# hi finance at SAIT

Student aid, awards, and budgeting help for SAIT students — from a team that knows the Calgary campus.

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We built hi finance for students who pay their own way. This is what paying for a SAIT education 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

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

## The numbers at SAIT

- **$10M+** — In scholarships and bursaries
  SAIT offers more than $10 million in scholarships and bursaries to students in almost every program each year.
  Source: https://www.sait.ca/tuition-and-financial-aid/student-awards

- **6,500+** — Awards available
  SAIT offers more than 6,500 awards across entrance, general, school-specific, and government-funded categories.
  Source: https://www.sait.ca/tuition-and-financial-aid/student-awards

- **$7,914** — Estimated first year tuition and fees
  SAIT's 2026/27 estimate for a domestic student in the Business Administration diploma (Management major) — $6,150 tuition and $1,764.50 in fees per year.
  Source: https://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/diplomas/business-administration-management

## 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/)

### Fall 2026 fee exemption deadline (Sep 18, 2026)

Eligible students can opt out of the UPass, campus recreation, and Saitsa health and dental fees. Exemption applications for Fall 2026 close on this date.

[More](https://www.sait.ca/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees)

### Bissett Bursary — Winter 2027 deadline (Oct 19, 2026)

The Bissett Bursary covers full tuition and mandatory fees for recent Calgary-area high school graduates with financial need. Applications are assessed once per term.

[More](https://www.sait.ca/tuition-and-financial-aid/student-awards/bissett-bursary-program)

### Winter 2027 tuition payment deadline (Dec 9, 2026)

Newly accepted students starting January 6, 2027 must have financing in place and tuition paid by this date. An outstanding balance can trigger an account hold or dismissal.

[More](https://www.sait.ca/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees)

## FAQs

### Does SAIT 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 SAIT?

You apply to your home province's program, not Alberta's. A student from Ontario studying at SAIT 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 SAIT scholarships?

Yes. Submit one Student Awards application per academic year through your mySAIT account. New students submit an entrance application before starting, and full-time students submit one credit application to be considered for all the awards they qualify for that year.

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

You're responsible for the shortfall by the payment deadline. Options include SAIT's scholarships and bursaries, a payment arrangement with the Office of the Registrar, 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 SAIT student with no income?

You should. Filing is how you claim your T2202A tuition credit and carry it forward, and it's what registers you for benefits like the GST/HST credit. SAIT also issues a T4A for scholarships and bursaries in February each year. Skipping it leaves money unclaimed.