Is It Cost-effective for an International Student to Study at NAIT in Canada?
Whether studying at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) is cost-effective for an international student depends on several factors, including tuition fees, living expenses, available scholarships, and potential job opportunities.
Cost Breakdown for International Students at NAIT
Tuition Fees:
Tuition varies by program but generally ranges between $18,000–$25,000 CAD per year for most diploma and degree programs.
Some programs, especially in health and technology fields, may have higher fees.
Living Expenses in Edmonton:
Rent: $800–$1,500 per month (shared vs. private accommodation).
Food: $300–$600 per month.
Transportation: Around $100 per month (one-half the price with U-Pass for students).
Miscellaneous: $200–$400 per month.
These costs are about 1/2 of what an international student would pay in Vancouver or Toronto. Edmonton is listed as the 5th most affordable large city in Canada. Edmonton Global lists it as the 2nd most affordable tech centre in North America. For international students who want to study in Canada, NAIT in Edmonton is a good choice.
Scholarships & Financial Aid:
NAIT offers entrance scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and bursaries for international students, which can help reduce costs.
Work Opportunities:
As per Canadian government, an international student can work up to 24 hours per week during school and full-time during breaks.
Edmonton has a strong job market, particularly in hospitality, retail, and technology sectors, providing opportunities to offset expenses.
Cost-Effectiveness Factors
NAIT’s Applied Learning Approach: NAIT focuses on hands-on, industry-relevant training, which increases employability.
Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility: Most NAIT programs qualify for PGWP, allowing students to work in Canada after graduation.
Pathways to PR: Alberta has immigration pathways (like the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program - AAIP) that can benefit international graduates.
Comparison with Other Institutions
Compared to most universities, NAIT’s tuition is often lower, and programs are shorter (typically 2 years for diplomas).
Compared to private colleges, NAIT offers better reputation, recognition, and PGWP eligibility. It ranks in the top 3 among Canada’s top research colleges and polytechnics.
Final Verdict: Is NAIT Cost-Effective?
✅ YES—if you want practical, career-focused education with strong job prospects in Alberta.
⚠️ MAYBE NOT—if you prefer a more academic or research-oriented education, in which case a university might be a better option.
In addition to what NAIT has to offer international students, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is considered one of the fastest growing tech hubs in North America. It's a leader in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and is also competitive in other areas like hydrogen, food, and life sciences. All of this is in an energy rich province which offers plenty of job opportunities to international students. Alberta is one of the richest provinces in Canada and on average, Albertans have some of the highest salaries in Canada.
Would you like help comparing NAIT to specific programs or schools? Would you like to learn more about its programs and admission processes, then contact someone who is an Albertan, contact Ms. Helen at Go 2 Canada Education Services. Contact her today.