Diploma in Software Development is a diploma in Software Engineering programme offered by Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary, Canada. The programme runs for 2 years. It carries 60.0 credits.
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Software Engineering
Duration: 2 years
Credits: 60.0
We have no tuition fees on record for this programme yet.
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Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This two-year diploma from SAIT trains students as full-stack developers, covering both front-end and back-end work across web, mobile, and desktop applications. The curriculum follows the software development lifecycle, including designing, modelling, testing, and implementing solutions, and it introduces secure coding practices, common design patterns, and cloud-based infrastructure fundamentals alongside emerging development technologies. Business communication and troubleshooting skills are built in alongside the technical content, reflecting the collaborative nature of development work. Students can pursue an optional, paid full-time work term between the first and second year, giving those who choose it applied workplace experience before finishing the diploma. Delivery is available in person at SAIT's Main Campus or fully online, so students can choose the format that fits their circumstances. No prior programming background is assumed going in; the program instead looks for logical thinkers who enjoy creative problem-solving and can work well with others, since development projects typically involve collaboration with other technical and non-technical roles. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions such as junior software developer, quality assurance specialist, web developer, or roles touching database administration, reflecting the program's broad coverage of the software development lifecycle rather than a single specialization.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Domestic applicants need at least 50% in Math 30-1 or 60% in Math 30-2, and at least 55% 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.
