Overview
Get hands-on automotive training in our two-year diploma and prepare for your apprenticeship as an Automotive Service Technician. You’ll be taught by industry-trained instructors who will combine theory and hands-on learning opportunities so you gain a strong foundation in automotive vehicle maintenance, diagnosis, repairs, manufacturers’ specifications, customer service and communications.
If you complete this program successfully, you will be eligible to challenge the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) Automotive Service Technician Periods 1-4 exams.
Accreditation
The Automotive Service Technology program aligns with the Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) Periods 1-4 training. Successful students are eligible to challenge Periods 1-4 apprenticeship exams. The pass mark for apprenticeship exams is 70%.
Students who are successful in completing SAIT’s diploma program are eligible to receive a 300-hour, on-the-job training credit towards each of the four periods of the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship.
Credential
Upon successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT diploma in Automotive Service Technology.
Get more information about this and similar programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- automotive service technician*
- mechanic
- foreman
- service manager
Related careers include:
- heavy equipment technician
- career and technology studies teacher
*Upon successful completion of automotive service technician apprenticeship, graduates specialize in various areas such as engines, driveability, electrical, chassis systems, wheel alignment, automatic transmissions and more.
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $7,529
- Year 2: $7,529
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $20,500.10
- Year 2: $20,500.10
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
Applications are open until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for spring 2022 opened on June 14, 2021
- Applications for fall 2022 opened on Oct. 6, 2021
- Applications for winter 2023 opened on March 30, 2022
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2022 | May 9, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022 |
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
On the job: An automotive arbitrator's journey
SAIT graduate Ashley Luker shares her journey from working on family cars as a young girl to settling disputes as a senior arbitrator.
Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Spring 2022 start: applications opened on June 14, 2021.
- Fall 2022 start: applications opened on Oct. 6, 2021.
- Winter 2023 start: applications opened on March 30, 2022.
Program requirements
At least 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:
- Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Math 20-3 or Pure Math 20 or Applied Math 20, and,
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and,
- a Grade 11 science
- all applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Automotive Service Technology and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add transportation.info@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First year
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELTR-248 | Electrical/Electronics I | 1.5 |
| MATH-202 | Mathematics | 1.5 |
| MOTR-220 | Automotive Shop I | 6.0 |
| MOTR-221 | Automotive Theory IA | 3.0 |
| MOTR-222 | Automotive Theory IB | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| APSC-250 | Science for Trades and Technicians | 1.5 |
| COMM-238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| ELTR-288 | Electrical/Electronics II | 1.5 |
| MOTR-260 | Automotive Shop II | 6.0 |
| MOTR-261 | Automotive Theory II | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 15.0 | |
Second year
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELTR-328 | Electrical/Electronics III | 1.5 |
| MNGT-200 | Introduction to Business | 3.0 |
| MOTR-320 | Automotive Shop III | 6.0 |
| MOTR-321 | Automotive Theory III | 3.0 |
| MOTR-370 | Vehicle Modifications | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELTR-348 | Electrical/Electronics IV | 1.5 |
| MOTR-303 | Climate Control | 1.5 |
| MOTR-360 | Automotive Shop IV | 6.0 |
| MOTR-361 | Automotive Theory IV | 3.0 |
| PROJ-348 | Automotive Service Technology Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 | |
| Program total | 60.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,528 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,861 |
| 2 | $5,528 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,681 |
International tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,522 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $19,855 |
| 2 | $19,255 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $20,588 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
International students
- Health and Dental plan: $252
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $450 per full-time year.
The required tools will cost approximately $2,000 - $5,000 (depending on the quality and brand of tools chosen) for the first year and $250 for the year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $202
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $6,060 | $916 | $553 | $7,529 |
| 2 | 2 | $6,060 | $916 | $553 | $7,529 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $634.37
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $19,031.10 | $916 | $553 | $20,500.10 |
| 2 | 2 | $19,031.10 | $916 | $553 | $20,500.10 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $450 per year.
The required tools will cost approximately $2,000 - $5,000 (depending on the quality and brand of tools chosen) for the first year and $250 for the second year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Spring 2022
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place on SAIT campus on Friday, May 6 from 9 to 11 am. Watch your inbox for further details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
Tools will be provided.
A driver's license, the ability to manoeuvre a vehicle in tight spaces and drive a manual transmission vehicle is highly recommended to succeed in this program and industry.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
You will need CSA-approved steel-toe boots and safety glasses, welding gloves, earplugs (supplied) and coveralls. Service technician coveralls will be available for purchase at the start of the semester.
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8471
Email: transportation.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
James Oancia, Academic Chair
Email: James.Oancia@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
