Software DevelopmentSAIT
SAIT's Software Development diploma does not require a prior programming background. It does require the published mathematics and English subjects, and the optional co-op can change the first-year study calendar.
Plan the study budget ↓
Plan four study semesters before adding co-op
The tuition table covers two semesters in each year. Taking the optional co-op can make the first year three semesters, so choose your own months of living costs around the route you intend to follow. The base table does not establish an extra co-op fee.
Plan the published study costs
International estimates for entry in 2026/27. Your letter of admission may show a higher maximum tuition guarantee.
Tuition and listed additional fees
| Period | Semesters | Tuition | Additional fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 2 | $24,060.00 | $1,764.50 | $25,824.50 |
| Year 2 | 2 | $24,060.00 | $1,764.50 | $25,824.50 |
| Published program total | $51,649.00 | |||
The additional-fee column is already included in each total. The two annual estimates cover four study semesters. Optional co-op timing is separate and does not supply a fixed number of living months.
Recheck the official cost table ↗Make a study budget
- Selected tuition and listed fees
- $25,824.50
- One international application
- $175.00
- Your living estimate
- $0.00
- Planning subtotal
- $25,999.50
Includes the selected table totals, one application and your entered living budget. It excludes unentered books, equipment, software and separately charged course costs. Use the same dollars as the published table.
Non-refundable · One application with ranked choices
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 per full-time year. The program requires a power-user device and lists recommended Windows specifications, including 32GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. Review that recommendation against your computer before buying another one.
You can consider the standalone diploma or an international program bundle. Choose the intended route before making a calendar and budget for optional work experience.
Read the application payment guide ↗Check the academic route
SAIT assesses the documents and course equivalents for education completed outside Canada. Demonstrating English proficiency does not by itself establish that your academic subjects meet the program requirements.
Check the complete admission requirements ↗-
Mathematics
At least 50% in Math 30-1 or 60% in Math 30-2, or accepted equivalents.
-
English
At least 55% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 60% in English Language Arts 30-2, or accepted equivalents. English proficiency is required separately, with international assessment for education completed abroad.
English proficiency is a separate requirement
Assessment results must be from within the year before your application. A transfer or deferral can require updated results when that period has passed.
Compare common tests and education routes
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 in each skill; IELTS Indicator accepted |
|---|---|
| PTE Academic | 53 |
| Duolingo | 115 overall and 95 in each Individual Subscore |
| CAEL | 60 overall and, effective Winter 2023, 60 in each skill; CAEL Online accepted |
| TOEFL before 21 January 2026 | 20 in each category; Home Edition accepted, MyBest excluded |
| TOEFL from 21 January 2026 | 4.5 overall and 4.5 in each category; Home Edition accepted, MyBest excluded |
The policy also lists CLBA/CLBPA, MET, Cambridge, Oxford Test of English, LanguageCert and Oxford ELLT. Use the official policy for their individual score requirements and for country or institution exemptions.
- Education in EnglishOfficial transcripts or a completed international assessment must verify at least three years of full-time secondary study in English at 12 or more hours a week, or at least two years of study taught in English at a recognized post-secondary institution, or a recognized English-taught credential from a SAIT-approved institution.
- A post-secondary English courseA credit course in English, comparative literature, communications or an equivalent at SAIT or a recognized post-secondary institution requires at least a C.
- English Language FoundationsThe SAIT route requires both COMN 155 and SPCH 155. Other recognized pathways have their own levels and assessment conditions; check the complete policy before choosing one.
Full-stack study with an optional work term
The diploma requires 60 credits across 20 courses. Year one has two or three semesters depending on the optional co-op, followed by two in year two. The work term is described as full-time paid employment when undertaken; a placement is not guaranteed for every applicant.
Read courses and prerequisites ↗Related study guides
Return to the SAIT program finder ↗Sources and planning scope
Sources checked 29 October 2026. Costs use the published 2026/27 entry estimate. Annual table labels do not determine your months of living costs. Confirm current intake availability and your own admission assessment with the institution.