Admissions Information

Student Services

SAIT Polytechnic
Phone: 403.284.7248
Toll-free in North America: 1.877.284.7248
Fax: 403.284.7112
MA211, Heritage Hall
1301 – 16 Avenue NW
Calgary, Alberta T2M 0L4 CANADA
Email: advising@sait.ca
Website: sait.ca

Student Services hours of operation:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Call Centre hours of operation:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission Requirements

To be granted admission to SAIT, an applicant must satisfy one of the following:

• Possess an Alberta High School Diploma (or equivalent) and satisfy the program admission requirements or,
• Qualify as a Mature Student and satisfy the program admission requirements.

Please review the admission requirements as listed within each program. Some programs require additional information to be included with the application. In all cases applicants must meet the admission requirements outlined.

English Proficiency for All SAIT Programs

English is the language of instruction in all programs at SAIT and is the common language for business in Alberta. An applicant to SAIT must meet the minimum English Language admission requirements for the program to which he or she is applying, as determined by the program.

All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must also demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. In order to demonstrate English Language Proficiency, an applicant must have:

a) Completed three years of full-time instruction in the English language, with a minimum of 12 hours instruction per week; OR

b) Successfully completed assessment testing in one of the following:

• International English Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0 in each skill/category
  *Must be Academic
• Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) with a minimum 60 overall band
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet Based Testing (IBT) with a minimum overall score of 80 (and a minimum score of 20 in each category).
• Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) with a score of 8 in all sections

Important:  All tests above are valid for a one year period from date of issue of the test.

Note: Some programs, such as Respiratory Therapy, will give selection preference to applicants with a higher proficiency level. This is due to individual requirements set by the governing association.

How to Apply

Please review the admission requirements as listed within each program. Some programs require additional information to be included with the application. In all cases applicants must meet the admission requirements outlined.

1. Complete all portions of the application by clicking "Apply Now" at sait.ca.
2. Submit your high school transcript and all post-secondary transcripts if you have attended a post-secondary institute. If you attended an Alberta high school or post secondary institute the transcripts will be submitted electronically from Alberta Education.
3. Applications submitted without a final transcript or anticipated final grades will not be processed until the transcript has been received received.
4. All transcripts submitted become the property of SAIT and will not be returned or photocopied for the applicant.
5. If your document(s) originate(s) in whole or in part outside of Canada, documents must be translated into English and must have had a foreign evaluation completed. Please see Foreign Document Evaluations.
6. A $50 non-refundable application fee must be paid at time of the online application. Payment can be made by VISA or MasterCard.

When to Apply

SAIT accepts applications for each intake up until the first two weeks of the class. However, SAIT does have continuous selection processes in place so it is best to apply early and within the suggested application dates as indicated below.

Application Timelines

May Intake 2011
Applications Open: October 22, 2010
Application Valid: May intake only

September Intake 2011
Applications open: October 22, 2010
Application Valid: September, January and May intakes for those programs that have multiple intakes only.

January Intake 2012
Applications open: August 1, 2011
Application Valid: January and May intakes for those programs that have multiple intakes only.

May Intake 2012
Applications Open: October 21, 2011
Application Valid: May intake only

September Intake 2012
Applications open: October 21, 2011
Application Valid: September, January and May intakes for those programs that have multiple intakes only.

An application submitted for the September intake (beginning of the academic year) can be transferred one time at no cost to the January and/or May intakes of that academic year when requested by the applicant. Applicants will need to re-apply for the next academic year. Applications are accepted for each intake up until the end of the first two weeks of class start. In order to be considered in selection, applications must be at a qualified status.

We encourage applicants to apply early as programs can fill quickly.

Transcripts

Complete official transcripts of high school or post-secondary grades must be sent to Student Services prior to the appropriate transcript/ document deadline. Alberta residents who attended high school or post secondary in Alberta will have transcripts automatically sent electronically to SAIT from Alberta Education. Applicants that attended high school in other provinces can contact the provincial department of education for information on how to obtain official transcripts. For assistance in determining course equivalencies, please consult the Alberta Transfer Guide.

Note: Applicants who are currently enrolled in admission requirement course(s) should use the Anticipated Final Grades form found at mySAIT.ca to submit anticipated grades which will allow the admissions office to update the application upon receipt. Official transcripts verifying completion in these courses must be received by Student Services prior to the final transcript deadline. This will ensure that SAIT has the most current grades at all times and that the learner has the best possible advantage in the selection process.

International transcripts or documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by an official translation into English. (See International Admissions Section)

Final Transcript/Document Deadlines

For January 2012 intake: December 1, 2011
For May 2012 intake: April 1, 2012
For September 2012 intake: August 1, 2012

Current High School Or Upgrading Students

Applicants who are currently completing their diploma or academic pre-requisites must provide Student Services with their Anticipated Final Grades.

Applicants may be offered a seat in a program on the condition that a final transcript is received prior to the Transcript/Document Deadline.

Note: Summer school courses will not be considered for the September intake.

Anticipated Final Grades

Only applicants registered in grade 12 or upgrading admission requirements can submit an anticipated final grade and may be granted a conditional offer or granted selection status based on the anticipated final grade for the admission requirements.

Applicants applying to a high demand program will be placed in the first round of the selection process if they meet or exceed the minimum grade and admission requirements. Applicants will be required to meet all selection criteria and selection deadlines for the programs applied for.

Applicants applying to other programs will be conditionally offered a seat into the program of their choice under SAIT early admission criteria if they meet or exceed the minimum grade and admission requirements.

The conditions associated with anticipated final grades are as follows:

• Academic average remains at or above the minimum selection average for the program applied for,
• All required courses are successfully completed, and
• All graduation requirements are satisfied.

All conditions will be checked and verified upon receipt of the final marks. Final marks must be received on or before the Transcript Deadline. Applicants may wish to seek assistance from their school counsellor when completing the Anticipated Final Grades form. It is important that the anticipated final grades are completed accurately, as conditional decisions will be made based upon information received.

SAIT reserves the right to withdraw a conditional offer of admission if the above conditions are not met.

SAIT Upgrading

Adult applicants who do not have the educational requirements for the program of their choice may wish to consider registering in the SAIT Academic Upgrading program as outlined in this Calendar. Academic Upgrading courses will satisfy admission requirements to SAIT programs, and most courses are acceptable for admission at other Alberta post-secondary institutions. However, the courses are not eligible for credit towards an Alberta high school diploma. For more information, please contact the Academic Upgrading office at 403.210.5756 or email upgrading@sait.ca.

Transfer Students

Students who wish to enroll in a SAIT academic program, and are granted credit course work completed in another SAIT program or at another accredited institution or previous work experience are required to:

1. Submit an application form along with the $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
2. Send the full program outline including hours of instruction.
3. Submit a transcript of marks.
4. Provide the PLAR Assessment form along with the $125.00 per program PLAR fee for Canadian post-secondary credit or $150.00 per course to a maximum of $600.00 for International and Work Experience credit to Student Services, cashiers.

Applicants seeking course credit for work experience and work place training must submit a résumé, reference letters, verified training, job description and sample of relevant work along with the PLAR Assessment form and fee. Applicants must meet regular program admission requirements. Admission will be granted on a space available basis by the academic school.

SAIT has established formal agreements for transfer with some Alberta post-secondary institutions. The Alberta Transfer Guide is published annually by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). The guide is available for viewing in the SAIT Library, Student Services or online. Questions regarding the publication can be directed to the council’s office:

Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer
909, 9942 – 108 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2J5
Tel: 780.422.9021
Email: acat@gov.ab.ca
Website: www.acat.gov.ab.ca

Returning Students and Continuing Students

When a student takes a break from their program for a semester, a year or longer, the student is classified as a returning or continuing student. The student must meet with the Academic Chair for his/her program to identify changes to graduation requirements and submit an “Intent to Return” form along with a non-refundable fee to Student Services.

After You Apply

Student Services will provide written updates regarding the status of your application. You will be able to view your application status at mySAIT.ca

Logging onto mySAIT.ca

• Your Username is your SAIT student ID number
• Your Password is your date of birth in the format of ddmmyy
• Click on the my Application tab
• Select Check the Status of Your Processed Application
• Select Complete or Display Application
• Click on your program listed under Processed Application

Please ensure that we have your current address, phone number and e-mail address at all time. Read the letters carefully and follow any instructions requesting information or payments. While waiting for a decision – begin making financial arrangements to cover your tuition, fees and living expenses. If you need to apply for a student loan, apply online commencing June 1. You can apply for a student loan prior to being offered a seat in a SAIT program.

Thinking about living in the campus residence? Applications for residence are released in the spring. Contact the Residence office at 403.284.8013 to add your name to their mailing database. Please visit the residence website to view floor plans, the lease agreement and rental details. You can apply for the residence prior to being offered a seat in a SAIT program. If you are offered a seat, it will be held for you on the condition that any outstanding transcripts or required supporting documents are submitted prior to the transcript deadline (for September, August 1; for January, December 1; and for May, April 1) and, as confirmation of your attendance, that you forward a $250.00 tuition deposit* within the timeline stated. Failure to meet the deadline will result in your seat being replaced by a candidate from the waitlist.

If you are placed on a waitlist qualified for the program that you applied to, then you could be offered a seat when one becomes available. Student Services will contact you either by letter or telephone to indicate when a seat is available. If you move after you apply to SAIT, please ensure that you change your address, telephone number and e-mail with Student Services at 403.284.SAIT (7248) or toll-free in North America at 1.877.284.SAIT (7248). Be prepared to forward the tuition deposit when requested.

* Note: The $250.00 tuition deposit is non-refundable/non-transferable.  International students forward $1,000.00 tuition deposit where $250.00 is non-refundable/non-transferable.

Canceling Your Seat

Notify Student Services that you do not wish to enrol in the program you were selected for. Tuition deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please email advising@sait.ca or fax 1.403.284.7112.

It is important that students cancel before the start of classes to receive a refund of the tuition fees minus the $250 tuition deposit. For more information see Refund of Tuition Fees.

Programs with Selection

Individual programs may identify additional selection procedures beyond the minimum pre-requisites including consideration of higher academic grades, essays, individual interviews, industrial experience or alternate testing. To be included in selection, applicants must apply early and ensure that all supporting documentation is received by Student Services as soon as possible. For more information on selection processes, please visit Programs and/or Selection Criteria.

If applicants are presently enrolled in an admission requirement course(s) (with a completion date by the final transcript deadline), then anticipated final grades will be used in the academic ranking for selection.

Any qualified applications received after the selection dates may be considered on a space-available basis or may be placed on a waitlist until seats become available or program commencement.

Mature Students

An applicant may qualify as a mature student if they do not possess a high school diploma and the following conditions are met:

• The program they wish to apply requires a high school diploma,
• The applicant will be 18 years old prior to the date of registration or is a serving member of the Canadian Forces, and has been out of high school for one year, and
• The applicant has satisfied all of the admission requirements or alternative courses as outlined in the program descriptions. A transcript identifying these required courses must be submitted with the application.

Sponsored Students

Sponsored students are those who will be financially supported: by departments of the federal government of Canada, departments of the Province of Alberta, Aboriginal bands, businesses and organizations. Students planning to attend SAIT as a sponsored student should:

• Meet with their sponsor and complete administrative details,
• Submit a SAIT application form together with complete transcripts and the application fee. If the sponsor is paying for the application fee, a company letter indicating the billing address and/or purchase order must also be included,
• Submit a sponsorship letter to Student Services once accepted into the program. The letter from the sponsor must confirm in writing their agreement to sponsor the student, the amount or extent of sponsorship (e.g., full tuition fees), their contact number and billing address as well as a purchase order number.

Note: Where a company does not pay the invoice, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to work with their sponsor to ensure the fee is paid and to clarify and respond to any issues. The above process will need to be completed on a term by term basis.

Medical, Physical Or Security Requirements

Students may need to meet specific medical, physical or security requirements for their program. For more details, please view Programs and/or Selection Criteria or contact the academic school.

Students With Accessibility Needs

Accommodations and services are intended to remove barriers related to the functional limitations caused by a disability or health condition. Students with documented disabilities or health conditions may be eligible for a number of accommodations and services. Students meet with an accessibility advisor to discuss their needs prior to each semester or training period. Please contact Accessibility Services at least a month before the start of each semester or training period to allow sufficient time to arrange accommodations, services and appropriate funding. Students provide relevant and current medical, psycho-educational, and/ or psychological documentation to Accessibility Services. For more information, contact Accessibility Services 403.774.5093 or visit Accessibility Services at the  Learner Success Centre, MC221 Heart Building.

Special Student Status

One who, each term, customizes their registration with the Academic Chair.

International Admissions

All non-residents must meet the admissions requirements outlined in the Admissions section of the academic calendar, and meet the required English Language Proficiency requirement. English is the language of instruction in all programs at SAIT, and the primary language of most workplaces in Alberta. All non-resident applicants are required to demonstrate communicative proficiency in the English language prior to admission to a SAIT career program. This requirement may be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

• A TOEFL ibt score of 80 or higher with a minimum of 20 in each skill/category on the internet based test. English Language Arts 30-1 equivalency.
• An IELTS score of 6.0 in each skill/category or higher. English Language Arts 30-1 equivalency.
• A Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) overall score in Band 60. English Language Arts 30-1 equivalency.
• Successful completion of English, at the required level, as outlined in the individual program descriptions, including a minimum of three years of education at an English speaking Canadian school or at a recognized International English speaking school.
• Successful completion, at the required level, of a post secondary English or Communications course for which SAIT awards transfer credit, including a minimum of three years of education at an English speaking Canadian School or at a recognized International English speaking school.
• A minimum score of 8 in Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA). The CLBA measures English proficiency in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. For further information regarding CLBA, please consult their website at www.language.ca.
• Successful completion of SAIT’s English Language Foundations Level 4 or a recognized alternate. SAIT has agreed to accept the following as equivalent to ELF Level 4:

            - Bow Valley College – English for Academic Purposes (B+)
            - Chinook College – Accelerated Academic Preparation 2 (75%)

Foreign Document Evaluation

Important: All documentation must be translated to English and approved, signed and stamped by an official translator. We will NOT accept any non-translated documentation. To ensure a complete evaluation for admission into a SAIT program, the following information must be included with your application:

• Official secondary transcripts with a seal or stamp from the institution and an explanation of the grading system
• Copy of official post-secondary transcripts with a seal or stamp from the institution and an explanation of the grading system (if you have attended a post-secondary institution)
• Calendar descriptions of relevant post-secondary courses relevant for SAIT admission purposes (i.e. English, Math and Science courses)
• Copy of diploma/degree (if applicable)
• Any Canadian equivalency to English Language Arts 30-1 or equivalents and Pure Math 30 or equivalents
• TOEFL ibt, IELTS or CLBA score or any form of recognized English language Competency testing completed within the last 12 months. The cost of evaluating foreign documents in the Prior Learning Assessment Resource centre at SAIT is $150.00. For more information, please visit the SAIT website.

Important:  All tests above are valid for a one year period from date of issue of the test.

Other assessment options are:

International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

Request the Assessment for Educational Institutions. IQAS accepts applications by mail only.
Mail applications by courier or registered mail to:
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
9th Floor, 108 Street Building
9942 - 108 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5K 2J5

Edmonton phone: 780.427.2655
Alberta, but outside of Edmonton, phone: 310.0000 and ask for 780.427.2655
Saskatchewan phone: 1.800.999.3965
Canada and overseas call direct: 1.780.427.2655

International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
*Available in British Columbia.

Academic Credentials Assessment Service – Manitoba (ACAS) 
*Available in Manitoba

Comparative Education Service (CES)
*Available in Ontario

International Credential Assessment Services of Canada (ICAS)
*Available in Ontario

World Education Services – Canada (WES Canada)
*Available in Ontario

Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA)
The CLBA is an assessment tool to determine language proficiency in English as a second language. It was developed by the Government of Canada and provides a consistent standard for assessing and discussing language proficiency across the country. There are three key areas that are scored: listening/speaking, reading and writing.

CLB assessments are conducted by a certified assessor. For the listening/ speaking portion, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your listening and speaking skills directly to the assessor.

The reading and writing assessments each require about one hour each to complete, and are written in the Testing Centre at SAIT. The assessor will score each section and provide a report of your scores. You need to make an appointment for the listening/speaking assessment. Scheduling this can take up to a week, depending on the current number of requests for assessment. Contact English Language Foundations at 403.210.4045 or in person at the reception area in the Learner Success Centre in MC221. You can also e-mail English.language@sait.ca.

Scores on the assessment are available within three to five days. Cost for the assessment is $100. Please bring a photo ID and your receipt of payment when you arrive for your assessment.

For SAIT career programs with an English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalents requirement, you should demonstrate a score of eight in each skill area.

For SAIT career programs with an English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 20-1 or equivalents requirement, you must demonstrate a score of seven in each skill area.

English Language Upgrading

Many non-native English speaking people will require some language upgrading before being accepted into their SAIT program. The amount of time required to meet the English requirement for your program will depend on your assessed English proficiency level upon arrival at SAIT, and your dedication to improving your communicative English skills, both in-class and through day-to-day practice.

Please refer to the English Language Foundations program information for further details about English language upgrading.