Education Abroad
Positioning yourself to embrace intercultural learning in today's ever-changing world adds a rich mosaic to your professional and personal growth. Studying abroad at a different College or University brings many benefits to championing career aspirations. The Government of Canada launched Canada's International Education Strategy, encouraging Canadian students to gain new skills through study and work abroad opportunities. Students who study abroad not only have the opportunity to learn about new cultures and develop cross-cultural competencies, but gain a competitive advantage as employers are actively seeking these emerging skills in today's market.
Outbound Exchange
Are you a current NAIT student interested in going abroad for a semester of study? In planning to participate in an exchange opportunity, it is important to plan. It is your responsibility to secure housing, investigate immigration and prepare for safe travel. NAIT will provide pre-departure training to help with adapting to a new culture and practicing safe behaviors while abroad.
Interest
To study abroad please email your interest to educationabroad@nait.ca. Currently, NAIT’s study aboard opportunities are applicable to the JR Shaw School of Business - NAIT.
Tuition
A base tuition amount is paid to your home institution. This amount will not change regardless of the number of courses or transfer credits you receive. It is therefore recommended that you make the most of your opportunity to take courses of interest if your calendar is not full of transferable credits.
Funding options
If you require financial assistance, visit the Government of Alberta - Studying Abroad page for more information.
Partnerships
NAIT has two existing partnerships that can help you on your way.
Find out more
Fill out this form to apply for an exchange opportunity.
Please submit your form to educationabroad@nait.ca. Our office will endeavor to respond to your inquiry within two business days.
Inbound Exchange
Inbound exchange from VIA University College or OWL consortium
If you are a student from an institution that has an existing partnership with NAIT for student exchange. Consult with your institution and then complete the Inbound Application form and email it to educationabroad@nait.ca . Our office will endeavor to respond within two business days to respond.
You will need to follow the courses here for transfer credit.
Deadlines
Application Deadlines will vary by program. Please review the chart to ensure your application has been submitted at the right time.
NAIT Academic term dates:
Fall (September to December)
Winter (January to April)
Immigration
As an exchange student studying for a semester (4 months), on an exchange program at NAIT, you don't need a study permit to participate in your exchange program at NAIT. However, if you wish to work on campus, you need a study permit. Exchange students studying for 2 semesters and/or taking part in a co-op will need to apply for a study permit.
If you require a study permit for either of these reasons you are strongly advised to apply in advance (minimum four months). You can connect with an Academic Advisor (International focus) for information on obtaining a study permit by reaching out through www.nait.ca/help and selecting immigration as your topic.
Housing and residence
NAIT, does not have housing or residence on campus. NAIT has an agreement with MacEwan University and University of Alberta. For more information and to apply for residence please visit Finding Housing.
Transfer credits
Transfer credits are awarded by your home institution. Please consult your program and advisors at your home institution to ensure transfer credit.
Field School & Study Tour
Field schools and study tours are program and instructor-led learning opportunities. When opportunities come available NAIT will post them here and communicate with the broader student community.
Global Education Partnerships
Grow your international learning community with NAIT
As a polytechnic, NAIT's approach to Education Abroad activities differs from the traditional reciprocal student exchange model. Our approach to Education Abroad partnerships is focused on shorter, program-aligned experiences.
In addition to partnering with other post-secondary institutions, NAIT supports opportunities to work with not-for-profit organizations and recognized industry partners to develop instructor-led, program-aligned student learning opportunities abroad.
Some of the ways your institution can partner with us:
- Field school
- Study tours
- International internships
- Reciprocal exchange
- Articulation agreements
Submit a global partnership request