International

Information for international students related to COVID-19

Why do our students choose NAIT?

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is located in Edmonton, Alberta, and is one of Canada's largest and leading polytechnic schools. Grow your meaningful career with hands-on and applied learning, small class sizes and using the latest technology.

  • Our campus was voted #1 safest campus by international students
  • Alberta is the only Canadian province with no provincial sales tax
  • Free health care for international students in Alberta
  • Edmonton was recently named Canada’s first UNESCO Learning City, committed to lifelong learning
  • Beautiful downtown campus connected by public transportation to Edmonton’s main entertainment district
View all programs for international students

Studying in Canada at NAIT

We asked current NAIT international students why they decided to study at NAIT. Watch these videos to learn about their stories as they moved from their home countries to Canada.

Natalia's Story | Brazil

Natalia moved to Edmonton to attain a degree in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at NAIT. Join Natalie as she braves the challenges of pursuing her dream career, even when it takes her far from home.

Dishant's Story | India

Dishant is an international engineering student from India. Join Dishant as he enters a new world of discovery while studying in the Bachelor of Technology program at NAIT.

Karen's Story | Colombia

Karen moved to Edmonton after learning about NAIT. She wanted to study something that was hands-on and technology-based so she could find a good job when she graduates.

"I think the thing I've enjoyed most about studying abroad is just being a part of such a renowned school. After getting a diploma in Business Administration...
I'm hoping to come back for my degree. Best instructors!! Forever grateful" 

Avneet Kaur, India
Business Administration - Accounting

Answers to your top questions

Our international team travels and supports applicants from countries around the world to find their best program. See below for their answers to your top questions about your future at NAIT and in Canada.

How much will it cost for one year?

This is the approximate cost of studying at NAIT for 2 semesters. Plan your personal finances with an estimate of NAIT and living costs for 12 months. International tuition and fees cost estimate for one year NAIT LIving Costs Estimate 2022

What can I study?

NAIT offers over 100 programs, and several of them are only available at our school. These programs include:

  • Business
  • Construction/Architecture
  • Computers & IT
  • Culinary & Hospitality
  • Design & Communications
  • Engineering Technologies
  • English Language

See full list of international programs

Will I be able to immigrate after I graduate from NAIT?

NAIT is a designated learning institution (DLI# O18713200642) with programs eligible for the study permit and post-graduate work permit.

You will likely be able to apply for permanent residency if you:

NAIT has a team of licensed, immigration professionals on campus to help you with this process.

What is the English requirement for my country?

Unless you come from one of the English Language Proficiency exempt countries, the average requirement is IELTS 6.5, with no section less than 5.0.

However, some programs may be different. Please check the English requirements for your program of interest.

*Effective Winter 2024, NAIT's IELTS requirement for all programs is changing to minimum score of 6.0 in each section. Learn more

Can I work while I am studying at NAIT?

If you are studying full-time in a designated learning program at NAIT, then you can likely work.

How do I apply?

View our application checklist for instructions on  how to apply to NAIT. We also have the following videos to help you fill in and submit your application.

How to apply Step 1: APAS and MyNAIT portal

How to apply Step 2: Submitting your documents

How to apply Step 3: Review your MyNAIT portal

How to apply Step 4: Accepting your offer to NAIT”

Applications open on:

  • August 1 for the following Fall semester
  • January 1 for the following Winter semester
  • April 1 for the following Spring semester

Can my spouse/family come with me?

Yes, if you are an international student studying full-time in an academic program (other than ESL and academic upgrading) with a valid study permit, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit. Your spouse/partner can apply for a work permit before or after they arrive in Canada. This work permit will authorize the spouse to work full-time for any employer in Canada for the same period as their partner’s study permit. If both partners are interested in pursuing studies in Canada, they each must apply for separate study permits. All minor children are entitled to pursue education at the pre-school, primary, or secondary level of study provided one of their parents is authorized to work or study in Canada.

Where can I live?

 Edmonton has many options for living Students can rent full houses, condominiums, apartments.

Many students meet their potential roommates at the International Centre, International Centre events, or on orientation day.

We also have contracts with two universities for student housing—you can stay in their residence and take the transit or bus directly to NAIT

Admission Deferral

International applicants experiencing study permit processing delays may submit a request to defer their admission.

Chat with a student ambassador

Start a conversation with a NAIT student to studying, living, and working in Edmonton.   Find out more

International viewbook

International program catalogue

Learn about the benefits of studying at NAIT as an international student in this booklet. Details of NAIT programs can be found by searching the programs section of this website.

English

Simplified Chinese - 简体中文

Arabic - العربية

Traditional Chinese - 繁體中文

Japanese - 日本語

Korean - 한국어

Portuguese - Português

Spanish - Español

Turkish - Türkçe

Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt

Thai - ไทย

Get a quick overview of all programs available to international students. This study guide will provide you with program requirements, description and tuition. As well as admission requirements for NAIT.

Program Catalogue- English

English language courses

The official language of instruction at NAIT is English. As such, you will need to meet certain English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for admission and to be successful in your studies. NAIT offers engaging and flexible English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to help students achieve their ELP requirement. 

Learn more about ESL courses

Contact us

NAIT International Advising

Do you have questions about your application? Not sure where to start? Let us help!

Contact Student Service Centre

Follow us on social

Meet a NAIT representative

NAIT representatives travel throughout the year to meet future students! We can help you understand your opportunities and help you apply.

Find a NAIT event in your country

International Authorized Agents

NAIT has authorized agents around the world to assist prospective international students who plan to apply to NAIT. Agents can help with:

NAIT applications: tuition fees, forms and program information

Transcript certification: NAIT requires original transcripts when applying for a NAIT program

NAIT also accepts photocopies of transcripts if they are provided with our Authorized Agents'  stamp on the photocopies

See list of International Agents

International Training and TVET Capacity Development

NAIT has worked with industries, corporations, and government organizations delivering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) capacity development and customized training solutions all over the world. NAIT's international experience ranges from workforce and instructor training to complete TVET institution-building projects, we can provide a tailored solution that meets your organization's distinct needs. 

Learn more or make an inquiry today 

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