# hi finance at NAIT

Student aid, awards, and budgeting help for NAIT students — from a team that works with polytechnic students across Alberta.

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We built hi finance to help students pay for school without guessing. This is what paying for a NAIT degree actually looks like: what Alberta Student Aid covers, which awards close before you think, and where the money goes once it lands.

## Student aid program

NAIT uses [Alberta Student Aid](https://studentaid.alberta.ca/).

## The numbers at NAIT

- **$27,208** — Estimated first year costs
  NAIT's 2026–27 estimate for a domestic student, covering tuition, fees, and approximate living costs for one year of studies. Books and supplies are paid separately.
  Source: https://www.nait.ca/nait/admissions/financial-planning/tuition-and-fees/domestic-tuition-and-fees

- **86%** — Grads employed within 9 months
  Share of NAIT graduates working within nine months of finishing their program.
  Source: https://www.nait.ca/nait/about

- **200+** — Degree, diploma, and certificate programs
  NAIT's credit programs span seven schools focused on Alberta's key industries.
  Source: https://www.nait.ca/nait/schools-programs

## Key deadlines

### Apply to Alberta Student Aid (60 days ahead)

There's no single opening date — Student Aid recommends applying at least 60 days before your study period starts, because processing time is what makes people late, not eligibility. Starting on or after August 1, 2026 means the 2026–27 application.

[More](https://studentaid.alberta.ca/apply/what-s-new/)

### Fall 2026 tuition and fees payment deadline (Aug 12)

Pay in full or set up a payment plan by this date. You can view your balance and pay through the PayMyTuition portal in MyNAIT.

[More](https://www.nait.ca/nait/admissions/financial-planning/tuition-and-fees)

### Entrance awards for Fall term (Nov 2 – Mar 31)

The entrance award application opens November 2 and closes March 31 for students starting in the Fall. Apply for admission first, then you'll get the award application link by email within 48 hours.

[More](https://www.nait.ca/nait/admissions/financial-planning/student-awards-funding-options/entrance-awards)

### Fall bursaries for current students (Sep 1 – Oct 15)

Continuing and academic upgrading students apply through MyAwards Central. One application considers you for bursaries and all other awards you're eligible for.

[More](https://www.nait.ca/nait/admissions/financial-planning/student-awards-funding-options/application-application-deadlines)

## FAQs

### Does NAIT use OSAP?

No. OSAP is Ontario's program. If Alberta is your province of residence, you apply through Alberta Student Aid, even if you moved here for school. Your province of residence is generally the last province you lived in for 12 consecutive months outside of full-time study.

### Can I get Alberta Student Aid as an out-of-province student at NAIT?

You apply to your home province's program, not Alberta's. A student from Ontario studying at NAIT applies through OSAP. The school you attend doesn't determine which program funds you — your province of residence does.

### Do I have to apply separately for NAIT scholarships?

Yes. After you apply for admission, NAIT emails you a link to the award application in MyAwards Central within 48 hours. One application considers you for entrance awards and all other first-year awards you're eligible for. You don't need to be accepted into a program yet to apply.

### What happens if my student aid doesn't cover my tuition?

You're responsible for the shortfall by the payment deadline. Options include NAIT bursaries, a payment plan through PayMyTuition, or a student line of credit — in roughly that order, since bursary money doesn't have to be paid back.

### Do I need to file taxes as a NAIT student with no income?

You should. Filing is how you claim your T2202 tuition credit and carry it forward, and it's what registers you for benefits like the GST/HST credit. Skipping it leaves money unclaimed.