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All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. Learn more
Overview
In the Open Studies program, students choose from a wide range of credit courses to explore their interests and aptitudes, enabling better-informed program and career choices as they develop strong study skills and earn post-secondary credits.
It offers students the flexibility to design their studies around multidisciplinary interests or focus their studies in one discipline area that interests them most. This program builds a well-rounded foundation for further education at SAIT with readily transferable courses.
The lesser of 50% of the credits within the credential being sought or a maximum of 30 credits can be applied from the Open Studies program to a future credential at SAIT.
Is this program the right fit for me?
To be successful in this program, you should:
- invest your energy into your coursework and attend all your classes in a timely fashion. Students who attend all of their classes do better on assignments and tests
- access free SAIT student services such as tutoring, learning strategy workshops, appointments with a learning strategist and student counselling services
- review course listings and prepare for courses you are taking.
English language proficiency
Open Studies students are more likely to be successful if they have an English language proficiency level that is appropriate for the courses in which they are enrolled.
Most require a proficiency level equivalent to at least a Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 8 in all categories, or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band score of 6 in all categories.
Program outcomes
- Academic readiness: apply strategies to learn effectively, balance personal life, work and academics and manage stress/anxiety while navigating a large organization/system.
- Self-exploration: identify personal interests, strengths, skills and abilities to inform career choice.
- Career exploration and planning: explore various career options through a career planning process.
- Foundational skills: develop the foundational skills - such as math, communications and technological literacy - required for a wide variety of careers.
- Technical knowledge, skills and abilities: develop specialized, technical skills specific to a discipline or industry.
Credentials
No credential is awarded in Open Studies. Credits obtained in this program may be applied towards credentialed programs at SAIT.
Career opportunities
Complete Open Studies courses in order to get a head start on your education, to reduce course load once in a credentialed program or to determine which career path best suits you.
You may also take courses for general interest or for personal or professional development.
Tuition and fees*
1.5 credit course: $ 288.90
3.0 credit course: $ 577.80
International
1.5 credit course: $ 1011.15
3.0 credit course: $ 2022.30
All courses will be charged ancillary fees regardless of the delivery method.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
English proficiency is an institutional requirement at SAIT. It is a student’s responsibility to ensure that they have the necessary pre-requisites for the courses they want to enroll in.
Space is limited, so apply early!
When can you apply?
- Applications for winter 2021 open March 30, 2020, until the program start date.
- Applications for spring, summer and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Winter 2021 | Jan. 11, 2021 |
| Spring 2021 | May 10, 2021 |
| Summer 2021 | July 5, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Why choose SAIT?
SAIT will focus on your future. Begin in Open Studies and explore curriculum from programs in our eight academic schools — business, construction, energy, health and public safety, hospitality and tourism, information and communications technologies, manufacturing and automation and transportation.
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
- Applications are open until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Winter 2021 start: applications open March 30, 2020.
- Spring, summer or fall 2021 start: applications open Oct. 7, 2020.
Admission requirements
English Proficiency is an institutional requirement at SAIT. It is a student’s responsibility to ensure that they have the necessary pre-requisites for the courses they want to enroll in.
How to apply for Open Studies
Step 1: Apply to Open Studies and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above and you meet the pre-requisites for courses.
Step 3: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Courses
Note: To register in the following courses, students must be admitted into either the Open Studies Program or in another main academic program at SAIT.
To find the description for the courses shown below, please go to our course finder.
Costs
Please note: All courses will be charged ancillary fees regardless of delivery method.
Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Credit | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | SAITSA fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | $ 288.90 | - | - | - | $ 288.90 |
| 3.0 | $ 577.80 | - | - | - | $ 577.80 |
International Tuition and Fees*
| Credit | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | SAITSA fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | $ 1011.15 | - | - | - | $ 1011.15 |
| 3.0 | $ 2022.30 | - | - | - | $ 2022.30 |
Use our cost calculator to get your estimated yearly cost for the program.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
- 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.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Winter 2021
Orientation
Program orientation details will be available closer to the program start date. Watch your inbox!
Delivery
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the winter 2021 term 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
The Winter 2021 booklist will be available beginning in late November.
Can't find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they're still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8923
Email: open.studies@sait.ca
Academic chair
Sandie Cheney, Academic Chair
Email: sandie.cheney@sait.ca
Next steps for students who began in Fall 2020
DeliveryAll classes in this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. How to register for classesYou'll follow an open registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page. Computers and laptopsThis 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 coursesTo support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices. Required textbooksThe Fall 2020 booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start. We recommend you wait to buy your books until your first few days of classes and you speak with your instructor. |
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.