Academic Upgrading

SAIT Academic Upgrading courses prepare students for admission into SAIT programs.  For SAIT program admission requirements, refer to the SAIT Academic Calendar. SAIT Academic Upgrading courses are also accepted for admission purposes by other Alberta post-secondary educational institutions. For detailed information on Academic Upgrading, review the Academic Upgrading Future Student Guide 2011/12.

If English is your second language please review SAIT's English language proficiency requirements. If you do not meet these requirements or are unsure of your proficiency status, contact English Language Foundations. 

Funding may be available for eligible full-time and part-time learners through the Skills Investment Program. For information on funding available to SAIT Aboriginal learners, please contact Chinook Lodge Aboriginal Resource Centre.

• Course Equivalencies
• Taking Daytime Academic Upgrading Courses
• Taking Online or Evening Academic Upgrading Courses

Course Equivalencies

SAIT Academic Upgrading courses are based on the Alberta Education high school curriculum.  Although students will not receive high school credits for their diploma, these courses, unless noted below, can be used to meet admission requirements at SAIT as well as at other Alberta post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading courses are offered in the following semesters:
 

• Fall: September - December
• Winter: January - April
• Spring/summer:
      Daytime:    May - June (fast-paced, limited courses offered)
                        July - August (fast-paced Math 182 only)
      Evening:     May - August
• Distance: 16-week courses; intake every two months, year-round
  

Taking Daytime Academic Upgrading Courses

Step 1 – Find the admission requirements for the program you wish to take.

• View SAIT's full and part-time programs.

•  For program information at other institutions, visit those institutions’ web sites, or visit Government of Alberta Learning Information Service and review the EdInfo or OccInfo links.

Step 2 – Obtain your documents.

• Obtain a copy of your transcripts. If you are unsure how to do this, please contact us.

•  If you do not have a SAIT student ID number, do not send your transcripts to Student Services. To receive an ID number, please call Student Services at 403.284.7248 or visit them at MA 211, Heritage Hall.

Step 3 – Contact Academic Upgrading.

• Send an email or phone 403.284.7050 to book an appointment. Alternatively, you may leave a message at 403.210.5756.

• When contacting us, please have a copy of your transcripts available.
  We will need to know:
  

1. What your transcripts show;

2. What program you want to apply for;

3. Your preference in daytime, evening or distance classes;

4. Any special requirements to meet in terms of course credits or hours, ie. athletes, funded students, etc.
   
   This information will help us develop a program plan. This plan will map out the required courses in each semester for you to reach your post-secondary program goals. You must have a program plan created to register for your classes (Step 5).
   

Step 4 – Apply to Academic Upgrading.

• Apply online for the daytime Academic Upgrading program. The fee is $50. Please ensure you select the full-time, daytime application (even if you are a part-time student). Alternatively, you may apply in person at Student Services, MA 211, for a fee of $100.

• Once you have been accepted, you will be asked to pay a $250 non-refundable deposit that is used toward your tuition.

• If you are not planning to take any daytime courses but only evening and/or distance courses, do not complete this application; instead, follow the steps in "Taking Online or Evening Academic Courses".

Step 5 – Register for your courses.

• Register as early as possible. Paying your $250 deposit does not guarantee you a seat in each course.
  Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM. and 6:00 PM.

• Registration typically opens at the following times:
  July (fall semester)
  December (winter semester)
  Late February/March (spring semester)

• Students who have paid their confirmation deposit will be contacted when registration opens via the email address provided on their application.

• Pay your tuition by the deadline to remain registered in your classes.

Step 6 – Attend Orientation and start your classes!

All confirmed students will be emailed the Orientation dates.
Attending Orientation will help you:

• Find your classes and labs;

• Be aware of any last-minute issues or changes;

• Stay informed of important academic and non-academic policies;

• Learn of campus services (tutoring, access to a learning strategist, accessibility services, counselling, campus recreation, etc.).
  

Taking Online or Evening Academic Upgrading Courses

Step 1 – Find the admission requirements for the program you wish to take.

• Refer to the SAIT Academic Calendar for the admission requirements for various SAIT programs.

Step 2 - Find out what courses are offered in the current term.

• Go to the SAIT Continuing Education Calendar and search for the courses currently offered.

Step 3 – Obtain your documents.

• Obtain a copy of your transcripts. If you are unsure how to do this, please contact us.
•  If you do not have a SAIT student ID number, do not send your transcripts to Student Services. To receive an ID number, please call Student Services at 403.284.7248 or visit them at MA 211, Heritage Hall.
• Once you have received your transcripts, contact Student Services and ensure you have the necessary prerequisite course(s) required for registration into the course(s) you wish to take. You will then need to send the transcripts to Student Services.
• If you do not meet the necessary prerequisites, contact us for information on placement tests.

Step 4 - Register and pay for your courses.

• To register, review the SAIT Continuing Education Calendar and search for your desired course. If you do not meet the prerequisite necessary for registration, you will be dropped from the course and contacted by Student Services.
• Alternatively, you can register over the phone.
• Payment for evening and distance courses is due upon registration.