- Level
- 2-Year UG Diploma
- CIP code
- 11.0201
- Duration
- 2 year college diploma including an optional co-op
- Open intakes
-
Off-shoreJan 2027, Sep 2027
- Field
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Institution
- Public College
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2027-01-01
Program overview
A two year diploma in game programming, covering C plus plus and engine scripting, gameplay systems, graphics programming fundamentals, physics, optimisation and team based build production.
College Diploma - Game Development, Game Programming is the technical counterpart to the animation stream, and the programming skills transfer into general software work if games hiring is tight.
College Diploma - Game Development, Game Programming is taught at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. NAIT is a PUBLIC polytechnic, which matters here: at a public institution the Canadian field of study requirement applies only to non degree credentials, and College Diploma - Game Development, Game Programming is a two year college diploma rather than a degree. Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility for College Diploma - Game Development, Game Programming therefore depends on the programme sitting in an eligible field when you apply, and that list is revised. Confirm it in writing before you pay a deposit. The study permit application for College Diploma - Game Development, Game Programming also requires an Alberta attestation letter.
Candidates for College Diploma - Game Development, Game Programming present Grade 12 or Class 12 at 50 percent. The English requirement is IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in every band, and tuition for College Diploma - Game Development, Game Programming is recorded at CAD 22,050 a year with a CAD 150 application fee. No scholarship is recorded against College Diploma - Game Development, Game Programming. College Diploma - Game Development, Game Programming lists five entry windows across September and January. Apply Study Visa manages the College Diploma - Game Development, Game Programming application, the deposit, the letter of acceptance and the Canadian study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: Grade 12 or Class 12 at the percentage stated for this programme.
- English: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with 6.0 in every band; TOEFL iBT 83 with 23 in WRITING and 20 elsewhere; PTE Academic 58 with no component minimum; or the Duolingo English Test at 115.
- Application and deposit: An application fee of CAD 150 applies. Confirm the tuition deposit and its refundability in writing before any money is transferred.
- Scholarship: No scholarship is recorded against this programme. Budget the full tuition.
- Work permit: College Diploma - Game Development, Game Programming is a two year college diploma rather than a degree, so the Canadian field of study test applies and Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility must be confirmed in writing for your intake before you commit. No spousal open work permit arises, because that needs a master programme of 16 months or longer and NAIT awards none. An Alberta attestation letter is required with the study permit application.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa handles the Alberta attestation letter, the study permit application and the biometrics appointment with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Gameplay Programmer: studios and independent teams
- Engine Programmer: technical roles
- Tools Developer: production pipelines
- Software Developer: general application work
- Technical Designer: gameplay teams
- Independent Developer: self published projects
Reality check: the Canadian games industry is concentrated in a few cities and hires on shipped projects, but the underlying programming skills are portable into wider software employment.
About Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.5
- Established
- 1962
- Reference No.
- O18713200642
