Professional Development Certificates

Non-credit programs are specifically designed to supplement previous education and experience and provide professional training for university and college graduates that focus on work-essential skills and training to best meet industry needs. These programs are governed by professional bodies in Alberta and are designated learning programs.

Non-credit programs qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. 

Yes! These programs qualify for Canada’s study permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as they are designated programs in Alberta.  

Each program page will list the specific admissions requirements for the program. Students must meet both the academic and English language proficiency requirements to qualify for the program.  

1. Click APPLY on the program page. 
2. Create a Continuing Education portal login. 
3. Complete the application form.  
4. Attach scanned copies of your proof of education and English language proficiency (if applicable) to the application.  

After you apply: 

1. Application updates will be sent via email within 72 working hours.  
2. Accepted students will have 30 days to pay their tuition deposit 
3. Late acceptances may have a shorter timeframe to submit payment.  
4. Once the tuition deposit is received, students will be issued their Letter of Acceptance. 

• Fall program applications open on November 1 

  • Example: Fall 2024 applications open November 1, 2023 

• Winter program applications open January 1 
  • Example: Winter 2025 applications open January 1, 2024.

Applications close 30 days before the program's start date or when the program is full.

Programs range from $6,000 to $10,000 per term.  Each program page will list the tuition costs for the program. 

The tuition deposit is the same as the cost of the first term of the program. Students are required to pay the Term 1 tuition of their program to secure their spot in the program. Tuition costs can be found on each program page. Once the tuition deposit has been received, accepted students will receive their Letter of Acceptance.  

No. The tuition for these programs includes all materials and book costs.  

Students have until 30 days before the program’s start date to request a refund minus a $1,000 administrative fee. Refund requests made after this deadline will not be issued a refund for their Term 1 tuition.  

Students who have been denied a study permit are the only exception to the above deadline. See the study permit denial section for more.   

Students with proof of study permit denial have two options:  

1. Request a refund: Student have until the programs' add/drop deadline (January or September) to receive a full refund, minus a $250 administrative fee. Students are required to submit the Refund Request Form for International Students (pdf), plus a copy of their IRCC refusal letter to ContinuingEducation@nait.ca. Late refund requests will not be accepted.  
2. Request a deferral: Students who get denied a study permit have until NAIT’s add/drop deadline to request a deferral to the next available intake. Students must submit this request in writing to ContinuingEducation@nait.ca before the deadline to qualify. Late deferral requests will not be accepted.  

Students who have been accepted into their program and paid their Term 1 fees can request a deferral to the next available intake up to 30 days before the program’s start date. Students must submit this request in writing to ContinuingEducation@nait.ca before the deadline to qualify. Late deferral requests will not be accepted. 

Students who have been denied a study permit are the only exception to the above deadline. See the study permit denial section for more information.  

All students must arrive in Canada in time to start their program on the first day of classes. After the second week of classes, students will be dropped from the program with no refund or opportunity to defer.  

These programs are structured as cohorts, meaning students will progress through each program as a group. Students will be enroled into courses by the program area in a set schedule. Class schedules will be determined after enrolment occurs in March each year. General class schedules can be found on each program page.  

It is mandatory that students attend 100% of their courses to qualify for completion.  

Students who miss courses are required to make up for those missed courses. Students who miss multiple courses may be required to pay additional tuition for these.

Yes! All full-time students in Alberta get basic free health care coverage with Alberta Health Care once they apply for and receive an Alberta Health Care card. Find more information about applying for health care here.  

No. Students registered in non-credit programs do not qualify for the NAITSA extended health and dental. IPDC students can select from a variety of extended healthcare providers. Options include (but are not limited to) Alberta Blue Cross, AMA, or SunLife.  

No. Students registered in non-credit programs do not qualify for the UPass. If IPDC students require a transit pass, it can be purchased at NAIT’s OneCard office or the NAIT bookstore. Transit passes can also be purchased at most convenience or grocery stores.