Offered by Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary, Canada, Diploma in Cyber Security is a diploma in Cyber Security programme. The programme runs for 2 years. It carries 60.0 credits. Tuition for international students is CAD 1,003 per credit (CAD 486 per credit for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Cyber Security
Duration: 2 years
Credits: 60.0
Local tuition: CAD 486 / credit
International tuition: CAD 1,003 / credit
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This two-year diploma prepares students to protect networks, systems, and data, combining foundational study in networking, programming, and operating systems with hands-on work in both defensive and offensive security techniques. The curriculum covers risk identification, security controls, and incident response using recognized industry practices, giving students exposure to how organizations detect and respond to threats rather than theory alone. An optional co-op term is available between the first and second year for students who want applied work experience, and second-year students complete a capstone project that investigates security issues across multiple areas and proposes solutions, functioning as a culminating practical assessment. The program is delivered in person, with sections offered at both SAIT's Main Campus and its downtown location. It accepts international students and meets the field-of-study requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. Graduates are positioned for entry-level roles such as network security analyst, security operations centre analyst, junior penetration tester, vulnerability analyst, or incident response technician. The program suits students with an interest in networking and systems who want structured, applied training in both attack and defence techniques rather than a purely theoretical security education, and it can also be combined with other credentials through SAIT's international bundle program options.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Domestic applicants need at least 65% in Math 30-1 or 70% in Math 30-2, and at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 65% 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.