Computers and laptops
All SAIT students will require a computer or laptop for their program. Each program is identified either as an e-Learning program or a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program.
Review the lists below to find your program and get your tech ready to start at SAIT.
If your program isn’t listed below, please check the program page for specific requirements or contact your Academic Chair.
Internet and bandwidth recommendations for online learning
Ensure you have a reliable internet connection to participate in your online classes. Most plans offered by internet service providers will meet the bandwidth and available data requirements.
- Recommended: 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload
- Minimum: 6Mbps download and 400Kbps upload
Higher speeds will help, particularly for courses that may involve media elements such as video.
If possible, we recommend you access the internet via a direct connection (Ethernet cable), as wireless may cause sporadic degradation of connections, however, this is not required.
Not sure where to purchase your computer? You can order via SAIT's preferred vendor.
e-Learning programs
Students in e-Learning programs at SAIT are supplied with a laptop or device with the necessary software, files and applications.
Visit our e-Learning program page to determine if your program falls into this category and find instructions for collecting your laptop.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Students in most programs will be required to purchase a computer ahead of their first day of classes.
The basic minimum hardware and software requirements you will need to participate in classes and complete assignments fall into one of three categories - standard, power user and workstation.
To find out which type of computer you'll need, review the list of programs for each option.
❗️All students will need a computer camera, microphone and speakers (integrated or external) so they can participate in online classes. ❗️
Standard hardware and software
Applicable programs include:
| This is applicable to all AIT apprenticeship training at SAIT. |
| Academic Upgrading |
| English Language Foundations |
| Open Studies |
| Accounting Oil and Gas Production |
| Administrative Information Management |
| Bachelor of Applied Business Administration |
| Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Business Administration |
| Office Professional |
| Pre-employment Cabinetmaker |
| Pre-employment Carpenter |
| Pre-employment Pipetrades |
| Pre-employment Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
| Pre-employment Sheet Metal |
| Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management |
| Baking and Pastry Arts |
| Butchery and Charcuterie Management |
| Culinary Entrepreneurship |
| Hospitality Management |
| Professional Cooking |
| Travel and Tourism |
| Advanced Care Paramedic |
| Dental Assisting |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
| Health Information Management |
| Medical Device Reprocessing Technician |
| Medical Laboratory Assistant |
| Medical Laboratory Technology |
| Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk |
| Medical Radiologic Technology |
| Nuclear Medicine Technology |
| Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyles |
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting |
| Optician |
| Pharmacy Assistant |
| Primary Care Paramedic |
| Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant |
| Respiratory Therapy |
| Machinist Technician |
| Mechanical Engineering Technology |
| Non-Destructive Testing Foundations |
| Pre-employment Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) |
| Pre-employment Mobile Crane |
| Pre-employment Welding |
| Welding Engineering Technology |
| Welding Technician |
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology |
| Aircraft Structures Technician |
| Automotive Service Technology |
| Avionics Technology |
| Business Management - Automotive Management |
| Diesel Equipment Technician |
| Pre-employment Automotive Service Technician |
| Railway Conductor |
| Bachelor of Applied Technology Petroleum Engineering |
| Chemical Engineering Technology |
| Chemical Laboratory Technology |
| Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Energy Asset Management |
| Environmental Technology |
| Instrumentation Engineering Technology |
| Integrated Water Management |
| Petroleum Engineering Technology |
| Power Engineering Technology |
| Power and Process Operations |
| Pre-employment Electrician |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations |
| Broadcast Systems Technology |
Power-user hardware and software
Applicable programs include:
| Business Intelligence - Data Analysis and Reporting |
| Data Analytics |
| Database Administrator |
| Information Security Analyst |
| Library Information Technology |
| Network Technician |
| Technology Infrastructure Analyst |
| Web Developer |
| Graphic Communications and Print Technology |
| New Media Production and Design |
Workstation hardware and software
Applicable programs include:
| Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems |
| Geomatics Engineering Technology |
SAIT's preferred vendor
While you can purchase your computer through any vendor you choose, student deals are available through Microserve, who provide a higher-end warranty on their products.
The laptops below meet the hardware requirements for each category.
If you require standard hardware: Toshiba Dynabook Tecra C50-E (PS591C-0C401R)
If you require power user or workstation hardware: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen2 (20QT0023US)
Use code SAIT2020 for an additional 5% discount and free shipping.