Software Development

Diploma

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Elevate your career with the Software Development diploma at NAIT. This program equips you with the essential skills to become a valuable asset in the tech industry, capable of making meaningful contributions to any company’s IT department, software projects and data analysis teams.

Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Traditional Software Development, Full Stack Web Development, Developer Operations (DevOps) and Systems. You’ll also master creating applications with seamless user interfaces and exceptional user experiences (UI/UX).

No prior experience with software systems, programming or data is required. Learn from experienced software professionals and become the future of the tech industry.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) Hybrid Weekdays - Daytime Main 2 Years (Full-time) Open Open
  Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) Online Weekdays - Evening Main 2 Years (Full-time) Open N/A
Jan. 08, 2026 (Winter) Hybrid Weekdays - Daytime Main 2 Years (Full-time) Open Open
  May. 04, 2026 (Spring) Online Weekdays - Evening Main 2 Years (Full-time) Upcoming N/A
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

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Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Transform into a Versatile Software Developer

With our comprehensive program, you can expect to learn a range of essential skills and knowledge, designed to transform you into a versatile and skilled developer ready to make meaningful impact in the tech industry, including:  

  • Enterprise & AI Technologies: Develop enterprise applications and gain experience in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
  • Data Science & Business Intelligence: Learn how to analyze data, create compelling data visualizations, and work with business intelligence tools.
  • Cloud Computing: Explore cloud services and deployment strategies to build scalable applications.
  • Programming & Software Development: Gain expertise in C#, JavaScript, and Python, and master debugging, testing, and optimization best practices.
  • Web & Mobile Development:  Build dynamic websites, backend applications, and develop Android and iOS mobile apps.
  • UX/UI Design: Learn user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) principles to create seamless, user-friendly applications.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Work with agile methodologies, develop technical documentation, and learn how to collaborate effectively in development teams.
  • Hands-on Experience: Apply your skills to real-world projects and tackle industry challenges in a capstone project.
  • Career Readiness: Graduate prepared for in-demand roles like software developer, web developer, and app developer.
  • Industry Connections: Gain valuable experience and expand your network through co-op opportunities.

Start your journey in software development today and turn your passion for technology into a rewarding career.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Software Development diploma program are prepared to begin their careers in roles such as software developer, web developer, or mobile app developer. With practical training in programming, software design and development processes, grads will have the skills needed to contribute to technology projects from day one.

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 3 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of A- in the course(s) or program

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

International Applicants

This program accepts international students.

PGWP Eligibility

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.

Co-Op Work Permit

Optional Co-op: Students in this program can choose to move into a co-op pathway, which includes a mandatory co-op work practicum. International students who plan to participate in this option must apply for a co-op work permit and get approval before starting the work placement.

Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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