Academic Upgrading

SAIT Academic Upgrading courses prepare students for admission to SAIT programs.  For SAIT program admission requirements, refer to the SAIT Academic Calendar.

SAIT Academic Upgrading courses are also accepted for admission purposes by most other Alberta post-secondary educational institutions.  See the Alberta Transfer Guide published by The Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer for a listing of all formalized transfer agreements among Alberta post-secondary institutions.

If English is your second language or if you think you need to upgrade your basic English reading, writing or speaking skills check out SAIT's English Language Foundations program. 

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Upgrading Information

Click on the links below to learn more about how Academic Upgrading can help open doors to your career. For more detailed information, you can also check out SAIT Academic Upgrading Prospective Student Guide 2010-2011. 

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• Course Equivalencies
• Course Progression
• Applying for Daytime Courses
• Applying for Online or Evening Courses

Course Equivalencies

SAIT academic upgrading courses are based on the Alberta Education high school curriculum.  However, students will not receive high school credits for their diploma from these equivalency-based courses.

For help with understanding course prerequisites, view the Course Progression Chart

Academic Upgrading courses are offered in the fall, winter and spring semesters.  Students can study either full time or part time.  Classes are held during the day and evening, and some are available online. 

If you need to take Academic Upgrading to qualify for a SAIT program, please follow the steps below.  If you are thinking about taking a program at another educational institution you should check out its website or go to Alberta Learning Information Service for links to all Alberta institutions.

Applying For and Registering in Daytime Upgrading Courses

Step 1 – Find the Admission Requirements for the Program You Want to Take

• Go to Full/Part-Time Programs.

•  For post-secondary programs at other institutions, visit those institutions’ web sites, or go to alis.gov.ab.ca and click on the EdInfo or OccInfo links.

Step 2 – Obtain Your Documents

• Obtain a copy of your transcripts.

•  If you do not have a SAIT student ID number, do not send your transcripts to Student Services. To receive and ID number, visit Student Service, or call them at 403.284.7248.

Step 3 – Contact Academic Upgrading

•  E-mail us at upgrading@sait.ca, 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:
  what your transcripts show
  What program(s) you want to apply for
  If you are interested in daytime, evening, or distance classes
  If you have any special requirements you need to meet in terms of course credits or hours.

Step 4 – Apply to Academic Upgrading

• Apply online ($50.00 to application fee)

• Apply in person ($100.00 application fee)

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

Step 5 – Register for 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/early March (spring semester)

• Pay your tuition by the deadline. If tuition is not paid by the deadline, your application will be cancelled.

• If you are experiencing delayed notification of approval of funding, you may register/re-register when you have the funds to pay.

Step 6 – Attend Orientation and 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
  Be informed of important academic and non-academic policies
  Become aware of campus services (tutoring, access to a learning strategist, disabilities, counseling, funding, campus recreation, the library, etc.)
  

Applying for Online or Evening Academic Upgrading Courses

Step 1 – Find the admission requirements for the program you want 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 click on the Search for Courses button to see which courses are being offered. 
• Check out the Academic Upgrading Fall 2010 Timetable

Step 3 – Obtain your school transcripts

• You may be asked to provide a copy of your transcripts to verify that you have the required prerequisites for the course or courses you want to take.
• If you went to high school in Alberta, you can request your High School Transcripts online from Alberta Education..
• If you went to school in another province in Canada, contact that province’s education department. 
• If you attended any post-secondary institutions, contact them to obtain transcripts.  Go to Alberta Learning Information Service for links to all Alberta institutions.

Step 4 - Register and pay for your courses

• Go to the SAIT Continuing Education Calendar and click on the Search for Courses button to find which courses are being offered.
• Click here for more information on how to register for Continuing Education courses.
  

Dates to Remember

August 1                    Final transcript deadline for fall term applicants.
August 10                  Fee payment deadline for new students.
September 2-3           New student orientation.
September 7              Fall classes commence.
September 7              Fee payment deadline for returning students.
September 17            Final day to receive prior learning assessment for the fall term.
December 1               Final transcript deadline for winter term applicants.
January 10                 Winter classes commence
January 10                 Fee payment deadline for returning students.
January 21                 Final day to receive prior learning assessment for winter term.
April 1                        Final transcript deadline for spring/summer term applicants.