Professional Development Certificates

Learn job-ready skills and knowledge to prepare you for the Canadian workplace! We offer 5 non-credit International Professional Development Certificate programs. 

Program features: 

  • 1–2-year programs 

  • Full-time study 

  • In-person classes on NAIT’s vibrant campus

  • Fall or winter start dates 

  • Qualifies for Canada’s study permit program  

  • Qualifies for Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit program  

  • Advances your career options in Canada 

On January 22, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a cap on study permit applications for international students. NAIT is actively engaged with government to fully understand the details and impacts to our international students and applicants. To see the latest updates as information emerges, view our FAQs

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Current programs

Business Intelligence & Data Engineering

Explore the unique impact of business intelligence projects and what decision-makers need to know about implementation. Investigate challenges around people, processes, managing data and more!

Leadership and Project Management for IT

The Leadership and Project Management for IT Professional Development Certificate Program at NAIT helps you better understand team dynamics and its impact on projects.

Healthcare Leadership & Supervision

Develop soft skills needed to become a leader in the healthcare field! From professionalism and ethics to management and leadership, build on existing education to become an effective supervisor.

Advanced Healthcare Leadership

Build on the soft skills you developed in the Healthcare Leadership & Supervision program to further advance your opportunities within your field.

Clean Fuel Operations

Learn job-ready skills in clean fuels including hydrogen, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel.

Construction Leadership & Management

This certificate will help you prepare for a leadership role in site-based construction trades professions.

Non-credit information

What is a non-credit program?

Non-credit programs are specifically designed to supplement previous education and experience and provide professional training for university and college graduates that focus on work-essential skills and training to best meet industry needs. These programs are governed by professional bodies in Alberta and are designated learning programs.

Non-credit programs qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. 

Can international students take these programs?

Yes! These programs qualify for Canada’s study permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as they are designated programs in Alberta.  

Applications

What are the admission requirements for these programs?

Each program page will list the specific admissions requirements for the program. Students must meet both the academic and English language proficiency requirements to qualify for the program.  

What is the application process?

  1. Click APPLY on the program page. 
  2. Create a Continuing Education portal login. 
  3. Complete the application form.  
  4. Attach scanned copies of your proof of education and English language proficiency (if applicable) to the application.  

After you apply: 

  1. Application updates will be sent via email within 72 working hours.  
  2. Accepted students will have 30 days to pay their tuition deposit 
  3. Late acceptances may have a shorter timeframe to submit payment.  
  4. Once the tuition deposit is received, students will be issued their Letter of Acceptance. 

When do applications open?

  • Fall program applications open on November 1 

    • Example: Fall 2024 applications open November 1, 2023 

  • Winter program applications open January 1 
    • Example: Winter 2025 applications open January 1, 2024.

When do applications close?

Applications close 30 days before the program's start date or when the program is full.

Tuition and Fees

How much do these programs cost?

Programs range from $6,000 to $10,000 per term.  Each program page will list the tuition costs for the program. 

What is the tuition deposit for these programs?

The tuition deposit is the same as the cost of the first term of the program. Students are required to pay the Term 1 tuition of their program to secure their spot in the program. Tuition costs can be found on each program page. Once the tuition deposit has been received, accepted students will receive their Letter of Acceptance.  

Are there any extra material or book fees?

No. The tuition for these programs includes all materials and book costs.  

Refunds

Can I get a refund if I decide not to take this program?

Students have until 30 days before the program’s start date to request a refund minus a $1,000 administrative fee. Refund requests made after this deadline will not be issued a refund for their Term 1 tuition.  

Students who have been denied a study permit are the only exception to the above deadline. See the study permit denial section for more.   

What if my study permit is denied?

Students with proof of study permit denial have two options:  

  1. Request a refund: Student have until the programs' add/drop deadline (January or September) to receive a full refund, minus a $250 administrative fee. Students are required to submit the Refund Request Form for International Students (pdf), plus a copy of their IRCC refusal letter to ContinuingEducation@nait.ca. Late refund requests will not be accepted.  
  2. Request a deferral: Students who get denied a study permit have until NAIT’s add/drop deadline to request a deferral to the next available intake. Students must submit this request in writing to ContinuingEducation@nait.ca before the deadline to qualify. Late deferral requests will not be accepted.  

Deferrals

What is the deadline to defer my offer?

Students who have been accepted into their program and paid their Term 1 fees can request a deferral to the next available intake up to 30 days before the program’s start date. Students must submit this request in writing to ContinuingEducation@nait.ca before the deadline to qualify. Late deferral requests will not be accepted. 

Students who have been denied a study permit are the only exception to the above deadline. See the study permit denial section for more information.  

Late Arrivals

I may arrive late to Canada to start my program, what is the policy on late arrivals?

All students must arrive in Canada in time to start their program on the first day of classes. After the second week of classes, students will be dropped from the program with no refund or opportunity to defer.  

Class Schedule

What will my class schedule be?

These programs are structured as cohorts, meaning students will progress through each program as a group. Students will be enroled into courses by the program area in a set schedule. Class schedules will be determined after enrolment occurs in March each year. General class schedules can be found on each program page.  

Attendance Policy

What is the attendance policy?

It is mandatory that students attend 100% of their courses to qualify for completion.  

Students who miss courses are required to make up for those missed courses. Students who miss multiple courses may be required to pay additional tuition for these.

Health Care

Do I get health care coverage?

Yes! All full-time students in Alberta get basic free health care coverage with Alberta Health Care once they apply for and receive an Alberta Health Care card. Find more information about applying for health care here.  

Will I be charged for the NAITSA extended health and dental?

No. Students registered in non-credit programs do not qualify for the NAITSA extended health and dental. IPDC students can select from a variety of extended healthcare providers. Options include (but are not limited to) Alberta Blue Cross, AMA, or SunLife.  

Transit

Will I be charged for the UPass (Universal Transit Pass)?

No. Students registered in non-credit programs do not qualify for the UPass. If IPDC students require a transit pass, it can be purchased at NAIT’s OneCard office or the NAIT bookstore. Transit passes can also be purchased at most convenience or grocery stores.  

International supports at NAIT

NAIT provides many supports and services for international students! Home to hundreds of international students, NAIT is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive space for all students. When you’re a student at NAIT, there are many international services and resources you can access.

International and Intercultural Community Centre 

NAIT’s International and Intercultural Community Centre (IICC) is NAIT’s hub for international and intercultural community-building, capacity development, outreach and connection. At the IICC, students can access:  

NAIT’s IICC team actively meets with current NAIT students to support and celebrate their learning journey! 

Photo of international students posing in front of a NAIT mural

Immigration & Visa Information 

NAIT.ca/immigration is an excellent international and immigration resource for prospective and current international NAIT students. Information that can be found here includes:  

Visit nait.ca/immigration to begin your immigration research! 

Pre-departure and Arrival information 

Have you been accepted to NAIT and are planning to travel to Edmonton, Alberta? If so, NAIT offers many helpful resources and information for this exciting journey. Find information about:  

We are here to support your journey to Edmonton, Alberta!

Recruitment Events 

Are you interested in joining NAIT? Our NAIT representatives travel around the world, attending education fairs and conducting NAIT seminars. Join us to learn more about studying, working and living in Edmonton, Canada. Come meet with us at: 

Ask us

Need help? We're here to support you

Phone: (780) 378-6990
9:00AM – 12:30PM, Monday – Friday

Toll-Free: 1 (844) 558-8753

Email: ContinuingEducation@nait.ca
8:00AM – 4:00PM, Monday – Friday

In person: L-159
8:00AM – 2:00PM: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
CLOSED: Monday, Friday

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