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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.
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.
Cost per course*
1.5 credit course: $288.90
3.0 credit course: $577.80
1.5 credit course (International): $1,011.15
3.0 credit course (International): $2,022.30
1.5 credit course: $317.79
3.0 credit course: $635.58
1.5 credit course (International): $1011.15
3.0 credit course (International): $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 spring, summer and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for winter 2022 open March 31, 2021, until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Spring 2021 | May 10, 2021 |
| Summer 2021 | July 5, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
| Winter 2022 | Jan. 10, 2022 |
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
- Spring, summer or fall 2021 start: applications open Oct. 7, 2020.
- Winter 2022 start: applications open March 31, 2021.
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
The following costs are based on a single 1.5 or 3.0 credit course. Additional fees including health and dental are assessed based on the course delivery and the number of courses taken at a time.
2020/21 Domestic cost per course
| Course Credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $288.90 |
| 3.0 | $577.80 |
2020/21 International cost per course
| Course Credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $1011.15 |
| 3.0 | $2022.30 |
SAIT Fees
The following fees are based on a two-semester full course load structure. Fees for part-time programs will be assessed based on the number of courses taken within a semester.
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - check eligibility
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
SAIT Students' Association (SAITSA) fee: $287.77
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 device that meets the hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic cost per course
| Course Credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $317.79 |
| 3.0 | $635.58 |
2021/22 International cost per course
| Course Credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $1,011.15 |
| 3.0 | $2,022.30 |
SAIT Fees
The following fees are based on a two-semester full course load structure. Fees for part-time programs will be assessed based on the number of courses taken within a semester.
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - check eligibility
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
SAIT Students' Association (SAITSA) fee: $287.77
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 device that meets the hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out 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.
Spring and Summer 2021
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.
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 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 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.