Diploma in Business Administration - Accounting at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary, Canada is a diploma in Accounting programme. The programme runs for 2 years. It carries 60.0 credits. Tuition for international students is CAD 680 per credit (CAD 205 per credit for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Accounting
Duration: 2 years
Credits: 60.0
Local tuition: CAD 205 / credit
International tuition: CAD 680 / credit
Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This is a two-year, career-focused diploma from SAIT's School of Business that emphasizes practical accounting skills for entry into the profession. Coursework moves through preparation and analysis of financial statements, tax principles as they apply across a range of business situations, and use of management information systems and workplace technology. Ethics and professional conduct are folded into the curriculum, reflecting an early orientation toward standards expected of accounting practitioners. In the final semester, students take part in an integrative capstone project, working alongside peers from other business majors on a live business problem, giving the program a collaborative, cross-functional dimension beyond individual coursework. Delivery is offered in person at SAIT's Main Campus or online, giving students flexibility in how they complete the diploma, and the standard full-time path runs two years, with up to seven years allowed to finish all requirements. The program suits students who are detail-oriented, comfortable with structured, rules-based work, and interested in financial analysis, bookkeeping, or accounting administration roles. It is designed as a foundation for entry-level accounting positions and also functions as a pathway: graduates who meet a minimum GPA can transfer into SAIT's Bachelor of Business Administration to continue toward a degree and, eventually, a professional accounting designation.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Domestic applicants need at least 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, and at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 60% in English Language Arts 30-2. SAIT accepts recognised high school course equivalents for applicants educated outside Alberta, and applicants educated outside Canada must provide an international document assessment showing they meet the same standard. All applicants, including those educated in Canada, must demonstrate English language proficiency before admission (SAIT admissions, English Proficiency). SAIT's institution-wide scale accepts IELTS Academic at 6.0 in each skill, TOEFL iBT at a total score of 4.5 with a 4.5 minimum per section, PTE Academic at 53, the Duolingo English Test at 115 overall with 95 minimum per sub-score, and CAEL at 60 overall with 60 in each skill, among other accepted tests. Applications go through SAIT's online portal with the standard non-refundable fee (CAD 120 domestic, CAD 175 international); international applicants should confirm the program's own international-applicant and Post-Graduation Work Permit status.
Application Details
Application Deadline:Domestic applicants apply through ApplyAlberta: for Fall 2027 entry applications opened 7 October 2026 and close 30 June 2027, while Winter 2027 entry (opened 4 March 2026) closes 23 October 2026 and Spring 2027 entry closes 30 April 2027. International applicants apply through SAIT's Virtual Admissions System; the Fall 2027 window opened 4 August 2026 but SAIT lists the international closing date as still to be announced, while the Winter 2027 international deadline is 30 October 2026. Some allied-health programs, including Respiratory Therapy and Medical Laboratory Technology, close earlier to allow time for entrance testing, though the exact 2027-cycle testing dates were not yet posted. Admission is not rolling: SAIT enforces firm published deadlines, though popular programs can close early and some domestic programs reopen after their deadline if seats remain. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
