Edmonton's polytechnic, NAIT, trains a big share of Alberta's tradespeople, technologists and business staff. The main campus is north of downtown, and the Metro Line LRT stops right by it. Programmes are hands-on: two-year diplomas in engineering technology, IT and business, apprenticeship training and a few applied bachelor's degrees. Employers from the energy, construction and utility sectors recruit here every year.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Official website: nait.ca
Public polytechnic
Edmonton, Alberta
Diplomas, degrees and apprenticeships
CA$18,000 – CA$24,000
International students, diplomas and degrees, approximate
CA$14,000 – CA$18,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on nait.ca before you apply.
Business Administration Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Computer Engineering Technology Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Digital Media and IT Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Power Engineering Technology Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Hands-on diplomas taught in industry-grade labs.
One of Canada's largest apprenticeship trainers.
An LRT station at the main campus.
Graduates work in energy, utilities, construction and IT across Alberta.
EPCOR, the oil sands operators and engineering firms hire NAIT technologists.
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Selected programmes
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Edmonton follows the North Saskatchewan River, with a long green valley of trails through the middle of the city. The main campus is north of downtown near Kingsway.
Winters are long and very cold, but rent is lower than Toronto or Vancouver. Alberta has no provincial sales tax.
Letter of acceptance from the institution
Alberta provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
NAIT takes applications until programmes fill, and popular diplomas can fill a year ahead. International students should apply at least eight to ten months before the start date.
Most programmes start in September, with some also in January.
You'll need a study permit. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology sends a letter of acceptance, and most students also need a provincial attestation letter. The permit application goes online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
Business administration, computer engineering technology, digital media and IT, and power engineering are popular. Diplomas need a secondary school education with specific maths or science courses, plus IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 86.
NAIT has some awards open to international students, mostly after the first term. Check the awards page for current options.
