Bachelor

Bachelor of Geographic Information Systems

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Calgary, Canada
2 years
English
On campus
Bachelor

About the program

The GIS Certificate focuses on computerised cartography and spatial databases applied to environmental biology.

Program highlights

Internship available: yes
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights (3 years): yes
PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

Develop foundational and applied understanding of Geographic Information Systems. Practice critical evaluation and communication in the subject. Apply relevant academic or professional methods in appropriate contexts.

Career outcomes

Geographic Information Systems Specialist
Geographic Information Systems Research Assistant
Related Entry-Level Professional

Curriculum

At least 18 credits: nine required credits starting with introduction to environmental biology and GIS fundamentals
Then nine credits of GIS electives applying ArcGIS
Remote sensing and geographic data management to conservation
Freshwater and invasive species ecology.

Entry requirements

Academic

Educated in Canada (with English proficiency): a two-year diploma from a recognized Canadian college
technical institute or equivalent
or successful completion of two years at a recognized post-secondary academic institution. Educated outside Canada: international document assessment proving the programme requirements
plus proof of English proficiency.

Accepted academic background

Completed two-year diploma (e.g. Petroleum Engineering: two-year SAIT diploma in Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, Instrumentation, Civil or Electrical Engineering Technology with a GPA of 2.5 or better, or a relevant science/engineering degree); educated outside Canada: international document assessment plus English proficiency.

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	$15,348 CAD
Application fee	$175 CAD
Deposit	_

Program details

Campus	Main Campus
Faculty or school	School of Construction
Department	_
Teaching language	English
Credit value	60
Study pace	Fixed
Post-study stay	3 years
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.