAM or greater
- Minimum 1TB hard drive
- Windows 10, North American or English version
- Up-to-date antivirus and malware protection software
- Administrator access/account on the device
- High Speed internet connection and a wired ethernet connection
Students must also supply the following peripherals and software:
- Headset with microphone
- Webcam, either internal or external
- Computer mouse
- Adobe CC student subscription
- USBc to hdmi/ethernet/USB adapter
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
Phone: 403.284.8543
Email: sadt.advising@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Andrew Stevenson, Academic Chair
Email: andrew.stevenson@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.
