Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a public polytechnic and applied sciences institute located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, offering a wide range of programs in applied and technical education. Established in 1963, NAIT was created to expand apprenticeship and vocational training in northern Alberta, complementing the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (PITA) in Calgary, which later became the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Since its first class of 29 Communication Electrician apprentices, NAIT has grown into a leading polytechnic institution with over 60 years of experience in technical education. Today, the institute offers approximately 120 credit programs leading to certificates, diplomas, applied degrees, and four-year baccalaureate degrees, including the Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management, Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management, and Bachelor of Business Administration. In addition, NAIT is one of Canada’s largest apprenticeship trainers, offering 31 registered trades programs. As of 2023, the institute serves roughly 15,700 students in credit programs, 7,009 apprentices, 12,100 students in non-credit courses, and more than 20,000 participants in customized corporate training programs. NAIT also attracts international students from 84 countries, reflecting its global reach and reputation. The campus supports a vibrant academic community, including the NAIT Nugget, the student-run newspaper and a member of the Canadian University Press. Governed by a Board of Governors since 1982, NAIT continues to combine practical, hands-on learning with academic instruction, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the workforce or further studies. With a strong focus on applied learning, technical innovation, and industry collaboration, NAIT has maintained its position as a leading polytechnic institution in Canada, celebrating milestones such as its 50th anniversary in 2012 and continuing to evolve to meet the changing needs of students and the labor market.