Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

One of the biggest polytechnic institutions in Canada, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) has an excellent reputation for delivery quality learning programs both to domestic and international students.

NAIT offers a vibrant campus atmosphere as well as an engaging online experience for distance learners. Students and staff work in a collaborative environment, with the polytechnic valuing an inclusive approach to learning – so that everyone, students and staff, can succeed and fulfil their potential based on their talent and attitude.

Being a polytechnic means:

• Delivering technology-based education across NAIT programs
• NAIT education is experiential and hands-on
• Working in partnership with industry
• NAIT applied research solves real problems

NAIT provides a wide range of degree, diploma, or certificate programs across seven schools: construction and building sciences, business, energy and natural resources, health and life sciences, manufacturing and automation, media and information technology, and transportation.

NAIT graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills employers want. After graduating, students leave confident, prepared, and ready to work, as demonstrated in 93 percent of NAIT graduates finding employment within a few months of graduating.

Our campuses have a diverse and welcoming student community, with students from over 100 countries. NAIT offers a range of services dedicated to international students, such as support for students with barriers to learning, certified immigration advisors (helping students free-of-charge), counselling, and settlement services. With the main campus in Edmonton, which is Alberta's capital, students can enjoy an exciting place to live and learn. The city is packed with cultural attractions and attractive green spaces, including the largest urban park in North America which is 22 times the size of Central Park in New York City!

NAIT strives to uphold its position as a globally acclaimed polytechnic and Canada's most dynamic and forward-thinking higher-education centre. Across all schools, the college offers world-leading teaching conducted in state-of-the-art facilities. Curricula have been devised in a partnership between academics, industry experts and real-life employers so that graduates are always learning what is most relevant and current in their field. Education at NAIT is hands-on where students experience practical learning, learning relevant theory and then applying it in state-of-the-art labs under the guidance of their instructors.

Student life is diverse and abundant at NAIT, with student wellbeing and safety being of upmost importance. Education at NAIT nurtures students to fulfil careers in their desired industries and make a difference as soon as they graduate. Readying students for employment in rewarding careers in competitive fields and the confidence to pursue their goals, is at the heart of NAIT's ethos.

NAIT offers a number of high quality programs across various schools:

Business

NAIT's JR Shaw School of Business equips graduates to succeed in finance, management, human resources, entrepreneurship and marketing roles.

Construction and Building Sciences

NAIT's School of Construction and Building Science offers comprehensive and industry-aligned programs that prepare students for successful careers in the construction industry. A diverse range of programs including certificates, and 2-year diplomas cover the latest advancements in construction tools and technology, sustainable building practices, and design.

Media and Information Technology

NAIT's School of Media and Information Technology offers degrees, diplomas, certificates and post-diploma programs which prepare students for a wide array of dynamic and in-demand careers. Comprehensive programs are available in subjects such as cybersecurity, digital media, and computer engineering.

Manufacturing and Automation

NAIT's School of Manufacturing and Automation offers a diverse array of diploma programs tailored to meet the demands of these growing, vital sectors. Programs include Advanced welding technology, mechanical engineering, and steam fitting.

Energy and Natural Resources

NAIT's School of Energy and Natural Resources promotes sustainability and drive global economic growth through innovative education and hands-on training. Its programs equip students with skills and knowledge for the evolving energy and natural resource sectors.

Health & Life Sciences

The School of Health & Life Sciences gives students a well-rounded set of skills through plenty of direct industry exposure and the chance to utilize cutting-edge equipment and methodology.

Transportation

The School of Transportation is a leading training provider to students interested in the automotive industry, heavy equipment servicing and crane operation.

International students are encouraged to apply for any scholarship/bursary that is not restricted to Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. Most of the scholarships are available to students in their second, third or fourth year of study at NAIT.

There are 190 entrance awards at NAIT, and international students are eligible to apply for 188 of those (however, there are different criteria for each one, which can shift the eligibility). NAIT has over 800 continuing-student awards in total, giving students a wide range of funding options should they need it (depending upon eligibility).

In fact, NAIT offers over CAD 6 million in scholarships and bursaries to over 4,000 students each year.

For interested students, there is plenty of advice on the NAIT website to help with the process of applying for scholarships and/or bursaries, along with information on other ways students can get financial support during their time at NAIT, such as help finding work that fits around studies.

NAIT provides a safe welcoming place for international students to build community, connect with peers and engage in intercultural learning.

International and Intercultural Community Centre

This space and group of staff provide specialized support to international students. This includes Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) who assist with immigration and visa-related processes, counselling, engagement events, peer mentors and academic preparedness sessions.

Academic and Career Services

NAIT students have access to a team of advisors who can provide helpful advice about academic planning, immigration pathways, and career options after graduation. Included are resume reviews and job interview practice to help prepare students to graduate and find a meaningful job.

Learning Services

Learning Services staff work collaboratively with students and instructors to reduce barriers to learning. Students can access a variety of resources and services such as learning strategy sessions, tutoring, supplemental learning, learning skills workshops, disability support, and more.

Counselling Centre

Counselling is a free, confidential service for all NAIT students. The Counselling Centre provides students with a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing. NAIT also have a dedicated counsellor for international students who assist with their transition to Canadian life.

Accommodation

NAIT students have access to student residences at two partner universities. Both options are accessible by the light transit railway system or by public bus, which is very convenient. While living on campus, students will have access to community resources including fitness facilities and Wi-Fi.

Sports & Clubs

Students have the opportunity to join a number of sports leagues as well as recreational sports teams. This includes everything from co-ed volleyball to ice hockey. Students can also join one of more than 70 different clubs, catering for a wide variety of interests.

NAIT's English as a Second Language program is increasingly flexible or convenient.

The NAIT ESL department prides itself on offering the best online and face-to-face language learning classes. Whether students choose to study online or face-to-face, they will have a great learning experience guided by friendly and knowledgeable instructors. In a comfortable classroom setting, students will improve their language and study skills, while confidently exploring the richness of the Canadian culture.

About the program:

• At NAIT, students can access six different levels of ESL education, ranging between high beginner (levels 1, 2 and 3) to high intermediate (levels 4, 5 and 6). Students are required to complete a written placement test to evaluate their starting level.
• 1 level = 15 weeks (or 1 semester)
• Cost: CAD 4,631.64 per level (or 1 full-time semester). Cost subject to change.
• Online applications only
• Courses may commence in September (fall), January (winter), or May (spring)
• Each level of instruction comprises of speaking and listening and reading and writing work, in addition to vocabulary and grammar elements. It also includes preparatory modules for academic study at the university, in addition to developing practical abilities for living and studying in Canada.
• Class sizes are small, and usually comprise of between 15 and 20 students. These classes place a focus on hands-on activities and applied learning.

Students are able to apply to the majority of courses at NAIT once they have completed level 5 for conditional admission, or full admission, when they complete level 6 of ESL study.

The City of Edmonton, which NAIT is located in, has recently been announced as the first Canadian city to join UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities. This is an international network of cities committed to excellence in education and learning throughout life, and includes other cities such as Hamburg, Shanghai and Beijing.

NAIT has also received CAD 650,000 over two years from the Government of Alberta to develop new micro-credential programs to help learners upskill and reskill. Three new micro-credential programs will be developed over the next two years to meet Alberta's labour market demand.

NAIT currently offers 24 micro-credentials in automation, business continuity, productivity, and equity, diversity and inclusion. The investment is part of the Alberta at Work initiative, a collection of strategic investments to help Albertans develop new skills and grow their careers. Through this initiative, the Government of Alberta also recently announced that NAIT is receiving CAD 9 million to expand five high-demand programs and CAD 760,000 to expand apprenticeship seats.