Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

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 $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 $9 million to expand 5 high-demand programs and $760,000 to expand apprenticeship seats.

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 it 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 they learn relevant theory and then apply it in our 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

NAIT's School of Skilled Trades boasts over 40 programs and apprenticeships preparing students to thrive in industries like construction, automotive and the culinary arts.

Computers & IT

The department of Applied Sciences and Technology equips students with the skills to succeed in careers at the forefront of technological innovation.

Engineering Technologies

NAIT's national accredited engineering programs develop student's practical expertise and work readiness with the opportunity for student ASET membership.

Environment & Sustainability

Valuable practical and on-site experience gained by students in this school prepares graduates for important positions in the construction, water, wastewater, oil and gas, pulp, and paper industries.

Design & Communications

Students with career ambitions for the creative and communication industries are offered a range of innovative and comprehensive programs to select from.

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.

Hospitality & Culinary

Providing first-rate teaching know-how and finesse, students mastering kitchen and cooking skills at NAIT are destined to do great things in the food industry.

Academic Upgrading & English as a Second Language

NAIT provides English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to support students in improving their language skills in order to take further study at NAIT or other schools.

Trades & Apprenticeship

The courses at NAIT are designed with practical skills and industry demands in mind. Students can enjoy putting theory into action with real-life application of their new talents.

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 (however, there is 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.

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 in the services 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 you choose to study online or face-to-face, you will have a great learning experience guided by our friendly and knowledgeable instructors. In a comfortable classroom setting, you will improve your 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 4631.64 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.