Diploma

Diploma of Optician

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Calgary, Canada
2 years
English
On campus
Diploma

About the program

Optician is a SAIT diploma (length: 2 years) covering dispensing eyewear and contact lenses.

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

Apply core principles of Optician
solve subject-relevant problems
and communicate results effectively. Suggested learning areas: 66 credits
studied over 2 years. Courses include Human Anatomy
Physiology.

Career outcomes

Optician in optical retail stores
ophthalmic or optometrist clinics and other medical settings

Curriculum

66 credits
studied over 2 years. Courses include Human Anatomy and Physiology
Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications
Contact Lenses and Dispensing 1
Optical Dispensing 1
Contact Lenses 1
Ocular Anatomy & Physiology. Work-integrated learning includes a practicum placement.

Entry requirements

Academic

Educated in Canada (with English proficiency): at least 65% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
at least 65% in Math 30-1 or 30-2
at least 65% in Physics 20 or Biology 30 or Science 30 or
completion of SAIT's Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting program. 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	$26,567 CAD
Application fee	$175 CAD
Deposit	_

Program details

Campus	Main Campus
Faculty or school	School of Health and Public Safety
Department	_
Teaching language	English
Credit value	66
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.