Nanosystems Engineering Technology

Diploma

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The Nanosystems Engineering Technology program is the only program of its kind in Canada. In it, you will be exposed to face-to-face, hands-on learning in our labs including in our specialized cleanroom facility.

In the program, you will learn about the fabrication and evaluation of micro- and nanomaterials and devices commonly used in a wide range of industries, such as health care, smart devices, and energy production and storage. You’ll learn how to operate systems and equipment used by nanotech researchers and manufacturing companies, such as the scanning electron microscope (SEM), which is used to obtain images of objects at the nanometre scale.

If you are seeking a multidisciplinary career in science and technology, this program will appeal to you. Nanosystems offers a growing number of high-tech and non-traditional career paths that will constantly challenge you with new and complex problems to solve.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) Hybrid Weekdays - Daytime Main 2 Years (Full-time) Open Open
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

View Campus Map

Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

What is nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology (or “nanotech”) is the science and engineering of materials at sizes in the nanometre (one billionth of a metre) range.

Our graduates generally work in an environment very similar to a chemistry or biology lab to fabricate devices that are much smaller than can be seen with the naked eye. Graduates typically work with highly advanced and specialized pieces of equipment alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers with diverse backgrounds. You will learn how to function in our clean room lab (highly environmentally controlled) to demonstrate best practices used in numerous industries.

Industry-approved nanosystems training

In this unique program, you’ll gain lab experience and clean room protocols through hands-on sessions in our specialized labs. You’ll become familiar with lithography: a technique used to make devices that you use everyday, such as the motion sensors in your smartphone.  You will learn about the fabrication of devices such as Organic LEDs that you would find on new TVs, and lab-on-a-chip technology where medical tests may be carried out on a hand-held device the size of a mobile phone.

Upon successful completion of the Nanosystems Engineering Technology program, you’ll be able to:

  • Demonstrate safe, ethical, and professional conduct in alignment with workplace expectations.
  • Use quality management systems to monitor or improve processes and products.
  • Apply mathematical, chemical, physical, electronic, and biological concepts to micro- and nano-technology applications.
  • Perform industry-relevant laboratory procedures, tasks, and techniques to support laboratory operations.
  • Operate process and characterization equipment specific to micro- and nano-technology.
  • Analyze and interpret technical data and communicate results in the design, fabrication, and evaluation of micro- and nanodevices and materials.
Computer chip Nanotechnology

What employers are saying:

NAIT Nanosystem grads make an impact

“Gradutes of the Nanosystems Engineering Technology program have consistently proven to be a great fit for our productions teams. The skills and knowledge students gain from this program serve as an invaluable foundation for graduates who aim to make an impact on the frontline of science and technology. “

Matthew Reynolds
Device Manufacturing Director
NORCADA
 

Driving innovation in nano-fabrication

"Graduates from the NAIT Nanosystems Engineering Technology program have contributed to many of the advancements that have been made in nano-fabricated systems at Applied Nanotools. Our work in integrated photonics and diffractive optics requires a firm understanding of micro and nano-fabrication methods, and principles, which graduates are uniquely trained in, providing exciting opportunities for science-based work in nanotechnology. The foundation of the program is broad, but also specialized, providing graduates the insights and education to successfully contribute to future work in this field.”

Rob Peters
Project Manager, Applied Nanotools 

Nanosystems Engineering Technology careers

Globally, nanotechnology is an emerging market that promises new and interesting opportunities across a variety of applications in many different industries. Alberta now boasts a growing nanotech enterprise sector of more than 70 companies, with many located in the Edmonton region. Nanotechnology is also being used within organizations beyond the nanotechnology industry to solve industrial challenges.

Where can a nanotechnologist work?

After graduating from the Nanosystems Engineering Technology program you may find work in a fast paced, challenging, and team environment with advanced equipment and small scale materials. Jobs are typically found in research and design, health, environmental, and manufacturing areas like:

  • microfabrication
  • sensors and devices
  • nanomaterial synthesis
  • clean technology
  • consumer products
Nanotechnology microscope

NAIT Nanosystem grads are prepared

“Nanosystems Engineering Technology is a very diverse program, you get to try your hands in many fields like microbiology, material science, and electronics for a few examples. The instructors are very informative and have a lot of experience in their fields. This program will let you try a lot of really neat things and it’ll open your eyes to the very small world that makes up everything we see and do. Nanotechnology in general has so much potential! “

NAIT nanosystems engineering technology graduate Abbie in a clean suit

Abbie G
Nanosystems Engineering Technology ’16,
MEMS Process Technician for NORCADA
 

Hear from an employer

“NAIT Nanosystems graduates work closely with our process specialists to run, develop, optimize, and characterize our micro and nanofabrication processes. NAIT graduates have greatly improved the efficiency of our team by providing technical fabrication support across a variety of state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization techniques.  From their training at NAIT, they are quickly able to learn, apply, and assist in improving fabrication techniques or providing insight on impacts of design decisions.”

Steve Rutledge
Process Manager at Avalon Holographics

Nanosystems Tech Certification

Graduates of this program earn a diploma in Nanosystems Engineering Technology. 

While enrolled in the program, you'll be eligible for student membership in the following professional associations:

After graduation and required work experience, you may also be eligible for professional accreditation. 

 Additional information

Bachelor of Technology

Completion of this diploma qualifies as the first 2 years of NAIT's unique 4-year Bachelor of Technology degree.

Become a certified engineering technologist

Students of this program are eligible for student membership in the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).

Technology Accreditation Canada

This program has been nationally accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada.

Sydney Accord

This program is a national accredited program recognized by the International Engineering Alliance under the Sydney Accord.

Learn more

Career Outcomes

Globally, nanotechnology is an emerging market that promises new and interesting opportunities across a variety of applications in many different industries. Canada now boasts a growing nanotech enterprise sector, with many located in the Edmonton region. Nanotechnology is also being used within organizations beyond the nanotechnology industry to solve industrial challenges.

NAIT Nanosystem grads are prepared

Nanosystems Engineering Technology is a very diverse program, you get to try your hands in many fields like microbiology, material science, and electronics for a few examples. The instructors are very informative and have a lot of experience in their fields. This program will let you try a lot of really neat things and it’ll open your eyes to the very small world that makes up everything we see and do. Nanotechnology in general has so much potential!

Abbie G
Nanosystems Engineering Technology ’16,
MEMS Process Technician for NORCADA

Hear from an employer

“NAIT Nanosystems graduates work closely with our process specialists to run, develop, optimize, and characterize our micro and nanofabrication processes. NAIT graduates have greatly improved the efficiency of our team by providing technical fabrication support across a variety of state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization techniques.  From their training at NAIT, they are quickly able to learn, apply, and assist in improving fabrication techniques or providing insight on impacts of design decisions.”

Steve Rutledge
Process Manager at Avalon Holographics

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 5 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of B- in the course(s) or program

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

International Applicants

This program is not eligible for a post-grad work permit.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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