Diploma

Diploma of Software Development

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Calgary, Canada
2 years
English
On campus
Diploma

About the program

Diploma in Software Development is a two-year full-time diploma at NAIT in Edmonton, Taught in a hybrid format (online and in-person).

Program highlights

Internship available: yes
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights: yes
PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

Develop subject knowledge in Software Development and design and evaluate computational solutions
Use relevant digital tools
And interpret technical evidence.

Career outcomes

Backend Developer
Business Analyst (IT focus)
Cloud Engineer
Data Analyst
Data Scientist
DevOps/Systems Engineer
Frontend Developer
Full-Stack Developer
IT Consultant
IT Operations Analyst
IT Procurement Specialist
Mobile App Developer
Quality Assurance (QA) Tester
Software Developer
Software Tester
UI/UX Designer
Web Developer

Curriculum

Two-year full-time diploma taught in a hybrid format (online and in-person) at the Main Campus. Study areas the page names: Enterprise & AI Technologies
Data Science & Business Intelligence
Cloud Computing
Programming & Software Development
Web & Mobile Development. Co-op placement (15 weeks
Optional).

Entry requirements

Academic

Educated in Canada (with English proficiency): 50% in Math 30-1 or 60% in Math 30-2
55% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 60% in English Language Arts 30-2. Educated outside Canada: international document assessment proving the programme requirements
plus proof of English proficiency.

Accepted academic background

Canadian-educated: typically at least 50% in Math 30-1 or 30-2 and 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 60% in 30-2 (example: Business Administration diploma), with programme-specific course and average requirements. Educated outside Canada: international document assessment (https://www.sait.ca/admissions/documentation/international-document-assessment) proving the programme's admission requirements, plus English proficiency. Some health programmes need entrance tests (CASPer 40 CAD + 16 CAD per score distribution; programme-specific assessment 20 CAD).

Language tests

IELTS 6.0 in each skill
TOEFL iBT 4.5 (new 1-6 scale
PTE Academic each category)
Duolingo PTE Academic 53
Cambridge Duolingo 115 (at least 95 in each subscore)
Oxford Test of English Cambridge 169 in each skill
IELTS Academic 6

Documents you’ll need

Academic Transcripts

How to apply

Check the programme page for admission requirements
entrance testing and intakes
the international deadline (Winter 2027 closes 30 Oct 2026; Spring 2027 closes 5 Feb 2027; Fall 2027 to be announced) at Apply online as an international applicant (175 CAD application fee). Submit transcripts
an international document assessment and proof of English proficiency. Complete health program entrance testing if your programme requires it. Accept the offer and pay the tuition deposit (3
500 CAD). Use the letter of acceptance and the provincial attestation letter to apply to IRCC for a study permit (and TRV or eTA if needed). Register for classes about six weeks before the start and pay tuition.

Other costs

Tuition per year	$25,825 CAD
Application fee	$175 CAD
Deposit	_

Program details

Campus	Main Campus
Faculty or school	School for Advanced Digital Technology
Department	_
Teaching language	English
Credit value	60
Study pace	Fixed
Post-study stay	_
Scholarship note	Institutional scholarships or awards may be available to eligible applicants. Confirm program-specific eligibility, funding and application deadlines.

Intakes and deadlines

Program starts
January 2027
Applications closed
30 Oct 2026
Closed
Program starts
May 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed
Program starts
September 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed

Frequently asked questions

The program takes 2 years.