Newcomers and international students in Canada

Your successful future starts at NAIT

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is one of Canada's largest and leading polytechnic schools. Whether you are new to Canada or immigrated here years ago, NAIT will prepare you to be future-ready and succeed in your career.

  • Hands-on, technology-based learning
  • Small class sizes: 20-50 students
  • 50% theory and 50% application: students have time in labs to apply theory
  • High employment rate: 87% of graduates are employed within 9 months

NAIT offers over 90 programs in business, construction, computers & IT, culinary & hospitality, design & communications, engineering technologies, English language and more.

Explore our degree, diploma and certificate programs Explore our English as a Second Language (ESL) program
IT student at NAIT using modern equipment

What is your current status in Canada?

The application process, tuition information and recruitment process at NAIT are different depending on your status. See below for the information that matches your status in Canada.

Do you have a permanent residency in Canada or Canadian Citizenship?

If yes, you are considered a “domestic student” at NAIT and can use the tuition fees and application process below. If you have a post-secondary education outside of Canada and want to continue on the same career path, we recommend you choose a similar NAIT program.

Domestic student tuition and fees

Plan your personal finances with an estimate of NAIT tuition, fees, and living costs for one year of studies.

Learn more

Funding and scholarships

If you are a Canadian resident, you may be eligible for Alberta Works funding for your program or English upgrading courses at NAIT.

Learn more

How to apply to NAIT

Follow these steps to apply to degree, diploma and certificate programs at NAIT.

Application checklist

Meet with a NAIT recruiter

Meet with a NAIT recruiter one-on-one to ask about entrance requirements, how to apply and what NAIT student life is like.

Book an appointment

Do you have a Canadian study permit, work permit or working holiday visa?

If yes, you are considered a temporary resident of Canada and an “international student” at NAIT. Follow the application process, tuition costs and funding options below. To study at NAIT in a credit program, you'll likely need a valid Canadian study permit (you can apply once you have admission). To study in a non-credit program (e.g. ESL), please review immigration Canada details and contact an advisor - international focus for support.

International student tuition and fees

Plan your personal finances with an estimate of NAIT tuition and fees for international students, and living costs for one year of studies.

Learn more

Document requirements

If you studied outside of Canada, you will need a document assessment to apply to NAIT.

Document requirements for your country

How to apply to NAIT

Follow these steps to apply to degree, diploma and certificate programs at NAIT as an international student currently living in Canada.

Download the PDF

Ask a NAIT international recruiter

Meet with a NAIT recruiter to ask about entrance requirements, how to apply and what life is like as an international student at NAIT.

Book an appointment

Our community and supports

Join our vibrant international community of 2,200 international students from 82 countries studying at NAIT! We offer supports, services and activities all year so you can feel right at home.

Interested in living in Edmonton and studying at NAIT? Discover why our city is great and view the housing options we have available for students.

International Centre

The International Centre provides a great way to meet new people and get involved on campus. The Centre offers one-on-one advising, student counselling, immigration workshops and more.

English language proficiency

Some applicants need to meet English Language requirements for admission. If your country of citizenship is not on the exempt list, please check the English requirements for your program of interest.

"I really enjoyed participating in events around campus. It helped me feel a part of the NAIT community and make friends that will go beyond class.”

- Renata (Photographic Technology '21), Colombia

"Meeting so many people from different countries and hearing about their journeys was so much fun."

- Dishant,  Bachelor of Technology student, India

Explore and learn more

Transfer and Credit Options

Are you studying at a different post-secondary institution in Canada? Learn how easy it is to  transfer to NAIT. 

Learn more

Continue exploring

Take a virtual tour,  attend an event, explore our upcoming info sessions and more.

Domestic studentsInternational students

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Student success stories

NAIT alumni international student sitting on stairs

Roberto applied international IT experience to NAIT

Roberto  (Business Administration ’18) had a Computer Engineering degree from Brazil and six years of IT experience before studying at NAIT as an international student. He’s currently a successful Applications Analyst with the Alberta Construction Safety Association.  

 

international student award winners from Mawji Centre

Raj started his own food delivery franchise

 Raj (Business Administration - Accounting '21), an international student from India,  partnered with classmate Arth Soni to launch their own  food delivery franchise called EduEats. They used NAIT's Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship to help launch the business.

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