A polytechnic is an innovative and entrepreneurial post-secondary institution, distinct from universities and colleges in that it offers a skill-focused approach to learning. From apprenticeships to baccalaureate degrees, full-time to part-time, polytechnic institutions offer a range of credentials in diverse program areas focused on experience-oriented training. Multi-disciplined and industry responsive, polytechnic programs provide students with the required knowledge and skills for a rewarding career. Leaders in applied research and innovation, polytechnics work closely with industry, regional and local organizations and community partners, providing access to leading-edge knowledge, skill and resources. Canada's polytechnics also offer diverse industry training products to corporations across the country and around the world. As one of Canada's leading polytechnics, SAIT Polytechnic provides relevant, skill-oriented education to more than 75,000 registrants each year. Approximately 1,000 business and industry partners help shape curriculum by serving on more than 65 advisory committees. SAIT was the first publicly-funded institute of its kind in the country, and 97 years later, it is well on its way to becoming Canada's premier polytechnic. SAIT is a member of Polytechnics Canada, a national alliance of leading research-intensive, publicly-funded colleges and institutes of technology dedicated to helping colleges and industry create high-quality jobs for the future.
SAIT has a rich history beginning with our creation as the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (PITA) in 1916. The first publicly-funded technical institute in Canada, PITA was initially housed at the Colonel James Walker School and the adjacent police and fire station in southeast Calgary. From the earliest days, PITA focused on hands-on, skills-oriented training designed to meet the practical needs of employers, a philosophy that continues to this day.
PITA officially opened its doors Oct. 16, 1916 with programs in motor mechanics and metal working, 11 students and 7 staff. Within two weeks, 370 students were enrolled, all but 11 in evening, Saturday or correspondence classes. Soon, PITA was retraining so many returning soldiers from World War I that civilian instruction was suspended for two years. In 1918, PITA became a hospital facility for a short time to treat victims of the influenza pandemic.
PITA re-opened to regular students in 1920 and moved to the present-day SAIT campus in 1922, with the completion of the three-storey red brick and sandstone building — now known as Heritage Hall — that is still a landmark today. The facility was shared with the Calgary Normal School, a teacher-training facility. This arrangement continued until the normal school moved in 1960 to the campus that would become the University of Calgary. The power plant was also part of the original campus in 1922. A portion still stands today and is known as the Eugene Coste Building.
Correspondence courses flourished in the 1920s, along with outreach night school programs to rural areas. The art department was established in 1926 with classes in oils, watercolours, decorative design and lettering. During the early 1930s — the worst years of the Great Depression — government funding to PITA was drastically cut, forcing the school to double tuition fees, drop programs and reduce staff salaries. Enrolment plummeted as education became unaffordable. In response to the desperate times, PITA replaced most regular programming with free classes for the unemployed.
In 2003, SAIT became a founding member of Polytechnics Canada and was rebranded as SAIT in 2004. Polytechnic education is characterized by:
Programs are delivered through eight academic schools: Business, Construction, Energy, Health and Public Safety, Hospitality and Tourism, Information and Communications Technologies, Manufacturing and Automation, and Transportation. English language foundations and academic upgrading are also offered. Partners from business and industry serve on SAIT's program advisory committees to ensure students receive hands-on, practical training that reflects the needs of the workplace.
SAIT is a leader in applied research and innovation, providing expertise and resources to industry and real-world learning experiences to students. SAIT delivers training internationally and hosts learners from all over the world. SAIT was a founding sponsor of WorldSkills Calgary 2009 — an international competition devoted to raising awareness that the skilled trades and technologies are vital to the global economy. Some 150,000 visitors attended WorldSkills and the SAIT campus served as the Competitors' Village.
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The sait college is literally worst college i have ever seen ... never try to get admission in this college they does not provide proper information for the admission. as an international student i have suffer a lot due to their mistake. and they doesn't even accept their mistake i will give Zero star to college
By Anjali Shukal (Jun, 2018) |
I love my school so much! Everything about it is great! I re-did high school here and currently a full time engineering technologist student... the atmosphere on campus is welcoming to everyone, campus is easy to navigate and instructors are excited to teach and help!
By Matt Brewer (May, 2018) |
I m an international student and my application is under process but i like the management responces it's very friendly and helpful... Thanks SAIT soon 'll see you
By NoBash Hash NorDash (Jan, 2018) |
SAIT does not offer courses in both semesters and does not post future semesters until one month before the next semester. This gives student no ability to plan out future semesters ahead of time. Along with this, the administrative staff are not only miserable to deal with, but do not care in the slightest to help students out. Along with this, SAIT has one of the lowest transfer credit rates, they accept no where near as many class in comparison to every other institute.
If you work, have children, or plan to take longer than the allotted time to complete a program, do your self a favor and DO NOT go to SAIT. choose an institution that has some sort of flexibility because SAIT has zero.
By Amber (Dec, 2017) |
It is an amazing experience for me during my hospitality management program. I really like this college for my program compare to other schools here in Calgary.
By MAHASIN fedora (Nov, 2017) |
I attended a day baking course with Chef Abi Guha yesterday. It was fun, hands on and very informative. I loved it and will be booking myself on more courses. Definitely reccomend to anyone who wants to learn or improve on their cake baking skills.
By Alyson Woodley (Nov, 2017) |
People behind SAIT’s open house 2017 was so generous, kind, approachable and very informative! I really want to apply here.
By Jason Monsalud (Oct, 2017) |
SAIT respect everyone in respective of your age, gender, political view and religion. It accepts you as a member of her family.. I have gained a lot of experience at SAIT.. I happy to be part of Sait and I shall always be grateful for the opportunity and service SAIT has given me.
By Kwame Agyei (Oct, 2017) |
I am really enjoying this class , I will be coming back to complete the rest ☺️ I love SAIT. It’s a life changing expierience for everyone who attends this school.
By Marilyn Kirkby (Oct, 2017) |
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The transformative education and unwavering support from the faculty at this University have truly shaped my child's academic journey, fostering remarkable growth and confidence.
By Alex Martin (Jan, 2024) |